Open mike 21/08/2021

102 comments on “Open mike 21/08/2021 ”

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1. I Feel Love 1

   21 August 2021 at 8:35 am

   I'm an essential worker, at the supermarket on my break at 830am Sat morning, & the place is packed. Why the hell are people here? I'd love to be home in bed, really weird & annoying.
   • Jester 1.1

     21 August 2021 at 8:52 am

     I was at a Countdown yesterday, had to line up for around 40 minutes to get in, very empty shelves – no toilet rolls and no flour…crazy.
   • Cricklewood 1.2

     21 August 2021 at 9:05 am

     Well I tried to do a family shop yesterday afternoon that would save me going back for a week shelves were absolutely gutted was a waste of time. Went back this morning at opening and got it done. I'll bet llenty are doing the same.
     • I Feel Love 1.2.1

       21 August 2021 at 9:14 am

       I'm just grumpy coz I want a sleep in too ,(I work 6 days)…
       • weka 1.2.1.1

         21 August 2021 at 9:23 am

         I find it odd too.

         Another reason might be people are antsy and this is one of the few out of house things they're allowed to do.

         Maybe some people are going early because they think it won't be so busy.
         • Herodotus 1.2.1.1.1

           21 August 2021 at 10:03 am

           You are still able to go out and give blood, gets you out and you are giving greatly to our community 🤕.

           https://www.nzblood.co.nz/become-a-donor/book-an-appointment/
       • DB Brown 1.2.1.2

         21 August 2021 at 10:36 am

         The stupor supermarket is usually packed on a weekend here in Auckland. Is it an unusual rush for you where you are?

         A friend had a relatively easy shop on Thursday, I'll have to find out where he was (probably in a place of interest haha) as my cupboards are quite bare. Lucky I have a garden – it's been pizza, fritatas, soup… no complaints!

         How's the vax rates in the staff, are we there yet?
2. Ad 2

   21 August 2021 at 8:41 am

   Whoever is running Simon Bridges' publicity is doing an outstanding job.

   The NZHerald and the Women's Weekly is running the same family story, brimming with vacuous love.

   Seems to be all on the back of his book.

   At Number 4 Collins is keeping her enemies close, but should she achieve government, keeping him in Foreign Affairs ie offshore is the tried and true route.

   Still, the Norman Rockwell vibe is working.
   • Westykev 2.1

     21 August 2021 at 9:58 am

     Probably taken a leaf out of the PM's playbook 🙂
     • Ad 2.1.1

       21 August 2021 at 12:05 pm

       Just have to wait for the wedding a month before the election.
       • Drowsy M. Kram 2.1.1.1

         21 August 2021 at 12:45 pm

         Ad, good to know you've received your invite to Te Wedding, sans Covid

         Oh noes, looks like she might be going early – whoa there Nelly!

         Hope you haven't given up on the sparkle pony popping out a few more babies – after all the old nag's only 41, and just look at those teeth.

         Maybe a few were mildly amused by the first of your jibes, but what might Dr Cullen have made of this tragic 'Obsession for Men'?
         • Ad 2.1.1.1.1

           21 August 2021 at 12:55 pm

           The Team of Five Million will all be part of it.

           Her third term will be enough for her.
           • Drowsy M. Kram 2.1.1.1.1.1

             21 August 2021 at 12:59 pm

             Her third term will be enough for her.

             You know her so well. Thanks NostrAdamus – time will tell eh.
       • Westykev 2.1.1.2

         21 August 2021 at 1:16 pm

         And if things are going really bad…..a baby
         • Ad 2.1.1.2.1

           21 August 2021 at 1:19 pm

           It's the circle of life.
3. David 3

   21 August 2021 at 9:13 am

   Anyone need toilet rolls out west? Meh, more pressing priorities dude

   https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/08/coronavirus-west-aucklanders-bought-a-weekend-s-worth-of-booze-in-the-hours-before-lockdown-began.html
   • Macro 3.1

     21 August 2021 at 9:27 am

     As paper is in short supply people are asked to use both sides and the edges if possible.
     • georgecom 3.1.1

       21 August 2021 at 3:08 pm

       There is the Herald. Works for Cubans with their local daily the Granma

       https://universes.art/en/magazine/articles/2008/states-of-exchange/photos/03

       https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/cuba-in-dire-need-of-toilet-paper/
       • McFlock 3.1.1.1

         21 August 2021 at 6:15 pm

         There were complaints when the free uni student newspaper went to glossy print many years back 🙂
         • georgecom 3.1.1.1.1

           22 August 2021 at 2:13 pm

           if people are really worried about stocks of toilet paper and going to the supermarket for some rolls, here are alternative suggestions:

           you might have one of the antivaxer pamphlets around home. with luck you may have several. Best still, if you know an antivaxer in your neighourhood they might have a bundle. As long as the pmaphlets are not glossy paper they make excellent toilet paper substitutes. Just don't confuse number 2's with whats written in the pamphlet, an easy mistake to make..

           If you subscribe to the herald then Mike Hoskin delivers you a daily toilet paper column.
           • McFlock 3.1.1.1.1.1

             22 August 2021 at 4:57 pm

             Hosking's material would probably clog the sewer line.
4. Anne 4

   21 August 2021 at 9:23 am

   This comment by Jo Moir from Newsroom is right on the button!

   https://www.newsroom.co.nz/testing-and-vaccinating-too-much-for-dhbs

   And here is how it has affected one Devonport senior citizen:

   Due to go into North Shore Hospital in a couple of weeks for long awaited elective surgery. All set to have jab no.2 yesterday only to discover clinic was closed and staff sent to testing sites which were over-run and couldn't cope. Can't get a new appointment before the latter week of September. Hospital currently being deep cleaned due to former patient testing positive for Covid. Not prepared to go into hospital until fully vaccinated. I have already had my surgery delayed three times and this will be the fourth.

   And to top it off: the local medical clinic applied two months ago to be able to vaccinate locals. They have the staff and the space yet up until this point have been ignored by the local DHB.

   There's one hell of a lot wrong with the current system.
   • Sabine 4.1

     21 August 2021 at 9:30 am

     Yes, i have written off my last medical appointment that was due in september. Don't think it will happen.

     Something that would usually take three appointments over 9 month is still not finished 18 month after beginning. I have had my appointments at every single lockdown. Oh well, just my luck. 🙂
   • DB Brown 4.2

     21 August 2021 at 10:42 am

     The public may not be aware (I'm sure they're not, sitting in lines for multiple hours) that various doctors will give them covid tests, with zero – minimal wait times as they book an appointment to go to said doctors. Central city doctors in Auckland is one such doctor, and there will be plenty more.

     Seek, and you might just find.
     • Gypsy 4.2.1

       21 August 2021 at 1:45 pm

       Hi DB. While enduring a total wait time of around 13 hours at 2 different testing centres, I contacted 7 different medical centres and was told they were only taking bookings from current patients. My own doctor could not test me until next week, and on hearing I was a 'close contact' informed me I needed to get tested pronto – meaning not next week!
       • solkta 4.2.1.1

         21 August 2021 at 1:51 pm

         The PM just said that they have set up special testing stations for close contacts. Phone healthline.

         edit: might be all contacts.
         • Gypsy 4.2.1.1.1

           21 August 2021 at 2:01 pm

           
       • DB Brown 4.2.1.2

         21 August 2021 at 7:40 pm

         Sorry it's been so difficult for you. There seems to be a bit of right place right time going on, that and the sheer volume took us off guard.

         I'm not sure that heads have to roll, or fingers be pointed, except the low unemployment, low uptake into nursing, staff shortages, hospitals as places of interest.

         Bit of a clusterfuck. I do feel for anyone going through a marathon waiting session though, I hate queues.
   • Gypsy 4.3

     21 August 2021 at 1:40 pm

     I'm so sorry you are experiencing that. Jo Moir writes this (from your source):

     Delta making its way through the border is no huge surprise, in fact officials and experts have been preparing scenarios for exactly that – but it seems they’ve still been caught off-guard. One frontline health worker told Newsroom there weren’t enough staff to both vaccinate and test in Auckland. They said frontline workers weren’t being listened to and political decisions were being made without their input.

     In the past 48 hours I've personally experienced the current madness that is the testing regime. But even as a 'close contact', my concern is not myself (I'm otherwise healthy) it is people who are genuinely vulnerable.

     I really don't know who we point the finger at, but somewhere within the health system the planning for the current eventuality has been unacceptable.
   • Patricia Bremner 4.4

     21 August 2021 at 1:51 pm

     Anne, as two hospitals are places of interest and staff are in isolation until cleared, yes there are pauses. 40 000 + tested yesterday!! Hubby has his colonoscopy delayed.

     Huge numbers attending and booking vaccines as well. Thank you staff. Especially Lab staff!!
     • Anne 4.4.1

       21 August 2021 at 2:07 pm

       Yes, I'm aware of the hospital situation. My concern is the way those of us who have lost our booked vaccinations because of the sudden clinic closures is being handled. I can't get a rebooking for my second jab until late September and there is no way I am having my op. until I'm fully vaccinated. It was booked for 10 days time, but guess it is going to be pushed out (yet again) a couple of weeks at the least.

       I note the media is catching up with what is happening and the stories are starting to emerge. There must be several thousand who have been affected, including many who are vulnerable and have been waiting to get their second jab only to have it denied them at the last moment.

       I blame the DHB system for the failure not the government.
       • Patricia Bremner 4.4.1.1

         21 August 2021 at 7:44 pm

         The vaccines were delayed as the set up needed changing for social distancing, so many were affected.
         • Anne 4.4.1.1.1

           21 August 2021 at 8:43 pm

           They closed Friday morning and they're still closed. At least the Birkenhead site is closed so presume the other affected sites are too. Don't know when they will reopen. The staff have been relocated to the testing sites which have been overwhelmed these past few days.

           Hence my comment re-the staffing situation. Three years ago the govt. provided funding for 3000 extra nurses but only half that number have been deployed. The onus is on the DHBs to explain why.

           https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-delta-outbreak-vaccinations-aucklanders-angry-over-cancelled-appointments/PVYBLXFZMITT7233WL2MPZAGZU/
5. Treetop 5

   21 August 2021 at 9:32 am

   Not sure how long stuff.co.nz has been doing this, the newest locations of interest each day are written in bold. Scrolling through the list I am surprised how many locations are being added to previous dates. A good idea to use bold.
   • DB Brown 5.1

     21 August 2021 at 10:47 am

     Took a while to find said list, as there was no headline – 'Places Of Interest'. I know they like click-baiting us, but consistency and clarity on this would be very useful.

     Instead I had to find 'Air NZ flight, Spark Arena names as places of interest.’ The lead-in, 'Air NZ' had already lost my interest. Only through you saying it was there, and going back to it as it should be there, did I find it.
   • Incognito 5.2

     21 August 2021 at 10:59 am

     This might help others: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest

     There’s also a map.
6. Adrian 6

   21 August 2021 at 10:49 am

   Just a casual glance at the locations of interest had me thinking that a complete permanent ban on all sushi restaurants and coffee sellers would eliminate a huge number of the transmission sites and wipeout Covid completely.

   suits me fine, I can’t stand either of those bloody awful concoctions.!
   • Sabine 6.1

     21 August 2021 at 11:57 am

     we should then also ban pubs and rugby games.

     weddings and funerals

     schools and students

     universities and students

     gas stations

     bakeries

     public transport

     🙂
     • DB Brown 6.1.1

       21 August 2021 at 7:42 pm

       Yeah we should (merely allude to) ban rugby.

       Just so I can laugh at entitled people completely losing their shit.

       OK, that's enough sadism for now. Hope everyone's OK out there.
   • Treetop 6.2

     21 August 2021 at 12:33 pm

     The worst locations of interest would be a dental centre or having an endoscope (flexible tube with a camera on it down your throat into your stomach).
7. vto 7

   21 August 2021 at 11:07 am

   well here in tiny dot rural town nz it is quiet as

   everyone everyone playing by the rules

   they scared

   methink
   • weka 7.1

     21 August 2021 at 11:22 am

     my small rural neighbourhood is quiet, not much of the DIY frenzy that marked the first L4. People seem to be taking it more seriously this time from the get go.
8. Adrian 8

   21 August 2021 at 11:09 am

   On a more serious note, many are complaining that GPs and more vaccination sites should open. My wife has just trained as a vaccinator and it is a pretty intense course and she is a highly trained ICU/HDU/ED nurse. The problem is that that each site needs 2 or more nurses trained in anaphylactic shock and recovery in the extremely rare event of such. Someone dying of such an event would seriously derail the entire rollout and supercharge the hesitant cohort. Most of the staff are already working in the health system while doing the vaccine on their days off. Bloody heroes, going off to a job every day to look after people who can make them sick and even kill them.
   I have heard fuckwits say that anyone can give an injection but it is not true of this stuff, to do it’s job properly it needs to go into muscle only so that it slow releases to the bits that process it and produce the anti-bodies. It is your body system that produces the Covid preventer, it’s not a killer like an anti biotic it just makes the virus a bit useless.
   • Incognito 8.1

     21 August 2021 at 11:26 am

     A good explanation of how (the) mRNA vaccine works can be found here: https://theconversation.com/what-is-mrna-the-messenger-molecule-thats-been-in-every-living-cell-for-billions-of-years-is-the-key-ingredient-in-some-covid-19-vaccines-158511

     It is easy enough to follow and it has a couple of good graphical schemes.

     HTH
   • Andre 8.2

     21 August 2021 at 11:29 am

     Further to that, apparently around half the claims of vaccine injury in the US are related to incorrect administration of the vaccine. Nothing whatsoever to do with the contents of the syringe. It goes by the acronym SIRVA – shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.

     In the US they are a lot more relaxed about who can give vaccines than we are here. Which I'm grateful for, since that makes an error leading to SIRVA much less likely.

     When you go get your vaccine, you can make your already tiny risk of a problem even less by simply wearing a short-sleeve shirt that's very loose, so it's easy to expose the entire upper arm and shoulder without any distortion from bunched-up tight clothing pushing or pulling on anything.
     • Bruce 8.2.1

       21 August 2021 at 12:02 pm

       And further to that , relax , no really relax , a deep breath in and release , picturing your paradise. my vaccinater was quite strict about it and i didnt feel a thing , during or after . I think even the smallest amount of tension in the muscle inhibits the flesh absorbing the fluid, worked for me.
   • Anne 8.3

     21 August 2021 at 12:15 pm

     This is the kind of thing that tells me something is badly wrong with the DHBs. To be fair not all of them, but certainly some of them. From the link I provided at 4:

     … over the last three years the Government has funded DHBs for an additional 3000 full-time nurses, yet half of them remain vacant.

     So, what is going on? Why is the country still 1500 full-time nurses short? The situation in Auckland – where several key vaccination clinics are closed and thousands of people [thus far] have been denied their booked jabs – could well have been overcome with Auckland's share of those nurses.
     • KSaysHi 8.3.1

       21 August 2021 at 12:51 pm

       Whaat?! That's very odd. Someone should be following this up, closely. Has the $$ been repurposed or are the conditions and pay so shit that it isn't worth working in NZ?
     • McFlock 8.3.2

       21 August 2021 at 6:22 pm

       Well, half that time has been restricted travel and nurses overseas are probably too exhausted to go job hunting as much as they used to.

       Also, funding a job at comparatively low pay for the skills and demands is not going to fill the job particularly quickly.
   • Treetop 8.4

     21 August 2021 at 12:44 pm

     That is reassuring that 2 nurses are trained in anaphylactic shock at each vaccination centre.
9. bwaghorn 9

   21 August 2021 at 11:22 am

   Covid your an egg because;

   Looking out my door on a the first blue bird day of winter at mountain loaded with snow finally ,and I cant go there.
   • Incognito 9.1

     21 August 2021 at 11:27 am

     At least you can look at and look forward to it. Patience, this will pass.
     • bwaghorn 9.1.1

       21 August 2021 at 3:38 pm

       Was trying to start a pile on on covid to lighten the mood, complete fail.
       • Incognito 9.1.1.1

         21 August 2021 at 3:46 pm

         I know what you’re saying; my mind is going silly cooped inside on a grey miserable day.
         • McFlock 9.1.1.1.1

           21 August 2021 at 6:24 pm

           Thought I was doing ok this time, but this morning had a nightmare about trying to save someone and getting permanently trapped in a small cell, oubliette-styles. So I'm ok, but my subconscious is still processing it lol
           • Incognito 9.1.1.1.1.1

             21 August 2021 at 6:41 pm

             Yeah, going loopy with cabin fever is not a good symptom. Good to hear you were trying to save someone (yourself?). I’ve started watching truly shitty movies that I’d normally never watch, to distract my mind; a bit like listening to elevator music in the dentist’s waiting room, i.e., calming, boringly nauseating, and infuriating all at the same time.
             • Anne …

               21 August 2021 at 7:00 pm

               Well at least you don't have a ceiling video of gently running water when you are lying back in the dentist's chair. Its supposed to make you calm and relaxed but it only makes me wanna go to the loo.
               • McFlock …

                 21 August 2021 at 7:02 pm

                 that video screams "chosen by younger people" lol
                 • Anne …

                   21 August 2021 at 7:07 pm

                   Oh I've got it sussed. No tea or coffee for at least two hours before appointment.
               • Incognito …

                 21 August 2021 at 7:56 pm

                 I’d close my eyes; do that anyway at the dentist. The sound of running water is an entirely different matter though …
                 • In Vino …

                   21 August 2021 at 8:24 pm

                   Stream of consciousness…
                   • Incognito …

                     21 August 2021 at 8:34 pm

                     Mine is more like the irregular drip of a leaking tap. A few weeks ago, I happened to watch this (don’t ask):

                     
                     
                     
             • McFlock …

               21 August 2021 at 7:07 pm

               I'm waiting for the the threshold where I start reading hardcopies again. Got some books in the queue.

               The saving thing would have been my subconscious reminding itself why we're all doing this, is my guess. Sometimes it's a dick, but on this occasion it seems to be on the side of good, lol
             • DB Brown …

               21 August 2021 at 8:22 pm

               Have you tried season 2 of Why Women Kill (tvnz on demand)? Such good television I'm sure it will win awards if it hasn't already.

               Story telling with a narrator, funny, clever, dark. And beautifully cast.
               • Incognito …

                 21 August 2021 at 8:29 pm

                 Nope. Never heard of it. Will look into it, thanks. Seems to have high rating. Nowadays, I don’t watch anything above 4/10 (IMDb).
         • Anne 9.1.1.1.2

           21 August 2021 at 6:28 pm

           I've had at least 4 phone tantrums in the past 24 hours. Haven't received any calls or emails today. Think they're steering clear of me.
           • Incognito 9.1.1.1.2.1

             21 August 2021 at 6:47 pm

             I’m so jealous! After I’d lost the landline I don’t get any phone calls anymore; they were cold callers anyway. I use Skype IM for tantrums; it has a better selection of emojis and I can delete my messages afterwards, which is a bit like Snapchat (I’ve been told).
         • bwaghorn 9.1.1.1.3

           21 August 2021 at 7:28 pm

           Thursday and friday I was wishing was locked down weather was miserable ,but being a farm boy not much has changed in my day to day , but today

           thank god I'm a country boy !!!
   • Treetop 9.2

     21 August 2021 at 6:24 pm

     I sent a relative a text today.

     "I am beginning to think people are better off in MIQ."

     Your comment was not a complete fail.
10. SPC 10

    21 August 2021 at 12:12 pm

    Benny Gantz signs an order blocking the delivery of chocolate to Gaza.

    Presumably so he can have the IDF hand it out to those getting Pfizer booster doses to keep the Jewish people safe.

    http://palestineonline.org/israeli-occupation-confiscates-23-tonnes-of-chocolate-headed-to-besieged-gaza/
11. joe90 11

    21 August 2021 at 12:17 pm

    But at least people could afford to spend holidays at the beach, and go tramping and sailing, and could get a good education.

    /

    WHEN NOBODY WAS LOOKING

    An entomologist takes on the 1970s New Zealand Government uncovering institutional racism and child abuse.

    Dr. Oliver Sutherland discovers disturbing cases of abused children in state care, including imprisonment and torture of children as young as nine. Fighting a racist system, the insect scientist stands up to expose abuse in the notorious Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital, but will justice ever be served?

    “We called it torture. It was torture. And in the end, the United Nations has since called it torture.” – Dr. Oliver Sutherland

    https://loadingdocs.net/nobodywaslooking/
    • Treetop 11.1

      21 August 2021 at 6:42 pm

      I have said it previously that you post interesting links.

      I am out raged about what happened at Lake Alice, not just to children in state care. Children at Lake Alice who who were sexually abused in the community and were not in state care were given ECT for sexual abuse or conditions like aspergers.

      I cannot give a link as 2 people have personally told me about what happened to them as young teenagers.

      I feel that Lake Alice needs to have its own inquiry.
12. joe90 12

    21 August 2021 at 12:53 pm

    Well, they did say herd immunity…

    At least one individual has been hospitalized in Mississippi after ingesting a drug intended for treating worms in livestock, the Mississippi State Department of Health revealed today. The medicine, ivermectin, is not approved for treating COVID-19.

    […]

    “The Mississippi Poison Control Center has received an increasing number of calls from individuals with potential ivermectin exposure taken to treat or prevent COVID-19 infection,” the alert said. “At least 70% of the recent calls have been related to ingestion of livestock or animal formulations of ivermectin purchased at livestock supply centers. 85% of the callers had mild symptoms, but one individual was instructed to seek further evaluation due to the amount of ivermectin reportedly ingested.”

    https://www.mississippifreepress.org/15002/person-hospitalized-after-taking-livestock-ivermectin-from-feed-store-to-treat-covid-19/
    • McFlock 12.1

      21 August 2021 at 6:29 pm

      Thing about the US is that some people really do need to get their meds from the vet (and other illegal ways) because the people-healthcare system is such a rort. So I have a lot of sympathy for the folks who can't afford to get healthcare, so swing at any hocum remedy they can afford.
      • Andre 12.1.1

        22 August 2021 at 6:08 am

        True enough as a general comment.

        But in this case, it's people that have deliberately chosen not to get a vaccine that is free (yes, it is free in the US), safe, effective, and every bit as easily accessible as the animal worming stuff they actually took. For really really stupid political reasons.

        Unless there's been a massive outbreak of parasite disease that's been carefully covered up by the deep state and the dastardly liberal msm, that is.
        • McFlock 12.1.1.1

          22 August 2021 at 4:54 pm

          True.

          There might be a few who got the jab and then the virus from some plague enthusiast rather than just being a brainwashed plague enthusiast (Fox has been as bad as soviet-style Pravda for years), but either way it's another level of fuckage on the entire shitty situation.
      • joe90 12.1.2

        22 August 2021 at 1:26 pm

        FWIW, mate says his pig dogs get a prophylactic <3mls of a 0.08% solution of an Ivermectin sheep drench. I shudder to think how much these folk are taking.
13. Jenny how to get there 13

    21 August 2021 at 2:27 pm

    Does this qualify as a politically motivated hate crime?

    Should the alleged offender receive a harsher sentence, if it is determined that this was a politically motivated hate crime?

    Supermarket customer spits at guard after being refused entry

    Sam Sherwood – Stuff.co.nz, Aug 21 2021

    A security guard at a Christchurch supermarket is being tested for Covid-19 after a customer spat at him after they were refused entry…..

    …..Police confirmed the incident, which happened at 6.30pm, and said the man had refused to wear a mask in store.

    ….Police confirmed a 58-year-old man has been charged with assault, resisting arrest, threatening to kill, and has been given an infringement notice for a Covid-19 related breach.

    “This customer spat on the security guard and refused to leave the store. The police attended and apprehended the customer.”

    "It is always incredibly disappointing when our team are subject to abusive behaviour, but it is particularly distressing when this involves spitting at a time when the country is experiencing a community outbreak of Covid-19.”….

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/126143508/covid19-supermarket-customer-spits-at-guard-after-being-refused-entry

    In the interests of protecting public health, could this allegedly, violent and dirty, unsanitary offender, if found guilty of these offences, be sentenced to be held in mandatory detention under the Public Health Act? (at least until the latest outbreak is contained).
    • Incognito 13.1

      21 August 2021 at 3:05 pm

      Does this qualify as a politically motivated hate crime?

      No

      Read your own link, thanks. And leave it to the Judge and legal experts, yes?
14. Jenny how to get there 14

    21 August 2021 at 2:34 pm

    '

    The sign language interpreters had to be spelled twice during the Prime Minister's 1pm Covid update.

    Hardest working Prime Minister, ever.
    • Jenny how to get there 14.1

      21 August 2021 at 2:51 pm

      Can anyone imagine any other Prime Minister leading the country during this crisis?

      Judith Collins, perhaps?

      Simon Bridges, maybe?

      Bill English, who?

      Or how about, John Key, who ran out of gas, without having to face any of the multiple crisi that this Prime Minister has dealt with.

      In my opinion; none of these wanna-bees and has-beens, would have been up to the task.

      Not one of them has the same mix of empathy and indefatigable professionalism, of this Prime Minister.
      • fender 14.1.1

        21 August 2021 at 3:24 pm

        Short answer: No

        Those RWNJ names you list have a tendency to trust their own reckons. They believe themselves to be smarter than experts, and would have killed many in NZ .
      • Patricia Bremner 14.1.2

        21 August 2021 at 7:58 pm

        Yes JA is.
    • Patricia Bremner 14.2

      21 August 2021 at 7:57 pm

      I shudder to think of those “So called Leaders”
15. Reality 15

    21 August 2021 at 2:42 pm

    The disgusting person in Christchurch was injured apparently on being arrested. Hope it was a police dog that got its teeth into some disgusting flesh. There really are some vile stupid people around.
    • Incognito 15.1

      21 August 2021 at 2:58 pm

      Not cool.
    • Gabby 15.2

      21 August 2021 at 3:56 pm

      I would be assuming he's yet another beneficiary of mental health care in the community.
    • Jester 15.3

      22 August 2021 at 9:09 am

      What happened to the bloke that stabbed the people in Countdown Dunedin? Does anyone know?
16. AB 16

    21 August 2021 at 2:51 pm

    So Fran doesn't like the PMs performance at the Covid press conferences. We've known for a while that the one o'clockers drive Tories mad, but Fran's attempt to rationalise her deeply irrational derangement over these press conferences is a hoot.

    What Fran doesn't realise is that the PM isn't talking to her – she's not talking to elites or journalists. Her language, content and delivery style are aimed at ordinary people. Basic messages are simple and repeated – designed to increase compliance and understanding.

    And it's obvious why Fran hates this. She expects to be able to mediate the message – to have it pass through her right-wing filter before it is consumed. It is enjoyable to watch the ideological gatekeepers being bypassed in this way. Every time Ardern adopts a compassionate expression or repeats a fairly obvious point, there is a minor frisson of delight in imagining Tory heads exploding.
    • Incognito 16.1

      21 August 2021 at 3:00 pm

      Yup, well put.
    • georgecom 16.2

      21 August 2021 at 3:12 pm

      I note it's behind a pay wall. Asking people to pay good money for some pointless comment.
      • In Vino 16.2.1

        21 August 2021 at 4:33 pm

        Because it's behind the paywall, I saw only the haedlines – Fran saying something like; "We already know the podium performance from last time – just give us the facts."

        I would say back to her: "Fran, we've already seen how you spin the facts. Give us a break – we will judge for ourselves."
        • Treetop 16.2.1.1

          21 August 2021 at 7:00 pm

          Fran seems to think that everyone has an Internet connection and that is where they should be going for Covid news.

          At least people can switch the TV on at 1 pm and not be left behind.
17. Reality 17

    21 August 2021 at 3:40 pm

    The information that the PM has to digest and then soon after be able to give a 1pm update and respond to the media's questions is amazing. Always with empathy and the ability to connect with her audience. No wonder The Herald's so called commentators are in a spin knowing they are secondary to all that is happening with the outbreak.

    I hope any people complaining at the wait to get a test or their vaccination have been swiping their Covid tracer, the numbers of which have been very low for weeks.
18. Macro 18

    21 August 2021 at 4:39 pm

    A song for our times as we are confined to our homes – watching the telly.

    Peat and Diesel
19. Fireblade 19

    21 August 2021 at 7:26 pm

    https://www.twitter.com/NZNationalParty/status/1371554100781879297
    • Drowsy M. Kram 19.1

      21 August 2021 at 7:47 pm

      Thanks Fireblade – feeling slightly ill at the (inevitable?) prospect of NAct MPs 'leading' NZ again. Maybe it won’t be for some time and lefties can develop a ‘vaccine’.
      • joe90 19.1.1

        21 August 2021 at 8:01 pm

        A little more than slightly ill…

        https://twitter.com/JudithCollinsMP/status/1418333665969393666

        National leader Judith Collins is distancing herself from a former party politician who today urged followers on his Facebook page to read "a highly informative" anti-vaccination article.

        Former Northland MP Matt King – who lost his seat in Parliament at the last election – said he isn't against Covid vaccinations and is simply trying to start a conversation about how to avoid future lockdowns.

        Yet he today linked to an article calling Covid-19 vaccinations dangerous and containing a video downplaying the risks of the virus.

        King urged followers to watch and make up their own minds.

        The National Party quickly distanced itself from the post, after some Facebook users mistakenly believed King was still a National MP and asked if there were any other politicians willing to "speak out".

        https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-national/collins-distances-herself-former-national-mps-anti-vax-post

        edit:
        campylobacterish going at both ends ill, actually
        https://twitter.com/SikotiHamiltonR/status/1428828459271286785
        • Gabby 19.1.1.1

          22 August 2021 at 9:21 am

          Poor John needs a bit of a checkover I can't help thinking.
20. Stephen D 20

    21 August 2021 at 8:53 pm

    If you want some understanding of the situation in Afghanistan, have a read of this.

    https://cf2r.org/tribune/understanding-taliban-through-the-prism-of-pashtunwali-code/
    • Treetop 20.1

      21 August 2021 at 9:47 pm

      Is this the link about what the Afgani villager said?
      • Stephen D 20.1.1

        22 August 2021 at 7:38 am

        No. I read the villager quote ages ago. Found this one on Saturday.

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