Open Mike 21/06/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 21st, 2018 - 124 comments
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124 comments on “Open Mike 21/06/2018 ”

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  1. Riffer 1
    21 June 2018 at 6:13 am

    Good luck to Jacinda and Clarke today.

    • Maureen Little 1.1
      21 June 2018 at 7:23 am

      And let’s just ignore the mean spirited comments from Mike Hosking this morning. He really has no manners.
      Jacinda has worked hard right through her pregnancy and will hopefully now enjoy the next 6 weeks of not having to go to the office every day.
      Best wishes to the family.

    • patricia bremner 1.2
      21 June 2018 at 9:07 am

      All the best Jacinda Clarke and bubs. May the baby be healthy and the Mother well. May Clarke be a great Dad. Julie-Anne will be following with interest xx.

    • Cinny 1.3
      21 June 2018 at 9:54 am

      Just a little bit excited here, it’s Winter Solstice and Jacinda and Clarke are going to be parents, perfectly awesome timing 🙂 All the best to them.

      Solstice blessings to all 🙂

    • Psych nurse 1.4
      21 June 2018 at 10:25 am

      Lets make Seymores day and declare a public holiday to celebrate.

      • Puckish Rogue 1.4.1
        21 June 2018 at 10:38 am

        Well having a look at the calendar and Queens birthday is in June and the next, Labour Day, is in October so I’d recommend holding off until August, to spread it a bit

        • Draco T Bastard 1.4.1.1
          21 June 2018 at 11:18 am

          Na – we just need to get rid of Queens Birthday.

        • Psych nurse 1.4.1.2
          21 June 2018 at 11:29 am

          She may walk on water but I doubt she can hang on till August.

          • Puckish Rogue 1.4.1.2.1
            21 June 2018 at 11:31 am

            Yeah in hindsight not the smartest thing I’ve ever said

            Although I do reckon there should be another public holiday in that space, maybe for something else though 🙂

          • ianmac 1.4.1.2.2
            21 June 2018 at 12:30 pm

            My son when writing an essay discovered that the word for “on” is nearly identical to “by.” (Translation error?)
            So like Jesus, Jacinda gets to walk “by” the water. Sounds OK to me.

      • AsleepWhileWalking 1.4.2
        21 June 2018 at 1:42 pm

        Whoo hoo!

    • veutoviper 1.5
      21 June 2018 at 12:34 pm

      Very best wishes to them all – Jacinda, Clarke, and baby or babies …

      I am still hoping for twins! Why?

      Jacinda’s father has a twin brother, and I have heard that there are others in the wider Ardern whanau.

      I know it is now June 21 here in NZ and thus Winter Solstice – but according to RNZ News in their middle of the night news last night the actual solstice is at 10.07pm this evening NZ Time and it is still June 20 in some parts of the world, including in some of our Pacific Island neighbours.

      In the Zodiac calendar it is also the cross over from Gemini the Twins (May 21 – June 20) to Cancer (June 21 – July 22) and apparently this happens at the time of the June (Winter in Sthrn Hemisphere) Solstice. so not until 10.07pm tonight in NZ.

      So, we will see … Biggest thing is that all goes well and everyone is healthy etc.

  2. Sanctuary 2
    21 June 2018 at 6:29 am

    Second that. One small contration for woman, one giant push for women-kind!!

    • One Two 2.1
      21 June 2018 at 9:35 am

      Given the ‘importance’ of having a baby delivered on a solstice…

      It is entirely likely to be a c-section or inducement…

      Prince William 21.06 is also a solstice delivery…not by accident or coincidence…

      • marty mars 2.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 10:28 am

        Why is that important?

      • Robert Guyton 2.1.2
        21 June 2018 at 10:42 am

        c-section to capture the solstice date, one two?
        nah.

      • AsleepWhileWalking 2.1.3
        21 June 2018 at 1:45 pm

        Funny the story of Diana’s inducement so price one could be born on the solstice crossed my mind too. But then I was like, nah…Jacinda and Clarke lack the reptilian vibe.

        Plus there is that symbolism of the name Diana (her death/scarific location, four swans on the lake etc). Nothing like that here as far as I can tell.

  3. Ad 3
    21 June 2018 at 7:12 am

    babies.

    don’t forget JulieAnn in August.

  4. Sanctuary 4
    21 June 2018 at 7:41 am

    Yes, Julie-Ann is next into the starters gate!

    • alwyn 4.1
      21 June 2018 at 10:14 am

      “Julie-Ann is next”.
      Really? You do realise that in New Zealand there are about 170 babies born every day I assume?
      And in the world there are about 360,000 babies born every day. They are all just as precious to their family, and of equal irrelevance to any normal person outside that family.
      You seem to be of the view that only two matter.
      Can we please get real for a change.

      • marty mars 4.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 10:30 am

        Pretty petty and mean spirited there al – why so bitter?

        • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.1
          21 June 2018 at 11:21 am

          Why is Ardern having a baby of any importance to anyone else?

          • Robert Guyton 4.1.1.1.1
            21 June 2018 at 11:32 am

            “Importance”, or “interest” (to anyone else)?

          • marty mars 4.1.1.1.2
            21 June 2018 at 11:39 am

            because she is the Prime Minister

            and Julie-Ann is a member of parliament and a minister of the government.

            • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.1.2.1
              21 June 2018 at 12:04 pm

              That is not a reason.

              • ankerawshark …
                21 June 2018 at 12:14 pm

                Draco Jacinda having a baby while she is PM is hugely important…….for women…………In my earlier years, it would have been inconceivable that a woman could be PM, let alone have a baby while in the role……….

                She has just made it easier for every god dam woman in the world to really feel “women can do anything”…..

                Surely you do get the significance of that????????????????????????

                • Grafton Gully …
                  21 June 2018 at 7:00 pm

                  It also adds to the idea that NZ currently has a “weak government” where a PM can skive off to deliver and care for a baby for several weeks leaving a career comedian “in charge”.

                  • John up North …
                    22 June 2018 at 8:22 am

                    Grafton Gully, such insightful and intelligent points you raise. But as per normal for a RWKJ idiot, your comment could only be seen as such by someone else like yourself with shit for brains. With this quality of output you could write for Hosking.

              • marty mars …
                21 June 2018 at 12:23 pm

                not a reason? You jest of course ha ha ha – not a good reason as far as you are concerned – sure, I get that – but it will be a cold day in hell before my answer to you above was not a ‘reason.

          • David Mac 4.1.1.1.3
            21 June 2018 at 7:20 pm

            Leading a country and taking a breather to have a child is very special. A reflection of the people Kiwis are and it contributes to Jacinda’s ‘Dare to Dream’ model for women all over the world. Yeah, lots of countries have leaders, yeah, lots of babies get born…but simultaneously?

            Fantastic news Jacinda and Clarke, my hearty congratulations. All the best.

  5. Ed 5
    21 June 2018 at 7:44 am

    I wonder what the multinational liquor corporations paid for the patsy interview Duncan Garner conducted with their spokesperson Nick Leggatt.
    Or would a look at the shareholders of Newshub provide the answer?

    Anyway what we do know is that Duncan Garner are Nick Leggatt are both prepared to sink very low to gain their fortnightly paycheque.
    Is there any organisation they wouldn’t pimp for?

    • Tuppence Shrewsbury 5.1
      21 June 2018 at 8:30 am

      Rachel Stewart

      Is a fan of nick leggatt

      And George Galloway, like many people, likes a drink.

      • Blazer 5.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 10:30 am

        AFAIK Galloway does not and has never been partial to alcohol.

      • AsleepWhileWalking 5.1.2
        21 June 2018 at 1:55 pm

        Just because she likes Nick Leggart doesn’t mean approval if every damn thing he says.

        RS has a sound mind and is about as far away as *fanatical* as you can get. Your comment implies otherwise.

  6. Jenny 6
    21 June 2018 at 7:47 am

    Israel bombs Gaza

    If a Western city was being bombed right now. It would immediately be appearing on every news feed, on my facebook page, on TV and the radio and in the newspapers the next day. And condemned by politicians and national leaders around the globe.

    Some cities are just not white enough.

    • Baba Yaga 6.1
      21 June 2018 at 1:17 pm

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_rocket_attacks_on_Israel

      When the Palestinians show they truly want peace, they will have it. But not before.

      • Peter 6.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 3:44 pm

        Why should the Palestinians stop fighting for their homeland, if someone takes your land you should never give up till you have it back and your freedom even
        If it takes your children, grandchildren never never give in.

        • Baba Yaga 6.1.1.1
          21 June 2018 at 6:33 pm

          It isn’t the Palestinians homeland, it is the homeland of the Jewish people, and of course all of the other ethnic groups who live in the democratic nation of Israel. Including Arabs. Israel was established by an entirely legal process, endorsed by virtually every other nation on the planet. The ‘Palestinian’s’ continue to elect terrorist governments, to threaten the lives of the legitimate occupants of Israel (Arab, Jew and all the rest), and to deny the right of a legally constituted, democratic nation to exist. When they stop lobbing rockets at Israel, they will have peace.

          • The Fairy Godmother 6.1.1.1.1
            21 June 2018 at 7:25 pm

            Oh please! It is not the homeland of the Jewish people. Who is stupid enough to take a series of ancient books written about three thousand years ago literally? Even if you do take them literally God took The land of Israel off them several times for disobedience. Since the God of the old testament demands such things as kindness to the stranger and so on I would say they are being very disobedient right now and are due to have their land taken off them again.

            • Baba Yaga 6.1.1.1.1.1
              22 June 2018 at 12:52 pm

              ” It is not the homeland of the Jewish people. ”

              Your own silly prejudices caused you to go off on totally the wrong tangent.
              I wasn’t talking about God or the bible. I was talking about the Balfour Declaration and the acceptance of UN resolutions by everyone other than a few rogue nations.

          • reason 6.1.1.1.2
            22 June 2018 at 12:06 am

            Baba Gaga ….. has a favorite fairy story ….and believes it true.

            Next thing Baba will seriously be telling us Dumbo the elephant Can Fly …

            For real and honest information…. that makes Baba look either stupid … or dishonest,,,,, or dishonestly stupid.,….. I recommend Miko Peled … an Israeli born generals son https://mikopeled.com/

            Real history …. as opposed to Baba gagas Zionist nursery fairy tales

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1NR5_ZiN-g

            • Baba Yaga 6.1.1.1.2.1
              22 June 2018 at 12:53 pm

              “His Majesty’s government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.”

  7. Incognito 7
    21 June 2018 at 7:49 am

    Winter solstice today. In a couple of weeks we’ll see the first advertising for Christmas junk gifts and the people that have made good personal choices and show personal responsibility are already booking their holidays (take a hike, David Seymour) while others are on strike notice or fighting for their jobs full-stop.

  8. Hooch 8
    21 June 2018 at 8:13 am

    Jamie lee Ross on radio this morning having a moan about labour putting a bill through under urgency. The hypocrisy would be hilarious if it didn’t disturb me so much that someone is so capable of ignoring the previous 9 years where national pushed through numerous items this way.

    • alwyn 8.1
      21 June 2018 at 10:25 am

      It isn’t putting a bill through under urgency that is the objectionable thing.
      It is putting it through without any debate being allowed in the house.
      National never did that. No debate. Just pass the bill.

      I never expected that the Green Party would go along with such an affront to democracy. Clearly the baubles of office are to precious to them. Imagine the shame in having to go back to travelling in a mere taxi, rather than a luxury Limo?

      I wonder what is next? Are we going to scrap Question Time in the House. That would help avoid the useless Cabinet Ministers being held to account wouldn’t it?
      There used to be a catch phrase run on a number of blogs about “Democracy under Attack”. That is what the CoL is doing here.

  9. marty mars 9
    21 June 2018 at 8:20 am

    this was printed 20 years ago – that’s 240 months!!!

    The definition of ‘bro’ in a 1997 Oxford New Zealand Dictionary has left an Auckland woman shocked, angry and hurt, she says.

    Julia Rahui said she was over at her neighbour’s house when he showed her the dictionary’s definition of the word ‘bro’.

    The 1997 edition defined ‘bro’ as a word “used by Māori young people or to or of Māori, especially among gang members, or among members of the extended family.”

    …

    The example that accompanied the definition was “Hurry up bro. [Spoken to a Māori adolescent who is raping his own sister]”.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104883252/racist-definition-of-the-word-bro-hurtful-and-untrue-woman-says

    We may have moved from this but not really eh.

    • Antoine 9.1
      21 June 2018 at 11:11 am

      The example was really remarkably objectionable. I wonder if it was put in as a ‘prank’ or by a disaffected employee or something. I was alive in 1997 and cannot think that it would have been acceptable to anyone at that time.

      A.

      • marty mars 9.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 11:47 am

        It certainly is outrageously bad – some will think it was planted by Māori activists in the 90’s to be found now to generate outrage – and even more outlandish stuff. Whatever – it is an known attitude many still adhere to imo – yes even to the sicko level displayed in that dictionary!

        • alwyn 9.1.1.1
          21 June 2018 at 6:43 pm

          All Harry Oarsman was doing in research for what became this dictionary, and it was his life’s work, was to define and illustrate the use of words that were used in New Zealand English.
          He is listing the first occurrences of the words in New Zealand and how they were used. If the usage changed over time there will be many such examples of the word being used.
          There is no judgement at all about whether the word is “good” or “bad”. It is simply how it was used in one of the very first times it was published.
          This may be false, as there are probably a number of errors in the work, but the only way to tell would be to go back to the reference given. It is quite likely that the use of “bro” was specifically related to the person it was used about and his character.
          Compilers of these dictionaries don’t include or exclude words because they aren’t nice. They simply document a word that is used and give examples of the use and the way it has changed over it’s life.
          Try looking up “Hori” for example. That may or may not be offensive depending on who was using it and when they did so.

          • marty mars 9.1.1.1.1
            21 June 2018 at 7:52 pm

            Raping your sister? Get real mate – some sicko Māori hating shit.

            • alwyn 9.1.1.1.1.1
              21 June 2018 at 8:48 pm

              Well this is the book
              https://www.womensbookshop.co.nz/p/new-zealand-authors-tahuri
              And this is some information about the author
              https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/video/ngahuia-te-awekotuku

              That is where the creator of the Dictionary saw a very early use of the phrase “Bro” and which is quoted in the Dictionary.
              Perhaps you think she is “some sicko Māori hating shit”.
              I really couldn’t say.

              • marty mars …
                21 June 2018 at 9:14 pm

                I think you’re being disingenuous around this and discussing in bad faith.

                • Grey Area …
                  21 June 2018 at 9:56 pm

                  As usual. Tiresome as always.

                • alwyn …
                  22 June 2018 at 10:45 am

                  What you mean is that I introduced some facts into this discussion and exposed your little set of fantasies as being completely and utterly ridiculous?
                  I mean, to correct your silly little phrase.
                  “Get real mate – ‘some sicko Māori hating shit’ as you put it is simply a dribble of shit from Marty Mars.”

                  That dictionary contained New Zealand words and illustrated, by quotations like this one, how the word was used and how the usage changed over time. This is one of those words. You are simply dreaming if you think that the word was always something warm and fluffy.

                  One can always bowdlerise written work. I believe that you can now buy a copy of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn where they have removed more than 200 occurrences of a word that is no longer considered acceptable. It starts with “N” by the way.
                  That probably doesn’t matter that much in a novel. In an historical dictionary it would be ridiculous however. Now tell us. In order to prevent your feelings being hurt do you want the Government or the original publisher to retrieve and burn all the copies of that 1997 publication?

                  • marty mars …
                    22 June 2018 at 10:55 am

                    Lol no al you didn’t do any of that you sad sacked little man. You went off down a twisted road to distract from the post – which was to highlight how we have changed and not changed in regards to racism and our tolerance or not of it. You didn’t get it because you didn’t want to get it – instead you self stimulated and got caught out – go wash your hands al.

                    • alwyn …
                      22 June 2018 at 11:05 am

                      Well no one can say you aren’t consistent in your opinions.
                      Consistently stupid.

                    • marty mars …
                      22 June 2018 at 11:32 am

                      Lol poor wee fellow tried to be the bully and got caught out and now runs off yelling big insults over his shoulder. Bye bye…

  10. Tricledrown 10
    21 June 2018 at 8:23 am

    Seymour raises his profile on DWTS then shoots himself in the foot.
    Get rid of public holidays, we have the lowest number of start holidays already.
    Advocating to drop all public holidays.
    I have always thought he was more than few sandwiches short of a picnic with 2 left feet.
    Even back in his university days he was stuck with his Dogma he doesn’t have to act the dumb clown.
    He knows he will be rewarded handsomely for sucking up to the business roundtable.
    Look for another new leader obviously Rodney Hide has been giving him lessons and dropped him on his head.

    • alwyn 10.1
      21 June 2018 at 10:39 am

      You really should report what he says accurately you know.
      Or is it too hard to understand?
      He doesn’t want to reduce the number of days of holiday people get, does he? He wants people to be able to take all their holiday days when they want to. He thinks that the Government shouldn’t specify that you must take a holiday on Easter Monday. You should be able to work that day and perhaps have a holiday to celebrate the start of Ramadan instead, if that is your wish.
      Why should a hick politician like Justin Lester be able to propose the days we must not work?
      I see why you didn’t post a link of course. You don’t want people to see what Seymour actually said. Here it is.
      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104870813/david-seymour-wants-to-cancel-public-holidays–anzac-and-waitangi-can-stay
      I can’t see it working for Christmas, Anzac day or Waitangi day but it would seem feasible for all the others.

      • Antoine 10.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 11:12 am

        Seems kinda tin eared from Seymour

        A.

        • In Vino 10.1.1.1
          21 June 2018 at 5:10 pm

          I agree. When Lockwood-Smith was Education Minister he made just such a dumb policy decision. “I think it is good for schools to have choice,” he said. (Choice was a choice word at the time…) So he gave schools the choice to opt for the 4-term year or the 3-term one. Many primary schools opted for 4-term, but many secondary schools preferred sticking with the 3-term year.
          As a result, thousands of parents were exasperated and frustrated to find that their younger children had school holidays at a different time to their older children. When the Govt of the day latched onto that anger and frustration, there was a quick ruling for the following year that all schools would have a 4-term year.
          Seymore seems to have little idea about societal things that matter. For many sports clubs, cultural groups, etc, it is important to have dates where the majority of people are all on holiday.
          Under Seymore’s system, few people would be on holiday at the same time.
          I believe that would once again cause exasperation and frustration, instigated by a dumb, ideologically-motivated policy.

  11. marty mars 11
    21 June 2018 at 8:27 am

    unacceptable –

    The Otago Regional Council granted consent for a Remarkables skifield extension on a protected wetland without notifying the public, documents reveal.
    The decision not to publicly notify went against the advice of both regional council and Department of Conservation reports.

    The council’s regional science unit report said the project would mean the “wetland itself will be lost forever”, and it had “to be considered more than minor”.

    This would require the consent to be publicly notified.

    The wetland, under the council’s own water plan, was considered “regionally significant”, due to its location and altitude.

    An internal Doc report by ecology technical adviser Brian Rance, dated January 25, said the project would “result in the irreversible loss of the ecosystems present”.

    “The ecological values are of significance and the impact on these values is high.”

    https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/wetland-lost-forever-skifield-extends

    Another loss so some skiers can ski and others make money – selfish bastards – we need wetlands more than some recreational activity land.

    • alwyn 11.1
      21 June 2018 at 10:43 am

      Your protest isn’t going to go anywhere you know.
      All the Chardonnay Socialists I know, the ones who rule the Green and Labour Parties, are keen skiers.
      They are going to allow conservation values to get in the way of them enjoying their favourite recreation, are they? Just ask Auntie Helen.

      • marty mars 11.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 10:54 am

        Al I doubt very much that you know any rulers of labour or the greens so… and I do appreciate your support with me on this issue – ta mate.

      • Robert Guyton 11.1.2
        21 June 2018 at 10:59 am

        Marty’s protest, alwyn? It made it here and garnered support – nowhere? Is that where all of your protestations end up? Same place.

    • Robert Guyton 11.2
      21 June 2018 at 10:44 am

      Marty – I hiked up to Lake Alta in the days before there was any ski infrastructure up there. I’ve been there since and its sad to see.

    • Draco T Bastard 11.3
      21 June 2018 at 11:56 am

      Sounds like the people who let it through without notification broke the law and need to be jailed and everything that they own taken from them.

  12. Peter Nicholson 12
    21 June 2018 at 8:29 am

    I see the headline, ‘Hosking: GDP day – Has ‘rock star’ economy hit a bum note?’

    Bum note? Appropriate. You have arseholes like him preaching doom and gloom and how the world is going to end because English and Bridges and co. aren’t the government. Then you spout about the negative outlook. Their agenda is to run the country down.

    • Puckish Rogue 12.1
      21 June 2018 at 10:42 am

      Do you think Shane Jones having a go at AirNZ and Fonterra, halting off shore oil and gas exploration in Taranaki without consultation and increased strike action might have something to do with the negative outlook?

  13. mauī 13
    21 June 2018 at 9:45 am

    Jacinda in Labour in Labour.

  14. adam 14
    21 June 2018 at 11:25 am

    Vietnam, a people who won’t lie down whilst being overrun by capitalist’s. It seems that the Chinese capitalist’s were the last straw. And we now have ongoing protest against “Special Economic Zones.”

    Two takes on the issue.

    https://libcom.org/news/ongoing-struggles-vietnam-19062018

    https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2018/0619/China-s-reach-fuels-illegal-protests-in-Vietnam

    • Exkiwiforces 14.1
      21 June 2018 at 2:31 pm

      I was in the Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam a few years and talking to a number of locals in various parts of those countries both urban and rural. They very concern about how much land and economic freedom that governments are giving to the Chinese atm and I’m not that surprised that there have been protests in Vietnam.

      The governments of Laos and Cambodia have cracked down a number of protests in those countries as well and according to our Thai fiends in Thailand the Chinese are starting to be a concern as well as they are getting rather close to the current government.

  15. Peroxide Blonde 15
    21 June 2018 at 11:28 am

    ‘…….the idea of Britishness that had emerged in the 18th Century had been grounded on twin foundations: the economic opportunities presented by the Empire; and Protestant fear of the continental, Catholic, other. With the Empire gone and Western European Christianity in any form in retreat, she wondered already a generation ago whether the UK had any firm foundation.”

    A very interesting and insightful piece in Northern Ireland’s premier Blog site: Slugger O’Toole.

    https://sluggerotoole.com/2018/06/20/the-union-in-revolutionary-times/

  16. indiana 16
    21 June 2018 at 12:40 pm

    This person has to be cry baby of the year!

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104490079/when-a-16k-payrise-only-gives-you-50-a-week-extra-in-the-hand

    The only thing that I got out of this article is further evidence that more you earn the more tax you pay, as all the WFF tax credits are clawed back – as they should be.

    • Puckish Rogue 16.1
      21 June 2018 at 12:45 pm

      Thats quite an impressive amount welfare she was recieving

    • Ankerrawshark 16.2
      21 June 2018 at 4:57 pm

      Have to disagree Indiana. Cry baby of year is mike hosking bleating on about missinghis holiday in the 70’s allegedly due to strikes. And today poor old mike is embarrassed about journalists covering the birth of jacindas baby rather than real news……he must mean real news like his wife wrote a couple of months back about how she didn’t trust Meghan m and how the marriage won’t work

    • The Chairman 16.3
      21 June 2018 at 8:43 pm

      The following below was the key part of the article, indiana.

      “Whether it was intentional or whether it was an unintended consequence … Working for Families has worked as a mechanism to keep wages down because it removes motivation,” Marra said.

      “It removes … the incentive, for workers [with families] to go for relatively small or moderate pay rises because it actually has no effect on the household income – because Working for Families tops up the income and then it abates [when pay increases].”

      But the policy also impacted wages for those who did not have families, Marra said. They had to compete with those receiving Working for Families, who would be happier to settle for a lower salary because the tax credits brought them up to the median income anyway.

      “Why would I employ you if you have no children and I have to pay you more when I can employ Bill, who has children and because there is this subsidy I can get Bill for cheaper than you. So I’m going to employ Bill.”

      Those factors, along with the Employment Contracts Act, had created “downward pressure” on all incomes “and that is part of what has created this low-wage economy that we have going on in New Zealand”.

      “It means wages are kept artificially low, because the wage is no longer about having adequate income to support a family, it’s just allowed wages to be a market figure.”

      The result was Working for Families, framed as a tax credit, was functioning as “an employer subsidy”.

  17. Kat 17
    21 June 2018 at 1:20 pm

    Interesting article worth reading in the Herald today……..”The New Zealand Herald’s readership is soaring in print and online – with newspaper readership returning to 2014 levels, according to new statistics released today…..”

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12075033

    The National party propaganda rag is on a roll…….. look out coalition there’s more than clickbait coming of the presses.

    • Wensleydale 17.1
      21 June 2018 at 1:31 pm

      Like much of what appears in Granny Herald, it’s probably not entirely true. Good on them for talking themselves up though. It’s not like anyone else was going to.

    • Janice 17.2
      21 June 2018 at 2:30 pm

      I have been rung several times over the last few months with an offer of the Herald for $7.00 week for seven copies weekly, for one year. I declined but then was surprised to find it in my letterbox for free for a month! I know a few other people from around here, North Shore and Titirangi who have had the same offer. I guess it is a good way to get your figures up – give it away.

      • Kat 17.2.1
        21 June 2018 at 3:19 pm

        Articles, editorials and reports from the Herald are often quoted in the house. The publication may be rightly viewed as a rag and only fit to light fires but it is how the National party publicises its propaganda. I would argue that a number of the current 44% support for the National opposition is bolstered by the Herald’s modus operandi of throwing enough mud, consistently, that some sticks.

      • John up North 17.2.2
        22 June 2018 at 8:35 am

        Yep, I know several people that have taken up the “free” offer for that rag. I personally have declined both that and the offer for the local rag The
        advocate. It would be interesting to see the actual number of “free” copies being spat out daily………… no doubt these numbers have a large impact on circulation totals. As an aside come Monday the shop guy is out with the scissors clipping the heading off multiple copies which are destined for the skip bin, sometimes I grab a pile to help start my fire, probably the best use for it.

  18. The Chairman 18
    21 June 2018 at 1:22 pm

    Critical report of Wellington social housing 

    The report found two-thirds of tenants were paying more than 35 per cent of their income on rent.

    The council had an affordable rent supplement to provide further discounts for those tenants, but it was not highly publicised.

    At the time of the report, the debt level of rent arrears was $134,000.

    If every single person applied and was granted the supplement, it would cost $4m a year – 17 times greater than the level currently provided, the report says.

    See more:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/104881507/critical-report-of-wellington-social-housing-says-it-could-generate-160-million-shortfall

      • David Mac 18.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 10:24 pm

        It’s probably a grief stricken prospect but I wonder what would happen if the government said ‘We’re going to cease all accommodation supplements in 2 months’?

        I think one of the defining things to happen will be 1000’s of tenants writing to their landlords…”The government used to pay X towards my rent, now I can only pay Y a week so if that is not acceptable to you, I will need to give you 21 days notice to vacate.”

        Landlords talk, they’ll be getting similar letters.

        Toss out the dependable lovely tenants in the hope that in a market where everybody is having their rent budget slashed you’ll luck out or learn to live with the amount they can now afford?

        An experiment we can’t afford to take. The fall-out could be ugly.

        • The Chairman 18.1.1.1
          22 June 2018 at 7:12 am

          “An experiment we can’t afford to take. The fall-out could be ugly”.

          To avoid that, we would have to transition. Starting with addressing the need for subsidies. Removing the subsidies without addressing the need for them would result in things getting ugly.

  19. Ffloyd 19
    21 June 2018 at 1:46 pm

    What’s up with Moronic Mike who doesn’t know what all the fuss about Jacinda and Clarke having a baby is all about. ‘It’s just a woman having a baby’s’ (sneer) As per usual didn’t read the dregs.Just the headline. But this is really funny coming from someone who’s life revolves around his MASERATI.An inanimate object that looks like a kids toy.Whats all the fuss about. It’s just a car.He really is a stupid boring human.

    • patricia bremner 19.1
      21 June 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Ffloyd, “shallow” is the word.

      “precious” when his children were caught in his affair with his current partner… he went to court to protect their privacy. He won.

      Now, Mike and partner are providing “click bait” for Granny Herald/Radio.
      They are jealous of Jacinda and Clarke’s growing profiles.
      Mike needs the superficial, holey jeans, jell in the hair, flash (dented) car. LOL
      Mid life crisis…. much!!

      • Kat 19.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 6:03 pm

        Hooton over at the Herald says “Parker must step down”……….. his reasoning is typical, vacuous rambling spin drivel.

        But…..if it secures just one vote……. thats about five hundred subliminal ticks for National at the 2020 election.

      • marty mars 19.1.2
        21 June 2018 at 8:00 pm

        Lol – so true

    • Naki man 19.2
      21 June 2018 at 10:03 pm

      “But this is really funny coming from someone who’s life revolves around his MASERATI.”

      More fake posts from the left. Hosking doesnt drive a maserati.

  20. Exkiwiforces 20
    21 June 2018 at 2:16 pm

    Here are a couple of interesting bits of information from this morning Australia Newspaper.

    The ADF’s Inspector-General has inform the ICC that it is investigating possible war crimes committed by the Australian Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Soldiers in the Gan, raising the possibility that Australia may have to provide details of it’s Afghan probe to prevent international prosecutors trying Australian Soldiers.

    Two-thirds of university educated Millennials are in favour of socialism, but they haven’t got a clue of who was Mao, Lenin or Stalin was according to a recent YouGov Galaxy Poll commissioned by the Centre of Independent Studies has revealed that 58% of Millennials viewed socialism favourably and support was higher among university educated graduates at 63%.

    But it worse for those right wingers lol,

    59% were the view that capitalism had failed society and 62% believed the Australian workers were worse off now than 40yrs.

    But this is a little concerning for me being a reader of History and Political History.

    Of the 1003 people polled 21% were familiar with Mao Zedong, 26% were familiar with Lenin and 34% knew about Stalin, but it doesn’t provide information on Marx or Engels

    • Pat 20.1
      21 June 2018 at 2:31 pm

      think you may have just highlighted the cause of historic recurrence

      • Exkiwiforces 20.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 2:43 pm

        It’s funny you mention that, as I was only talking about that a couple of weeks ago on here. About long wave patterns etc in the rise and fall of dominant nations over the last 500yrs and saying we are about due for the next one which could get very untidy.

        There is almost a full spread in Commentary section which may make an reading this afternoon over a cold one or cuppa once I’ve finish reading the business and sports sections.

        • In Vino 20.1.1.1
          21 June 2018 at 8:00 pm

          Interesting, Exkiwiforces.. You don’t make it clear whether you yourself associate socialism with just Marx and Engels, or whether you believe that Lenin, Stalin and Mao have blighted socialism forever. That would, to my mind, be right wing propaganda. Lenin was ruthless (rulers have to be in Russia..) but he did not sink to the depths of Stalin or Mao.
          Stalin was the most recent of Russia’s tyrannical Tsars, and Mao was the most recent of China’s tyrannical Emperors. Socialism had nothing to do with it – they simply used socialism as a means of seizing total power.
          I find it a sign of hope that young people are looking at the ideas of Marx and Engels. Those ideas matter.
          Mao, Stalin, etc don’t matter. They show only that socialism cannot succeed in cultures where there is a strong tradition of autocratic despotism.
          I look forward to the day when Marx’s and Engels’ ideas are put into practice in a rich, developed country with some democratic traditions. To date, Capitalism has done everything it can to prevent that from happening.

          • Exkiwiforces 20.1.1.1.1
            21 June 2018 at 9:06 pm

            I’m not sure if you have followed some of my posts IRT my family’s history over the last 18-24mths? And I think I nailed my colours to where I stand IRT to my background and where I come from.

            I find the article to be quite interesting as they seem to pick the worst offenders to ever nail their colours to the socialist cause and even then I could think there are few more that could added to that list.

            I was a bit muffed when they didn’t mention Marx and Engels, but when this poll was commissioned by the CIS a right wing think tank, sort of says lot about CIS and their methodology and the article in the Australian this morning.

            I only have the choice of the two morning papers the NT News or the Oz. The Oz wins because it has half decent business, sports section with some interesting supplements throughout the week (Mon- Sat). The News section is a tad right wing for me, but then again I do watch the ABC News from Sun-Fri and I supplement this by looking at various news site on the web.

            • In Vino 20.1.1.1.1.1
              22 June 2018 at 9:07 pm

              Thanks – and I have just read your comment 20.2.1
              I don’t think we are at odds. It is a sad fact that the Left throughout history became renowned for fighting harder among themselves than against the
              Right. It takes something to get a mention from Monty Python (‘Splitter!’ scene, etc, in ‘Life of Brian’)
              It’s that old need to be the purest and holiest, despite religion being the opiate of the masses. Maybe politics is now the opiate of the frustrated atheist who still needs to be pure and holy..
              We abhor war, but it seems that we rapidly lose awareness unless given a good, realistic dose of its effects. To keep us realistic.

    • David Mac 20.2
      21 June 2018 at 8:42 pm

      Being on the left has morphed. When I was a boy a man from the left had a leather palm handshake, the sparkle of a bright new tomorrow in his eye and made demeaning jokes about minorities. These days it seems being on the left is more about the speed and accuracy with which a racist can be identified.

      For me, being left is not about Lenin and his bros or stripping mouthy grumpy old men of their knighthoods, it’s simply the loving recognition of others.

      • Exkiwiforces 20.2.1
        21 June 2018 at 10:59 pm

        My socialist values and ethics came from my late grandmother Rosa Beaurepaire née Balderstone in turn those values and ethics came from the coalfields of Canada, Wales, Yorkshire and Lancashire of the Balderstone, Sherman and Bevan families. With a sprinkle of Methodism, Presbyterian, Quakerism religions and Atheism in the mix.

        When I look at today’s left movement, I shake my head and wonder if they really understand the pass troubles of the left movement because at the moment we are becoming less tolerant of each views/ opinions if they are not the same as yours. This doesn’t bowed well for the future of our democracy, freedoms etc which have been hard fought for during peacetime or during war and some have forgotten how make convincing arguments for or against, but instead taking the easy option and brand everyone as a heretic etc if you don’t confirm to current view of the left. I can think a lot workers, unemployed, service personnel have died for a lot worse things than someone feelings getting hurt

        Try and explain real time Peacekeeping to a dead in die lefty whose only view of Peacekeeping is out of book at university and won’t listen to your POV, but they won’t volunteer to do Peacekeeping because it’s too dangerous and it means he or she has to put on a uniform and pick up rifle as well.

  21. DB 21
    21 June 2018 at 3:21 pm

    PPP prison shambles in Australia. 155% capacity however, so someone’s doing well from it all.

  22. Robert Guyton 22
    21 June 2018 at 4:27 pm

    This is good beyond good: Jacinda in labour (best wishes, Jacinda, go well).
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/104464515/live-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-goes-into-hospital

  23. Robert Guyton 23
    21 June 2018 at 4:28 pm

    Our Prime Minister is in labour! Labour! We all wish her well!

  24. Fireblade 24
    21 June 2018 at 4:49 pm

    Live Baby Updates

    (Scroll past if you’re a nasty miserable person or have something better to do)

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/06/live-updates-jacinda-ardern-admitted-to-hospital-to-have-her-baby.html

    • logie97 24.1
      21 June 2018 at 8:18 pm

      … and du Plessis-Allan in The Herald – predicting that there will be press saturation and warns us to avoid it, by devoting her whole rant adding to the press saturation. What a sad individual she is.

      • David Mac 24.1.1
        21 June 2018 at 9:16 pm

        The best way to scoop the first journalist with cries of “Oh my God it’s everywhere.” Is to be the journalist that reports “Look out folks, it’s going to be everywhere.”

        It’s the move an old school journalist…I’ve got 2 bob on it being Barry’s idea.

      • gsays 24.1.2
        21 June 2018 at 9:49 pm

        Huh! The first time I will heed her advice.
        Starting with that rag that pays her.
        Followed closely by the other newspaper franchise.

        While I am at it, add media works various outlets too.

  25. Eco Maori 25
    22 June 2018 at 7:06 am

    Good morning The AM Show they had a girl congrats to Clarke and Jacinda you have hit number one news story around Papatuanukue once again I think thats about 5 times that has happened.
    Minstery of primary industries Can not boast about starting to convict 3 fishing companies for ripping Aotearoa off 1 company has been cought 4 times and still trading what a SHAM.
    Amanda Gearmeat Pies from Gisborne are my favourite Pies next is 4n20 pies but those are Australian made pies one can not get those pies in Atoearoa any more.
    The Mana of the Papatuanukue socal media and MSM trump is going to sign a order to change the sad things that is happening to those poor mokos on America boarders it would be good to see a taping of trumps EGO enhancer his rally he has organised not hard to get people /sheep to think that he’s the Bees knees and shout it out a bit of choreography here and there there you go a few free tickets this is not personal my opinion on trump its all about the Mokopunas future a safe health happy future and trump is taking te Papatuanukue down the wrong path to oblivion that’s a fact.
    The Russian Football World Cup is going well Ka pai sports is a good way for Nations to get on the same page and figure out We are all HUMAN BEINGS.
    KA KITE ANO. P.S Jacinda national is never going to be able to match yours and the Labour Party popularity enough said.

  26. Eco Maori 26
    22 June 2018 at 7:21 pm

    Many thanks to Paddy Gower for bringing this story to Te tangata
    Some state services providers have be using a private spy company to spy on innocent KIWIS WTF I new thing had changed when shonky coned his way into government I could see all the changes for the worst.
    You do know who becomes private spy’s ex sandflys that’s who they are used to spy on tangata who have the means to sue government agencies this is their way of mitigating liability. Another national mess that Labour has to clean up.
    You see these people’s logic is that we are just expendables sheep for them to play there control games on my point is life is not a game muppets.
    Here the link to Bryce Edwards opinion story.

    Political Roundup: Spy saga – Thompson and Clark and the state’s dirty work
    Ana to kai
    Ka kite ano

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12075706

  27. Eco Maori 27
    22 June 2018 at 8:10 pm

    So much for free speach the sandflys have been over to my Daughter house in Pukekohe saying that someone reported a burglary YEA RIGHT Muppets get a life dick heads Intimidation does not work on ECO MAORI come on arreste me and see what happens Ana to kai