I’m in two minds, on the one hand National staying in power would really annoy the posters on here but on the other if Labour gain power then Shearer is safe for a few years and that would annoy the posters even more because Cunliffe would be even further from power
The soul you were trying to tell me about the other week.
Would your old fella be happy with that attitude?
I foresee lots of sore knees in your future đ
Which is why I didn’t say sore wrists. Those ligaments and muscles must be like granite.
Come your personal judgement day, I don’t know how you’ll reconcile the attitude as displayed in your first post to saving souls, but if you try it on, good luck.
Maybe hypocrites are on the list.
The departure of Chauvel and immanent clearance and reacceptance of Jones, together with (I predict) the demotion of Cunliffe supporters like Dalziell, make a post-reshuffle shadow cabinet like this:
1. Shearer
2. Robertson. Environment.
3. Parker. Finance. Attorney General.
4. King. Housing. (Probably no longer going for Wellington Mayor)
5. Arden
Rn. Social Welfare. Youth.
6. Maori. Economic Development.
7. Goff. International Affairs and Trade.
8. Mallard. Tertiary Education. Conservation. Sport.
9. Twyford. Transport. Auckland.
Good hard edged balance that could take them on, yes?
Was stuck with health. Who would you recommend?
Parker is the only lawyer now and he already looked overloaded for Justice.
Also presuming Dalziell gets the signal so who covers Christchurch.
Also who would want Immigration? Ew!
CT: You must be out of your mind, sorry, but I have no other comment to this.
Re wrongly spelled Ardern, I fed her some highly explosive info late last year, she was too ignorant and passive to even realise it, so nothing ever came of it. She rather went on about “privacy breaches” and WINZ “helping” unemployed get a ticket and job in Australia.
Excuse me, that is to me total incompetence and idiocy.
There are so ruthless welfare reforms before Parliament, endless stories of injustice, but do we ever hear anything from her addressing this???
And do not get me started on King for “housing” (lost cause long ago), on Mallard (should resign for good), and well, the “leader” the Shearer, omg.
I fear that some here continue living in lala land.
I had some small hope for Ardern, but after her reaction to the introduction of secret bedroom sniffer squads and prison for partners, I have given up totally on her. She is hopeless.
Frankly Matt, I’m confused. Two polls ago (can’t remember their names) Shearer was reported to be closing the gap, the next one reported Key suddenly gaining three points to put Shearer in the shade, and the one you link to is suddenly promising for Shearer.
It’s enough to give me angina if I was that emotionally involved. There is also the suspicion of being toyed with given your employment by the National Party.
Key is no longer the young, bubbly, and endearingly incoherent politico he was in the first term.
Today, that’s Shearer.
Even before his near-death experience in a Christchurch restaurant Key was noticeably starting to lose his spark, his enthusiasm for the job. People can read body language.
Today he is more detached, there are suddenly grey flecks around his temples, and he must be assessing the personal cost-benefits of staying in this position. Mortality can do that.
The strongest line of inquiry is probably to ask if he will be standing against Shearer.
To be clear, it was not a criticism, this is the kind of thing which shows why it’s critical to have a capable team in any political endeavour. Your line of inquiry is good, however the detail of the wording might be more like:
“Have you decided to stand for another term as Prime Minister, in 2014?”
Hey Hoots why weren’t you up at 6 in the morning a couple of days ago, typing up a comment saying that National was at its highest Colmar Brunton polling in a year?
Because you know just like i do that that particular poll has a continuous track record of polling the National Party higher than it’s actual support by 2-3%,
To do that of course means that that poll has to poll other Party’s 2-3% lower than their actual support, depends how creative they get with the margin of error right???…
Anyone else notice the media training that has been going on for government ministers.
Parata and Key both, when asked a challenging question, start with
“So … and then proceed with a prepared statement line and in fact do not address the question
at all.
And then there is “Mr Fixit” Tina Joyce who just bores the listener with his rambling delivery. And this morning on Morning report, suggests that “reasonable people might take a different view …”
of the report into the Sky City convention centre bid. What arrogance!
I’ve noticed that, but why should anyone be surprised ? There are many ex-journalists setting up ‘media training’ companies.
Re âreasonable people might take a different view âŠâ .. intellectually patronising and refusing
to engage in reasoned democratic debate. There was once a quaint notion that you have to take people with you ..
Muldoon did a good line in that (and that long slow laugh “heh … heh … heh”)
which seemed to disarm the critical faculties of the journalists at the time.
One interesting snippet is that he did his accounting degree (by correspondence ?)
while taking part in the Italian campaign during WWII.
Joyce is in charge of a ‘super-ministry’, has to get across a range of material, and
although made his money in radio, does not have the explanatory skills of a trained
and experienced teacher. We all have our limitations ..
Re âreasonable people might take a different view âŠâ .. intellectually patronising and refusing
to engage in reasoned democratic debate. There was once a quaint notion that you have to take people with you ..
I think it’s what passes for political panache these days. Muldoon had a certain style and timing, Lange had good quips, even Cullen could mercilessly take the piss from an unwary journalist or opponent, but most of parliament are more Adam Sandler’s B roles than an Oscar Wilde or Dorothy Parker.
wassername – Gentner from the Greens might have a bit of kick. Will take a while to develop the style and get the media focus, though.
Well spotted, logie. I made a similar observation last year in a thread about Shearer’s communications difficulties. Thankfully he’s improved tremendously since then!
Not only do the Nats refuse to debate live on radio or TV, because it gives credilbilty to the opposition, the ‘so’ response has been drilled into them from the first term (by Crosby Textor? Hooters?).
There’s a documentary called Spin that shows that that is exactly what politicians are taught to do when asked a question. Basically, it’s that they ignore the question and spout the spin that they want people to repeat.
As I noted the other day, the “so” is to imply that the question has been listened to and is about to receive a reasoned response.
It’s a device for skipping the reasoning entirely and jumping straight to the conclusion. But when we hear the “so” we’re supposed to believe that the reasoning has already occurred,
Exactery! And what’s worse is that its a phenomenon that everyone is picking up on. From my perspective, it’s a symptom of ‘I don’t actually care what you or anybody else thinks’ (the so ….. I mean), this is what I (me,me,me,me) thinks.
The good think is it’s becoming so pervasive that its becoming meaningless: even the supermarket checkout operator said to me yesterday
“so ….. try swiping your card” (instead of inserting it).
It’s the new “going forwid”
Reminds me of another one to watch out for…. whenever someone says “I just think …” it meaans they haven’t actually thought properly at all. The “just” word carries out the same function as “So” in that it implies a degree of thought and consideration that simply doesn’t exist.
The other one that Key and Joyce and others have been taught is “The reality is…” which is almost always followed by a description of a parallel universe.
Not always vto. It seems to have become some kind of pc political ‘play it safe’ byword -which I suppose is the same thing
I heard Jacinda Ardern saying it on the TV news tonight. She was responding to the latest bit of govt. bene bashing (smokescreen distraction from Sky City Convention Centre rort) and she preceded her answers with “I think“. I yelled at her you don’t think woman you know, so why don’t you bloody well say so. I don’t think she heard me.
hi xtasy,
I was meaning she should drop the “I think” and say it how it is. I’m getting fed up with Labour pollies (and Greens too sometimes) who seem too scared to categorically state a situation or make an accusation they know to be true… without prefacing their words with I think. That immediately removes some of the impact of what they are saying.
I agree though, sometimes she doesn’t appear to have thought something through, but she’s not alone there of course.
Is the NZ Herald ownership about to undergo a change? The details of who owns what shares, and who is the manager/owner of this or that bit tend to make my non-business head spin. But it seems all is not well with Granny’s APN owners:
The New Zealand assets of APN News & Media, including the New Zealand Herald, are more likely than ever to be divided up and sold after its Australia-based chief executive, chairman and independent directors resigned.
The boardroom stoush leading to the resignations exposes the difficulties the media company’s board, management and shareholders are grappling….
Chenoweth and the board members said their position was “untenable” and stepped down yesterday, with only Luscombe remaining on the board until his planned resignation date of April.
APN is now without a chief executive or a strategy to reduce debt, both issues likely to be raised when the company reports its annual results tomorrow.
Speculation has grown that APN director Vincent Crowley – currently chief executive of [irealnd based Independent News and Media] INM – will return to APN as CEO after more than a decade’s absence.
Other names in the mix include former Fairfax CEO Brian McCarthy who took an advisory role at APN last year.
The company yesterday appointed long-serving board member Peter Cosgrove as its chairman.
Cosgrove, who has been on the board for more than nine years, has strong ties to APN’s largest shareholder INM.
It is all about more profits being needed or wanted for shareholders, that is why this happened. Also the digitatlisation and user pay section for internet access are due to be pushed. Prepare for paying for every article you want to read. I told you all before, but stop dreaming, this is the future of “media”, sadly!
You will have to register, pay and read in future, that is with few exceptions.
This will provide exactly for the further social AND knowledge DIVISION in society, where the better earners, and elitists, who can “afford” to pay subscriptions, will be “informed” and maybe “educated”, the rest will become ignorant “riff raff”!
Again, this is NO joke, it is taking place gradually day by day, just look around, and one day, you will be disenfranchised as “odd ball” “dissenters”, “problematic social elements” and the likes, as most (the dumbed down and brainwashed) will take up what they are offered!
A boost for Labor over the ditch: Gillard naming the election date early has apparently freaked out new Greens leader Christine Milne. She has bizarrely announced the end of the parliamentary relationship between the two parties, while also saying the Greens would still support Labor in parliament.
Well, losing 45-55 on the two party preferred, which is the relevant figure in the weird Aussie system. But no question Gillard is in trouble and Rudd is quietly smiling in the background. Short of a miracle, he’s likely to be leading Labor soon. Question is, before or after the election?
The news media is muttering about the backbenchers muttering about putting Rudd back in. I think their stories are almost totally fabricated. The Aussie media makes the Kiwi media seem fair and balanced. Most of their least partisan journalists could ghostwrite columns using Michael Laws’s name and no one would notice the difference.
David Shearer gave an excellent interview this morning on Morning Report: clear, forceful, didn’t stutter, mumble or bumble his way through it at all, and on the complicated issue of the AG report on Sky City and rebutting National and Joyce’s spin on it.
Pretty much a standard interview with a politician, and better than any average interview with Key (with his poor diction, slurring, folkism and reliance on catch-phrases).
*This* is what we need to see from him, and I certainly hope he keeps it up!
Agree – Shearer was smooth and on the ball throughout that segment. My observations:
1) Shearer seems to feel much more comfortable talking about commercial due process and commercial best practice.
2) The report that the interview centres around has done most of the thinking and analysis for Shearer – he is pulling out pertionent points and observations from it.
I think you do him a bit of disservice with your #2: the analysis and thinking might be there, but he is making an interpretation of what is there, in contrast to the interpretation that Joyce and co are spewing every chance they get. Now whether he did this himself or it was prepared by someone else isn’t a huge deal at this point, since his stumbling block has always been the delivery of his point, which he (finally) aced.
Yes, I was well impressed with his delivery during that interview, it was chalk and cheese. Shearer when he has been at his best has been noticeably improving in that regard over the last 6 months.
That was an excellent performance by Shearer. Stayed on point, deftly rebutted the interviewers’ attempts to get him to say the officials were at fault (the poor sods are always at risk of being restructed out of their jobs if they become inconvenient), kept calm, didn’t mumble or fumble, sounded persuasive and on top of the relevant details. He needs to be able to do that every time, on telly, and in Parliament.
True, the hesitancy was far less evident. So it seems he can do cerebral on clearly delineated issues. But he needs to be able to present stuff that arises from passion or ‘the gut’. And he can’t and won’t because he ain’t got anything there (except for when he percieves a threat to himself and his standing at which point his alpha male response is reckless and over the top) And he needs to do the ‘on the feet’ stuff. And he can’t and won’t for much the same reason…no passion, ideology or vision to work from.
Actually, I’m not sure that’s true. Jonkey is steadily getting up more and more people’s noses for his quick smartass quip responses that smell of smokescreening and make him look like a puerile schoolboy. They just further damage his already well-dented credibility with the non-National voters who will decide the next election.
Shearer may actually do better to adopt a less passionate, more personably analytical style. He’s battling Jonkey – who thinks and talks in slogans – no depth of knowledge about anything but money marketing. What Shearer mustn’t do is waffle. He should tackle Jonkey on facts. Jonkey doesn’t understand facts.
Shearer used one excellent rebuttal in Parliament today when he replied to Jonkey’s claim he was exonerated by the AG report. Shearer’s reply – “he wasn’t vindicated, he was implicated”. TV One news picked that one up straight away. Very good, I thought. A few more clever responses like that will go a long way. They are memorable.
Seriously, its an interview, it makes no difference, Shearer is still a plant!
Any Labour lead govt is going to continue on the same track the last one left for National to continue, and which NACT have progressed, why do people so badly want to believe the system is going change..
The system , might change when people do what is necessary to create change, voting for the LP, will no achieve that.
Polls are meaningless distractions for stupid people, which should be very clear then the first post today on open mike is Matthew Hooten talking about polling and Shearer..
Its a game, its too complex for you to understand, I get that.
While its playing out, of course there will be, positive, negative, and neutral impacts, of the journey, but the destination remains the same, its not going to reverse the trending, by tinkering around the fringes.
One Tane Huna,
What part of Muzza’s comment was “banal, simplistic or delusional”?
And why the đ with no justification?
I don’t think your đ was not very fair particularly not providing justification It serves to make you appear much as you are accusing others of.
What part of Muzza’s comments are you objecting to?
That any Labour lead govt is going to continue on the same track the last one left?
Seems to be about what has happened up until now, although I would exchange the word “same” for “similar”.
That “the system might change when people do what is necessary to create change”
Seems like basic commonsense to me.
“voting for the LP, will not achieve that”
A matter of opinion, although linking this with the first statement indicates the reasoning behind it.
“Polls are meaningless distractions for stupid people, which should be very clear then the first post today on open mike is Matthew Hooten talking about polling and Shearer..”
Dunno about the “stupid people” bit, however polls most-likely are meaningless distractions….Although there is room for debate on this one; I guess it depends whose interests are going to benefit from the opinion being swayed by reading them, as to how “meaningless” one perceives them to be.
Let’s assume the bits you quoted were reasonable. What was left out:
Seriously, its an interview, it makes no difference, Shearer is still a plant!
Oooo yay – a conspiracy theory, right off the bat.
[lab6 will be identical to lab5] and which NACT have progressed, why do people so badly want to believe the system is going change..
Firstly, the system has already changed, Key is a very different leader to Holyoake. Why wouldn’t it change back?
Second, it’s a claim of total futility. If no change is possible, then why bother worrying?
Wakey Wakey
Yay – muzz is “awake” and has hidden knowledge that those who are “asleep” cannot see because of their own stupidity. Given Muzz’ track record, much rolly eyes at that. More likely, muzz is just tripping again. That’s assuming that they’re using words according to an actual commonly accepted meaning, rather than just stringing funny words together to sound profound.
That is fair enough, McFlock, because you have put up an argument, some reasoning.
(…and I have to say, I would have gone back and added the bit about NACT, however the editing function wasn’t working…sorry about that, I did realise it was a mis-quote and would come across as cherry picking.)
My point being that there was enough commonsense statements in Muzza’s comment, and some provision of reasoning, that I think it a bit “off” simply to be replied to as a đ and then when asked for some justification, simply ad hominem attacks were supplied.
I have no problem with someone who is stating some well repeated unthought-out meme (especially if they are right-wing memes…heh) getting the đ however, I am objecting to the đ treatment on the grounds that Muzza’s comment showed some critical analysis with reasoning provided.
Muzza specialises in salting their comments with a few points that, on the face of it, are reasonable comments, but upon closer inspection they’re either trite truisms or just camouflage for more nutty conspiracism.
Oh, and pointing out the differences between the ECA and ERA etc does not constitute a personal attack. Nor does characterisation of Muzza’s comments as stupidity, or delusions, or banal, since it is the comments being described, not the tiresome cretin himself. Calling him a tiresome cretin, now that’s a personal attack. You see the difference?
lol, because Shearer controls my opinions, and therefore I must agree with everything he says, assuming your version of what he said is anything other than a self-serving distortion, that is.
But hang on – last week you were pointing to other people to support your unsubstantiated allegation that I was homophobic, yet now that approach lacks validity? Well, I will accept your changed view because that is what I said to you – who cares what other people’s opinions are. Good to see you come around.
And further, your reason for alleging I was homophobic rested solely on my disagreement with the current marriage equality bill. That “evidence” is clearly invalid in the mind of the leader of one of NZ’s two main political parties. A party that you are a member of, I think.
Nope, my opinion rests on your claiming membership of a tiny minority group who want to keep marriage all to themselves (otherwise known as bigots), oh, and now I come to think of it, your remark about Chris Findlayson on 14.12.12.
sheesh, vto – someone might think that your obsession with banging the “against same-sex marriage” peg into the “not being homophobic” hole is beginning to get a wee bit extreme and irrational…
finlayson was clearly a joke, but it helps for bigots like yourself who shove their hollow opinions onto whatever’s going doesn’t it. Wanna evaluate that one as well to see if you manage to stack up again? You should be careful though as you will end up in the same pile of doo doo that you are sitting in now.
Nope, my opinion rests on your claiming membership of a tiny minority group who want to keep marriage all to themselves (otherwise known as bigots), oh, and now I come to think of it, your remark about Chris Findlayson on 14.12.12.
But just for fun, I’m going to let you dig yourself a deeper hole, vto.
Explain to me why it’s so “funny” that “Queen’s Council” and “queer cunt” have the same initial letters, so that we can all have a little giggle, and acknowledge that you’re just a terrifically witty comedian.
But I think I may have seen the light – “queer cunt” is funny like “front bum” – you only see the funny side if you’re a, oh now, what’s the word? It’s on the tip of my tongue…
actually been busy, but the term “front bum” as expressed by John Tamihere and the ancient and in fact endearing term (prior to new meanings arising since December) “queer cunt” have absolutely no relation to each other. Except in simple minds of dubious intention.
You need to learn some understanding of people outside your world.
and marty mars shut up. Talk about digging holes ….
Shearer also gave a good sound-bite on the issue on TV1 News the night befor, no stumbles, no fumbles, no stopping to self edit in mid sentence, nary an um or ah in sight,
He actually came across as being quite forceful even to the point of letting a bit of anger show in His voice, give the bloke a +1…
“Two million disabled people face new benefits test”
“Any disabled person capable of walking a measly 20 metres is set to lose their mobility payments when the Tories scrap the disability living allowance (DLA) on 1 April.
It is set to be replaced by the new personal independence payment (PIP). But this will push thousands of people off the higher rate of mobility support.
This helps pay for everything from wheelchairs and mobility scooters to specially adapted cars. “
Got some links today, which may be relevant in a way. They have there and here (in NZ) previously heavily relied on GPs to do “examinations”, do “assessments”, to fill in forms for work capacity fitness and so forth, but are GPs really that competent and qualified, some ask:
There are other research findings, that prove that GPs often over value their competencies and abilities, to know about “all” health issues. Most are anyway physicians, and some are specialised, but tell me, few, if any, are in NZ qualified (post grad qual. or else) to be “experts” say in mental health and addiction treatment and diagnosis.
So why and how can MSD and WINZ claim their chosen doctors (almost all GPs) and other health and disablity advisors (mostly non registered nurses) know all about the applicants and beneficiaries on sickness and invalids benefits and their health, plus their ability to work.
This is proving that they know f all and lead all you on, who rely on their biased doctors.
Bennett will see to it, John, that if you can walk to the letter box, you can bloody work. It is all a BS agenda anyway, that is what insiders know. It is all just designed to save the government money by reducing costs, by cutting benefit entitlements. All the talk about extra health care and support is BS too, as I have ample info that proves, that according to their “Rising to the Challenge” plan for mental health and addiction, strangely published just before Xmas, delivers NADA for extra expenses and services to actually assist such people into any form of work! Read it yourself, you will see it. Peter Dunne is the other traitor to us, who announced it (Associate Minister for Health, the Bastard).
Google ‘Rising to the Challenge’, the plan from the Ministry, and you can read details. I actual fact, the blunty state that sufferers have to use the resources and “help themselves”. That is what NZ health policy is about now.
This is stuff that most politicians do not even bother reading. That is why NZ is in a SHIT situation, it is being let down even by a hopeless opposition, that does not even do its job.
It is close to becoming suicidal, when you wake up to what really goes on in NZ. It is damned horrible.
Good night, and take your time to digest it, as otherwise you will yourself get sick!
By the way, I want people to spread that info and the links I presented above around as much as possible, as it is so highly important. Please consider taking that action, for other people’s well being’s sake! X
Is anyone listening to Radionz while Sir James Dyson (think vacuum cleaners et al) talks about inventing and engineering and manufacturing. He is pure gold for good practical opinions. Listen up NZ politicians and alert and pragmatic citizens.
How does Gerry Brownlee get away with putting the reason for not offering full payment to red zone bare land owners in Chch down to their lack of insurance when it is not possible to get that insurance he says is needed?
He refuses to acknowledge and recognise this.
It is this type of conduct which leads to politicians being ranked the lowest of the low.
I agree, but it seems National politicians get ranked on their ability to bully and Brownlee is one of their best. Why voters aren’t turned off by this I’ll never know, maybe they misinterpret bullying as being assertive, confident and knowledgeable.
fenerviper
lolz I think you are right about NZ attitudes. Ask a group of ordinary NZs to dredge their heads for ideas about anything (not being asked to criticise or complain) and very little will come out. Then someone who is assertive will take over and the whole process is master minded by his/her views. I
I’ve seen it happen and its dispiriting to me as I believe that we have been educated to take a place in a society living by reasoned decisions. I have never conducted an experiment where people are taught brain-storming, encouraged to bring up ideas first and then all examine them for how they could be utilised for practical results. I think with some time and effort at a thinking session, individuals would come up with valuable ideas. Then there is no place for loud-mouths and put-downs by a steam-roller with more mouth than brain over-riding the shyer, diffident members so frequently seen in our society.
Things go from bad to worse for top pommy toff David Cameron. Not only does he have bad polls and Boris Johnson to worry about, he’s also accidently got Mozza and Johnny Marr agrreing on something for the first time in decades:
I made a mistake in placing a comment under an ‘old’ one, and it might get lost. I thought it was an appropriate time to introduce the old song You’ve got to Accentuate the Positive. (And mess with mister in-between refers to supportr needing to be full.)
Youâve got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Donât mess with Mister In-Between
Youâve got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemoniumâs
Liable to walk upon the scene
This is the point I made at NoseViper (The Nose knows) âŠ
20 February 2013 at 10:58 am on Reshuffle for Unity and see the whole lyrics of the song also good retro you tube vocal.
Yes it gets to the point where the destructive force of pressing for change mounts higher as it continues and what is being destroyed is Labourâs chances to do anything because it doesnât get elected. So I think keep working for change (limitation of terms or?). And push for more positives rather than blanket disapproval and increase the positives.
Yep, they’ll go on about everybody taking personal responsibility but won’t say or do a damn thing when it becomes obvious that they have a responsibility they need to accept.
Dairy farmers should be required to source their personal water downstream from their farm. I imagine that would sort the majority of cowshit pollution problems out quite quickly.
It’s easy to get very different views on the huge number of things going on and not going on in the city.
Some sectors and locations are going gang-busters and are bursting at the seams with excitement. Others are sagging and looking weak. It is a city of many tales now and a city of many and varied views on what is going on and where it will end up. To view the complete picture is like putting together a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle, which then gets turned into a slowly spinning kaleidoscope.
A big round view on where it is heading can be gained from looking at this governments approach and competency in completing its Blueprint projects etc. There is a strong element of “believe it when it happens” with this and many are simply waiting see the anchor projects come to fruition before going much further with the CBD. Of course the CBD is but one part of the puzzle.
Don’t mind my 2c on it, we are in the forgotten east and it is easy to get depressed about it all. I tell you one of the main factors depressing people imo is the loss of the CBD and all of its busyness and cosmopolitality and workers and tourists and funny locals and students and theatres restaurants museums big shops small shops on and on and on it goes. We have truly lost a city and I think that reality alone is one of the main depressing stresses.
You haven’t lost a city. You’ve lost the networks and communications, the community, that the city represents and now the authoritarians of this government are busily trying to recreate it in their image through disaster capitalism.
You’re taking the phrase ‘lost a city’ much too literally I suspect, and in doing so negating the validity of the psychological (and psychic) damage which has occurred.
I think you miss my point a bit a lot. The sense is that we really have lost a city. And we have. The loss of the buildings and the scape they created – the physical location is meaningless when it is empty dustbowls. And of course all of the society and community that lived and interacted within that built scape. That is gone. It has been lost. It has been destroyed and morphed into a different form of “population interaction”. We are now simply a bunch of suburbs. The city has been lost. There is no city of Christchurch, as defined by what we had before (being that cosmopolitan central city of density and activity etc).
I think I haven’t described it very well but hopefully you get my point.
Imagine, all you Wellingtonians, if central Wellington was lost. Gone. Flattened like Chch. Not there anymore. It is bizarre.
Hah. Hardly surprising that Gerry Brownlee would resort to deception. As I said earlier, it is a city of many tales, defined by specific geographical location more than anything else, which is what the writer also says. Pretty obvious really.
Here is something more to whet the appetite for those wanting to nail this govt lot – heavy rumours abound that red zoners and red stickered folk who remain in their homes are about to have sewer, water and other services chopped to force them out………..
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them (got that down pat). For thay mouth empty boastful words and by appealing to the lustful desires of human nature they entice people who are escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves-for a person is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
Needs a shorter name, a smart charismatic speaker who really understands economics for a leader, needs to update its old social credit ideas to accomodate principles of environmental and resource depletion, needs a few standout policies which make other people look orthodox and conventional, and it needs some (lol) serious money backing it. Well, not that serious. $200K would do.
They made a commendable effort campaigning in 2011, I have to say, better than they’ve managed for quite some years.
There is a major problem there, which you’ve identified in the first line.
That’s when you say that the Social Credit leader needs to be someone who really understands economics. That’s like looking for a new Pope who doesn’t believe in God.
Do you really think a new party could campaign on only 200K and have any chance of getting into Parliament? The rules so strongly favour existing parties I wouldn’t have thought it possible. They wouldn’t get more than a risible amount of TV time, if any at all, and without being in Parliament they would have to pay their own travel costs. It was free travel for MPs after all, that made the Greens so desperate to get Nandor out and Russel into the house when Russel got elected leader. Without that the would have to have found the money to pay for Russel’s rambles during the election campaign. With him as an MP they had unlimited use of the taxpayer’s purse. Being able to speak in Parliament wasn’t of much importance at that stage of the electoral cycle.
I’d suggest that the goal for 2014 would not be to get into Parliament, it would be to get a solid 2% of the vote. Base building for a solid attempt at 2017.
There used to be a lot more of them, but I formed my (poor) opinion of them after talking to many of their supporters. It wasn’t their policies that I objected to. It was the religious fervour.
I’d point out that I have exactly the same reaction to the conservatives, many of the far left, most people who are fervently religious (ie want to tell me or anyone else how we should live our life rather than living their own life according to their precepts), and anyone who thinks computers can show any signs of intelligence.
I know one from years back, she was a committed Mormon.
There were also others of mixed backgrounds. Some of their ideas were very good, but once you learned the nitty gritty of who was involved for whatever purpose, it got me disinterested.
I am happy to “embrace” any nun, but I fear, most will not want to be embraced, even in friendship, also for that fear, often unreasonable, of being “abused”. Strangely many of their “brethren” faced issues that seem to be more to worry about.
Good night, nuns, non nuns, anarchists, socialists, social democrats, humanitarians, environmentally concerned friends, and all else who may care and want a better world.
The figures for his current consumption were quoted in the Dom/Post this morning. According to them he managed to drive from Paraparaumu to Otaki using 7.1 ltr/km in his Corolla. The car has an official consumption of 8.1 ltr/km.
That seems dreadful to me.
I have a car with an official overall consumption of 9.4 ltr/km. On a flat open stretch like that, travelling at the speed limit and with the air-con on I will routinely get 6.8 km/ltr so his claimed consumption doesn’t seem very good at all. Note that I am not trying to get spectacular figures and drive normally.
It also wasn’t at all clear how it would get any better. The claims do seem a bit like the claims that there is a carb that will let you get 150 mpg, except that the oil companies bought it up and are hiding it.
Just a question. Will lawyers be liable now that government has awarded land owners 50% of the unimproved water-gas-power-roaded lots value for not having informed their clients that they needed to improve their property otherwise they’d only get 50% of the value?
I mean, for sure, in future lawyers on purchase of empty land will have to tell clients to get out and put in a mail box or some improvement so they aren’t exposed to the Brownlee shakedown.
The Brownlee shakedown is where ‘he’s doing them a favor giving them 50% rather than the new now earthquake destroyed land estimate ??1%??.
Yeah I can see in the future some of this land coming back to market when better building technology appears.
“It’s an absolute insult to residents in existing communities for this Auckland Council to proceed with the proposal to ‘slummify’ numerous areas (32) with high-rise intensive housing, particularly housing 8 stories high in Glen Innes,” says Housing Lobby Spokesperson, Sue Henry.
“Over many years, practically every area earmarked for decimation, (for the benefit of property developers and speculators), has had resounding opposition from the residents currently living in them,” she continued.
“Are the Mayor and Councillors listening to the public, and communities opposing housing intensification in Auckland?
NO – they are not!”
“We would not like to see formal notification for the Auckland Draft Unitary Plan actioned in September 2013, with local body elections looming in October 2013.
It would be far more appropriate to wait for a newly-elected Auckland Council to settle in first.”
‘Open Letter’ to the Mayor and all Auckland Councillors:
Did YOU authorise this ‘directive’ from CEO Doug McKay – effectively ‘blocking’ fellow ‘anti-corruption
whistle-blower – Gary Osbourne?
Dear Mayor Len Brown,
Please confirm that you, either personally or collectively through a resolution passed by elected Auckland Councillors, authorised the Principal Administrative Officer (CEO) of Auckland Council, Doug McKay to issue the following ‘directive’, the effect being to block/ filter the emails of fellow ‘anti-corruption’ / ‘concerned citizen’ Gary Osbourne from reaching Auckland Council elected representatives.
Can you please reply – YES or NO?
If YES, upon what lawful basis?
Please be advised that I have the authority of Gary Osbourne to publicise the following ‘directive’ from Auckland Council CEO, Doug McKay
FYI – I read this ‘directive’ out today, Wednesday 20 February 2013, 11.45am -ish) on Radio Live, when the former Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide was host.
I confirm my previous verbal advice that you are assigned to case manage Mr Gary Osbourne, and respond to any inquiry lodged with Auckland Council by telephone, email, in person or in writing by him.
Please ensure that Mr Osbourne, Customer Services (including all call centres) and the Mayor’s Office are aware of this directive.
As an ‘anti-corruption’ – ‘pro-transparency’ Public Watchdog, I am DEEPLY concerned at this action by Auckland Council CEO, Doug McKay.
Not only is Gary Osbourne a concerned citizen and ratepayer, he is also an ‘anti-corruption/ pro-transparency whistle-blower’.
Is this an attempt by Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay to effectively help ‘cover-up’ allegedly corrupt / non-transparent practices by Auckland Council, and/or Auckland Council CCOs?
Not only are there legal NO PROTECTIONS for New Zealand ‘whistle-blowing’ citizens and ratepayers – but Auckland Council at the highest levels are, in my opinion, engaging in what I consider to be an arguably corrupt form of local government ‘censorship’, and violating citizens lawful rights :
Please be reminded of the OATH you swore, upon obtaining your elected office:
“I, [full name of councillor], declare that I will faithfully and impartially, and according to the best of my skill and judgment, execute and perform, in the best interests of [name of region or district], the powers, authorities, and duties vested in or imposed upon me as a member of the [name of local authority] by virtue of the Local Government Act 2002, the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, or any other Act.”
NZ BILL OF RIGHTS ACT 1990
14. Freedom of expression
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions of any kind in any form.
_____________________________________
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2002
14Principles relating to local authorities
(1)In performing its role, a local authority must act in accordance with the following principles:
(a)a local authority shouldâ
(i)conduct its business in an open, transparent, and democratically accountable manner; and
(ii)give effect to its identified priorities and desired outcomes in an efficient and effective manner:
(b)a local authority should make itself aware of, and should have regard to, the views of all of its communities; and
(c)when making a decision, a local authority should take account ofâ
(i)the diversity of the community, and the community’s interests, within its district or region; and
(ii)the interests of future as well as current communities; and
(iii)the likely impact of any decision on the interests referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii):
(d)a local authority should provide opportunities for MÄori to contribute to its decision-making processes:
(e)a local authority should collaborate and co-operate with other local authorities and bodies as it considers appropriate to promote or achieve its priorities and desired outcomes, and make efficient use of resources; and
(f)a local authority should undertake any commercial transactions in accordance with sound business practices; and
(fa)a local authority should periodicallyâ
(i)assess the expected returns to the authority from investing in, or undertaking, a commercial activity; and
(ii)satisfy itself that the expected returns are likely to outweigh the risks inherent in the investment or activity; and
(g)a local authority should ensure prudent stewardship and the efficient and effective use of its resources in the interests of its district or region; and
(h)in taking a sustainable development approach, a local authority should take into accountâ
(i)the social, economic, and cultural interests of people and communities; and
(ii)the need to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment; and
(iii)the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations.
(2)If any of these principles conflict in any particular case, the local authority should resolve the conflict in accordance with the principle in subsection (1)(a)(i).
LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND MEETINGS ACT 1987
4Purposes
The purposes of this Act areâ
(a)to provide for the availability to the public of official information held by local authorities, and to promote the open and public transaction of business at meetings of local authorities, in orderâ
(i)to enable more effective participation by the public in the actions and decisions of local authorities; and
(ii)to promote the accountability of local authority members and officials,â
and thereby to enhance respect for the law and to promote good local government in New Zealand:
(b)to provide for proper access by each person to official information relating to that person:
(c)to protect official information and the deliberations of local authorities to the extent consistent with the public interest and the preservation of personal privacy.
The MSM keeps promoting the lie that Sky City is doing us a favor by building a conference venue THEY will own.
The Auditor General’s report says a year before there was any discussion of more poky machines Sky had decided to build the venue. Sky would build it with OR WITHOUT the additional pokies.
Sky City is getting 30 pokies worth $193 million for free. The public gets NOTHING.
You can’t say this outside of Parliament, but it smells to high hell of bribery and corruption.
Can the PM state unequivocally that no National MP (personally or through a trust or nominee company) and no major financial contributor to National does not own any shares in Sky City?
No, he cannot. Because Sky contributed to National (and John Banks).
Spark is bracing for a customer backlash as rugby fans all across the country struggle to get a picture on their wireless router. With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching, an elderly Taranaki couple are furious after being told that they still won’t be able to watch the tournament, even ...
Several explosions have been reported across Auckland, as well-meaning environmentalists have already begun purchasing too much petrol Starting from next week, customers will no longer need a car to purchase petrol directly from the pump, a development that two major fuel providers are billing as an opportunity to help fight ...
A new study claims to find that a mother’s exposure to fluoridated water during pregnancy may decrease the IQ of male children – but is it correct? (Photo: Getty Images) Anti-fluoride campaigners are promoting ...
Yesterday the Greater Wellington Regional Council unanimously declared a climate emergency. They've also set themselves a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030, though this only applies to their direct emissions. Still, its a good step, and as usual it invites the question: where is Parliament? When are we going ...
That's the only way to describe the government's plans for a Parliamentary Budget Office to allow opposition parties to get an independent costing of their policies. When the idea was first floated back in 2016 as an office within Treasury, I thought that wasn't independent enough and argued that it ...
Today is a Member's day, and after the third reading of Hamish Walker's KiwiSaver (Oranga Tamariki Guardians) Amendment Bill, Parliament will be continuing the committee stage of David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill. The bigots have put up another pile of amendments in an effort to delay or wreck ...
Television advertising has a huge impact on our lives. Even if we don’t recognise that, we know it has to be true, since otherwise why would advertisers spend so much on it? Its significance, however, is greater than simply the influence it has on what we purchase and consume. It ...
by Jan Rivers More than 30 years ago a Commission of Inquiry was held in New Zealand to investigate, amongst other things, whether women with cervical cancer were aware that they had been part of a research project and whether they were properly informed of the treatment options ...
Everyone Wants To Be Fuhrer: When fascist groups are discussed, the image conjured-up in the minds of most New Zealanders is one of pathetic misfits. This negative impression is reinforced by the latter’s idiotic embrace of the swastika. Even in the second decade of the twenty-first century, the baleful legacy ...
by Philip Ferguson This weekend just past marks the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the most famous of the great 1960s music festivals. It was held over the weekend (Friday-Monday) of August 15-18, 1969. Woodstock was a highpoint of the US ‘counter-culture’, and also the beginning of its end. When exploring the ...
It looks like the government has won over the public on its vehicle feebate scheme:A feebate scheme that would transfer hundreds of millions of dollars from buyers of higher-emission cars into the pockets of people buying EVs and other more fuel-efficient vehicles has been winning favour with submitters, the Government ...
When people suggest lowering the voting age, others argue that the young are too uneducated or silly to exercise the duties of citizenship. Australian John Quiggin has just blown that argument out of the water:Looking at the array of ignorant and vindictive old men attacking Greta Thunberg and other young ...
In the previous two posts, I laid out the context and set the theoretical framework to answer a question: whether indigenous economies should take the LEAP. This final part outlines ways to conceive of practicing mana motuhake within the existing legal system by carving out special jurisdictions that enable Indigenous ...
Fully Informed? Labour’s 2017 promises raised expectations that were little short of revolutionary. Unfortunately, they were never adequately shaken through the fiscal sieve. The hard economic work was not done – and it shows. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s critics have long complained that her grasp of the way the New ...
You cannot expect to pound communities into the ground day after day, year after year, decade after decade and just expect them to take it lying down. There’s a point at which the place will explode. And we’re faced with some very big ructions on both sides of the Atlantic ...
Back in May, Destiny Church leaders Brian and Hannah Tamaki launched another political party. Despite consisting entirely of followers of their religion, they grandly called it "Coalition New Zealand", in a vain effort to suggest it was something broader. But when they applied for registration, submitters opposed the name, as ...
The following article is excerpted and translated from two articles in recent issues of Lutte de Classe (Class Struggle), the magazine of Lutte Ouvrière (Workers Struggle), the revolutionary workers group active in France. We don’t necessarily agree with everything in it – for instance, the 1956-62 war for independence involved rather more revolutionary forces than ...
The Pacific is on the front line of climate change, and if we don't cut emissions quickly, some countries are literally going to be underwater. Because of this, small Pacific states had tried to use this week's Pacific Islands Forum meeting to get Pacific countries to agree to ending coal ...
To Limit Another's Rights Is To Limit One's Own: Is it too much to expect senior members of our Government to be capable of explaining that we protect the rights of human-beings precisely because not even the most depraved act can cancel-out the fact that its perpetrator is also a ...
Going Down? Once truth and propaganda become fused in the minds of one’s followers, debate and discussion become redundant. If one’s opponents are all outrageous liars, then engaging with them in any way is pointless. Rather than waste its time, a political party should, instead, target all its messages at ...
This section builds on Part 1 of this series to provide a theoretical basis for the final instalment (part 3 – to come). Self-determination: law or resurgence — or both? International law promotes the principal of equal treatment and self-determination, which includes peoples’ rights to freely pursue their social, cultural and ...
Everyone was outraged yesterday to learn that the Christchurch shooting accused had been able to send mail from prison to his Nazi fans, apparently pushing more hate. "How could this possibly happen", people asked. Simple: because New Zealand is a civilised country, and so we let prisoners send and receive ...
If we are to avoid dangerous anthropogenic climate change, we need to rapidly decarbonise our transport fleet. The good news: its starting to happen:The number of electric vehicles on New Zealand's roads have nearly tripled in the past two years. There are currently 15,453 registered electric vehicles (EVs), up ...
We need to fundamentally reframe our systems settings to address the drivers causing and underpinning inequality; structural change in systems especially financial. The Equality Network Hui was held in Wellington on 27 June 2019. The hui covered important topics such as child poverty; a living wage; taxation; public health; mental ...
The views-per-page for some of my recent postings:Depressing, isn't it? Provide thoughtful and wise commentary on the mainstream of British politics and no-one notices. Make a passing reference to Tommy DICKHEAD Robinson in a thread title and you get hundreds of views. Write something about anti-Semitism and you get another ...
The government has announced plans to move the Treaty of Waitangi and other taonga to a new site. Great news! So where are they going? Right next to the old one:The new plan will see a new 22,000-square-metre archive built on the former site of Defence House - the former ...
Back in June, StatsNZ went public about a project to track population data on an hourly level by using people's cellphones. It wasn't as bad as it initially looked - they were receiving no individual data, only counts by suburb - but there was still a huge consent problem, so ...
Most economists agree that a currently slowing economy could do with some stimulus – and they would also agree that there is no shortage of infrastructure projects which could be brought to productive fruition with help from that stimulus. In view of the current practice of sub-contracting economic policy decisions ...
I did an interview on the TVNZ Breakfast Show about the situation in Hong Kong. I tried to frame the issue as a collective action problem between two sides with very different end games. The video is here. Because of time constraints we could not discuss the fact that the ...
Image Credit: Wild Rose College A new study reporting the ranges of values for kidney and liver parameters in a healthy population is being actively misrepresented by anti-fluoride campaigners. The Fluoride Action Network’s (FAN) latest ...
Image Credit: Wild Rose College A new study reporting the ranges of values for kidney and liver parameters in a healthy population is being actively misrepresented by anti-fluoride campaigners. The Fluoride Action Network’s (FAN) latest ...
AN OPEN LETTER FOR SIGN ON BY ORGANISATIONS AND MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE WORLD, ALLIED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INEQUALITY. This letter was released at the UN Political Forum on 9 July, where the Sustainable Development Goal on inequality was reviewed. The purpose of the letter is to call out the ...
We asked a young gay science student and critic of trans ideology and the trans activists’ assault on women’s and gay rights to outline his views on Redline. Thanks to him for his article. by Cian Ó Catháin Gender identity ideology (Gender ID) is ripping through western society at full ...
The Environment Committee is currently hearing submissions on the Zero Carbon Bill, and Stuff is reporting on the submissions. Today, they're covering yesterday they heard from "NZ" Steel:NZ Steel has told MPs it may be forced to close with the loss of thousands of jobs if changes aren't made to ...
Students are striking against climate change on September 27. And this time, they're asking everyone to join them:Students are taking to the streets, beaches and parks on 27 September, and we're inviting everyone to join us. That's right, this is an intergenerational issue, and you're all invited to put pressure ...
Peter McKenzie has a piece on Newsroom this morning about how local body politics is awash with property developer cash. 70% of all the donations in the 2016 Wellington mayoral election came from property developers. And its pretty obvious what they want in exchange:That’s particularly important in local government, according ...
Source: Unknown, twitter user Recently, I wrote a (relatively) short paper titled as above, to explore what self-determination could like in a practical sense. Maybe I’m a bit of an international trade truther or something, but I absolutely believe trade is at the heart of achieving peace and self-determination. Since ...
In the 1960s, after I had graduated with a first-class Oxford postgraduate law degree, I joined the British Foreign Office as the top entrant of my year. There, I worked for a couple of years on European affairs and was eventually posted to the Embassy in Brussels. After this exposure ...
Alone, Alone. All, All Alone: Will it be a good or a bad thing, when humanity’s bright blue spacecraft is stricken by the civilisation-destroying problem of Climate Change, that no Huston Control will be standing-by to rescue the crew?“WE HAVE A PROBLEM, HUSTON.” These were the words used by the ...
I heard a 45 minute interview with Monica Lewinsky talking to TED’s Chris Anderson on BBC Radio 4 over the weekend, and have listened to it another two times out walking. I recommend it. Highly. Man, I am so impressed with how this woman has integrated her life experiences and ...
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When the Justice Committee reported back on the Administration of Justice (Reform of Contempt of Court) Bill, free speech advocates breathed a sigh of relief. As originally introduced, the Bill reitered the ancient offence of "scandalising the court" - basicly, a special sedition law protecting judges from criticism. The select ...
Eighteen months ago, the government promised to strengthen the Bill of Rights Act, by explicitly affirming the power of the courts to issue declarations of inconsistency and requiring Parliament to formally respond to them. Since then - crickets. Which raises the obvious question: are they actually going to do this, ...
Back in March, the Ministry of Justice conducted a public consultation exercise on whether to hold a review of the Official Information Act. 285 people submitted on it. Now, Stuff has trawled through those submissions, and the case for reform is strong:The Justice Ministry asked Kiwis what they thought was ...
National's prisoner voting ban has gone down as one of the worst laws in New Zealand history. Passed after a farcical debate (including this farcial speech from ACT MP Hilary Calvert), it has subsequently been found to be inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act by the High Court, Court ...
Divided Loyalties: Can the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, be relied upon? That’s what the boys and girls at Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon needed to be reassured about. Because, from the perspective of Washington, it’s looking more and more like Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party comrades are getting ready ...
This handy Queer Theory Glossary is from thetranswidow.com In case you’ve had trouble keeping up with the spate of new queer theory terms, here’s a handy glossary for your reference. Queer – A straight person with an interesting haircut. Non-binary/genderqueer – A chubby young female, typically 16-28, who has ...
by Daphna Whitmore US social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt spoke on 1 August in Auckland to a crowd of around one thousand people. He is best known for his bookThe Coddling of the American Mind which examines the new climate of trigger warnings and acute sensitivity of Gen Z. ...
What an extraordinarily depressing experience it is to be compelled to watch, at 12,000 miles distance, the contortions and machinations of the British political class as they set about their determined attempt to overturn the decision taken by the British people that they wish to leave the European Union. The ...
The winter grazing issue is becoming a highly sensitised one that I hope will not become so politicised that it delays solutions and results in the suicides of some very stressed farmers.Winter grazing has hit the headlines after a determined campaign, including the release of a video of some very ...
by Don Franks Way back when British guitar virtuoso Joe Brown was a beginning session guy he got to back a visiting American artist. Young Joe was an able technician but had yet to learn some points of professionalism. Part way through “Five foot high and rising” Joe tired of ...
Since scientists started studying climate change, they have warned that it will reduce food production. And now, its happening:The climate crisis is damaging the ability of the land to sustain humanity, with cascading risks becoming increasingly severe as global temperatures rise, according to a landmark UN report compiled by some ...
The Abortion Legislation Bill just passed its first reading, 94-23. Its a far bigger margin than I expected, even allowing for the Winston factor, and it reflects the overwhelming support there is in this country for reform. but that support isn't a new thing - it has existed for literally ...
The Justice Committee has called for submissions on the Referendums Framework Bill. The Bill does what it says on the label - establishes a framework for referenda. Things you may want to address in your submission: Whether the bill should apply only at the 2020 election, or whether it should ...
The Thompson and Clark / MBIE spying scandal continues to result in fallout, this time in the form of a report on the implementation of MBIE's "Operation Exploration", its internal operation to enforce the infamous Anadarko Amendment which criminalised protests against the oil industry. MBIE's enforcement operation was tainted by ...
So, Winston Peters is defending his last-minute demand for a referendum on abortion by claiming he was "blindsided" by the bill. Really? The bill is a government bill. It has been working through the cabinet approval process since December last year. As part of that process, NZ First was consulted, ...
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...
Last week, the ongoing democracy protests in Hong Kong saw a pro-Hong Kong student assaulted at the University of Auckland. The Chinese consulate in Auckland followed this up with a press release "express[ing] its appreciation to the students for their spontaneous patriotism" - effectively condoning the assault and inciting further ...
Only those who close their eyes and minds to the evidence can still be in any doubt that we are facing a climate change crisis. The evidence is conclusive that the world is not only getting inexorably hotter, but also that the rising temperatures are creating a number of other ...
Rural communities are wailing about forestry conversions "taking land out of production" and putting it into locking up carbon. Its driven purely by economics: there's more money and lower costs in carbon than in sheep or beef, and if carbon prices rise, there'll be more net money than dairy even. ...
This week, the government introduced its (underwhelming) Abortion Legislation Bill. And despite having negotiated the text of the bill through the coalition process, Winston Peters is now suggesting that he will demand a referendum on it:NZ First leader Winston Peters has hinted that his party may only support the Government's ...
Blowing-Up The House: Is Winston Peters planning to put himself at the head of all those New Zealanders who refuse to countenance the Coalition Government caving-in to the Ihumatao protesters? The most effective way of doing this would be to issue Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with an ultimatum. If she ...
Opportunities to dodge tax are shrinking with the completion of a new tax agreement with Switzerland, Revenue Minister Stuart Nash announced today. Mr Nash and the Swiss Ambassador David Vogelsanger have today signed documents to update the double tax agreement (DTA). The previous DTA was signed in 1980. “Double tax ...
The organiser of the annual YWCA Equal Pay Awards has expressed her disappointment with the latest Gender Pay Gap figure for New Zealand workers. The figure rose slightly from 9.2% in 2018 to 9.3% for the quarter ended 30 June 2019. ...
The Council of Licenced Firearm Owners (COLFO) is urging firearms owners to pass on information to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Attack on Christchurch Mosques now that the period for submissions has been extended to 27 September. ...
An application was filed in the Employment Relations Authority in Wellington today, seeking an injunction to prevent the Board of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation from removing the President from office. ...
The Government’s commitment to support literacy and numeracy training in the workplace is a strong signal from Government on recognising the importance of upskilling, reskilling and increasing productivity alongside their commitment to address the challenges ...
“The infrastructure sector sees a major role for the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission/Te Waihanga in lifting the nation’s sagging infrastructure performance,” says Paul Blair, incoming CEO of Infrastructure NZ. ...
The AA is calling on the Government to bring forward critical highway projects while time is spent properly developing the plans for a rapid transit system in Auckland. ...
Between 2015/16 and 2017/18, DHBs spent $280 million treating patients due to adverse drug reactions, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union in its latest briefing paper on health productivity . ...
The Pay Equity Coalition Auckland (PECA) is pleased the gender pay gap has decreased slightly. Statistics released today show the gap is now 11.9%, nearly 2 percent less than last year. ...
The Council of Licenced Firearm Owners (COLFO) is urging firearms owners to make sure they pass on any information they have to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Attack on Christchurch Mosques before submissions close tomorrow (Friday). ...
The big electricity companies consider solar energy “disruptive” and want pricing to suppress it. In contrast, advocates of local energy say that solar, energy efficiency, and other local energy solutions are the cheapest ways to reduce carbon emissions. ...
The Earthquake Commission and Shine Lawyers are delighted to announce that EQC has reached an agreement with the Gibling family, agreeing to cover the cost of repairs of remaining earthquake damage on their property. ...
Four months into the inquiry, the Royal Commission is gathering significant information and continues to receive valuable submissions from the public, from current and former State servants, experts and community groups. ...
While Fish & Game New Zealand is pleased to see Federated Farmers Environment Spokesperson Chris Allen say that 'we all want good, fresh water', he conveniently overlooks some key facts. ...
What: Wellington demo “Save the Amazon Forest/Salve a Amazônia!” When: Friday, 6 September 2019 from 12:30-13:30 Where: Embassy of Brazil in Wellingtona ...
Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, welcomes the visit of His Excellency Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal. ...
A cross political Mental Health and Addictions Wellbeing group will be launched on Wednesday 28 August hosted by Sir John Kirwan and Moe Milne (ONZM) who have both been at the forefront of our country’s often difficult conversations about mental ...
Confirmation that the government will be progressing an independent Parliamentary Budget Office is great news for democracy and transparency, Federated Farmers says. ...
At first glance, Simon Bridges’ strident opposition to the government’s proposal to establish an independent office to cost political parties’ election spending plans looks childish and petty. ...
Euthanasia-Free NZ is appalled that Parliament spent so little time debating Part 2 of the End of Life Choice Bill and voted to leave it full of holes. ...
Jordan Williams, a spokesman for the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance and its nationwide sister group the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Auckland Mayor Phil Goff for his comments today that John Tamihere would need the Government’s support to ...
A ‘one size fits all’, inflexible and punitive regulatory regime for water quality just gets backs - and costs - up and most importantly will not work, Federated Farmers says. ...
Mediation yesterday between secondary principals and the government has resulted in a deal that the principals' negotiating team is recommending to its members. ...
Clubs New Zealand welcomes the decision of Justice Minister Andrew Little to put forward a bill amending the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act to allow all licensed premises to remain open for Rugby World Cup matches. ...
The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has ordered a review looking at labelling of added sugars in food and drinks. An option under investigation is ‘a pictorial approach applied to sugary beverages / sugar-sweetened beverages’ ...
Labour market data released by Statistics New Zealand today indicates that a gender pay gap persists in New Zealand, despite improvement in some areas. ...
In the midst of the 6th Great Extinction Event the coalition, STOP Trashing Our Planet is urging voters to take full responsibility for the legacy we are leaving our children. ...
LGNZ will carefully consider the proposed National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) to assess if it meets the Government’s aim of enabling urban development or simply adds more red tape to the planning process. ...
Statistics out today from the Government show that the gender wage imbalance, or gap, in the average wage is 11.9%, a strong 2 percentage point improvement from 13.9% last year. The gender pay imbalance in the median wage is 9.3%. ...
Newstalk ZB Drive host and Herald on Sunday columnist Heather du Plessis-Allan is taking on the challenge of keeping 2019 Auckland Mayoral contenders Phil Goff and John Tamihere in line and on point in tonight’s live NZ Herald Newstalk ZB debate. ...
After twenty years Napier residents have endured heavy sleep and health disruptive noise and air pollution from freight trucks gridlock operations to and from the Napier port and other regions. ...
The EMA says much is riding on the board and chief executive of the new National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) announced by Infrastructure Minister Hon Shane Jones today, with a difficult task ahead to deliver on its purpose. ...
The Public Service Association welcomes the introduction of workplace standards by the State Services Commission that make it clear public services should expect positive and safe workplaces. ...
The Financial Services Federation (FSF) - the voice of responsible lenders and leasing companies - and FinCap - working with consumers facing financial hardship - are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this Thursday 22 August in Auckland. It will ...
Wellington, 20 August 2019 — Lawyers for Vulnerable New Zealanders (LVNZ) has lent its support to the amendments proposed by MP Chris Penk to better protect vulnerable people from being coerced to end their lives under the End of Life Choice Bill, currently ...
The Government’s decision to establish and independent Parliamentary Budget Office, outside of Treasury, is a taxpayer victory and will improve democracy, says the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union . Taxpayers' Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “It's ...
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the cost-benefit analysis prepared by Ministry of Transport and used to advise Ministers on the Government’s Clean Car Standard and ‘Feebate’ policies has serious flaws which undermine justifications for the ...
The Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) welcomes new proposals for prison reform put forward by the Minister of Corrections and non-government organisations recently. ...
The New Zealand Maori Council has called on the nation to address all forms of racism and not to shy away from an honest conversation about where it’s taking hold. The call comes after the Nelson Club decided to keep a member after his comments became ...
Wellington (20 August 2019): The New Zealand Initiative enthusiastically welcomes the Coalition Government’s announcement of an Independent Parliamentary Budget Office. Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Associate Finance Minister James Shaw ...
Drs Say No agree with Chris Penk’s amendment to protect vulnerable patients from coercion, although the organisation still maintains that no safe euthanasia legislation can ever be drafted and continues to urge MPs to defeat the End of Life Choice Bill. ...
The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says the Northland Regional Corrections Facility is persisting with policies that are preventing it from achieving its full potential. ...
The second national hui in the Māori-led Inquiry into Oranga Tamariki concluded yesterday ahead of schedule after a capacity audience formally ratified the terms of reference that determines the scope and purpose of the independent investigation ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Even Scott Morrison, with his abundant self-belief, couldn’t have imagined that on Saturday’s first anniversary of his seizing the prime ministership, he’d be winging his way to France for a G7 meeting, where Australia has ...
A group of students, including some Youth MPs, have been banned from Parliament for a year, after singing a waiata in the public gallery in support of the Ihumātao hīkoi. ...
National MP Nick Smith has lodged a serious accusation against Parliament's Speaker calling him "biased" after once again being booted out of the debating chamber. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sunanda Creagh, Head of Digital Storytelling Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of people again took to the streets in Hong Kong to protest against the government – the 11th straight weekend of demonstrations that began in June over a proposed extradition bill. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Hamilton, Strategic Advisory Panel Member, Australian-German Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne Australia’s primary federal renewable energy target – to have 33 terawatts of renewable energy by 2020 – has essentially been achieved. There is much uncertainty as to what is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lewis Mitchell, Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics, University of Adelaide I swear by Hypatia, by Lovelace, by Turing, by Fisher (and/or Bayes), and by all the statisticians and data scientists, making them my witnesses, that I will carry out, according to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Blaxland, Professor, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University Just when we thought Australia was getting serious about shifting priorities away from the Middle East to its own neighbourhood, the prime minister has announced another Middle East step up. Australia ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Keogh, ARC DECRA Fellow, Queensland University of Technology In the last three months, the Australian Classification Board has “refused classification” for at least four video games – effectively banning them in Australia. The latest is zombie-survival shooter DayZ. Despite being previously ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle The Heart Foundation now recommends full-fat milk, cheese and yoghurt or reduced-fat options as part of its updated dietary advice released yesterday. This moves away from earlier advice that recommended only reduced-fat ...
Business is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand. This week he talks to Paris Georgia co-founders Paris Mitchell Temple and Georgia Cherrie.This week’s podcast features a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, who has died aged 73 of cancer, leaves a political and personal legacy as a man of courage, conviction and congeniality. The support that Fischer as National Party leader ...
One part telenovela, one part family drama, one part addictive love story. Sam Brooks reviews Jane the Virgin, the great show with an unfortunate name that should be your next Netflix binge.The following piece contains very mild spoilers for Jane the Virgin.While watching the last season of Jane the Virgin, ...
Before Zumba, before Just Dance, before it was cool again to move in public group settings, there was Jump Jam. Madeleine Chapman reflects.Jump Jam entered the lives of New Zealand kids in 2001, a year filled with historic cultural movements. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in 2001; ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Jensz, Research associate professor, University of Münster Donald Trump is not the first US President to make an offer of buying Greenland from Denmark – but he might be the last. Home of some 56,000 people and around 80% covered by ...
We review the entire country and culture of New Zealand, one thing at a time. Today, Tara Ward taste-tests the best hot chips in the country. Everyone loves a hot chip because they’re a) hot, and b) a chip, but there’s nothing more disappointing than a bad chip experience. A ...
Sky Network Television has written down the value of large parts of its business and scrapped paying a dividend as it changes direction to counter falling pay TV subscribers. ...
Strict word limits for Māori translations of local body election candidate profiles is a form of "institutional racism" and should be changed, a candidate says. ...
ACT Party leader David Seymour's voluntary euthanasia bill has cleared another stage in Parliament with a suite of changes aimed at securing support. ...
A finalist for New Zealander of the Year for her work with Māori smokers is at war with academics because her research is funded by tobacco giant Philip Morris. Guyon Espiner reports. ...
Keith Rankin’s Chart Analysis Auckland Māori exodus after 2014The 2018 census has had such a low compliance rate, that it really acted as a large convenience sample (therefore a biased sample) of the New Zealand population. (See my Census Survey from March 2018.) Despite the assurances we are getting, ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.Today’s content by Dr Bryce Edwards.Housing Bernard Hickey (Newsroom): Lecturing councils won’t work for Labour either Marc Daalder (Newsroom): ‘Nice pointers, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Prudence Flowers, Lecturer in US History, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Flinders University As the abortion decriminalisation bill gradually makes its way through the NSW parliament, opponents have been increasingly drawing on their long relationship with the right-to-life movement in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexandra Hansen, Chief of Staff, The Conversation With the advent of online ancestry DNA testing, and advancements in genetic screening for various medical aliments, we’re able to know more than ever about the genes that make us who we are. But is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Galligan, Associate professor, University of Southern Queensland If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au.How was maths discovered? Who made up the numbers and rules? – Bianca, age 12, Strathfield, Sydney. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Borroz, PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now ...
Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Twyford and Parker propose new urban development policy statement, Tamihere unveils transport plans, and Māori King issues challenge on child abuse.For a lead today, a nudge towards one of those deeply dense announcements that could end up having a huge ...
Just like its National predecessor, this Labour-led Government is trying to lecture councils into growing the 'right' kinds of cities without giving them the funding tools or help to do it. ...
Part three of our debate on the state of New Zealand fiction continues as Chris Else, whose opening essay was strongly rebutted last week by Catherine Robertson, returns to put the boot in once more. ...
This morning the five shortlisted songs for the 2019 Silver Scroll Award were announced. Here, exclusively for The Spinoff, the finalists discuss each other’s nominated songs.Tom Scott of Avantdale Bowling Club on ‘The Barrel’ by Aldous Hardingit’s such a beautiful stunt to witness. breaking just before the cliff edge. the ...
A group is currently holding seminars around NZ which appear to be based on misinformation about vaccines. Dr Helen Petousis-Harris fact checks some of their claims. ...
The Football Ferns are at a crossroads - they need to move on from simply being "competitive" to make a serious impression on the world football stage. ...
Countless stories from women who have a right to be safe on campus still go unanswered, writes Kate Hannah, deputy director equity and inclusion, Te Pūnaha MatatiniDespite the hashtags and the headlines, universities in New Zealand seem to have largely avoided facing up to their own “#MeToo moment”. It is ...
The government’s plan to avoid another ‘fiscal hole’ fiasco has an unlikely fan: the chief economist of the corporate think tank New Zealand Initiative. Eric Crampton explains what else it could do.Have you ever driven past one of those stores that mostly sells blinds but calls itself ‘Not Just Blinds’ ...
Over the course of the local elections period, The Spinoff will be publishing primers on some of the most interesting races around the country. Today, Alex Braae casts his eyes over the Otago Regional Council contest.The Spinoff local election coverage is made possible thanks to The SpinoffMembers. For more about ...
By Michael Andrew Journalists across Papua New Guinea have spoken out in support of EMTV news director Neville Choi after his “unacceptable” termination from a role he had held for six years. A public statement released on Monday listed the reasons for his termination, one of which was his ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Camellia Webb-Gannon, Lecturer, University of Wollongong Last weekend, the Indonesian police took 43 West Papuan students into custody for allegedly disrespecting the Indonesian flag during an independence day celebration (an allegation the students deny). Police stormed the students’ dorm and used teargas ...
Open mike 20/02/2013 
Spark is bracing for a customer backlash as rugby fans all across the country struggle to get a picture on their wireless router. With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching, an elderly Taranaki couple are furious after being told that they still won’t be able to watch the tournament, even ...6 hours ago
Several explosions have been reported across Auckland, as well-meaning environmentalists have already begun purchasing too much petrol Starting from next week, customers will no longer need a car to purchase petrol directly from the pump, a development that two major fuel providers are billing as an opportunity to help fight ...7 hours ago
A new study claims to find that a mother’s exposure to fluoridated water during pregnancy may decrease the IQ of male children – but is it correct? (Photo: Getty Images) Anti-fluoride campaigners are promoting ... 9 hours ago
Donald Trump seems to be eager to start a war with Iran, and naturally Australia is yapping at its heels like a good little vassal. The UK also asked New Zealand to get involved, but fortunately, we had a good excuse: we simply didn't have the toys available:Britain asked New ...14 hours ago
Television advertising has a huge impact on our lives. Even if we don’t recognise that, we know it has to be true, since otherwise why would advertisers spend so much on it? Its significance, however, is greater than simply the influence it has on what we purchase and consume. It ...2 days ago
by Jan Rivers More than 30 years ago a Commission of Inquiry was held in New Zealand to investigate, amongst other things, whether women with cervical cancer were aware that they had been part of a research project and whether they were properly informed of the treatment options ...3 days ago
Everyone Wants To Be Fuhrer: When fascist groups are discussed, the image conjured-up in the minds of most New Zealanders is one of pathetic misfits. This negative impression is reinforced by the latter’s idiotic embrace of the swastika. Even in the second decade of the twenty-first century, the baleful legacy ...3 days ago
In the previous two posts, I laid out the context and set the theoretical framework to answer a question: whether indigenous economies should take the LEAP. This final part outlines ways to conceive of practicing mana motuhake within the existing legal system by carving out special jurisdictions that enable Indigenous ...5 days ago
Fully Informed? Labour’s 2017 promises raised expectations that were little short of revolutionary. Unfortunately, they were never adequately shaken through the fiscal sieve. The hard economic work was not done – and it shows. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s critics have long complained that her grasp of the way the New ...5 days ago
You cannot expect to pound communities into the ground day after day, year after year, decade after decade and just expect them to take it lying down. There’s a point at which the place will explode. And we’re faced with some very big ructions on both sides of the Atlantic ...6 days ago
7 days ago
Going Down? Once truth and propaganda become fused in the minds of one’s followers, debate and discussion become redundant. If one’s opponents are all outrageous liars, then engaging with them in any way is pointless. Rather than waste its time, a political party should, instead, target all its messages at ...7 days ago
We need to fundamentally reframe our systems settings to address the drivers causing and underpinning inequality; structural change in systems especially financial. The Equality Network Hui was held in Wellington on 27 June 2019. The hui covered important topics such as child poverty; a living wage; taxation; public health; mental ...1 week ago
The views-per-page for some of my recent postings:Depressing, isn't it? Provide thoughtful and wise commentary on the mainstream of British politics and no-one notices. Make a passing reference to Tommy DICKHEAD Robinson in a thread title and you get hundreds of views. Write something about anti-Semitism and you get another ...1 week ago
The government has announced plans to move the Treaty of Waitangi and other taonga to a new site. Great news! So where are they going? Right next to the old one:The new plan will see a new 22,000-square-metre archive built on the former site of Defence House - the former ...1 week ago
Back in June, StatsNZ went public about a project to track population data on an hourly level by using people's cellphones. It wasn't as bad as it initially looked - they were receiving no individual data, only counts by suburb - but there was still a huge consent problem, so ...1 week ago
I did an interview on the TVNZ Breakfast Show about the situation in Hong Kong. I tried to frame the issue as a collective action problem between two sides with very different end games. The video is here. Because of time constraints we could not discuss the fact that the ...1 week ago
Image Credit: Wild Rose College A new study reporting the ranges of values for kidney and liver parameters in a healthy population is being actively misrepresented by anti-fluoride campaigners. The Fluoride Action Network’s (FAN) latest ... 1 week ago
Alone, Alone. All, All Alone: Will it be a good or a bad thing, when humanity’s bright blue spacecraft is stricken by the civilisation-destroying problem of Climate Change, that no Huston Control will be standing-by to rescue the crew?“WE HAVE A PROBLEM, HUSTON.” These were the words used by the ...1 week ago
Divided Loyalties: Can the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, be relied upon? That’s what the boys and girls at Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon needed to be reassured about. Because, from the perspective of Washington, it’s looking more and more like Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party comrades are getting ready ...2 weeks ago
This handy Queer Theory Glossary is from thetranswidow.com In case you’ve had trouble keeping up with the spate of new queer theory terms, here’s a handy glossary for your reference. Queer – A straight person with an interesting haircut. Non-binary/genderqueer – A chubby young female, typically 16-28, who has ...2 weeks ago
The winter grazing issue is becoming a highly sensitised one that I hope will not become so politicised that it delays solutions and results in the suicides of some very stressed farmers.Winter grazing has hit the headlines after a determined campaign, including the release of a video of some very ...2 weeks ago
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...2 weeks ago
Blowing-Up The House: Is Winston Peters planning to put himself at the head of all those New Zealanders who refuse to countenance the Coalition Government caving-in to the Ihumatao protesters? The most effective way of doing this would be to issue Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with an ultimatum. If she ...2 weeks ago
Opportunities to dodge tax are shrinking with the completion of a new tax agreement with Switzerland, Revenue Minister Stuart Nash announced today. Mr Nash and the Swiss Ambassador David Vogelsanger have today signed documents to update the double tax agreement (DTA). The previous DTA was signed in 1980. “Double tax ...2 weeks ago
The organiser of the annual YWCA Equal Pay Awards has expressed her disappointment with the latest Gender Pay Gap figure for New Zealand workers. The figure rose slightly from 9.2% in 2018 to 9.3% for the quarter ended 30 June 2019. ...8 hours ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Even Scott Morrison, with his abundant self-belief, couldn’t have imagined that on Saturday’s first anniversary of his seizing the prime ministership, he’d be winging his way to France for a G7 meeting, where Australia has ...5 hours ago
By distorting the climate truth Federated Farmers is making its members complacent about their performance and blind to the threats they face. ...6 hours ago
ANALYSIS: By Camellia Webb-Gannon of the University of Wollongong Last weekend, the Indonesian police took 43 West Papuan students into custody for allegedly disrespecting the Indonesian flag during an independence day celebration (an allegation the students deny). Police stormed the students’ dorm and used teargas to force them out, ...7 hours ago
A group of students, including some Youth MPs, have been banned from Parliament for a year, after singing a waiata in the public gallery in support of the Ihumātao hīkoi. ...9 hours ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sunanda Creagh, Head of Digital Storytelling Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of people again took to the streets in Hong Kong to protest against the government – the 11th straight weekend of demonstrations that began in June over a proposed extradition bill. ...9 hours ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Hamilton, Strategic Advisory Panel Member, Australian-German Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne Australia’s primary federal renewable energy target – to have 33 terawatts of renewable energy by 2020 – has essentially been achieved. There is much uncertainty as to what is ...10 hours ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Keogh, ARC DECRA Fellow, Queensland University of Technology In the last three months, the Australian Classification Board has “refused classification” for at least four video games – effectively banning them in Australia. The latest is zombie-survival shooter DayZ. Despite being previously ...11 hours ago
Government agencies are taking an unconventional approach to family violence solutions. ...11 hours ago
Sky Network Television has bought the rights to put its name on Wellington's Westpac Stadium. ...13 hours ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle The Heart Foundation now recommends full-fat milk, cheese and yoghurt or reduced-fat options as part of its updated dietary advice released yesterday. This moves away from earlier advice that recommended only reduced-fat ...13 hours ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Libby Porter, Professor of Urban Planning, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University The Victorian government has announced it is seeking heritage listing for parts of the Eastern Freeway in Melbourne. We heard this news on Wednesday as we sat under a grandfather ...13 hours ago
A flood and a botched insurance job has left a Howick couple out of their home for almost two years. But it's a story with some strange twists. ...13 hours ago
One part telenovela, one part family drama, one part addictive love story. Sam Brooks reviews Jane the Virgin, the great show with an unfortunate name that should be your next Netflix binge.The following piece contains very mild spoilers for Jane the Virgin.While watching the last season of Jane the Virgin, ...14 hours ago
Before Zumba, before Just Dance, before it was cool again to move in public group settings, there was Jump Jam. Madeleine Chapman reflects.Jump Jam entered the lives of New Zealand kids in 2001, a year filled with historic cultural movements. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in 2001; ...15 hours ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Jensz, Research associate professor, University of Münster Donald Trump is not the first US President to make an offer of buying Greenland from Denmark – but he might be the last. Home of some 56,000 people and around 80% covered by ...15 hours ago
Live updates: Around 150 are taking part in the hīkoi to the PM's electorate office from Ihumātao in a bid to get her to visit the site. ...16 hours ago
We review the entire country and culture of New Zealand, one thing at a time. Today, Tara Ward taste-tests the best hot chips in the country. Everyone loves a hot chip because they’re a) hot, and b) a chip, but there’s nothing more disappointing than a bad chip experience. A ...16 hours ago
Sky Network Television has written down the value of large parts of its business and scrapped paying a dividend as it changes direction to counter falling pay TV subscribers. ...16 hours ago
A finalist for New Zealander of the Year for her work with Māori smokers is at war with academics because her research is funded by tobacco giant Philip Morris. Guyon Espiner reports. ...18 hours ago
Air New Zealand's full-year profit has hit headwinds as higher fuel costs and slower passenger growth hit its earnings. ...18 hours ago
Keith Rankin’s Chart Analysis
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Prudence Flowers, Lecturer in US History, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Flinders University As the abortion decriminalisation bill gradually makes its way through the NSW parliament, opponents have been increasingly drawing on their long relationship with the right-to-life movement in ...20 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Borroz, PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now ...20 hours ago
Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Twyford and Parker propose new urban development policy statement, Tamihere unveils transport plans, and Māori King issues challenge on child abuse.For a lead today, a nudge towards one of those deeply dense announcements that could end up having a huge ...21 hours ago
Just like its National predecessor, this Labour-led Government is trying to lecture councils into growing the 'right' kinds of cities without giving them the funding tools or help to do it. ...22 hours ago
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This morning the five shortlisted songs for the 2019 Silver Scroll Award were announced. Here, exclusively for The Spinoff, the finalists discuss each other’s nominated songs.Tom Scott of Avantdale Bowling Club on ‘The Barrel’ by Aldous Hardingit’s such a beautiful stunt to witness. breaking just before the cliff edge. the ...22 hours ago
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By Michael Andrew Journalists across Papua New Guinea have spoken out in support of EMTV news director Neville Choi after his “unacceptable” termination from a role he had held for six years. A public statement released on Monday listed the reasons for his termination, one of which was his ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Camellia Webb-Gannon, Lecturer, University of Wollongong Last weekend, the Indonesian police took 43 West Papuan students into custody for allegedly disrespecting the Indonesian flag during an independence day celebration (an allegation the students deny). Police stormed the students’ dorm and used teargas ...1 day ago
Another good poll for David Shearer: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8325609/National-no-longer-a-sure-winner-poll
Didn’t I always tell you he’d be prime minister? Didn’t I?
I’m in two minds, on the one hand National staying in power would really annoy the posters on here but on the other if Labour gain power then Shearer is safe for a few years and that would annoy the posters even more because Cunliffe would be even further from power
Decisions, decisions…
The soul you were trying to tell me about the other week.
Would your old fella be happy with that attitude?
I foresee lots of sore knees in your future đ
I foresee lots of sore knees in your future đ
– no no I’m happily married đ
“no no Iâm happily married”
Which is why I didn’t say sore wrists. Those ligaments and muscles must be like granite.
Come your personal judgement day, I don’t know how you’ll reconcile the attitude as displayed in your first post to saving souls, but if you try it on, good luck.
Maybe hypocrites are on the list.
Umm could you remind me which post? I can’t recall off the top of my head anything about saving souls but I guess its possible…
Supermarket 12 items or less queues.
If I’ve got it wrong and connected you to a comment you didn’t make, then of course I withdraw.
If I remembered correctly đ
Don’t recall anything like that…
Amusing interchange anyway. I enjoy some non-serious stuff for a change.
Nah, that was a differently numerated commenter: /open-mike-07022013/#comment-586557
I withdraw and even apologise for my error.
The departure of Chauvel and immanent clearance and reacceptance of Jones, together with (I predict) the demotion of Cunliffe supporters like Dalziell, make a post-reshuffle shadow cabinet like this:
1. Shearer
2. Robertson. Environment.
3. Parker. Finance. Attorney General.
4. King. Housing. (Probably no longer going for Wellington Mayor)
5. Arden
Rn. Social Welfare. Youth.
6. Maori. Economic Development.
7. Goff. International Affairs and Trade.
8. Mallard. Tertiary Education. Conservation. Sport.
9. Twyford. Transport. Auckland.
Good hard edged balance that could take them on, yes?
Whos got health, justice and acc? Because I wouldn’t want to be fed to Ryall and Collins…
Was stuck with health. Who would you recommend?
Parker is the only lawyer now and he already looked overloaded for Justice.
Also presuming Dalziell gets the signal so who covers Christchurch.
Also who would want Immigration? Ew!
They’d have to be intelligent, well spoken and have patience…
Chris Hipkins seems to be doing a good job…
10. Hipkins. Education. Whip.
Agreed. Great hits.
Sorry 6 was Jones
Doesn’t look like much of a govt in waiting. More like a govt put out to pasture.
Mind you the Greens are good for about 25% of the seats on the left so presumably they’ll be looking for about 25% of the top ten cabinet posts.
greens caucus could be almost 50% the size of Labour’s eg
32% Labour result
15% greens result
Yeah, I was being conservative there. But at those numbers they wouldn’t be forming a govt, would they?
CT: You must be out of your mind, sorry, but I have no other comment to this.
Re wrongly spelled Ardern, I fed her some highly explosive info late last year, she was too ignorant and passive to even realise it, so nothing ever came of it. She rather went on about “privacy breaches” and WINZ “helping” unemployed get a ticket and job in Australia.
Excuse me, that is to me total incompetence and idiocy.
There are so ruthless welfare reforms before Parliament, endless stories of injustice, but do we ever hear anything from her addressing this???
And do not get me started on King for “housing” (lost cause long ago), on Mallard (should resign for good), and well, the “leader” the Shearer, omg.
I fear that some here continue living in lala land.
I had some small hope for Ardern, but after her reaction to the introduction of secret bedroom sniffer squads and prison for partners, I have given up totally on her. She is hopeless.
Frankly Matt, I’m confused. Two polls ago (can’t remember their names) Shearer was reported to be closing the gap, the next one reported Key suddenly gaining three points to put Shearer in the shade, and the one you link to is suddenly promising for Shearer.
It’s enough to give me angina if I was that emotionally involved. There is also the suspicion of being toyed with given your employment by the National Party.
Key is no longer the young, bubbly, and endearingly incoherent politico he was in the first term.
Today, that’s Shearer.
Even before his near-death experience in a Christchurch restaurant Key was noticeably starting to lose his spark, his enthusiasm for the job. People can read body language.
Today he is more detached, there are suddenly grey flecks around his temples, and he must be assessing the personal cost-benefits of staying in this position. Mortality can do that.
The strongest line of inquiry is probably to ask if he will be standing against Shearer.
That would be a gift question for Key: “with all the Labour leadership instability we’ve seen, who would know?”
That’s cool CV, I have never claimed infallibility. I’m just chucking out a few ideas
for the cognoscenti (that’s NOT a secret society).
To be clear, it was not a criticism, this is the kind of thing which shows why it’s critical to have a capable team in any political endeavour. Your line of inquiry is good, however the detail of the wording might be more like:
“Have you decided to stand for another term as Prime Minister, in 2014?”
Somebody should ask him to clarify the issue.
Hey Hoots why weren’t you up at 6 in the morning a couple of days ago, typing up a comment saying that National was at its highest Colmar Brunton polling in a year?
http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/national-bounces-up-in-poll-5343671
Because I wasn’t
Because you know just like i do that that particular poll has a continuous track record of polling the National Party higher than it’s actual support by 2-3%,
To do that of course means that that poll has to poll other Party’s 2-3% lower than their actual support, depends how creative they get with the margin of error right???…
CV – If you have nothing but “hooters” on your mind, you are unlikely to get far in life.
Labour is rising because of the corruption and general incompetence of John Key’s government.
If Labour had a leader that could string a coherent sentence together they would be in the 40s by now.
Deck chairs Matthew.
“Didn’t I always tell you he’d be prime minister? Didn’t I?
You sound like a parent reflecting on an arranged marriage when their first child is conceived.
Or saying “won’t they have beautiful babies?” when their four-year-old gets “married” to their best friend at kindy.
Anyone else notice the media training that has been going on for government ministers.
Parata and Key both, when asked a challenging question, start with
“So … and then proceed with a prepared statement line and in fact do not address the question
at all.
And then there is “Mr Fixit” Tina Joyce who just bores the listener with his rambling delivery. And this morning on Morning report, suggests that “reasonable people might take a different view …”
of the report into the Sky City convention centre bid. What arrogance!
I’ve noticed that, but why should anyone be surprised ? There are many ex-journalists setting up ‘media training’ companies.
Re âreasonable people might take a different view âŠâ .. intellectually patronising and refusing
to engage in reasoned democratic debate. There was once a quaint notion that you have to take people with you ..
Muldoon did a good line in that (and that long slow laugh “heh … heh … heh”)
which seemed to disarm the critical faculties of the journalists at the time.
One interesting snippet is that he did his accounting degree (by correspondence ?)
while taking part in the Italian campaign during WWII.
Joyce is in charge of a ‘super-ministry’, has to get across a range of material, and
although made his money in radio, does not have the explanatory skills of a trained
and experienced teacher. We all have our limitations ..
Muldoon probably never would have cancelled support for night classes.
I think it’s what passes for political panache these days. Muldoon had a certain style and timing, Lange had good quips, even Cullen could mercilessly take the piss from an unwary journalist or opponent, but most of parliament are more Adam Sandler’s B roles than an Oscar Wilde or Dorothy Parker.
wassername – Gentner from the Greens might have a bit of kick. Will take a while to develop the style and get the media focus, though.
Well spotted, logie. I made a similar observation last year in a thread about Shearer’s communications difficulties. Thankfully he’s improved tremendously since then!
Not only do the Nats refuse to debate live on radio or TV, because it gives credilbilty to the opposition, the ‘so’ response has been drilled into them from the first term (by Crosby Textor? Hooters?).
There’s a documentary called Spin that shows that that is exactly what politicians are taught to do when asked a question. Basically, it’s that they ignore the question and spout the spin that they want people to repeat.
As I noted the other day, the “so” is to imply that the question has been listened to and is about to receive a reasoned response.
It’s a device for skipping the reasoning entirely and jumping straight to the conclusion. But when we hear the “so” we’re supposed to believe that the reasoning has already occurred,
Exactery! And what’s worse is that its a phenomenon that everyone is picking up on. From my perspective, it’s a symptom of ‘I don’t actually care what you or anybody else thinks’ (the so ….. I mean), this is what I (me,me,me,me) thinks.
The good think is it’s becoming so pervasive that its becoming meaningless: even the supermarket checkout operator said to me yesterday
“so ….. try swiping your card” (instead of inserting it).
It’s the new “going forwid”
Yep.
Reminds me of another one to watch out for…. whenever someone says “I just think …” it meaans they haven’t actually thought properly at all. The “just” word carries out the same function as “So” in that it implies a degree of thought and consideration that simply doesn’t exist.
So
Just
just so
The other one that Key and Joyce and others have been taught is “The reality is…” which is almost always followed by a description of a parallel universe.
lol
Not always vto. It seems to have become some kind of pc political ‘play it safe’ byword -which I suppose is the same thing
I heard Jacinda Ardern saying it on the TV news tonight. She was responding to the latest bit of govt. bene bashing (smokescreen distraction from Sky City Convention Centre rort) and she preceded her answers with “I think“. I yelled at her you don’t think woman you know, so why don’t you bloody well say so. I don’t think she heard me.
Dammit, it still won’t edit.
Should be ‘politically correct byword’
Anne – I can say with confidence, often she DOES NOT THINK!
hi xtasy,
I was meaning she should drop the “I think” and say it how it is. I’m getting fed up with Labour pollies (and Greens too sometimes) who seem too scared to categorically state a situation or make an accusation they know to be true… without prefacing their words with I think. That immediately removes some of the impact of what they are saying.
I agree though, sometimes she doesn’t appear to have thought something through, but she’s not alone there of course.
From the some would say play book.
Is the NZ Herald ownership about to undergo a change? The details of who owns what shares, and who is the manager/owner of this or that bit tend to make my non-business head spin. But it seems all is not well with Granny’s APN owners:
What are the political implications ?
Karol:
It is all about more profits being needed or wanted for shareholders, that is why this happened. Also the digitatlisation and user pay section for internet access are due to be pushed. Prepare for paying for every article you want to read. I told you all before, but stop dreaming, this is the future of “media”, sadly!
You will have to register, pay and read in future, that is with few exceptions.
This will provide exactly for the further social AND knowledge DIVISION in society, where the better earners, and elitists, who can “afford” to pay subscriptions, will be “informed” and maybe “educated”, the rest will become ignorant “riff raff”!
Again, this is NO joke, it is taking place gradually day by day, just look around, and one day, you will be disenfranchised as “odd ball” “dissenters”, “problematic social elements” and the likes, as most (the dumbed down and brainwashed) will take up what they are offered!
A boost for Labor over the ditch: Gillard naming the election date early has apparently freaked out new Greens leader Christine Milne. She has bizarrely announced the end of the parliamentary relationship between the two parties, while also saying the Greens would still support Labor in parliament.
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/doubts-over-end-to-greenslabor-alliance-20130219-2eplv.html
Labor definitely needs a boost; it’s sitting on the low 30% in the polls, and the backbenchers are muttering about putting Rudd back in.
Well, losing 45-55 on the two party preferred, which is the relevant figure in the weird Aussie system. But no question Gillard is in trouble and Rudd is quietly smiling in the background. Short of a miracle, he’s likely to be leading Labor soon. Question is, before or after the election?
The news media is muttering about the backbenchers muttering about putting Rudd back in. I think their stories are almost totally fabricated. The Aussie media makes the Kiwi media seem fair and balanced. Most of their least partisan journalists could ghostwrite columns using Michael Laws’s name and no one would notice the difference.
David Shearer gave an excellent interview this morning on Morning Report: clear, forceful, didn’t stutter, mumble or bumble his way through it at all, and on the complicated issue of the AG report on Sky City and rebutting National and Joyce’s spin on it.
Pretty much a standard interview with a politician, and better than any average interview with Key (with his poor diction, slurring, folkism and reliance on catch-phrases).
*This* is what we need to see from him, and I certainly hope he keeps it up!
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2546936/labour-wants-convention-centre-process-stopped.asx
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2546936/labour-wants-convention-centre-process-stopped
Naah must have been a voice double
Agree – Shearer was smooth and on the ball throughout that segment. My observations:
1) Shearer seems to feel much more comfortable talking about commercial due process and commercial best practice.
2) The report that the interview centres around has done most of the thinking and analysis for Shearer – he is pulling out pertionent points and observations from it.
Just keep him away from anything to do with homophobia đ (not that National would have noted it I’m sure)
Err, it was National who blogged the story.
I know, I was being sarcastic
Ah so.
I think you do him a bit of disservice with your #2: the analysis and thinking might be there, but he is making an interpretation of what is there, in contrast to the interpretation that Joyce and co are spewing every chance they get. Now whether he did this himself or it was prepared by someone else isn’t a huge deal at this point, since his stumbling block has always been the delivery of his point, which he (finally) aced.
Yes, I was well impressed with his delivery during that interview, it was chalk and cheese. Shearer when he has been at his best has been noticeably improving in that regard over the last 6 months.
That was an excellent performance by Shearer. Stayed on point, deftly rebutted the interviewers’ attempts to get him to say the officials were at fault (the poor sods are always at risk of being restructed out of their jobs if they become inconvenient), kept calm, didn’t mumble or fumble, sounded persuasive and on top of the relevant details. He needs to be able to do that every time, on telly, and in Parliament.
Sorry for typos – comment editor not working?
yeah that comment editor problem came to light yesterday, it’s on lprent’s list of things to sort.
Bloody irritating it is as well. Bounced off it this morning and no time during the day today.
True, the hesitancy was far less evident. So it seems he can do cerebral on clearly delineated issues. But he needs to be able to present stuff that arises from passion or ‘the gut’. And he can’t and won’t because he ain’t got anything there (except for when he percieves a threat to himself and his standing at which point his alpha male response is reckless and over the top) And he needs to do the ‘on the feet’ stuff. And he can’t and won’t for much the same reason…no passion, ideology or vision to work from.
Actually, I’m not sure that’s true. Jonkey is steadily getting up more and more people’s noses for his quick smartass quip responses that smell of smokescreening and make him look like a puerile schoolboy. They just further damage his already well-dented credibility with the non-National voters who will decide the next election.
Shearer may actually do better to adopt a less passionate, more personably analytical style. He’s battling Jonkey – who thinks and talks in slogans – no depth of knowledge about anything but money marketing. What Shearer mustn’t do is waffle. He should tackle Jonkey on facts. Jonkey doesn’t understand facts.
Shearer used one excellent rebuttal in Parliament today when he replied to Jonkey’s claim he was exonerated by the AG report. Shearer’s reply – “he wasn’t vindicated, he was implicated”. TV One news picked that one up straight away. Very good, I thought. A few more clever responses like that will go a long way. They are memorable.
Seriously, its an interview, it makes no difference, Shearer is still a plant!
Any Labour lead govt is going to continue on the same track the last one left for National to continue, and which NACT have progressed, why do people so badly want to believe the system is going change..
The system , might change when people do what is necessary to create change, voting for the LP, will no achieve that.
Polls are meaningless distractions for stupid people, which should be very clear then the first post today on open mike is Matthew Hooten talking about polling and Shearer..
Wakey Wakey
đ
Pull all the faces you like, it changes nothing, just like polls, and swapping the blue flag for a red one!
By reponsding, you are showing your fear, you know that right…
Guess not!
…and swapping the ECA for the ERA, and deficit for surplus, and no mining on Schedule 4 land, etc etc.
By pretending that makes no difference you are showing your stupidity, you know that right.
Its a game, its too complex for you to understand, I get that.
While its playing out, of course there will be, positive, negative, and neutral impacts, of the journey, but the destination remains the same, its not going to reverse the trending, by tinkering around the fringes.
You flatter yourself: your banal, simplistic delusions could never be described as “complex”.
One Tane Huna,
What part of Muzza’s comment was “banal, simplistic or delusional”?
And why the đ with no justification?
I don’t think your đ was not very fair particularly not providing justification It serves to make you appear much as you are accusing others of.
What part of Muzza’s comments are you objecting to?
That any Labour lead govt is going to continue on the same track the last one left?
Seems to be about what has happened up until now, although I would exchange the word “same” for “similar”.
That “the system might change when people do what is necessary to create change”
Seems like basic commonsense to me.
“voting for the LP, will not achieve that”
A matter of opinion, although linking this with the first statement indicates the reasoning behind it.
“Polls are meaningless distractions for stupid people, which should be very clear then the first post today on open mike is Matthew Hooten talking about polling and Shearer..”
Dunno about the “stupid people” bit, however polls most-likely are meaningless distractions….Although there is room for debate on this one; I guess it depends whose interests are going to benefit from the opinion being swayed by reading them, as to how “meaningless” one perceives them to be.
Let’s assume the bits you quoted were reasonable. What was left out:
Seriously, its an interview, it makes no difference, Shearer is still a plant!
Oooo yay – a conspiracy theory, right off the bat.
[lab6 will be identical to lab5] and which NACT have progressed, why do people so badly want to believe the system is going change..
Firstly, the system has already changed, Key is a very different leader to Holyoake. Why wouldn’t it change back?
Second, it’s a claim of total futility. If no change is possible, then why bother worrying?
Wakey Wakey
Yay – muzz is “awake” and has hidden knowledge that those who are “asleep” cannot see because of their own stupidity. Given Muzz’ track record, much rolly eyes at that. More likely, muzz is just tripping again. That’s assuming that they’re using words according to an actual commonly accepted meaning, rather than just stringing funny words together to sound profound.
That is fair enough, McFlock, because you have put up an argument, some reasoning.
(…and I have to say, I would have gone back and added the bit about NACT, however the editing function wasn’t working…sorry about that, I did realise it was a mis-quote and would come across as cherry picking.)
My point being that there was enough commonsense statements in Muzza’s comment, and some provision of reasoning, that I think it a bit “off” simply to be replied to as a đ and then when asked for some justification, simply ad hominem attacks were supplied.
I have no problem with someone who is stating some well repeated unthought-out meme (especially if they are right-wing memes…heh) getting the đ however, I am objecting to the đ treatment on the grounds that Muzza’s comment showed some critical analysis with reasoning provided.
Muzza specialises in salting their comments with a few points that, on the face of it, are reasonable comments, but upon closer inspection they’re either trite truisms or just camouflage for more nutty conspiracism.
easier to just do the rolley-eyes thing.
What McFlock said.
Oh, and pointing out the differences between the ECA and ERA etc does not constitute a personal attack. Nor does characterisation of Muzza’s comments as stupidity, or delusions, or banal, since it is the comments being described, not the tiresome cretin himself. Calling him a tiresome cretin, now that’s a personal attack. You see the difference?
I see someone else has noticed your tendency to make allegations without justification.
I also note Shearer’s recent comment that it is possible to not agree with so-called marriage equality without being a homophobe.
lol, because Shearer controls my opinions, and therefore I must agree with everything he says, assuming your version of what he said is anything other than a self-serving distortion, that is.
But hang on – last week you were pointing to other people to support your unsubstantiated allegation that I was homophobic, yet now that approach lacks validity? Well, I will accept your changed view because that is what I said to you – who cares what other people’s opinions are. Good to see you come around.
And further, your reason for alleging I was homophobic rested solely on my disagreement with the current marriage equality bill. That “evidence” is clearly invalid in the mind of the leader of one of NZ’s two main political parties. A party that you are a member of, I think.
Got anything else?
Nope, my opinion rests on your claiming membership of a tiny minority group who want to keep marriage all to themselves (otherwise known as bigots), oh, and now I come to think of it, your remark about Chris Findlayson on 14.12.12.
lol
sheesh, vto – someone might think that your obsession with banging the “against same-sex marriage” peg into the “not being homophobic” hole is beginning to get a wee bit extreme and irrational…
dancing on a pin head equals fail.
finlayson was clearly a joke, but it helps for bigots like yourself who shove their hollow opinions onto whatever’s going doesn’t it. Wanna evaluate that one as well to see if you manage to stack up again? You should be careful though as you will end up in the same pile of doo doo that you are sitting in now.
Tee hee what a funny joke. Fuck off, bigot – that’s just a joke. Tee hee, you see how funny it is?
is that it oth? is that all you got? complete and total distortion and misrepresentation?
that’s pretty useless.
Nope, my opinion rests on your claiming membership of a tiny minority group who want to keep marriage all to themselves (otherwise known as bigots), oh, and now I come to think of it, your remark about Chris Findlayson on 14.12.12.
But just for fun, I’m going to let you dig yourself a deeper hole, vto.
Explain to me why it’s so “funny” that “Queen’s Council” and “queer cunt” have the same initial letters, so that we can all have a little giggle, and acknowledge that you’re just a terrifically witty comedian.
He’s gone quiet đ
But I think I may have seen the light – “queer cunt” is funny like “front bum” – you only see the funny side if you’re a, oh now, what’s the word? It’s on the tip of my tongue…
lol – get prepared for the next barrage because vto doesn’t get it and doesn’t want to.
actually been busy, but the term “front bum” as expressed by John Tamihere and the ancient and in fact endearing term (prior to new meanings arising since December) “queer cunt” have absolutely no relation to each other. Except in simple minds of dubious intention.
You need to learn some understanding of people outside your world.
and marty mars shut up. Talk about digging holes ….
Explain how it’s funny, you terrifically witty comedian.
đ
đŻ
đ
đŻ
Good on Shearer for doing his job to a competent standard this morning. Hopefully he can keep it up all day.
đ
I am with Jesus, I can forgive anybody and everybody, if they repent.
Shearer also gave a good sound-bite on the issue on TV1 News the night befor, no stumbles, no fumbles, no stopping to self edit in mid sentence, nary an um or ah in sight,
He actually came across as being quite forceful even to the point of letting a bit of anger show in His voice, give the bloke a +1…
More about the U$K situation. Remember Key has said Cameron is a friend of his.
True, but given the right media circumstance Key would also say that Schwarzeneggar, Putin and Kate Middleton were friends of his.
Actually there is much which joins all those names up, circumstance has little to do with it!
More about the U$K situation.
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=30625
“Two million disabled people face new benefits test”
“Any disabled person capable of walking a measly 20 metres is set to lose their mobility payments when the Tories scrap the disability living allowance (DLA) on 1 April.
It is set to be replaced by the new personal independence payment (PIP). But this will push thousands of people off the higher rate of mobility support.
This helps pay for everything from wheelchairs and mobility scooters to specially adapted cars. “
I bet Ministerial BMWs (Jags?) will stay in the Budget.
Got some links today, which may be relevant in a way. They have there and here (in NZ) previously heavily relied on GPs to do “examinations”, do “assessments”, to fill in forms for work capacity fitness and so forth, but are GPs really that competent and qualified, some ask:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19478286
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2951586/
There are other research findings, that prove that GPs often over value their competencies and abilities, to know about “all” health issues. Most are anyway physicians, and some are specialised, but tell me, few, if any, are in NZ qualified (post grad qual. or else) to be “experts” say in mental health and addiction treatment and diagnosis.
So why and how can MSD and WINZ claim their chosen doctors (almost all GPs) and other health and disablity advisors (mostly non registered nurses) know all about the applicants and beneficiaries on sickness and invalids benefits and their health, plus their ability to work.
This is proving that they know f all and lead all you on, who rely on their biased doctors.
johnm and others –
Bennett will see to it, John, that if you can walk to the letter box, you can bloody work. It is all a BS agenda anyway, that is what insiders know. It is all just designed to save the government money by reducing costs, by cutting benefit entitlements. All the talk about extra health care and support is BS too, as I have ample info that proves, that according to their “Rising to the Challenge” plan for mental health and addiction, strangely published just before Xmas, delivers NADA for extra expenses and services to actually assist such people into any form of work! Read it yourself, you will see it. Peter Dunne is the other traitor to us, who announced it (Associate Minister for Health, the Bastard).
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/rising-challenge-mental-health-and-addiction-service-development-plan-2012-2017
http://www.nzno.org.nz/home/consultation/articletype/articleview/articleid/1350/rising-to-the-challenge–the-mental-health-and-addiction-service-development-plan-2012-2017
http://anzasw.org.nz/social_work_practice/topics/show/426-release-of-rising-to-the-challenge-the-mental-health-and-addiction-service-development-plan-2012-2017
http://www.psychology.org.nz/cms_show_download.php?id=1753
http://www.nzma.org.nz/sites/all/files/NZMA%20Submission%20on%20the%20Mental%20Health%20%26%20Addiction%20Service%20Development%20Plan%202012-2017.pdf
http://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/assets/documents/Standards–Policy/Submissions/2012.11.02-MoH-Rising-to-the-Challenge.pdf
Google ‘Rising to the Challenge’, the plan from the Ministry, and you can read details. I actual fact, the blunty state that sufferers have to use the resources and “help themselves”. That is what NZ health policy is about now.
This is stuff that most politicians do not even bother reading. That is why NZ is in a SHIT situation, it is being let down even by a hopeless opposition, that does not even do its job.
It is close to becoming suicidal, when you wake up to what really goes on in NZ. It is damned horrible.
Good night, and take your time to digest it, as otherwise you will yourself get sick!
X
By the way, I want people to spread that info and the links I presented above around as much as possible, as it is so highly important. Please consider taking that action, for other people’s well being’s sake! X
hmmm, interesting
Edit test.
Is anyone listening to Radionz while Sir James Dyson (think vacuum cleaners et al) talks about inventing and engineering and manufacturing. He is pure gold for good practical opinions. Listen up NZ politicians and alert and pragmatic citizens.
Yes I caught some of that, was very interesting especially his points about r&d and the necessity to keep investing in product development.
I look forward to seeing the tap and hand dryer all in one thing he described.
How does Gerry Brownlee get away with putting the reason for not offering full payment to red zone bare land owners in Chch down to their lack of insurance when it is not possible to get that insurance he says is needed?
He refuses to acknowledge and recognise this.
It is this type of conduct which leads to politicians being ranked the lowest of the low.
I agree, but it seems National politicians get ranked on their ability to bully and Brownlee is one of their best. Why voters aren’t turned off by this I’ll never know, maybe they misinterpret bullying as being assertive, confident and knowledgeable.
Works for the ABCs.
đ
sad but true CV
Sorry fenderviper got your name wrong at 9.1.2 but I’m not able to edit it. Edit box comes up empty. (Sort of an eejit box.)
fenerviper
lolz I think you are right about NZ attitudes. Ask a group of ordinary NZs to dredge their heads for ideas about anything (not being asked to criticise or complain) and very little will come out. Then someone who is assertive will take over and the whole process is master minded by his/her views. I
I’ve seen it happen and its dispiriting to me as I believe that we have been educated to take a place in a society living by reasoned decisions. I have never conducted an experiment where people are taught brain-storming, encouraged to bring up ideas first and then all examine them for how they could be utilised for practical results. I think with some time and effort at a thinking session, individuals would come up with valuable ideas. Then there is no place for loud-mouths and put-downs by a steam-roller with more mouth than brain over-riding the shyer, diffident members so frequently seen in our society.
Things go from bad to worse for top pommy toff David Cameron. Not only does he have bad polls and Boris Johnson to worry about, he’s also accidently got Mozza and Johnny Marr agrreing on something for the first time in decades:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/feb/19/david-cameron-smiths-what-difference
Rather witty comments section, too!
I made a mistake in placing a comment under an ‘old’ one, and it might get lost. I thought it was an appropriate time to introduce the old song You’ve got to Accentuate the Positive. (And mess with mister in-between refers to supportr needing to be full.)
Youâve got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Donât mess with Mister In-Between
Youâve got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemoniumâs
Liable to walk upon the scene
This is the point I made at NoseViper (The Nose knows) âŠ
20 February 2013 at 10:58 am on Reshuffle for Unity and see the whole lyrics of the song also good retro you tube vocal.
Yes it gets to the point where the destructive force of pressing for change mounts higher as it continues and what is being destroyed is Labourâs chances to do anything because it doesnât get elected. So I think keep working for change (limitation of terms or?). And push for more positives rather than blanket disapproval and increase the positives.
Of course there was cow shit in the drinking water, what do you expect after the rain?
Welcome to NZ Inc, enjoy your stay.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8327280/New-well-for-Darfield-after-gastro-outbreak
Has Federated Farmers got anything to say about this?
Have the local dairy farms which caused this offered to clean up their mess? Including, the vomit of those people they caused sickness in?
I would suspect not …… what does that say about their attitudes to society and their immediate neighbours? Not much.
Yep, they’ll go on about everybody taking personal responsibility but won’t say or do a damn thing when it becomes obvious that they have a responsibility they need to accept.
Dairy farmers should be required to source their personal water downstream from their farm. I imagine that would sort the majority of cowshit pollution problems out quite quickly.
SOMEBODIES ripped a “Banksie” off the Poundland wall.
meanwhile the govt insurance payout offer on undeveloped ChCh sections is 50% of R.V.
a real gem from Bob Jones (one of the few i can recall); “people on boards are bludgers and parasites, boards are a joke.” (bit of an upper cut).
is JT dead from the open-collar up?
Janus, Flockie, a summing up.
Pr 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, yet wisdom is found in those who take advice.
If you were searching for a metaphor to describe the ChCh rebuild, would you go with:
a) A coiled spring building up tension before rapidly releasing energy.
or
b) Anything else.
sand always comes to mind (having lived there for Seven years; used to rip down Telegraph Road)
One of the better instances of rock opera
Sultan you (gonna take a long ride with me…through the Tunnel of Love, Juliet says, hey it’s Romeo, he’s underneath the window…)
c) a sagging sausage slowly sinking into soft sands sans sizzle, setting up a sorry city, sorry to say.
d) c) with a small weak shot of a).
Gerry Brownlee used ‘a’. Reported in NBR Property Investor.
Hopefully the liquifaction from this burst of pent up energy is a nice new city! Huzzah.
It’s easy to get very different views on the huge number of things going on and not going on in the city.
Some sectors and locations are going gang-busters and are bursting at the seams with excitement. Others are sagging and looking weak. It is a city of many tales now and a city of many and varied views on what is going on and where it will end up. To view the complete picture is like putting together a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle, which then gets turned into a slowly spinning kaleidoscope.
A big round view on where it is heading can be gained from looking at this governments approach and competency in completing its Blueprint projects etc. There is a strong element of “believe it when it happens” with this and many are simply waiting see the anchor projects come to fruition before going much further with the CBD. Of course the CBD is but one part of the puzzle.
Don’t mind my 2c on it, we are in the forgotten east and it is easy to get depressed about it all. I tell you one of the main factors depressing people imo is the loss of the CBD and all of its busyness and cosmopolitality and workers and tourists and funny locals and students and theatres restaurants museums big shops small shops on and on and on it goes. We have truly lost a city and I think that reality alone is one of the main depressing stresses.
You haven’t lost a city. You’ve lost the networks and communications, the community, that the city represents and now the authoritarians of this government are busily trying to recreate it in their image through disaster capitalism.
You’re taking the phrase ‘lost a city’ much too literally I suspect, and in doing so negating the validity of the psychological (and psychic) damage which has occurred.
The city, as a physical location, still exists. What has been lost is the social structure.
I think you miss my point a bit a lot. The sense is that we really have lost a city. And we have. The loss of the buildings and the scape they created – the physical location is meaningless when it is empty dustbowls. And of course all of the society and community that lived and interacted within that built scape. That is gone. It has been lost. It has been destroyed and morphed into a different form of “population interaction”. We are now simply a bunch of suburbs. The city has been lost. There is no city of Christchurch, as defined by what we had before (being that cosmopolitan central city of density and activity etc).
I think I haven’t described it very well but hopefully you get my point.
Imagine, all you Wellingtonians, if central Wellington was lost. Gone. Flattened like Chch. Not there anymore. It is bizarre.
Would that include the space between the Terrace and Molesworth St?
đ
wouldn’t it be grand
Young fella from your way done got himself a writing space in teh Herald:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10866637
Hah. Hardly surprising that Gerry Brownlee would resort to deception. As I said earlier, it is a city of many tales, defined by specific geographical location more than anything else, which is what the writer also says. Pretty obvious really.
Here is something more to whet the appetite for those wanting to nail this govt lot – heavy rumours abound that red zoners and red stickered folk who remain in their homes are about to have sewer, water and other services chopped to force them out………..
Mate.
Did you hear about the square sausages on TV 3 last night?
Makes a lot more sense than some Nat policy, at least the sausages cook evenly and do not roll over. I think they are skinless, so will save skining.
I’d like to “skin” someone, he goes by the abbreviation JK!
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them (got that down pat). For thay mouth empty boastful words and by appealing to the lustful desires of human nature they entice people who are escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves-for a person is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
2 Pete (2:17)
Why isn’t the New Zealand Democratic Party for Social Credit more popular than it is?
Needs a shorter name, a smart charismatic speaker who really understands economics for a leader, needs to update its old social credit ideas to accomodate principles of environmental and resource depletion, needs a few standout policies which make other people look orthodox and conventional, and it needs some (lol) serious money backing it. Well, not that serious. $200K would do.
They made a commendable effort campaigning in 2011, I have to say, better than they’ve managed for quite some years.
There is a major problem there, which you’ve identified in the first line.
That’s when you say that the Social Credit leader needs to be someone who really understands economics. That’s like looking for a new Pope who doesn’t believe in God.
Do you really think a new party could campaign on only 200K and have any chance of getting into Parliament? The rules so strongly favour existing parties I wouldn’t have thought it possible. They wouldn’t get more than a risible amount of TV time, if any at all, and without being in Parliament they would have to pay their own travel costs. It was free travel for MPs after all, that made the Greens so desperate to get Nandor out and Russel into the house when Russel got elected leader. Without that the would have to have found the money to pay for Russel’s rambles during the election campaign. With him as an MP they had unlimited use of the taxpayer’s purse. Being able to speak in Parliament wasn’t of much importance at that stage of the electoral cycle.
I’d suggest that the goal for 2014 would not be to get into Parliament, it would be to get a solid 2% of the vote. Base building for a solid attempt at 2017.
There used to be a lot more of them, but I formed my (poor) opinion of them after talking to many of their supporters. It wasn’t their policies that I objected to. It was the religious fervour.
I’d point out that I have exactly the same reaction to the conservatives, many of the far left, most people who are fervently religious (ie want to tell me or anyone else how we should live our life rather than living their own life according to their precepts), and anyone who thinks computers can show any signs of intelligence.
I think they joined the alliance with the greens, then departed with Anderton.
Their leader got no votes in the electorate she stood in. That is correct. Zero.
A far cry from when Bruce Beetham had Rangitikei as his personal feifdom.
Most of the SC vote was a protest vote against the Muldoon government. When Muldoon was gone, its vote collapsed.
The 1987 election is rather forgotten, but it has the historical significance as the election in which in which they faded as a third party,
“It was the religious fervour.”
I know one from years back, she was a committed Mormon.
There were also others of mixed backgrounds. Some of their ideas were very good, but once you learned the nitty gritty of who was involved for whatever purpose, it got me disinterested.
I am happy to “embrace” any nun, but I fear, most will not want to be embraced, even in friendship, also for that fear, often unreasonable, of being “abused”. Strangely many of their “brethren” faced issues that seem to be more to worry about.
Good night, nuns, non nuns, anarchists, socialists, social democrats, humanitarians, environmentally concerned friends, and all else who may care and want a better world.
X
not parallel
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-new-born-puppy-knows-no-fear-of-a-tiger–north-korea-threatens-final-destruction-of-south-korea-during-debate-at-un-8501139.html
offering 30 pieces of 8
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/report-megachurches-thriving-in-tough-economic-times/2013/02/19/1d2f65c6-7add-11e2-9c27-fdd594ea6286_story.html
Interesting conversation going on on RadioNZ National right now about a Hydrogen booster kitset that a bloke in Paraparaumu has fitted to His car,
He expects to save 70 odd % of His fuel bill (petrol) by having this system, must have a look online to see what this entails…
The figures for his current consumption were quoted in the Dom/Post this morning. According to them he managed to drive from Paraparaumu to Otaki using 7.1 ltr/km in his Corolla. The car has an official consumption of 8.1 ltr/km.
That seems dreadful to me.
I have a car with an official overall consumption of 9.4 ltr/km. On a flat open stretch like that, travelling at the speed limit and with the air-con on I will routinely get 6.8 km/ltr so his claimed consumption doesn’t seem very good at all. Note that I am not trying to get spectacular figures and drive normally.
It also wasn’t at all clear how it would get any better. The claims do seem a bit like the claims that there is a carb that will let you get 150 mpg, except that the oil companies bought it up and are hiding it.
Just a question. Will lawyers be liable now that government has awarded land owners 50% of the unimproved water-gas-power-roaded lots value for not having informed their clients that they needed to improve their property otherwise they’d only get 50% of the value?
I mean, for sure, in future lawyers on purchase of empty land will have to tell clients to get out and put in a mail box or some improvement so they aren’t exposed to the Brownlee shakedown.
The Brownlee shakedown is where ‘he’s doing them a favor giving them 50% rather than the new now earthquake destroyed land estimate ??1%??.
Yeah I can see in the future some of this land coming back to market when better building technology appears.
John Armstrong, bites the hand that feeds:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10866493
“A banana republic without the bananas”
Good on John Armstrong.
URGENT!
FYI
20 February 2013
MEDIA RELEASE: “Stop Chicken Coop Housing!”
Housing Lobby Spokesperson Sue Henry
“It’s an absolute insult to residents in existing communities for this Auckland Council to proceed with the proposal to ‘slummify’ numerous areas (32) with high-rise intensive housing, particularly housing 8 stories high in Glen Innes,” says Housing Lobby Spokesperson, Sue Henry.
“Over many years, practically every area earmarked for decimation, (for the benefit of property developers and speculators), has had resounding opposition from the residents currently living in them,” she continued.
“Are the Mayor and Councillors listening to the public, and communities opposing housing intensification in Auckland?
NO – they are not!”
“We would not like to see formal notification for the Auckland Draft Unitary Plan actioned in September 2013, with local body elections looming in October 2013.
It would be far more appropriate to wait for a newly-elected Auckland Council to settle in first.”
Sue Henry
Spokesperson
Housing Lobby
Ph (09) 575 6344
FYI
WHO CONTROLS AUCKLAND COUNCIL?????
20 February 2013
‘Open Letter’ to the Mayor and all Auckland Councillors:
Did YOU authorise this ‘directive’ from CEO Doug McKay – effectively ‘blocking’ fellow ‘anti-corruption
whistle-blower – Gary Osbourne?
Dear Mayor Len Brown,
Please confirm that you, either personally or collectively through a resolution passed by elected Auckland Councillors, authorised the Principal Administrative Officer (CEO) of Auckland Council, Doug McKay to issue the following ‘directive’, the effect being to block/ filter the emails of fellow ‘anti-corruption’ / ‘concerned citizen’ Gary Osbourne from reaching Auckland Council elected representatives.
Can you please reply – YES or NO?
If YES, upon what lawful basis?
Please be advised that I have the authority of Gary Osbourne to publicise the following ‘directive’ from Auckland Council CEO, Doug McKay
FYI – I read this ‘directive’ out today, Wednesday 20 February 2013, 11.45am -ish) on Radio Live, when the former Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide was host.
https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?ui=2&ik=18afffb768&view=att&th=13cf47c57f5d3f79&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P-I5Cd-lIWIP7LzmJSi9erv&sadet=1361320648353&sads=wWHEIzAYJ8yQ-KSNUtbRoOltpVg
_______________________________________________________________________________________
“Auckland Council MEMO 19 June 2012
To: Darryl Griffin, Manager Democracy Services
From: Doug McKay, Chief Executive
Subject: Case Management – Mr Gary Osbourne
Darryl,
I confirm my previous verbal advice that you are assigned to case manage Mr Gary Osbourne, and respond to any inquiry lodged with Auckland Council by telephone, email, in person or in writing by him.
Please ensure that Mr Osbourne, Customer Services (including all call centres) and the Mayor’s Office are aware of this directive.
Doug McKay
Chief Executive.
_____________________________________________________________________________
As an ‘anti-corruption’ – ‘pro-transparency’ Public Watchdog, I am DEEPLY concerned at this action by Auckland Council CEO, Doug McKay.
Not only is Gary Osbourne a concerned citizen and ratepayer, he is also an ‘anti-corruption/ pro-transparency whistle-blower’.
Is this an attempt by Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay to effectively help ‘cover-up’ allegedly corrupt / non-transparent practices by Auckland Council, and/or Auckland Council CCOs?
Not only are there legal NO PROTECTIONS for New Zealand ‘whistle-blowing’ citizens and ratepayers – but Auckland Council at the highest levels are, in my opinion, engaging in what I consider to be an arguably corrupt form of local government ‘censorship’, and violating citizens lawful rights :
Please be reminded of the OATH you swore, upon obtaining your elected office:
http://www.lgnz.co.nz/lg-sector/role/index.html
“I, [full name of councillor], declare that I will faithfully and impartially, and according to the best of my skill and judgment, execute and perform, in the best interests of [name of region or district], the powers, authorities, and duties vested in or imposed upon me as a member of the [name of local authority] by virtue of the Local Government Act 2002, the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, or any other Act.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
The LAW, which I believe applies in this situation:
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1990/0109/latest/DLM225513.html
NZ BILL OF RIGHTS ACT 1990
14. Freedom of expression
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions of any kind in any form.
_____________________________________
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/DLM171810.html
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2002
14Principles relating to local authorities
(1)In performing its role, a local authority must act in accordance with the following principles:
(a)a local authority shouldâ
(i)conduct its business in an open, transparent, and democratically accountable manner; and
(ii)give effect to its identified priorities and desired outcomes in an efficient and effective manner:
(b)a local authority should make itself aware of, and should have regard to, the views of all of its communities; and
(c)when making a decision, a local authority should take account ofâ
(i)the diversity of the community, and the community’s interests, within its district or region; and
(ii)the interests of future as well as current communities; and
(iii)the likely impact of any decision on the interests referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii):
(d)a local authority should provide opportunities for MÄori to contribute to its decision-making processes:
(e)a local authority should collaborate and co-operate with other local authorities and bodies as it considers appropriate to promote or achieve its priorities and desired outcomes, and make efficient use of resources; and
(f)a local authority should undertake any commercial transactions in accordance with sound business practices; and
(fa)a local authority should periodicallyâ
(i)assess the expected returns to the authority from investing in, or undertaking, a commercial activity; and
(ii)satisfy itself that the expected returns are likely to outweigh the risks inherent in the investment or activity; and
(g)a local authority should ensure prudent stewardship and the efficient and effective use of its resources in the interests of its district or region; and
(h)in taking a sustainable development approach, a local authority should take into accountâ
(i)the social, economic, and cultural interests of people and communities; and
(ii)the need to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment; and
(iii)the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations.
(2)If any of these principles conflict in any particular case, the local authority should resolve the conflict in accordance with the principle in subsection (1)(a)(i).
_______________________________
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1987/0174/latest/whole.html#DLM122283
LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND MEETINGS ACT 1987
4Purposes
The purposes of this Act areâ
(a)to provide for the availability to the public of official information held by local authorities, and to promote the open and public transaction of business at meetings of local authorities, in orderâ
(i)to enable more effective participation by the public in the actions and decisions of local authorities; and
(ii)to promote the accountability of local authority members and officials,â
and thereby to enhance respect for the law and to promote good local government in New Zealand:
(b)to provide for proper access by each person to official information relating to that person:
(c)to protect official information and the deliberations of local authorities to the extent consistent with the public interest and the preservation of personal privacy.
______________________________________
I look forward to your prompt reply.
Kind regards,
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption campaigner’
2013 Auckland Mayoral Candidate
………………………………..
………………………………..
My website – covering my legal submissions as a ‘Named Respondent’ in the Occupy Auckland vs Auckland Council Appeal (CIV-2011-404- 8284) :
http://www.occupyaucklandvsaucklandcouncilappeal.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/OCCUPY-AUCKLAND-APPEAL-APPLICATION-BY-APPELLANT-BRIGHT-TO-ADDUCE-NEW-EVIDENCE-pdf.pdf
Gary Osbourne’s blog:
http://accountabilitynz.wordpress.com/
laughs.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/HstBldgs/History/Special/Language/d/8/8/d8896b2516084ed6bd87f0ae8da0982e.htm
Love it!
lol
Half of those seem to sum up our current PM
Timeless comedy gold, P’s B! And kudos to the hard working civil servant who compiled the list. Mint!
“His brains could revolve inside a peanut shell for a thousand years without touching the sides”
Tony Abott?
“Energy of a tired snail returning home from a funeral”
King Jerry?
“Could go down the Mount Eden sewer and come up cleaner than he went in”
Well, if it was the Parnell sewer …
Best laugh of the day Pb, cheers.
To David Shearer:
The MSM keeps promoting the lie that Sky City is doing us a favor by building a conference venue THEY will own.
The Auditor General’s report says a year before there was any discussion of more poky machines Sky had decided to build the venue. Sky would build it with OR WITHOUT the additional pokies.
Sky City is getting 30 pokies worth $193 million for free. The public gets NOTHING.
You can’t say this outside of Parliament, but it smells to high hell of bribery and corruption.
Can the PM state unequivocally that no National MP (personally or through a trust or nominee company) and no major financial contributor to National does not own any shares in Sky City?
No, he cannot. Because Sky contributed to National (and John Banks).