Read an article on theautomaticearth.com today that mentioned the severe criticism by the European Central Bank of Greece €200 million poverty alleviation legislation. These same banksters made the criticism from the comfort of their newly opened €1.3 billion building in Stuttgart. Meanwhile outside thousands of protesters clashed with police protecting the well healed. This should be a Marie Antoinette moment, but no. It has been cancelled in the minutae, the dross of the little stuff that we bicker over.
“There is little time among Greeks for the troika of the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF, which ordinary Greeks blame for their dire economic situation.
In order to replace the bailout, which was agreed on three years ago, Greece wants a “bridging agreement” worth 21 billion euros, which would allow the new government time to implement radical economic reforms.
Greece is also asking the eurozone to give it treasury bills guaranteed by the European Central Bank (ECB) as well as requesting the freeing up of bonds currently used as bank guarantees in the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund to be used for public financing.”
The Greece government has already told the German people that Germany should not loan more money to a bankrupt, insolvent country. And unsurprisingly, the German people agree.
+100 … It is great that the German people are supporting the Greeks…this could be very significant and the beginning of a pan European fight back against the banksters
“Blockupy is an anti-capitalist alliance of leftist groups, who gather to attract attention to ECB policies which, they say, have favored the rich over the poor, the banks over the people, the creditor class over debtors. They call the current situation across the EU “the European crisis regime.”
“Our protest is against the ECB, as a member of the troika that, despite the fact that it is not democratically elected, hinders the work of the Greek government. We want the austerity politics to end,” Reuters quoted Ulrich Wilken, one of the organizers, as saying.”
That and skycity non story just in case the name suppression is lifted.
The headline should read ‘we are stealing your harbour’ as granny assists NACT in its sell off of nz and Dirty Politics tactics on central and local issues before we look at the soapboxes Hide etc get.
The Ports of Auckland is attempting to run a commercial enterprise to assist in the development of the economy of the wider Auckland region. If you don’t think they should be running a business in the heart of auckland then it would be best if they sold off the land and moved to a location where they will be less disruptive to others.
Yes I like what ya mate Hooton has been advocating, which is the deep water port of Marsden Point rather than spoiling the benefits of opening up the Auckland harbour.
It is surprising Team Key hasn’t already rolled the pork barrel into the harbour debate so to speak and floated this policy. Snake oil Joyce is a mug not too as it would be very popular with Northland & Auckland voters, may even give the rightwing Mayoral candidate a big leap in fortunes.
On another note, I would be very surprised if Hooton heads dirty Lenny’s campaign, Matthew is use to plugging for succesful winners like the ACT Party.
Auckland would probably be better off if it sold off the assets of the POA company and used the money to help fund transport infrastructure (which may include better rail connections).
Currently it has the worst of both world. It is lumbered with a commercial enterprise that it has many people demanding restict attempts to operate within Auckland. It is kind of like the Government owning a coal mining company when people argue we shouldn’t be mining coal.
Typical Nat short-term thinker. The point about the Auckland port company is that operates within a city and is intimately tied to the local economy as effectively a monopoly provider of the bulk goods required to power chunks of the local economy.
There is often an argument that PoA has competition, which it partially does. However that is almost entirely for shipping goods out of the country, which has Tauranga and to a lesser extent Whangerei shipping locally produced goods out. But Auckland ports are far more important as a nett importer to the local industries.
Natural monopoly companies like that invariably need a strong regulatory body. In this case the city that depends on it not ratcheting prices or demanding excessive privileges via economic blackmail to advantage their shareholders dividends and managers salaries. Business people have an excessively short-term perspective and would do long term harm seeking personal short term benefits. The city and the state have generational responsibilities and act like it.
It is exactly the same logic that causes the city and state to retain large ownership stakes in airports, rail, roads, electricity, and many other infrastructural assets.
For examples of why private ownership of this type of asset is a problem, you don’t have to look far past the massive increases in power costs since the early 90s at the same time as power usage and investment in capacity has effectively been diminishing. Effectively price gouging by shareholders has been forcing poorer energy choices. Similarly the silly and ill fated privatisation of the rail lines caused a massive downstream cost in maintenance for track because very little was done for more than a decade.
“But Auckland ports are far more important as a nett importer to the local industries.”
I don’t believe that’s true any more Lprent. Where a port is located isn’t really that relevant to importers, all they care about is the cost and efficiency. A few extra hours on a train isn’t going to hurt any schedules, goods are on the ship for a week or more. I’ve had shipments come from POAL and Tauranga and it didn’t matter a whit to me, cost was the same.
POAL is using land which is extremely valuable for other uses, at present it’s value one the books is low because of it’s council rating. The real value of that land, for tourist & other business uses, is way higher than its valued at so that’s a lost opportunity for Auck.
Freight also has to go through high traffic areas which greatly disrupts Auckland traffic and costs transport providers significant sums in lost time.
There’s a very strong economic argument to move a big chunk of the port activities out of Auck. You’re a jafa like me, imagine what Auck city would be like if we had the whole waterfront for public use.
Those are more reasons to move the port area outside of the centre of the city – not out of the harbour. But you are wrong about the logistics. Having the port close makes a hell of a difference to the industrial systems. We (in my MBA OR hat) are always extremely sensitive to delays because they cause significiant capital costs in terms of inventory and planning. Generally businesses with heavy equipment and materials will migrate to the shortest distances from the.
Having it at the junction of rail and road systems on the Auckland isthmus is a hell of difference as well. Moving those junctions will be ‘interesting’ and very very expensive. In Auckland it is damn hard to see where you could put them near a deep water area. It is pretty bad in Tauranga with the continuous dredging.
I seldom go downtown for any reason, and that isn’t likely to change much. It is pretty damn boring and usually a pain in the arse.
The likely result of moving the port away is just that private interests will use the space for commercial purposes – just as has happened on the other port areas here. It will add a massive extra cost to everyone using it for incoming, and businesses will tend to follow the port.
Most seafreight is packed in containers as LCL or FCL cargo. Importers usually get the container delivered direct if its FCL, if it’s LCL the container goes from the wharf to a logistics company where its unpacked, sorted and goods then trucked to the various consignees. Moving the port shouldn’t really change much of the logistics except where the containers are being picked up from.
Most seafreight passes Whangarei on the way to Auckland anyway so there shouldn’t be much of a delay if containers are railfreighted from there instead of shipped by truck from POAL.
It would, of course, require an efficient rail service and since Govts constantly meddle with our rail that ideal may just be a fantasy.
lprent
That should be a text in the textbooks or written in stone on tablets for pimply-faced young people and hoary old people too. A clear exposition of the important aspects that should be considered. Thanks – good to get some clear thinking on something important when the right opportunity presents itself. So much stuff we get every day is fuzzy without the logic.
And Skinny’s backgrounding is helpful too. But the different factors need to be combined and work as a region for the best outcomes. Perhaps there should be a Northern Region infrastructure group that encompasses Tauranga, Auckland and Whangarei sea and feed-transport to ports business.
Then make Auckland supercity smaller so its an effective unit not spread so wide. And more manageable, presumably.
Does that mean you support of oppose the proposal to increase the size of the port? If you do oppose it are you stating that you think there should be a restriction on how much business the Auckland Port should be able to do?
The large shipping lines are dictating to port companies globally with super sized container ships, which means dredging shallow harbours like Auckland.
Port of Tauranga are commencing a 50 million dollar dredging program after just signing a 10 year deal with one of the shipping lines.
It’s just a matter of moving their operation further North, they already own 50% of Marsden Point. A rail link to the port and an upgrade of the North Auckland line and their away.
Solves a number of issues like inner city housing, maybe a new stadium, even a logical place for a convention centre, and open space for the public.
Agreed completely. Use the freed up land to help resolve Auckland’s housing shortage. Of course people like Lprent might prefer to keep the Port in some sort of restricted state of economic activity.
“The Ports of Auckland is attempting to run a commercial enterprise to assist in the development of the economy of the wider Auckland region.”
You’re just full of crap Gosman. POAL is attempting to make more profit by taking what management think is a lowest cost option. Nothing more to it than that, it has no remit to assist in developing Auckland’s economy.
Extending wharves out a further 100mtrs is outrageous. That is a hell of an encroachment into what is already a narrow harbour. It sure as hell won’t ‘assist’ the economic development of a city that used to be labelled ‘City of Sails’ for a very good reason.
Do you want Auckland council to be heavily involved in inner city property development? That is quie a risky investment potentially. It could lead to billions of dollars in losses. If you are willing to take on that level of risk good luck. It would be embarrassing if the Auckland council went bust as a result though.
Yes, viewed through your tiny little fundamentalist keyhole it would be a risky thing to do, because they’d be operating as a profit-seeking commercial enterprise.
plus we need to resurrect rail – not just napier-gisborne, but what was intended damn near 100 yrs past (and when we got half way there (gisborne – tauranga; taupo – rotorua – tauranga in the north, and a few links in the south).
KJT
Don’t trucks pay on the kms counted up by their odometers? Is that not enough to pay for their share of the roading? I would be interested to know if you would be interested to advise.
It pays for about half of the costs of a truck using the main roads.
Then there is the costs of local roads, they use, which are paid by rates.
Then there are the indirect costs of carbon emissions, which we will have to pay under Kyoto, but the trucking industry does not pay.
I wonder how many of Nationals, bridges, are on log truck routes?
And how much road re-surfacing on highway 1. Nationals 750m? spending on Northland roads, would be necessary without the log trucks. Carrying logs past a railway line from Moerewa, going to Marsden point.
Trucking is one of the largest industry donations to the National party. They wouldn’t bother if they were not getting something from it.
Of course M.Rawshark.
Should have been done years ago . The sooner it is done the better for NZ ,However all must be State owned .Right-wingers would love to get there gruby hands on all our ports and docks.
Yep, all state owned with some mechanism to prevent them ever being sold without 90% support in a referendum or something. You and I can count the votes.
Someone below mentions 14m draft at Marsden Point. I thought it was actually more than that, but apparently the entrance is the problem rather than the berth. I just googled a bit and Marsden Point can handle 14.7m dynamical under keel clearance. Auckland is 10m and I hate to think of the effect on the Rangitoto Channel of dredging another 5m.
To me it’s simple. Bring the big stuff in to Marsden Pt, then put it on rail and smaller ships to other ports.
Not if the “hub” was Marsden point or Tauranga.
Marsden point is cheaper long term. (Already can take 14m draft and has a big swath of industrial land inland)..
Tauranga is limited unless you take off the end of Matakana Island and dredge extensively. And much of the available land is already in use.
The logistical problems of Auckland as an export port get worse the bigger Auckland city gets.
Good news. Wool growers private and Landcorp, have ‘stitched’ a deal with a Danish firm to use our wool in their indoor shoes/slippers.
New Zealand Merino’s Marketing Manager, Gretchen Foster, said the contract was worth around $1.5 million dollars to the growers, so it was a valuable new market for their wool.
“So the price is a good price, and it’s reflective of the fact that Glerups receive some certainty in terms of getting the quality that they need and also support from a marketing perspective.
“Prior to this deal, they used to source wool from auction.
We have been advised in the past, to find niche markets and by having quality and understanding and meeting the customer’s needs we differentiate ourselves and supply right and become part of the essential supply chain.
shame we are not making them here though — we are just not skilled at adding export value ! googled them .. they look just so comfy and easy to wear .. basically padded washed or beaten wool I think .. and in merino ? yummy sez my toezes 😀
NZ apparently pays people too much. Look at Icebreaker. Grows the merino here, ships it to China to make into clothes, ships the clothes back to NZ to be sold. Classic example of global market ideology trumping common sense.
Threat to outpatient’s wellbeing used to screw hospital kitchens workers:
outsourcing… plans to truck frozen meals on wheels from Auckland – prompted concern and criticism in the community. The plan to truck meals on wheels such a distance struck many people as unwise.
Asked about the public concern, Mr Butterfield was not convinced it was all that high…
”Unless staff can come up with a proposal that goes a long way towards meeting the gains that the Compass proposal does, it is likely that we will adopt the Compass proposal, but we’ve got to wait and see what staff come up with.”
That the board delayed the decision for a month, until May, to give staff representatives more time was evidence it had an open mind, he said.
”If we’d have had a closed mind, we’d have said `get stuffed, we told you to be in by a certain date and that’s it’, so I think that’s some evidence.”
Mr Butterfield said he did not want to ”debate” the merits of the proposal, and could not discuss issues such as Compass’ plan to subcontract the meals on wheels portion.
Theres plenty in the health sector that ryall setup to get stuck into, I’ve no idea who opposition health spokesperson is as they seem to have knocked off for the term.
@ tc – Annette King is the Labour health spokesperson for Health. And as far as I know, for the Greens it’s still Kevin Hague in the position. Not sure who NZ First Health spokesperson is.
FFS king was a joke as health minister, no reform and appointed hubby to a DHB.
That explains a lot about the lack of critique as AK has limited credibility having sat back in an era where labour threw money at a dysfunctional over managed area and did zero about sorting out its inefficiency.
Oh joy and if they have a problem. Then now it’s spread ALL over the country rather than just in one place. The first case of food poisoning will see that idea canned.
Excuse my, perhaps, extreme naivety, but since when were hospitals and the service they provide meant to generate profit? Compass ain’t doing this, either out of the goodness of their hearts, or for no return to their shareholders.
From Joe90’s links below at 4.4 which should be clicked on …in my humble opinion 😉
Compass, the world’s largest catering group, announced today it had agreed to pay to up to £40m to settle two lawsuits brought against it for allegedly bribing a UN official to win contracts worth millions of pounds to supply UN peacekeepers.
Then there’s the listeria (that whacks unwell people more) and the horse meat…
And what about that patient in bed 7 who requires a special diet? Fuck knows, the vagaries of dietary requirements get fucked up enough as it is, when the kitchen is located in the same building/complex.
“Excuse my, perhaps, extreme naivety, but since when were hospitals and the service they provide meant to generate profit?”
Sorry to answer a rhetorical question, but there is an answer to this. National in the early 90s reformed the health system precisely because they wanted hospitals to use a business model. They started by sacking the democratically elected Area Health Boards and replacing them with appointees and then continued for a decade to systematically make core changes to how the health system was run. This included replacing clinically experienced managers with managers out of business school backgrounds (hence the high CEO salaries now).
(Someone with a longer direct memory than me can comment on how well Rogernomics set that up in the 80s).
Health costs in leading OECD countries were always going to rise (due to increases in tech costs and increases in chronic health and poverty related illness), so the neoliberals had the ideal justification. But they basically monkey wrenched it badly enough that it’s hard to see now how it can be fixed. Too much time has passed and it’s embedded in the culture. There will now be whole generations of people working within the health system who don’t know any different.
@Pasupial
I read your comment and found an Alice feeling coming on. The Southern District Health Board is I think in one of those time loops that seemed to operate at The Tea Party in the Alices Adventures in Wonderland book. I imagine the Board sitting round the table cogitating –
The March Hare [Board Chair] took the watch and looked at it gloomily: then he dipped it into his cup of tea, and looked at it again: but he could think of nothing better to say than his first remark, ‘It was the best butter, you know.’
Alice [the bemused Otago and Southern Public] had been looking over his shoulder with some curiosity. ‘What a funny watch!’ she remarked. ‘It tells the day of the month, and doesn’t tell what o’clock it is!’
Says if people wanted change to happen in Northland they needed to vote for National!
Doesn’t this dork know that Northland HAS VOTED National for the last seventy or so YEARS and has been left to languish as one of the MOST neglected regions in the country? Who is English trying to fool this time? You?
He’s a total idiot. They need to upgrade the bridges because NAct has allowed bigger trucks on the roads? Well then, cut them back from 54 to 20 tons and the problem is solved.
Which begs the answer CLEMGEOPIN ,why the hell do these plonkers vote National or worse ACT ? / I have pondered on this for years ,the only conclusion I have is that some people just love to suffer .
A sad story about a forestry company failure. Up to 1200 forestry workers may be out of a job with at least one owed much money. What is particularly sad is that the Ngati Hine people had much hope invested in a business they are running and were in conjunction with HarvestPro as an experienced company. If Harvest Pro is in trouble this will upset their carefully planned enterprise.
Harvest Pro has a USA connection and was entering into arrangements with Japan and is connected with GenPack which is making bio degradable food containers and green products. Also there is another name Kiwi Forestry International Ltd. referred to. I haven’t found anything more about him.
But the Chinese growth has slowed, inevitably, and it seems that has big consequences to requirements in the world for raw materials. No doubt the price for wood has fallen and this may have affected things here.
Nick Smith got some legislation passed protecting contractors pay didn’t he. Does somebody know if it has any relevance for these forestry workers out of pocket here?
It upsets me that workers wages are effectively being used as a line of credit by firms in strife and for being sterling people holding a company together as their reward they are kicked in the butt.
I personally know at least 20 people employed by Harvest Pro. My heart is heavy for them. On a daily basis I see what not having a real job does to people in the North (as everywhere of course). And their partners, their kids – their totality indeed. Hopefully an existing Kaikohe based contractor (an excellent employer its principals good people) can expand its base and have the Harvest Pro employees assured of work.
Heard Chris Wikaira on RNZ The Panel today discussing what apparently occurred when the receiver swooped on Harvest Pro – men arriving at work in the bush 30 kilometres from town in Harvest Pro vehicles obviously – vehicles seized – no concern for how these men were going to get back to town.
If that IS true, a curse on you receiver for General Finance. Receiver’s duties did not require that. If it’s NOT, sorry receiver. Curse withdrawn.
Bill Searle, Police District Connander for Waitamata, and Scott Webb, Area Commander for Waitakere, should be fired for the Ghost Buster scandal.
They have been in their roles throughout the negligent enquiry. They have given public reassurances that a genuine enquiry was ongoing when that was blatantly not the case.
They were aware that a copper’s son was one of the suspects. That alone should have required them to keep a close eye on the investigation.
They have failed miserably in their jobs and are not fit to continue in their roles.
I’m a big supporter of the police, I believe most of the people who join up do so to make a difference
The policing situation in NZ has improved over the last few decades and while more needs to be done there are still areas where the police need to improve
I’d like to see a full on royal comission of enquiry to see what went wrong, why it went wrong, how to improve for the future and to see whose heads need (must) roll for this
You can frame an intelligent reason why police are required in a society, but if you lead a comment with “I’m a big supporter of the police” then it makes me think that you are cheerleading for a team rather than an accountable institution.
In the last few years, we have had many incidents where the police have been identified as contributing to a situation or – as in the Roastbuster’s case – being fairly incompetent. And yet no one accepts responsibility.
Seems like their processes are not up to scratch.
I think the culture of the police was diminished when they encouraged a lot of the older, wiser heads to perf(?) out in the 1980’s. The balance of experience in training was lost, and those who join the police with a sense of purpose and service experience a different culture now because of that.
I live in a well-heeled suburb at the moment. A break in to a fairly unsecured home next door that resulted in the theft of a television resulted in a home visit for me from the police, taking witness statements and advising me on home security. Another friend, who lives in another part of Auckland experienced an attack on her house, with stones breaking through windows. Although they called the police while the vandals were still on site, they were advised that it was likely to be kids or gang recruits and that they would be gone by the time the police got there. Of course they were. The police never visited.
This lack of accountability, inconsistency and lack of transparency does affect the connection the police have with the public. Both to the detriment of the public, the effectiveness of police work and the mental health of the police themselves.
If you truly supported the police, you would support an environment of accountability, integrity and a culture that ensures they are given enough support and training that they treat everyone the same. A Royal Commission of Enquiry often is framed very narrowly and results in little cultural change.
You can frame an intelligent reason why police are required in a society, but if you lead a comment with “I’m a big supporter of the police” then it makes me think that you are cheerleading for a team rather than an accountable institution.
I do support the team, I support the people but i’m not blind to the point changes and improvements can be made
I have relatives in the police, and have watched their personalities change over the years as they have worked. I don’t know how you address that, but from observation police (particularly in higher crime areas) seem to start dividing the world into criminals – and non-criminals. This can then develop into an “us” and “them” mentality.
I don’t know how this process could be interrupted, so that their initial impulse of service to the community can be retained all the way through their careers.
I can only think of the connection some community police had with their locals, and perhaps suggest that a rotational system that takes police from investigative work to positive peer involvement in community work would be at least a start. Then their loyalty is not concentrated on the police only, it is divided between the police community and the locals they have got to know on an equal basis.
The important thing to remember the “us” and “them” mentality is not just confined to “criminals – and non criminals”. It also applies to political, social and environmental issues.
We had the case of the “animal rights” movement being subjected to harassment and intimidation on and off for years. It may well still be happening. Both political as well as environmental activists have been targeted by police for decades, and I see no real changes occurring in that area either. In short, the police have both current as well as historical issues of which they would not want the public to become aware.
Yes, there are good cops who do excellent work among their respective communities and they should receive more publicity and accolades than most of them do. But the overall emphasis is one of arrogant authority with, in some cases, psychopathic tendencies thrown in. Without going into the detail of why it happened – except to say it was not to do with any unlawful activity on my part – a few years back I was harrassed by a cop in a police car on an Auckland motorway. For a couple of terrifying minutes I thought there would be an accident. He eventually passed me at break-neck speed (120+kmh) and there was no siren and/or lights flashing throughout the ordeal. I was unable to get his registration number because of the excessive speed as he departed. It was blatant intimidation and they were quite wrong in their assumption anyway. The cop knew who I was, and must have been discreetly following me prior to the incident.
“The important thing to remember the “us” and “them” mentality is not just confined to “criminals – and non criminals”. It also applies to political, social and environmental issues.”
Yep, would be awesome if the Police sorted out all the electoral breach cases that they have stacked up…
“The important thing to remember the “us” and “them” mentality is not just confined to “criminals – and non criminals”. It also applies to political, social and environmental issues. “
Agree. I think over time, there is a sequence where it moves from “criminals” to include “possible criminals” to “everyone other than the police or personal contacts”.
I know that when at protests, and trying to make eye contact or conversation with the police, I don’t feel that they are viewing me as part of the community they are there to serve. My feeling in that instance is that I have already been cast in the role of “the other”.
…when at protests, and trying to make eye contact or conversation with the police, I don’t feel that they are viewing me as part of the community they are there to serve. My feeling in that instance is that I have already been cast in the role of “the other”.
That used to happen to me. I don’t go on many protests now partly because of it, but also I’m getting too old in the tooth.
I well remember the last game of the 1981 Springbok Tour at Eden Park. Setting aside the excessively violent Red Squad, some of the protesters were giving the ordinary cops a hard time. I saw a group of very young cops covered from head to toe in flour (which I have to add looked very funny) and I tried to commiserate with them and let them know that most of us are decent, well behaved people. You should have seen the looks on their faces. They regarded me as a leper who was trying to infect them. It shocked me they were already so immured in the ‘protesters are vermin’ culture, they couldn’t see the truth which was in front of their eyes.
One different response was on one of the documentaries on Bastion Point. Unfortunately, can’t remember which one.
I have a vivid recollection of a image of the police being taken, and there is a look of shame on some of the officers’ faces.
It would be both interesting and enlightening to have the recollections of some of those police officers who were there on the day, and who enacted the removal of the protestors, if that truly was discomfort and shame of their actions on the day.
In that instance Molly I wouldn’t be surprised if you are right. Quite a lot of police officers have Maori ancestry and it must have been an embarrassment to be treating some off their own kith and kin in such a way. Others would have grown up with Maori school mates and lasting friendships and they would have felt pretty bad too.
Hardly an incident?? They didn’t respond in any way other than to give me ‘unfriendly’ looks for my effort. As far as I’m aware there’s no law against “unfriendly stares”.
However it did teach me to understand that the police culture at the time was to consider all protesters – regardless of who they were – as the enemy.
Molly
I share your feelings that the police get their minds clouded after too long working in negative situations with people dragging along at the bottom of society. Your suggestion below is a good one. I can only think of the connection some community police had with their locals, and perhaps suggest that a rotational system that takes police from investigative work to positive peer involvement in community work would be at least a start.
Ngati poaka weren’t much cop in the 70s either, well before PERFing. It is not a problem of experienced guys retiring. The experienced guys were often the worst.
(The nostalgic view I had pre 80’s might be due to my single digit age at that time, and when my contact with the police was colouring in those handouts they gave when visiting the school and patting their police dogs on those same visits.) 😉
“The policing situation in NZ has improved over the last few decades and while more needs to be done there are still areas where the police need to improve”
‘But I formed the view we need to spend money on a Royal Commission without even reading the ICPA report on the Roast Busters investigations.’
I’d like to see a full on royal comission of enquiry to see what went wrong,
We keep having those into the actions of the police and nothing changes – they still act like arrogant, sexist, bigoted arseholes who think that they’re above the law.
I’m not the biggest fan of Grant Robertson, but he was effective in representing the student body as OUSA president back in the day. The current filler of that role makes me embarrassed to be an alumnus of the university:
OUSA quit the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations last year, but agreed to pay this year’s $45,000 membership fee, as was required by the national body’s constitution.
However, OUSA president Paul Hunt this week announced the association’s intention to reallocate the $22,500 second instalment to ”projects that have greater benefits to Otago students”.
Let’s then compare the activities of the NZUSA vs the OUSA on the Otago campus and decide whose actions; “have greater benefits to Otago students”:
Under the Education Amendment Act, which came into force last month, the size of university councils is decreased from 12 to 20 members to eight to 12 members and mandatory staff, student and union membership of councils is removed.
About 50 people joined New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations president Rory McCourt and Tertiary Education Union national president Sandra Grey in protesting the changes and pushing for student and staff representation…
Otago University Students’ Association president Paul Hunt said the association could not join the rally as it was busy organising the Hyde St Keg Party.
Hi puckish, the royal commission just for this case?
How about Peter Ellis first.
The same culture got peter Ellis banged up as kept the roastbuster predators free from consequences.
I could also add Louise Nicholas, and Nicky Hager to that list.
and please, I want to see Scott Watson freed .. imprisoned with so much evidence ignored by Police. Bigger rort than how they screwed Arthur Allan Thomas, and that is really saying something.
One of the more annoying things about capitalism is the huge wasted potential of R and D around using materials that break down (hemp ffs). So much of out pollution is unnecessary now but the market won’t prioritise this until it’s too late.
‘If it can’t be broken down via biological process or recycled then it needs to be banned.’
Couldn’t agree more , capitalism could be used for good things if a government passed a law saying all packaging was to be biodegradable within 5 years the entrepreneurs of the world would be into finding solutions straight away.
Just require stuff to be made in the same region as it is used. Then you won’t need complex packaging designed to safeguard products on a global journey through a 2 or 3 month supply chain.
It is regulation that helps push innovation. Make it so that all new build houses have to meet Passive House standards and a hell of a lot of R&D would be released to make it so. Leaving the standards low as we do ATM means that innovation in house building remains low.
It’s the exact opposite of what the free-market ideology holds to be true. Put in the correct standards and regulations and people will be forced to meet then or go out of business.
The regulation around packaging and products should be that it is either biodegradable or recyclable and that the proper processes are in place to ensure that either of those two things happen.
Marx’s ideas about art began to take shape in his 1844 Economic and philosophic manuscripts. But they also recur and are developed further in his later writings, including Capital. We live in an age when artistic decadence has reached its nadir, whereby art as a commodity is the only thing that matters; be that the art of the old masters or today’s anti-art. In other words, it is time Marx’s ideas were re-examined.
Full at: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/marx-and-art/
Michael Barnett (Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce)
Helen Kelly (President of the CTU)
Victoria Crone (Managing Director, Xero)
Prof Tim Bentley (Director, AUT Future of Work Programme)
Sue Ryall (Manager, Centre for Labour, Employment and Work, Victoria University)
John Blakey (Chief Executive, Competenz ITO)
Matthew Tukaki (Chief Executive of EntreHub)
Linc Gasking (Founder and Chief Executive of 8i)
Two further members will be added to the group in the coming weeks, including one with experience and knowledge of Pasifika communities.
The group will meet on a monthly basis, using video and teleconferencing.
“The Future of Work Commission will focus on five work streams: technology, security of work and income, education and training, Maori and Pasifika, and economic development and sustainability.
The next step for the Commission is the drafting of discussion papers for each stream that will be part of a nationwide consultation process beginning in May,” Grant Robertson says.
An enquiry in the work place needs actual workers involved. Only Helen Kelly can claim to be a representative of workers. Perhaps Sue Ryall can also, to a limited extent. No line workers!! Why?
The make-up of this panel suggests that the right-wingers like Nash and Robertson are running the show.
The Government’s 2014 Budget tariff removal bribe was nothing more than a gift to property developers, according to its own officials, Labour Leader Andrew Little says.
“Advice to ministers from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment last November – and only recently released publicly – states that any savings from the dumping of tariffs and duties on building supplies are “likely to be captured by developers rather than passed on to consumers”.
“This shows National’s Budget centrepiece was simply more smoke and mirrors, and will do nothing to help Kiwi families own their own home.
Because Brazier physically assaults women so he doesn’t have the guts to fight someone that can fight back yet hes commenting on Cameron Slater getting in the ring
Cameron Slater knows full well he’ll lose against Jessie Ryder yet hes still doing it whereas Brazier would rather beat up someone smaller and weaker
why does the slug know full well he will lose?He rants on about cowards,surrender monkeys ,macho hunting pursuits ,guns and ‘man cards’….don’t tell me ,he is just a big girls blouse !
I thought there was a race on to win the co leader’s position in the Greens? May I ask where the posts are from TS authors opining on this topic, in what is shaping as a crucial decision for the future prospects of a centre left government in NZ? Red/green, blue/green or green/green?
I have a post going up shortly* in which I exclusively reveal the shock internal polling that strongly suggests that the next male co-leader of the Greens will be …. drum roll …. Winston Peters.
As a Labour party member who got a bit irritated by Green members waxing lyrical about our own leadership contest, I’m making a conscious decision not to post on it. My opinions about which way the Green Party “should” go aren’t really relevant (and probably not very well-informed).
There are Green-affiliated authors who may post on the topic, and as tracey suggested you could always submit a guest post about it.
On the left we often notice former leftwingers who pass over to the right, but there is a trail of people who were very right-wing who have critically reflected. I guess the standout in NZ in recent years is Ross Meurant. Red Squad leader during the 81 tour, National MP and then founder of the shortlived ROC (Right of Centre) Party and ended up saying that the Urewera raids and arrests were wrong and a result of police paranoia and becoming quite a critic of police practice.
There are a few people who used to be supporters of neo-liberalism in the 80s and 90s who changed their minds too.
Last year Whitlam – this year Fraser. The end of an era. It is said that although Whitlam was incensed at Fraser’s part in his sacking, they became good friends post politics. In some ways his path has been a bit like Winston’s here – right wing when the argument was about differing conceptions of the public good, not so right wing when US dominance and neo-liberal economics politically sidelined the public good.
From: Julie Bevan
Sent: Monday, 16 March 2015 5:02 p.m.
To: GRP AC Resource Consenting – All Resource Consenting
Subject: Information about kauri tree issue last week
Dear all
Most of you will have seen or read the media coverage on the issue of the kauri tree at Paturoa Rd in Titirangi last week, in which the decision to give consent to fell the tree to clear a building platform was hotly debated. As always, a lot of context and accurate information was missing. Here’s a summary of what happened:
Two resource consents were granted by Independent Commissioners for the construction of two houses on adjoining sites in Titirangi. The sites are bush-clad and are zoned Bush Living – which is a residential zoning in the Waitakere section of the District Plan. It is also a Significant Ecological Area under the Unitary Plan and the removal of vegetation and trees for an access way and building platform is provided for within this overlay.
When the consent application involving the section with the kauri tree was processed, the council had communication with the local board and received the opinion of two separate arborists, ecologists, a landscape architect and an engineer. The applicant contacted iwi. Careful consideration was given to a range of options for locating the building platform that would cause the least impact on the bush, and ensuring the shortest driveway to minimise effects, etc.
The final proposal placed the house close to the road, leaving a large area of trees and bush undisturbed at the rear of the section, allowing a “green corridor”along the rear of a number of properties which preserved the habitat of birds and fauna. However, that did mean that a kauri tree closer to the front of the section would need to be cut down. This kauri tree is estimated by several arborists to be approximately 150-200 years old. There is no evidence to support the claim that the tree is 500 years old. There was a thorough assessment of options to retain the tree, but it has a lean on it and if it was left, it would be susceptible to wind effects, and would be so close to the house it would be considered hazardous.
There are two larger kauri trees at the road berm which will be retained, as well as other trees at the rear of the section, including an old Puriri tree.
After having considered all options, council presented its recommendation to an independent commissioner for a decision. The independent commissioner agreed with the council recommendation and the consent was granted subject to strict conditions around construction, including intensive monitoring during the building process.
Another story appeared suggesting that a council staff member presented a report with a different recommendation – the reality is that an initial report, based on limited information presented by the applicant, did have a different recommendation. However, when our landscape architect assessed the comprehensive information given during the consenting process, the recommendation was changed. This recommendation was confirmed by the commissioner.
On Thursday last week, the Auckland Development Committee debated the issue and decided to have an independent review of the process. They wanted to make very clear this was not a revisitation of the decision, but rather a review of the communication process with iwi and Local Boards. The Mayor Len Brown, the Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, our COO Dean Kimpton and various councillors explicitly expressed their support of staff and acknowledged that balancing issues of development and environment is frequently challenging.
I would also like to express my support of staff at the Western office, especially our arborist Natalie Marsden, team leaders Matthew Wright and Lee ah Ken, business coordinator Michelle Tomkins and the unit manager David Oakhill. David has spent long hours last week in meetings, media briefings and councillor sessions discussing this consent. He has remained clear, calm and resilient in the face of significant pressure.
Our work often involves challenges and situations where there are differences of view and position. Our role is to carefully work through the relevant plans, processes and procedures in a professional and ethical way.
I thank you all for doing your job and for doing it well.
We will keep you informed as the review gets underway and I know if asked you will assist in any way.
” The applicant contacted iwi. ” (claims the developers and Auckland Council).
“We consulted with the local board and iwi and the final decision to grant the application was made by independent commissioners and we are very aware of the challenging aspects of the decision,” says Mr Kimpton.”
FIFY
And can they release the result of that consultation from the perspective of the Iwi? I wonder why that wasn’t leaked to Slater Old Mickey. Perhaps you could ask him at his site.
And while the InternetMana fiasco still has some left defenders, here’s an amusing little song from the time, to be sung to the tune of the Kinks’ ‘Lola’: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/laila/
Maybe this time it will be concluded for David Bain but Mr Callinan will have to be very prepared to be attacked by those MPs who will disagree with his findings!
“David Bain: Retired judge to head compensation claim
A senior retired Australian judge will head the inquiry into David Bain’s compensation claim – and will report back within six months on whether he believes Mr Bain has proven his innocence.
Hon Ian Callinan AC QC, a former Justice of the High Court of Australia, has been appointed to the crucial position, Justice Minister Amy Adams announced.
He will conduct a fresh inquiry into Mr Bain’s claim for compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment.
I am not convinced of Bain’s innocence, but this is getting a bit silly. What happens if the government gets a report it doesnt like? Does it try someone else? and someone else?
Looking at a Nelson Council newsletter and in an aricle about the library somethings about faciiites. One says that thre is a Community Corner for groups ‘to meet with the passing public’ (groups must be non-profit, non-political).
Is that reasonable in a democracy. What are they afraid of. They could say that groups, must respect the library quiet atmosphere, and behaviour. But why non political. Is this an indication of how lacking in awareness we are of our need to discuss and refresh our political culture?
How supine and scared we are of any discussion that might seem to get the boat rocking? It seems unhealthy that a public library is scared of any political talk. What are they afraid of, that people might not act in a well-bred manner even though they are well-read?
Beyond me but I’ve never voted for them .
The fact there support parties can only muster 1% between them in my view means once the slide starts the one legged national tower will topple 20% in 2017 for them.
Those results made me think the greens should approach Hone Harawera they have a fear bit in common
1000 people kept a secret for over 3 months and then… Key ordered an instant investigation of where the leak came from, opening up the PM’s office for the first scrutiny…
National admits spending $70m on by-election whim. Transport Minister Simon Bridges has admitted he didn’t ask for or receive ANY advice from his transport officials on 10 Northland bridges before committing $70 million to their upgrading as part of the Northland by-election campaign.
Written Question 02053 (2015):
What were the dates and titles of all reports or briefings, if any, that he or his predecessor received on the double-laning of ten bridges in Northland as announced on March 9 2015?
Portfolio: Transport Minister: Hon Simon Bridges
Date Lodged: 11/03/2015
—————————
Answer Text:
I have not requested or received any specific reports, from the Ministry of Transport or the NZ Transport Agency, on the double-laning of ten bridges in Northland.
—————————-
This is GROSS negligence, incompetence and blatant corruption. He can not be allowed to continue to remain in a position of responsibility to make decisions involving government money. Bridges need to resign or be sacked or be hauled before the parliament privileges committee asap.
No, I am not against the bridges, but Bridges. Against the corrupt stupid way that Bridges made the announcement on a whim purely as a by-election bribe without doing any due diligence, case study, financial reports, planning or expert advice. THAT is the highly irresponsible dodgy bit that he has indulged in for which he needs the immediate sacking.
I wasn’t suggesting you were against them, I was just chucking the idea out there that it will be hard to get the headline reading masses to understand how dodgy bridges/national s behaviour is with out it being twisted into labour or greens are against them.
Feel free to sign the petition below I initiated on the change.org website (see the link below). It is in the form of a people’s apology to several Asian and Pacific Island governments for the GCSB spying on them.
Cheers, Keith Locke
Done. And sent the link to a few other people I know. Thanks for the link.
This is what the petition says:
NOT IN OUR NAME spying petition. Please sign this petition to demonstrate that many New Zealanders are opposed to the Government Communications Security Bureau’s illegal spying on the communications of friendly governments in Asia and the Pacific. According to recent revelations from the Edward Snowden documents the GCSB is intercepting the phone calls, texts and emails of many nations, including Japan, India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu and French Polynesia. This spying is illegal, contravening the Vienna convention which prohibits the interception of diplomatic communications. It is also an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of both the governments and people of friendly nations in the Asia/Pacific. It is clear from the US National Security Agency documents, now made public, that the GCSB’s Waihopai spy station is engaged in a “full-take” collection of the phone and email communications passing through the targeted Pacific satellites. This information is then passed on in bulk to the NSA. Such GCSB spying is both objectionable and not in the political or economic interests of New Zealand. It seriously erodes New Zealand’s reputation as a peaceful, independent nation. We will communicate the results of this petitioning to the Asian and Pacific governments mentioned above.
—————–
Letter to
the governments of Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Pacific Island nations
We ask that you accept this apology from concerned New Zealanders for our government’s illegal spying on your nations’ electronic communications. It was done without our knowledge and damages friendly relations between our countries.
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The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 25 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Lecturer – Creative Industries, University of South Australia Shutterstock Everyone has a favourite band, or a favourite composer, or a favourite song. There is some music which speaks to you, deeply; and other music which might be the current ...
A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
Read an article on theautomaticearth.com today that mentioned the severe criticism by the European Central Bank of Greece €200 million poverty alleviation legislation. These same banksters made the criticism from the comfort of their newly opened €1.3 billion building in Stuttgart. Meanwhile outside thousands of protesters clashed with police protecting the well healed. This should be a Marie Antoinette moment, but no. It has been cancelled in the minutae, the dross of the little stuff that we bicker over.
A link would be helpful.
http://rt.com/news/241897-frankfurt-protest-police-bank/
http://rt.com/news/241741-frankfurt-germany-ecb-protest/
http://rt.com/business/232887-greece-eu-talks-break/
None of those links mention anything about Greece’s €200 million poverty alleviation legislation.
http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/greek-parliament-passes-anti-austerity-bill-313045
http://www.theautomaticearth.com/2015/03/its-what-jesus-would-do-right/
“There is little time among Greeks for the troika of the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF, which ordinary Greeks blame for their dire economic situation.
In order to replace the bailout, which was agreed on three years ago, Greece wants a “bridging agreement” worth 21 billion euros, which would allow the new government time to implement radical economic reforms.
Greece is also asking the eurozone to give it treasury bills guaranteed by the European Central Bank (ECB) as well as requesting the freeing up of bonds currently used as bank guarantees in the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund to be used for public financing.”
http://rt.com/business/232887-greece-eu-talks-break/
The Greeks are living in cloud cookoo land. The Germans are rapidly losing patience with them.
The Greece government has already told the German people that Germany should not loan more money to a bankrupt, insolvent country. And unsurprisingly, the German people agree.
+100 … It is great that the German people are supporting the Greeks…this could be very significant and the beginning of a pan European fight back against the banksters
“Blockupy is an anti-capitalist alliance of leftist groups, who gather to attract attention to ECB policies which, they say, have favored the rich over the poor, the banks over the people, the creditor class over debtors. They call the current situation across the EU “the European crisis regime.”
“Our protest is against the ECB, as a member of the troika that, despite the fact that it is not democratically elected, hinders the work of the Greek government. We want the austerity politics to end,” Reuters quoted Ulrich Wilken, one of the organizers, as saying.”
http://rt.com/news/241741-frankfurt-germany-ecb-protest/
Amazing.
The Herald leads with actual news.
Stop stealing our harbour.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11420118
Maybe they could add ‘and our country.’
That and skycity non story just in case the name suppression is lifted.
The headline should read ‘we are stealing your harbour’ as granny assists NACT in its sell off of nz and Dirty Politics tactics on central and local issues before we look at the soapboxes Hide etc get.
The Ports of Auckland is attempting to run a commercial enterprise to assist in the development of the economy of the wider Auckland region. If you don’t think they should be running a business in the heart of auckland then it would be best if they sold off the land and moved to a location where they will be less disruptive to others.
Yes I like what ya mate Hooton has been advocating, which is the deep water port of Marsden Point rather than spoiling the benefits of opening up the Auckland harbour.
It is surprising Team Key hasn’t already rolled the pork barrel into the harbour debate so to speak and floated this policy. Snake oil Joyce is a mug not too as it would be very popular with Northland & Auckland voters, may even give the rightwing Mayoral candidate a big leap in fortunes.
On another note, I would be very surprised if Hooton heads dirty Lenny’s campaign, Matthew is use to plugging for succesful winners like the ACT Party.
Auckland would probably be better off if it sold off the assets of the POA company and used the money to help fund transport infrastructure (which may include better rail connections).
Currently it has the worst of both world. It is lumbered with a commercial enterprise that it has many people demanding restict attempts to operate within Auckland. It is kind of like the Government owning a coal mining company when people argue we shouldn’t be mining coal.
Typical Nat short-term thinker. The point about the Auckland port company is that operates within a city and is intimately tied to the local economy as effectively a monopoly provider of the bulk goods required to power chunks of the local economy.
There is often an argument that PoA has competition, which it partially does. However that is almost entirely for shipping goods out of the country, which has Tauranga and to a lesser extent Whangerei shipping locally produced goods out. But Auckland ports are far more important as a nett importer to the local industries.
Natural monopoly companies like that invariably need a strong regulatory body. In this case the city that depends on it not ratcheting prices or demanding excessive privileges via economic blackmail to advantage their shareholders dividends and managers salaries. Business people have an excessively short-term perspective and would do long term harm seeking personal short term benefits. The city and the state have generational responsibilities and act like it.
It is exactly the same logic that causes the city and state to retain large ownership stakes in airports, rail, roads, electricity, and many other infrastructural assets.
For examples of why private ownership of this type of asset is a problem, you don’t have to look far past the massive increases in power costs since the early 90s at the same time as power usage and investment in capacity has effectively been diminishing. Effectively price gouging by shareholders has been forcing poorer energy choices. Similarly the silly and ill fated privatisation of the rail lines caused a massive downstream cost in maintenance for track because very little was done for more than a decade.
“But Auckland ports are far more important as a nett importer to the local industries.”
I don’t believe that’s true any more Lprent. Where a port is located isn’t really that relevant to importers, all they care about is the cost and efficiency. A few extra hours on a train isn’t going to hurt any schedules, goods are on the ship for a week or more. I’ve had shipments come from POAL and Tauranga and it didn’t matter a whit to me, cost was the same.
POAL is using land which is extremely valuable for other uses, at present it’s value one the books is low because of it’s council rating. The real value of that land, for tourist & other business uses, is way higher than its valued at so that’s a lost opportunity for Auck.
Freight also has to go through high traffic areas which greatly disrupts Auckland traffic and costs transport providers significant sums in lost time.
There’s a very strong economic argument to move a big chunk of the port activities out of Auck. You’re a jafa like me, imagine what Auck city would be like if we had the whole waterfront for public use.
Those are more reasons to move the port area outside of the centre of the city – not out of the harbour. But you are wrong about the logistics. Having the port close makes a hell of a difference to the industrial systems. We (in my MBA OR hat) are always extremely sensitive to delays because they cause significiant capital costs in terms of inventory and planning. Generally businesses with heavy equipment and materials will migrate to the shortest distances from the.
Having it at the junction of rail and road systems on the Auckland isthmus is a hell of difference as well. Moving those junctions will be ‘interesting’ and very very expensive. In Auckland it is damn hard to see where you could put them near a deep water area. It is pretty bad in Tauranga with the continuous dredging.
I seldom go downtown for any reason, and that isn’t likely to change much. It is pretty damn boring and usually a pain in the arse.
The likely result of moving the port away is just that private interests will use the space for commercial purposes – just as has happened on the other port areas here. It will add a massive extra cost to everyone using it for incoming, and businesses will tend to follow the port.
Maybe but I’m not so sure about that.
Most seafreight is packed in containers as LCL or FCL cargo. Importers usually get the container delivered direct if its FCL, if it’s LCL the container goes from the wharf to a logistics company where its unpacked, sorted and goods then trucked to the various consignees. Moving the port shouldn’t really change much of the logistics except where the containers are being picked up from.
Most seafreight passes Whangarei on the way to Auckland anyway so there shouldn’t be much of a delay if containers are railfreighted from there instead of shipped by truck from POAL.
It would, of course, require an efficient rail service and since Govts constantly meddle with our rail that ideal may just be a fantasy.
lprent
That should be a text in the textbooks or written in stone on tablets for pimply-faced young people and hoary old people too. A clear exposition of the important aspects that should be considered. Thanks – good to get some clear thinking on something important when the right opportunity presents itself. So much stuff we get every day is fuzzy without the logic.
And Skinny’s backgrounding is helpful too. But the different factors need to be combined and work as a region for the best outcomes. Perhaps there should be a Northern Region infrastructure group that encompasses Tauranga, Auckland and Whangarei sea and feed-transport to ports business.
Then make Auckland supercity smaller so its an effective unit not spread so wide. And more manageable, presumably.
This I see from the Ramtops!
Does that mean you support of oppose the proposal to increase the size of the port? If you do oppose it are you stating that you think there should be a restriction on how much business the Auckland Port should be able to do?
The large shipping lines are dictating to port companies globally with super sized container ships, which means dredging shallow harbours like Auckland.
Port of Tauranga are commencing a 50 million dollar dredging program after just signing a 10 year deal with one of the shipping lines.
It’s just a matter of moving their operation further North, they already own 50% of Marsden Point. A rail link to the port and an upgrade of the North Auckland line and their away.
Solves a number of issues like inner city housing, maybe a new stadium, even a logical place for a convention centre, and open space for the public.
Agreed completely. Use the freed up land to help resolve Auckland’s housing shortage. Of course people like Lprent might prefer to keep the Port in some sort of restricted state of economic activity.
“The Ports of Auckland is attempting to run a commercial enterprise to assist in the development of the economy of the wider Auckland region.”
You’re just full of crap Gosman. POAL is attempting to make more profit by taking what management think is a lowest cost option. Nothing more to it than that, it has no remit to assist in developing Auckland’s economy.
Extending wharves out a further 100mtrs is outrageous. That is a hell of an encroachment into what is already a narrow harbour. It sure as hell won’t ‘assist’ the economic development of a city that used to be labelled ‘City of Sails’ for a very good reason.
NZ has too many Ports… they keeping under cutting each other to get a relatively fixed pool of clients…
Would you agree it would be a good idea if POAL shut down and sold the land off to be developed for housing then?
I don’t care what they do with it as long as it remains publicly owned.
Do you want Auckland council to be heavily involved in inner city property development? That is quie a risky investment potentially. It could lead to billions of dollars in losses. If you are willing to take on that level of risk good luck. It would be embarrassing if the Auckland council went bust as a result though.
Yes, viewed through your tiny little fundamentalist keyhole it would be a risky thing to do, because they’d be operating as a profit-seeking commercial enterprise.
Dumb idea.
NZ has too many Ports… they keeping under cutting each other to get a relatively fixed pool of clients…
I would say we do not have enough, but we need to develop them as feeder ports for smaller coastal ships. Gisborne-Napier for example.
The fake competition between ports is probably just going to lose us the hub port to Australia, to the detriment of NZ as a whole..
We have too many all trying to be “hub” ports.
The big conference shipping companies are constantly playing one off against the other, as you say, which only benefits them.
Auckland waterfront could be developed as a feeder port for cargo in and out of the Auckland region only, Freeing up valuable public space.
Marsden point not only has the land for container yards, at present, but has the room and draft for larger ships.
Of course, some just have their eye on making a profit out of selling it off, port land, for development.
It is a strong argument for ports, like rail and roads, to be run as public infrastructure.
Imagine if we said we should sell off the roads for development, because they are worth more as sections, than as roads.
Having said that, the main use of space at POAL at present appears to be new cars, not containers.
plus we need to resurrect rail – not just napier-gisborne, but what was intended damn near 100 yrs past (and when we got half way there (gisborne – tauranga; taupo – rotorua – tauranga in the north, and a few links in the south).
If trucks had to pay their full costs it would happen naturally.
That would be the good capitalist solution…………..
KJT
Don’t trucks pay on the kms counted up by their odometers? Is that not enough to pay for their share of the roading? I would be interested to know if you would be interested to advise.
It pays for about half of the costs of a truck using the main roads.
Then there is the costs of local roads, they use, which are paid by rates.
Then there are the indirect costs of carbon emissions, which we will have to pay under Kyoto, but the trucking industry does not pay.
I wonder how many of Nationals, bridges, are on log truck routes?
And how much road re-surfacing on highway 1. Nationals 750m? spending on Northland roads, would be necessary without the log trucks. Carrying logs past a railway line from Moerewa, going to Marsden point.
Trucking is one of the largest industry donations to the National party. They wouldn’t bother if they were not getting something from it.
We need to bring back coastal shipping and rail. This would expand the pool of clients and help a huge amount with road maintenance.
Of course M.Rawshark.
Should have been done years ago . The sooner it is done the better for NZ ,However all must be State owned .Right-wingers would love to get there gruby hands on all our ports and docks.
Yep, all state owned with some mechanism to prevent them ever being sold without 90% support in a referendum or something. You and I can count the votes.
Someone below mentions 14m draft at Marsden Point. I thought it was actually more than that, but apparently the entrance is the problem rather than the berth. I just googled a bit and Marsden Point can handle 14.7m dynamical under keel clearance. Auckland is 10m and I hate to think of the effect on the Rangitoto Channel of dredging another 5m.
To me it’s simple. Bring the big stuff in to Marsden Pt, then put it on rail and smaller ships to other ports.
Wouldn’t that generate more demand for the Port and therefore they would require even more land to cope with the increased work load?
NZ has too many Ports… they keeping under cutting each other to get a relatively fixed pool of clients…
Not if the “hub” was Marsden point or Tauranga.
Marsden point is cheaper long term. (Already can take 14m draft and has a big swath of industrial land inland)..
Tauranga is limited unless you take off the end of Matakana Island and dredge extensively. And much of the available land is already in use.
The logistical problems of Auckland as an export port get worse the bigger Auckland city gets.
No. See above.
+1
Good news. Wool growers private and Landcorp, have ‘stitched’ a deal with a Danish firm to use our wool in their indoor shoes/slippers.
New Zealand Merino’s Marketing Manager, Gretchen Foster, said the contract was worth around $1.5 million dollars to the growers, so it was a valuable new market for their wool.
“So the price is a good price, and it’s reflective of the fact that Glerups receive some certainty in terms of getting the quality that they need and also support from a marketing perspective.
“Prior to this deal, they used to source wool from auction.
We have been advised in the past, to find niche markets and by having quality and understanding and meeting the customer’s needs we differentiate ourselves and supply right and become part of the essential supply chain.
shame we are not making them here though — we are just not skilled at adding export value ! googled them .. they look just so comfy and easy to wear .. basically padded washed or beaten wool I think .. and in merino ? yummy sez my toezes 😀
Yeah. What happened to UGG boots.
Not very pretty, but nice to wear.
“shame we are not making them here though”
NZ apparently pays people too much. Look at Icebreaker. Grows the merino here, ships it to China to make into clothes, ships the clothes back to NZ to be sold. Classic example of global market ideology trumping common sense.
Threat to outpatient’s wellbeing used to screw hospital kitchens workers:
Theres plenty in the health sector that ryall setup to get stuck into, I’ve no idea who opposition health spokesperson is as they seem to have knocked off for the term.
@ tc – Annette King is the Labour health spokesperson for Health. And as far as I know, for the Greens it’s still Kevin Hague in the position. Not sure who NZ First Health spokesperson is.
and the invisible Maori Party?
@ tracey – umm pass.
probably not relevant to them… hospital workers… patient in public hospitals…. oh wait.
So we expect Rogernomics on Health from Labour then?
FFS king was a joke as health minister, no reform and appointed hubby to a DHB.
That explains a lot about the lack of critique as AK has limited credibility having sat back in an era where labour threw money at a dysfunctional over managed area and did zero about sorting out its inefficiency.
https://www.greens.org.nz/ourpeople
Kevin Hague.
http://nzfirst.org.nz/policy/health
Not sure who is their spokesperson for health.
This is essentially privatisation by stealth.
It would be interesting to know whose going to profit from the meals being made in Auckland and shipped down.
Bribery, listeria and horse meat, things go better with Compass.
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/oct/16/money.internationalnews
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/possible-listeria-exposure-in-ontario-jails-1.702077
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21476736
Oh joy and if they have a problem. Then now it’s spread ALL over the country rather than just in one place. The first case of food poisoning will see that idea canned.
Excuse my, perhaps, extreme naivety, but since when were hospitals and the service they provide meant to generate profit? Compass ain’t doing this, either out of the goodness of their hearts, or for no return to their shareholders.
From Joe90’s links below at 4.4 which should be clicked on …in my humble opinion 😉
Then there’s the listeria (that whacks unwell people more) and the horse meat…
And what about that patient in bed 7 who requires a special diet? Fuck knows, the vagaries of dietary requirements get fucked up enough as it is, when the kitchen is located in the same building/complex.
I think you think you live in a different country… your brighter future will be served shortly… but make sure you have a personal taster.
“Excuse my, perhaps, extreme naivety, but since when were hospitals and the service they provide meant to generate profit?”
Sorry to answer a rhetorical question, but there is an answer to this. National in the early 90s reformed the health system precisely because they wanted hospitals to use a business model. They started by sacking the democratically elected Area Health Boards and replacing them with appointees and then continued for a decade to systematically make core changes to how the health system was run. This included replacing clinically experienced managers with managers out of business school backgrounds (hence the high CEO salaries now).
(Someone with a longer direct memory than me can comment on how well Rogernomics set that up in the 80s).
Health costs in leading OECD countries were always going to rise (due to increases in tech costs and increases in chronic health and poverty related illness), so the neoliberals had the ideal justification. But they basically monkey wrenched it badly enough that it’s hard to see now how it can be fixed. Too much time has passed and it’s embedded in the culture. There will now be whole generations of people working within the health system who don’t know any different.
@Pasupial
I read your comment and found an Alice feeling coming on. The Southern District Health Board is I think in one of those time loops that seemed to operate at The Tea Party in the Alices Adventures in Wonderland book. I imagine the Board sitting round the table cogitating –
The March Hare [Board Chair] took the watch and looked at it gloomily: then he dipped it into his cup of tea, and looked at it again: but he could think of nothing better to say than his first remark, ‘It was the best butter, you know.’
Alice [the bemused Otago and Southern Public] had been looking over his shoulder with some curiosity. ‘What a funny watch!’ she remarked. ‘It tells the day of the month, and doesn’t tell what o’clock it is!’
Ergo, the SDHB wouldn’t know the time of day.
BILL ENGLISH BULLSHITS AGAIN!
Says if people wanted change to happen in Northland they needed to vote for National!
Doesn’t this dork know that Northland HAS VOTED National for the last seventy or so YEARS and has been left to languish as one of the MOST neglected regions in the country? Who is English trying to fool this time? You?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/67451312/northland-byelection-english-endorses-osborne
The quote from Osbourne seems to show he thinks politics is about brute force and throwing your weight around.
He’s a total idiot. They need to upgrade the bridges because NAct has allowed bigger trucks on the roads? Well then, cut them back from 54 to 20 tons and the problem is solved.
Yes. Over a hundred logging trucks a day has nothing to do with the bridges, of course.
Don’t even get me started on that! When there is a rail link from Moerewa.
It would be all the way to Marsden point, if National had got off their arse.
@Clem
Reads like pure pro-Nats propaganda. The MSM doing its best for Key as ever.
Which begs the answer CLEMGEOPIN ,why the hell do these plonkers vote National or worse ACT ? / I have pondered on this for years ,the only conclusion I have is that some people just love to suffer .
A sad story about a forestry company failure. Up to 1200 forestry workers may be out of a job with at least one owed much money. What is particularly sad is that the Ngati Hine people had much hope invested in a business they are running and were in conjunction with HarvestPro as an experienced company. If Harvest Pro is in trouble this will upset their carefully planned enterprise.
Harvest Pro has a USA connection and was entering into arrangements with Japan and is connected with GenPack which is making bio degradable food containers and green products. Also there is another name Kiwi Forestry International Ltd. referred to. I haven’t found anything more about him.
But the Chinese growth has slowed, inevitably, and it seems that has big consequences to requirements in the world for raw materials. No doubt the price for wood has fallen and this may have affected things here.
Nick Smith got some legislation passed protecting contractors pay didn’t he. Does somebody know if it has any relevance for these forestry workers out of pocket here?
It upsets me that workers wages are effectively being used as a line of credit by firms in strife and for being sterling people holding a company together as their reward they are kicked in the butt.
I don’t know, but am sorry to hear it…
I personally know at least 20 people employed by Harvest Pro. My heart is heavy for them. On a daily basis I see what not having a real job does to people in the North (as everywhere of course). And their partners, their kids – their totality indeed. Hopefully an existing Kaikohe based contractor (an excellent employer its principals good people) can expand its base and have the Harvest Pro employees assured of work.
Heard Chris Wikaira on RNZ The Panel today discussing what apparently occurred when the receiver swooped on Harvest Pro – men arriving at work in the bush 30 kilometres from town in Harvest Pro vehicles obviously – vehicles seized – no concern for how these men were going to get back to town.
If that IS true, a curse on you receiver for General Finance. Receiver’s duties did not require that. If it’s NOT, sorry receiver. Curse withdrawn.
Bill Searle, Police District Connander for Waitamata, and Scott Webb, Area Commander for Waitakere, should be fired for the Ghost Buster scandal.
They have been in their roles throughout the negligent enquiry. They have given public reassurances that a genuine enquiry was ongoing when that was blatantly not the case.
They were aware that a copper’s son was one of the suspects. That alone should have required them to keep a close eye on the investigation.
They have failed miserably in their jobs and are not fit to continue in their roles.
I’m a big supporter of the police, I believe most of the people who join up do so to make a difference
The policing situation in NZ has improved over the last few decades and while more needs to be done there are still areas where the police need to improve
I’d like to see a full on royal comission of enquiry to see what went wrong, why it went wrong, how to improve for the future and to see whose heads need (must) roll for this
You can frame an intelligent reason why police are required in a society, but if you lead a comment with “I’m a big supporter of the police” then it makes me think that you are cheerleading for a team rather than an accountable institution.
In the last few years, we have had many incidents where the police have been identified as contributing to a situation or – as in the Roastbuster’s case – being fairly incompetent. And yet no one accepts responsibility.
Seems like their processes are not up to scratch.
I think the culture of the police was diminished when they encouraged a lot of the older, wiser heads to perf(?) out in the 1980’s. The balance of experience in training was lost, and those who join the police with a sense of purpose and service experience a different culture now because of that.
I live in a well-heeled suburb at the moment. A break in to a fairly unsecured home next door that resulted in the theft of a television resulted in a home visit for me from the police, taking witness statements and advising me on home security. Another friend, who lives in another part of Auckland experienced an attack on her house, with stones breaking through windows. Although they called the police while the vandals were still on site, they were advised that it was likely to be kids or gang recruits and that they would be gone by the time the police got there. Of course they were. The police never visited.
This lack of accountability, inconsistency and lack of transparency does affect the connection the police have with the public. Both to the detriment of the public, the effectiveness of police work and the mental health of the police themselves.
If you truly supported the police, you would support an environment of accountability, integrity and a culture that ensures they are given enough support and training that they treat everyone the same. A Royal Commission of Enquiry often is framed very narrowly and results in little cultural change.
You can frame an intelligent reason why police are required in a society, but if you lead a comment with “I’m a big supporter of the police” then it makes me think that you are cheerleading for a team rather than an accountable institution.
I do support the team, I support the people but i’m not blind to the point changes and improvements can be made
OK, sorry misread the intent of your comment.
I have relatives in the police, and have watched their personalities change over the years as they have worked. I don’t know how you address that, but from observation police (particularly in higher crime areas) seem to start dividing the world into criminals – and non-criminals. This can then develop into an “us” and “them” mentality.
I don’t know how this process could be interrupted, so that their initial impulse of service to the community can be retained all the way through their careers.
I can only think of the connection some community police had with their locals, and perhaps suggest that a rotational system that takes police from investigative work to positive peer involvement in community work would be at least a start. Then their loyalty is not concentrated on the police only, it is divided between the police community and the locals they have got to know on an equal basis.
Well said Molly.
The important thing to remember the “us” and “them” mentality is not just confined to “criminals – and non criminals”. It also applies to political, social and environmental issues.
We had the case of the “animal rights” movement being subjected to harassment and intimidation on and off for years. It may well still be happening. Both political as well as environmental activists have been targeted by police for decades, and I see no real changes occurring in that area either. In short, the police have both current as well as historical issues of which they would not want the public to become aware.
Yes, there are good cops who do excellent work among their respective communities and they should receive more publicity and accolades than most of them do. But the overall emphasis is one of arrogant authority with, in some cases, psychopathic tendencies thrown in. Without going into the detail of why it happened – except to say it was not to do with any unlawful activity on my part – a few years back I was harrassed by a cop in a police car on an Auckland motorway. For a couple of terrifying minutes I thought there would be an accident. He eventually passed me at break-neck speed (120+kmh) and there was no siren and/or lights flashing throughout the ordeal. I was unable to get his registration number because of the excessive speed as he departed. It was blatant intimidation and they were quite wrong in their assumption anyway. The cop knew who I was, and must have been discreetly following me prior to the incident.
“The important thing to remember the “us” and “them” mentality is not just confined to “criminals – and non criminals”. It also applies to political, social and environmental issues.”
Yep, would be awesome if the Police sorted out all the electoral breach cases that they have stacked up…
yup, much more important than sexual violence cases. Still they had time for the PM’s personal case in 2011.
“The important thing to remember the “us” and “them” mentality is not just confined to “criminals – and non criminals”. It also applies to political, social and environmental issues. “
Agree. I think over time, there is a sequence where it moves from “criminals” to include “possible criminals” to “everyone other than the police or personal contacts”.
I know that when at protests, and trying to make eye contact or conversation with the police, I don’t feel that they are viewing me as part of the community they are there to serve. My feeling in that instance is that I have already been cast in the role of “the other”.
That used to happen to me. I don’t go on many protests now partly because of it, but also I’m getting too old in the tooth.
I well remember the last game of the 1981 Springbok Tour at Eden Park. Setting aside the excessively violent Red Squad, some of the protesters were giving the ordinary cops a hard time. I saw a group of very young cops covered from head to toe in flour (which I have to add looked very funny) and I tried to commiserate with them and let them know that most of us are decent, well behaved people. You should have seen the looks on their faces. They regarded me as a leper who was trying to infect them. It shocked me they were already so immured in the ‘protesters are vermin’ culture, they couldn’t see the truth which was in front of their eyes.
One different response was on one of the documentaries on Bastion Point. Unfortunately, can’t remember which one.
I have a vivid recollection of a image of the police being taken, and there is a look of shame on some of the officers’ faces.
It would be both interesting and enlightening to have the recollections of some of those police officers who were there on the day, and who enacted the removal of the protestors, if that truly was discomfort and shame of their actions on the day.
In that instance Molly I wouldn’t be surprised if you are right. Quite a lot of police officers have Maori ancestry and it must have been an embarrassment to be treating some off their own kith and kin in such a way. Others would have grown up with Maori school mates and lasting friendships and they would have felt pretty bad too.
@Anne,
Did you report the incident at the time?
Hardly an incident?? They didn’t respond in any way other than to give me ‘unfriendly’ looks for my effort. As far as I’m aware there’s no law against “unfriendly stares”.
However it did teach me to understand that the police culture at the time was to consider all protesters – regardless of who they were – as the enemy.
Molly
I share your feelings that the police get their minds clouded after too long working in negative situations with people dragging along at the bottom of society. Your suggestion below is a good one.
I can only think of the connection some community police had with their locals, and perhaps suggest that a rotational system that takes police from investigative work to positive peer involvement in community work would be at least a start.
Ngati poaka weren’t much cop in the 70s either, well before PERFing. It is not a problem of experienced guys retiring. The experienced guys were often the worst.
You are most likely correct.
(The nostalgic view I had pre 80’s might be due to my single digit age at that time, and when my contact with the police was colouring in those handouts they gave when visiting the school and patting their police dogs on those same visits.) 😉
did you read the roast busters report released yesterday?
“The policing situation in NZ has improved over the last few decades and while more needs to be done there are still areas where the police need to improve”
‘But I formed the view we need to spend money on a Royal Commission without even reading the ICPA report on the Roast Busters investigations.’
We keep having those into the actions of the police and nothing changes – they still act like arrogant, sexist, bigoted arseholes who think that they’re above the law.
@DTB Your personal opinion I presume?
No police officer is going to be sacked because of this disgrace.
What I want to know is the following:
1. What was the rank of the officer whose son was involved? Did he know what was going on?
2. Was this officer directly involved in the ‘investigation’ i.e. one of the three? Did he influence the investigation in any way.
3. Who instructed the 3 police officers to proceed as they did? Don’t tell me they acted this way without the OK from someone.
Answers to these questions will go a long way to explaining why the police acted as they did.
I’m not the biggest fan of Grant Robertson, but he was effective in representing the student body as OUSA president back in the day. The current filler of that role makes me embarrassed to be an alumnus of the university:
http://www.odt.co.nz/campus/university-otago/336776/ousa-fighting-nzusa-over-22500-fees
Let’s then compare the activities of the NZUSA vs the OUSA on the Otago campus and decide whose actions; “have greater benefits to Otago students”:
http://www.odt.co.nz/campus/university-otago/336775/rallying-university-council-role
Hi puckish, the royal commission just for this case?
How about Peter Ellis first.
The same culture got peter Ellis banged up as kept the roastbuster predators free from consequences.
I could also add Louise Nicholas, and Nicky Hager to that list.
Yes the Peter Ellis case is a travesty and that guy deserves a ful pardon and compensation
and please, I want to see Scott Watson freed .. imprisoned with so much evidence ignored by Police. Bigger rort than how they screwed Arthur Allan Thomas, and that is really saying something.
You can’t clean a beach with a wet wipe, people:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/19/dont-flush-wet-wipes-toilet-conservationists
Here’s an idea, just don’t use them. If it can’t be broken down in nature or recycled, what exactly do you think is going to happen to it?
If it can’t be broken down via biological process or recycled then it needs to be banned.
One of the more annoying things about capitalism is the huge wasted potential of R and D around using materials that break down (hemp ffs). So much of out pollution is unnecessary now but the market won’t prioritise this until it’s too late.
‘If it can’t be broken down via biological process or recycled then it needs to be banned.’
Couldn’t agree more , capitalism could be used for good things if a government passed a law saying all packaging was to be biodegradable within 5 years the entrepreneurs of the world would be into finding solutions straight away.
Just require stuff to be made in the same region as it is used. Then you won’t need complex packaging designed to safeguard products on a global journey through a 2 or 3 month supply chain.
It is regulation that helps push innovation. Make it so that all new build houses have to meet Passive House standards and a hell of a lot of R&D would be released to make it so. Leaving the standards low as we do ATM means that innovation in house building remains low.
It’s the exact opposite of what the free-market ideology holds to be true. Put in the correct standards and regulations and people will be forced to meet then or go out of business.
The regulation around packaging and products should be that it is either biodegradable or recyclable and that the proper processes are in place to ensure that either of those two things happen.
Agree.
Submitted as much on the waste consultation for Auckland Council a few years back.
Which – by the way – did not any variant of your eminently sensible suggestion as an option. Had to add it myself in other comments.
They did however, have the completely ridiculous option of “adding a surcharge to recyclable containers so that they can be processed”.
Which would act as a financial deterrent, and send more non-recyclables to the land fill.
This week (Wed, March 18 to be precise) marked the 114th anniversary of the beginning of the Paris Commune, a big event in radical working class history:
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/140th-anniversary-of-paris-commune/
Jeremy Wells as Mike Hosking in an hilarious parody based on the Key nailing. Clever man that Jeremy.
https://soundcloud.com/radiohauraki/haurkai-breakfast-jeremy-wells-like-mike-hosking-rant-march-13-2015
Marx and Art
Marx’s ideas about art began to take shape in his 1844 Economic and philosophic manuscripts. But they also recur and are developed further in his later writings, including Capital. We live in an age when artistic decadence has reached its nadir, whereby art as a commodity is the only thing that matters; be that the art of the old masters or today’s anti-art. In other words, it is time Marx’s ideas were re-examined.
Full at: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/marx-and-art/
The members of the External Reference Group are:
Michael Barnett (Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce)
Helen Kelly (President of the CTU)
Victoria Crone (Managing Director, Xero)
Prof Tim Bentley (Director, AUT Future of Work Programme)
Sue Ryall (Manager, Centre for Labour, Employment and Work, Victoria University)
John Blakey (Chief Executive, Competenz ITO)
Matthew Tukaki (Chief Executive of EntreHub)
Linc Gasking (Founder and Chief Executive of 8i)
Two further members will be added to the group in the coming weeks, including one with experience and knowledge of Pasifika communities.
The group will meet on a monthly basis, using video and teleconferencing.
“The Future of Work Commission will focus on five work streams: technology, security of work and income, education and training, Maori and Pasifika, and economic development and sustainability.
The next step for the Commission is the drafting of discussion papers for each stream that will be part of a nationwide consultation process beginning in May,” Grant Robertson says.
http://campaign.labour.org.nz/external_reference_group_for_future_of_work_commission
An enquiry in the work place needs actual workers involved. Only Helen Kelly can claim to be a representative of workers. Perhaps Sue Ryall can also, to a limited extent. No line workers!! Why?
The make-up of this panel suggests that the right-wingers like Nash and Robertson are running the show.
The Government’s 2014 Budget tariff removal bribe was nothing more than a gift to property developers, according to its own officials, Labour Leader Andrew Little says.
“Advice to ministers from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment last November – and only recently released publicly – states that any savings from the dumping of tariffs and duties on building supplies are “likely to be captured by developers rather than passed on to consumers”.
“This shows National’s Budget centrepiece was simply more smoke and mirrors, and will do nothing to help Kiwi families own their own home.
http://campaign.labour.org.nz/nail_in_housing_coffin_from_own_officials
Anybody Know Labour’s position on NZ First’s Fighting Foreign Corporate Control Bill?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503078&gal_cid=1503078&gallery_id=148773
Graeme Brazier’s tips for Cameron Slater
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9364857/Brazier-sentenced-for-assaults-on-partners
Maybe not the right thing for Brazier to be commenting on 🙂
Why not? He doesn’t lose his civil rights because he’s been convicted and sentenced. He can comment on whatever he likes.
Why not?
Because Brazier physically assaults women so he doesn’t have the guts to fight someone that can fight back yet hes commenting on Cameron Slater getting in the ring
Cameron Slater knows full well he’ll lose against Jessie Ryder yet hes still doing it whereas Brazier would rather beat up someone smaller and weaker
Graham Brazier is a drunken, drug-addled coward
why does the slug know full well he will lose?He rants on about cowards,surrender monkeys ,macho hunting pursuits ,guns and ‘man cards’….don’t tell me ,he is just a big girls blouse !
yeah he’s not counting on the pay day or the free advertising…
PR that’s such bullshit. Anyone can comment on Slater, anyone at all.
No-one has to take such comments seriously if they don’t want to.
Stop being such a fucking baby.
I’d put money on Brazier in the ring, actually. I think he’d beat Blubber Boy easily.
As for his assault convictions – I’m not going to comment on that matter until I’ve spoken to him about it.
I thought there was a race on to win the co leader’s position in the Greens? May I ask where the posts are from TS authors opining on this topic, in what is shaping as a crucial decision for the future prospects of a centre left government in NZ? Red/green, blue/green or green/green?
Draft one and submit it as a Guest post
I have a post going up shortly* in which I exclusively reveal the shock internal polling that strongly suggests that the next male co-leader of the Greens will be …. drum roll …. Winston Peters.
*No, I don’t.
As a Labour party member who got a bit irritated by Green members waxing lyrical about our own leadership contest, I’m making a conscious decision not to post on it. My opinions about which way the Green Party “should” go aren’t really relevant (and probably not very well-informed).
There are Green-affiliated authors who may post on the topic, and as tracey suggested you could always submit a guest post about it.
Voted in Northland by-election 18th/19th March 1818
Voted on equivalent 2 days in General Election 593
It’s going off in Northland.
I think (contrary to Rob Salmond) these are mostly pro-Peters votes coupled with much greater awareness of advance voting.
lets hope there is no vote rigging…John Key Nactional is desperate enough that a very close eye will have to be kept on this
GO WINNIE!
Malcolm Fraser, Former Australian Liberal Leader & PM
R.I.P.
Thanks for the book, ‘Dangerous Allies’.
{On New Zealand’s decision to ban US nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered warships: ‘I was opposed to it at the time but I think New Zealand was right.’}
http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2014/05/02/Interview-Malcolm-Fraser-on-Dangerous-Allies.aspx?COLLCC=1921279010&
“Malcolm Fraser today believes Australia should cut all military ties to the US” – interview at:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/people/malcolm-fraser-an-unlikely-radical-20140425-36ze8.html
+100…thanks…. very interesting that he has had the courage to change his mind and speak out about it…and give very good reasons
On the left we often notice former leftwingers who pass over to the right, but there is a trail of people who were very right-wing who have critically reflected. I guess the standout in NZ in recent years is Ross Meurant. Red Squad leader during the 81 tour, National MP and then founder of the shortlived ROC (Right of Centre) Party and ended up saying that the Urewera raids and arrests were wrong and a result of police paranoia and becoming quite a critic of police practice.
There are a few people who used to be supporters of neo-liberalism in the 80s and 90s who changed their minds too.
Phil
Didn’t Bolger also recant from a position or two held when he was a politician?
Tracey .
And dont forget that he could not get to stand next Mandella when he came here /What a two faced Tory toerag.
Last year Whitlam – this year Fraser. The end of an era. It is said that although Whitlam was incensed at Fraser’s part in his sacking, they became good friends post politics. In some ways his path has been a bit like Winston’s here – right wing when the argument was about differing conceptions of the public good, not so right wing when US dominance and neo-liberal economics politically sidelined the public good.
Fraser ended up being much better on most things than Labor. RIP.
Another view on the Kauri debate.
From: Julie Bevan
Sent: Monday, 16 March 2015 5:02 p.m.
To: GRP AC Resource Consenting – All Resource Consenting
Subject: Information about kauri tree issue last week
Dear all
Most of you will have seen or read the media coverage on the issue of the kauri tree at Paturoa Rd in Titirangi last week, in which the decision to give consent to fell the tree to clear a building platform was hotly debated. As always, a lot of context and accurate information was missing. Here’s a summary of what happened:
Two resource consents were granted by Independent Commissioners for the construction of two houses on adjoining sites in Titirangi. The sites are bush-clad and are zoned Bush Living – which is a residential zoning in the Waitakere section of the District Plan. It is also a Significant Ecological Area under the Unitary Plan and the removal of vegetation and trees for an access way and building platform is provided for within this overlay.
When the consent application involving the section with the kauri tree was processed, the council had communication with the local board and received the opinion of two separate arborists, ecologists, a landscape architect and an engineer. The applicant contacted iwi. Careful consideration was given to a range of options for locating the building platform that would cause the least impact on the bush, and ensuring the shortest driveway to minimise effects, etc.
The final proposal placed the house close to the road, leaving a large area of trees and bush undisturbed at the rear of the section, allowing a “green corridor”along the rear of a number of properties which preserved the habitat of birds and fauna. However, that did mean that a kauri tree closer to the front of the section would need to be cut down. This kauri tree is estimated by several arborists to be approximately 150-200 years old. There is no evidence to support the claim that the tree is 500 years old. There was a thorough assessment of options to retain the tree, but it has a lean on it and if it was left, it would be susceptible to wind effects, and would be so close to the house it would be considered hazardous.
There are two larger kauri trees at the road berm which will be retained, as well as other trees at the rear of the section, including an old Puriri tree.
After having considered all options, council presented its recommendation to an independent commissioner for a decision. The independent commissioner agreed with the council recommendation and the consent was granted subject to strict conditions around construction, including intensive monitoring during the building process.
Another story appeared suggesting that a council staff member presented a report with a different recommendation – the reality is that an initial report, based on limited information presented by the applicant, did have a different recommendation. However, when our landscape architect assessed the comprehensive information given during the consenting process, the recommendation was changed. This recommendation was confirmed by the commissioner.
On Thursday last week, the Auckland Development Committee debated the issue and decided to have an independent review of the process. They wanted to make very clear this was not a revisitation of the decision, but rather a review of the communication process with iwi and Local Boards. The Mayor Len Brown, the Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, our COO Dean Kimpton and various councillors explicitly expressed their support of staff and acknowledged that balancing issues of development and environment is frequently challenging.
I would also like to express my support of staff at the Western office, especially our arborist Natalie Marsden, team leaders Matthew Wright and Lee ah Ken, business coordinator Michelle Tomkins and the unit manager David Oakhill. David has spent long hours last week in meetings, media briefings and councillor sessions discussing this consent. He has remained clear, calm and resilient in the face of significant pressure.
Our work often involves challenges and situations where there are differences of view and position. Our role is to carefully work through the relevant plans, processes and procedures in a professional and ethical way.
I thank you all for doing your job and for doing it well.
We will keep you informed as the review gets underway and I know if asked you will assist in any way.
Kind regards
Julie
” The applicant contacted iwi. ” (claims the developers and Auckland Council).
“We consulted with the local board and iwi and the final decision to grant the application was made by independent commissioners and we are very aware of the challenging aspects of the decision,” says Mr Kimpton.”
FIFY
And can they release the result of that consultation from the perspective of the Iwi? I wonder why that wasn’t leaked to Slater Old Mickey. Perhaps you could ask him at his site.
An internal email leaked to Whalespew? Haha. Not even a good attempt.
Amusing, but too brief, little take on Shakespeare on Len Brown, from the events following the last local election: Lenardo of Auckland
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/lenardo-of-auckland/
And while the InternetMana fiasco still has some left defenders, here’s an amusing little song from the time, to be sung to the tune of the Kinks’ ‘Lola’:
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/laila/
Phil
Maybe this time it will be concluded for David Bain but Mr Callinan will have to be very prepared to be attacked by those MPs who will disagree with his findings!
“David Bain: Retired judge to head compensation claim
A senior retired Australian judge will head the inquiry into David Bain’s compensation claim – and will report back within six months on whether he believes Mr Bain has proven his innocence.
Hon Ian Callinan AC QC, a former Justice of the High Court of Australia, has been appointed to the crucial position, Justice Minister Amy Adams announced.
He will conduct a fresh inquiry into Mr Bain’s claim for compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment.
“Mr Callinan is a distinguished and highly respected member of the Australian legal fraternity,” Ms Adams said.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11420515
They will have checked first that he will conclude as they wish, surely? otherwise why bother?
If Collins sticks her talons in what a bloody mess that will be. She will desperately seek vindication.
I am not convinced of Bain’s innocence, but this is getting a bit silly. What happens if the government gets a report it doesnt like? Does it try someone else? and someone else?
Looking at a Nelson Council newsletter and in an aricle about the library somethings about faciiites. One says that thre is a Community Corner for groups ‘to meet with the passing public’ (groups must be non-profit, non-political).
Is that reasonable in a democracy. What are they afraid of. They could say that groups, must respect the library quiet atmosphere, and behaviour. But why non political. Is this an indication of how lacking in awareness we are of our need to discuss and refresh our political culture?
How supine and scared we are of any discussion that might seem to get the boat rocking? It seems unhealthy that a public library is scared of any political talk. What are they afraid of, that people might not act in a well-bred manner even though they are well-read?
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1503/S00236/rmr-poll-national-down-3-to-49-labgrns-up-4-to-42.htm
Happy Friday.
How do they stay that high…
Beyond me but I’ve never voted for them .
The fact there support parties can only muster 1% between them in my view means once the slide starts the one legged national tower will topple 20% in 2017 for them.
Those results made me think the greens should approach Hone Harawera they have a fear bit in common
Polls can be and are rigged
Not to mention that people like me consider it our civic duty to lie to pollsters.
Wrong poll. That is the last one. The Nats are down in the new one and Labour is up a little.
Just went there and they’ve changed it to the march one I did wonder when it said Feb in the title.
Apparently there is an article in the NBR that Fonterra “begged” Key not to go public with the 1080 matter.
1000 people kept a secret for over 3 months and then… Key ordered an instant investigation of where the leak came from, opening up the PM’s office for the first scrutiny…
…which (unless there’s evidence of actual tampering) is also the best practice according to the risk management crowd.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/subscribe/170402#.VQuK5vr5VD4.twitter
Here tis. ..paywalled
Pricks.
https://news.vice.com/article/the-cia-just-declassified-the-document-that-supposedly-justified-the-iraq-invasion
SIMON BRIDGES DESERVES TO BE SACKED IMMEDIATELY:
National admits spending $70m on by-election whim. Transport Minister Simon Bridges has admitted he didn’t ask for or receive ANY advice from his transport officials on 10 Northland bridges before committing $70 million to their upgrading as part of the Northland by-election campaign.
Written Question 02053 (2015):
What were the dates and titles of all reports or briefings, if any, that he or his predecessor received on the double-laning of ten bridges in Northland as announced on March 9 2015?
Portfolio: Transport Minister: Hon Simon Bridges
Date Lodged: 11/03/2015
—————————
Answer Text:
I have not requested or received any specific reports, from the Ministry of Transport or the NZ Transport Agency, on the double-laning of ten bridges in Northland.
—————————-
This is GROSS negligence, incompetence and blatant corruption. He can not be allowed to continue to remain in a position of responsibility to make decisions involving government money. Bridges need to resign or be sacked or be hauled before the parliament privileges committee asap.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1503/S00311/national-admits-spending-70m-on-by-election-whim.htm
That’s a trickey one isn’t it, because any party that comes out to strongly against bridges bridges will get hammered as anti northland.
No, I am not against the bridges, but Bridges. Against the corrupt stupid way that Bridges made the announcement on a whim purely as a by-election bribe without doing any due diligence, case study, financial reports, planning or expert advice. THAT is the highly irresponsible dodgy bit that he has indulged in for which he needs the immediate sacking.
I wasn’t suggesting you were against them, I was just chucking the idea out there that it will be hard to get the headline reading masses to understand how dodgy bridges/national s behaviour is with out it being twisted into labour or greens are against them.
Bridges bridges come from other projects so pure pork barrelling at the expense of already planned work to bribe an electorate.
Feel free to sign the petition below I initiated on the change.org website (see the link below). It is in the form of a people’s apology to several Asian and Pacific Island governments for the GCSB spying on them.
Cheers, Keith Locke
https://www.change.org/p/the-governments-of-japan-china-india-pakistan-vietnam-and-pacific-island-nations-we-ask-that-you-accept-this-apology-from-concerned-new-zealanders-for-our-government-s-illegal-spying-on-your-nations-electronic-communications-it-was-done-without-our-k?just_created=true
Thanks Keith. Will do …
Done. And sent the link to a few other people I know. Thanks for the link.
This is what the petition says:
NOT IN OUR NAME spying petition. Please sign this petition to demonstrate that many New Zealanders are opposed to the Government Communications Security Bureau’s illegal spying on the communications of friendly governments in Asia and the Pacific. According to recent revelations from the Edward Snowden documents the GCSB is intercepting the phone calls, texts and emails of many nations, including Japan, India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu and French Polynesia. This spying is illegal, contravening the Vienna convention which prohibits the interception of diplomatic communications. It is also an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of both the governments and people of friendly nations in the Asia/Pacific. It is clear from the US National Security Agency documents, now made public, that the GCSB’s Waihopai spy station is engaged in a “full-take” collection of the phone and email communications passing through the targeted Pacific satellites. This information is then passed on in bulk to the NSA. Such GCSB spying is both objectionable and not in the political or economic interests of New Zealand. It seriously erodes New Zealand’s reputation as a peaceful, independent nation. We will communicate the results of this petitioning to the Asian and Pacific governments mentioned above.
—————–
Letter to
the governments of Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Pacific Island nations
We ask that you accept this apology from concerned New Zealanders for our government’s illegal spying on your nations’ electronic communications. It was done without our knowledge and damages friendly relations between our countries.