Open mike 21/04/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 21st, 2015 - 111 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

openmikeOpen mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

111 comments on “Open mike 21/04/2015 ”

  1. Michelle 1

    Listening to Kim Hill interview John Key yesterday morning I am wondering how safe her job is. She was great and John did not sound very happy.

    • felix 1.1

      It’s so refreshing to hear a journalist on Morning Report for a change.

      • Tiger Mountain 1.1.1

        Kim’s still “got it” in dealing with duplicitous politicians. She allowed some space around Key for his crap to impact on the listener, nice change from the now prevalent hectoring style that eschews even a micro pause.

  2. Paul 2

    Brilliant cartoon by Malcolm Evans.
    Totally sums it up.

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/04/21/malcolm-evans-anzac-selfies/

  3. amirite 3

    Election promise broken – ‘The Government will not be delivering on its pre-election promise of free doctors visits for all primary aged children. The ACC Minister has set the Corporation’s funding at a level that will cover only an estimated 90 percent of doctors’ visits for children who are injured(…)Nikki Kaye said the costs of getting the remaining number of injured children free visits outweighs the benefits.”

    Meanwhile, professional rugby players earning 100+K get all the costly treatments for free when injured.
    How is that fair?

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/271689/doctor-visit-promise-falls-short

    • Incognito 3.1

      It doesn’t matter; it’s the thought that counts.

    • saveNZ 3.2

      +1 Unbelievable.

    • Lanthanide 3.3

      “Meanwhile, professional rugby players earning 100+K get all the costly treatments for free when injured.”

      Um, pretty sure they would be paid for by the rugby union. You know, private medicine?

      • weka 3.3.1

        Are you sure? I thought ACC covered all work place injuries.

        • Colonial Rawshark 3.3.1.1

          Yep. ACC also covers accidents outside of the workplace. For professional athletes their organisations typically “top up” the payment ACC provides so that the athlete does not have to cough up the patient co-payment themselves.

        • saveNZ 3.3.1.2

          Surely you guys all know by now, that children don’t count in this country and all tax payers money should be used to prop up highly paid Nat loving sports people and corporates!

          • mary-a 3.3.1.2.1

            @ SAVE NZ – Hear hear.

            Plus there’s the fact that children don’t vote, while sports people are Gods!

      • Murray Rawshark 3.3.2

        Possibly not paid by the RU. I remember when the Warriors started up, ACC assigned special officers to them so any problems could be quickly treated. I would expect a national icon such as the All Blacks to get at least the same level of attention. Or maybe things have changed since those days.

        • Tracey 3.3.2.1

          acc works closely with rugby cos nzru acc levies are high… and they want to reduce levies through accident reduction. plus role modelling blah blah.

      • Tracey 3.3.3

        insurers i would think… but they do occasionally use public hospital services in emergencies

    • Dave 3.5

      Wait a minute, do professional sportspeople get ACC? Or are you talking about highly paid, amateur sportspeople?

      • Tracey 3.5.1

        ceos on 2 million a year can get acc. thats partly the point. a system for all. usually they have private insurance both health and income so would not get Acc

        • just saying 3.5.1.1

          Private health insurance doesn’t affect entitlement to ACC. If you have it you get both when/if you are injured.
          Also, ACC has long had a unit that deals with the injuries of “special” people – high court judges, sports professionals, politicians, TV presenters etc. -ie the rich and/or powerful have their own unit at ACC dedicated to looking after them separately from the plebs.
          I believe this unit exists because it is important in maintaining the status quo that those whose voices are heard aren’t treated the way ordinary people are.

          • Murray Rawshark 3.5.1.1.1

            Everyone gets the same treatment. Some just get more of it and without having to wait, or be told their broken neck from a collapsed scrum is a degenerative condition. Like Australia, we are a nation of equals, where Jack is as good as his master. Just don’t tell Jack though, or he might get ideas.

  4. Kim Hill on National Radio MR….what a treat! Yes, John Key sounded surly and the Health and Disability Commissioner has just had a well deserved hammering over the official response to the stupidity at Greymouth Hospital which killed a 15 year old boy.

  5. saveNZ 5

    From Granddaddy Herald..

    Ports of Auckland is proceeding with two huge wharf extensions, despite public protests, a political call to halt work and a legal challenge against consents for the work.

    Last night Mayor Len Brown was taking a relaxed approach to the work at the port, saying a council request to halt work was still under consideration.

    The lawfulness of the consents is being challenged in the High Court in Auckland on June 2 by Urban Auckland, a society of architectural and planning professionals.

    Reaction to Mr Hawkins’ statement was swift.

    Stop Stealing Our Harbour spokesman Michael Goldwater said the decision to proceed with the extensions displayed incredible arrogance and complete disregard for what the port’s bosses were saying.

    Waitemata and Gulf councillor Mike Lee accused the port company of insubordination, while North Shore councillor Chris Darby said the company appeared to be deliberately toying with the council and thinks it is “immune to our unequivocal requests”.

    • vto 5.1

      Carrying out illegal works on their land?

      Seems like they are taking a leaf out of their hero the PM’s playbook.

      It seems to be more common today. People in all spheres are talking more bullshit and telling lies blatantly and deceiving people and doing just whatever they want as they see the PM get away with it. You know, the “whatever it takes” mantra.

      Such fine leadership ……

      no knighthood for key

    • Charles 5.2

      “Stop Stealing Our Harbour spokesman Michael Goldwater said the decision to proceed with the extensions displayed [ incredible arrogance and complete disregard for what the port’s bosses were saying ] perfect alignment with a capitalist perspective.”

      FIFY

  6. One Anonymous Bloke 6

    ‘Interesting’ timing…

    Producers will be required to register their powdered baby milk formula with the food and drug regulatory agency, according to a draft revision to the Food Safety Law, submitted to the bi-monthly legislative session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for its third reading on Monday.
    In an earlier draft, submitted in December, the provision on powdered baby milk formula stipulated that firms should only ensure their formulas were on record.

    Probably just a completely innocent coincidence.

  7. RedBaronCV 7

    According to Stuff if we turn out on Anzac day we are supprting the deployments against ISIS? How dare they.

    “Australians and New Zealanders are being urged to turn out in force on Anzac Day to show they are not cowed by Islamic State terror plots.”
    “The best thing Australians and New Zealanders can do is to turn up in very large numbers at Anzac events, wherever they are, to support our values, our interests, our armed forces,” Abbott said.”

    No comments enabled on the story

    • vto 7.1

      Yes I saw that. It is disgusting.

      But you know the reality now? Now that terror threats are on the list at the mall? …. the reality is that the horse has bolted…. we are at war …… the propaganda has passed a tipping point …. the truth is now gone …… you are either with us or against us …… the entire narrative over the middle east, terror, war America Australia has just changed the last few days ….. (always intended of course. in evidence see timing of particular events)

      we must watch what we say

      • Anne 7.2.1

        Was planning to attend the local ceremony in Devonport this year but the crass and blatant political manipulation of the event by the two most abhorrent Australasian leaders of all time has now ensured I will not be there.

        I will plant my poppy (in memory of my father who saw action in the final year of WW1 and all of WW2) later in the day after everybody has gone.

        • wyndham 7.2.1.1

          Well said Anne. My thoughts will go with you.

        • Bill 7.2.1.2

          Maybe there should be a dusk commemoration by those who are remembering as a symbolic counterpoise to those who turn up at dawn but who seem to have forgotten?

          • just saying 7.2.1.2.1

            ANZAC DAY PEACE COMMEMORATION to remember all casualties of war will take place at 2pm on Saturday 25 April at the Peace Pole in front of Otago Museum. It will last between 20-30 minutes.

            Organised by the Peace Movement Aotearoa. Not quite dusk,and probably silent, so those who find silence uncomfortable should come late:-)

            • Pasupial 7.2.1.2.1.1

              j s

              Thanks for that; I was thinking 12pm not 2pm, must have misread email.

              • just saying

                The time was changed. Will check with PMA to make sure that the correction has been widely circulated. Thanks for letting me know Pasupial.

        • Ron 7.2.1.3

          +100
          Agree completely

    • vto 7.3

      Abbott referred to this Iraq “training” squad of close to 1,000 people as “sons of anzacs”………

      What would those who died at Gallipoli and other places think of Abbott, Key and their actions?

      I would guess the true anzacs would not wish this on their sons at all…. and especially not in these circumstances around the US and the middle east the last decade or two.

      The Iraq squad are not sons of anzacs, that is complete and utter horseshit

      • jenny kirk 7.3.1

        Abbott is so crass ! and crude …. and our PM goes along with all this jingoism presumably because “war” stirs our nationwide pride and will keep him being elected ! Maybe …… and maybe not …. there must be a stirring of disgust starting to run through most NZers at the blatant commercialism going on, surely ? Especially those whose families suffered in one way or another thru WW1.

    • Olwyn 7.4

      I found that sickening as well – sullying the meaning of a festival that has an established place in the lives of New Zealanders and Australians. The concept of respect is alien to guys like Abbott and Key.

    • Murray Rawshark 7.5

      They should be a bit clearer about the values they’re wanting to support. Do they mean the massacre of Palestinian villagers by Kiwi Anzacs:

      http://www.smh.com.au/national/anzacs-atrocity-had-to-be-done-digger-20090724-dw5x.html

      or the machine-gunning of protesting Egyptians by Australian Anzacs:

      http://www.solidarity.net.au/highlights/nothing-to-celebrate-in-anzac-the-bloody-history-of-the-british-empire/

      I suspect they’d support both because the two of them are still hostage to the stupid ideas of racial superiority that led to Gallipoli in the first place.

  8. saveNZ 8

    BTW – this is the same Ports of Auckland that were fined $40k for deliberately breaking the law in 2012.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10853815

    Welcome to our future… where public amenity is transferred to corporate interests for nothing with no oversight (apart from a few incompetent council resource consents people) and even when there is huge public protest, the so called ‘owner’ the council run by CEO Stephen Town who has been very silent through all of this does nothing, and our elected officials also do nothing.

    While the Ports of Auckland with a strong record of intensionally breaking the law gets a free run to steal our harbour.

  9. saveNZ 9

    Welcome to our future, where public amenity like our harbour is transferred into corporate control like the Ports of Auckland by a handful of barristers and council resource consent officials and the public is not allowed a say in the process.

    Nothing from Stephen Brown CEO of Auckland Council…. someone check his pulse to see if he is still alive …

    Ports of Auckland is a company with a proven record of illegal action. One would think with the amount of lawyers on speed dial at the council they could get an injunction to stop work, but no, as usual do nothing.

    Ports of Auckland has been ordered to pay $40,000 for deliberately breaking the law in 2012.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10853815

  10. Tautoko Mangō Mata 10

    “Lynton Crosby, the Conservatives’ election campaign director, is facing a growing Cabinet backlash over his strategy, with ministers worried that the party is pumping out an aggressive and uninspiring message to voters.”

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tory-mps-revolt-against-lynton-crosbys-aggressive-uninspiring-strategy-10094564.html

    • Tracey 10.1

      So, the Brits are seeing through it, the Aussies see through it, but 49% of kiwis don’t.

      • adam 10.1.1

        Because the Crosby campaign is designed to make people not want to vote. It only 49% of people who voted Tracey. Which is just 30 odd % of the population. Another 30 odd % are sick of the politics of hate, fear, and manipulation. These fine souls voted with their feet and did not vote.

        • The lost sheep 10.1.1.1

          Another 30 odd % are sick of the politics of hate, fear, and manipulation. These fine souls voted with their feet and did not vote.

          The single main reason people do not vote is that they ‘didn’t get round to it, forgot or were not interested’
          Only about 7% of non voters express anything like a ‘protest’ reason for not voting.

          http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/people_and_communities/Well-being/civic-human-rights/non-voters-2008-2011-gen-elections.aspx

          • Crashcart 10.1.1.1.1

            How many of those who did vote only voted because they were guited into it by the “don’t vote, don’t complain” crowd. I know I have been in this catagory in the past and my wife is currently there. Until there is a box to vote for none of the above then we will not have a truely representative democratic process.

            • The lost sheep 10.1.1.1.1.1

              I can’t think of anything more pointless than a ‘none of the above’ vote. If that’s all you want to say then just don’t bother voting. Nothing = nothing.

              If you have an alternative in mind, and there are a significant number of citizens that support that alternative, then start a political Party to represent it and get it on the ballot paper so citizens have the opportunity to vote for it.

              • Colonial Rawshark

                I can’t think of anything more pointless than a ‘none of the above’ vote. If that’s all you want to say then just don’t bother voting. Nothing = nothing.

                For some reason you believe that a no confidence vote is the same as a “nothing” vote. You couldn’t be more wrong.

                • The lost sheep

                  For some reason you think that ‘none of the above’ is the same thing as ‘no confidence’.

                  A ‘no confidence’ vote is a condemnation of a specific person or entity within a system, and has the effect of forcing a positive action to restore confidence in that system.

                  That is quite different to the ‘None of the above’ Crashcart suggests, which is a condemnation of everyone within a system, and as far as I can see, if it happened without some alternative to everyone in the current system being available, it would have no point what so ever. Except anarchy perhaps?

                  • “No confidence” doesn’t apply to individual people or entities. In student union elections (at least in Auckland, from memory) there’s a “no confidence” option in multi-candidate ballots.

                    Interestingly there’s also a “no vote” option so one could decide how strongly to assert one’s objections.

                    • The lost sheep

                      And what actions would those 2 options lead to if they gathered ? level of support Stephanie?

                    • Sacha

                      I think they have to run the election for that position again. Happened at least once at AUSA.

                  • Colonial Rawshark

                    For some reason you think that ‘none of the above’ is the same thing as ‘no confidence’.

                    It’s quite similar. It’s certainly not a “nothing” like you claim it to be.

                    • The lost sheep

                      And so what would it lead to if it gathered a significant number of votes CR?

                      How would it have any point, unless there was an alternative offered?

                    • Colonial Rawshark

                      that’s not for you or for me to decide mate.

                  • Draco T Bastard

                    That is quite different to the ‘None of the above’ Crashcart suggests, which is a condemnation of everyone within a system, and as far as I can see, if it happened without some alternative to everyone in the current system being available, it would have no point what so ever. Except anarchy perhaps?

                    Really? Then that’s exactly what we should do as anarchy is exactly what we need.

          • adam 10.1.1.1.2

            “The single main reason people do not vote is that they ‘didn’t get round to it, forgot or were not interested’
            Only about 7% of non voters express anything like a ‘protest’ reason for not voting.”

            Piffle

            Then you go on with more piffle The lost sheep – is it the argument of the unthinking or self-righteous, I really don’t know – “go start your on political party”. What a trifling boring and dullard argument. How about you go organise some sheep and put them in a pig pen if your not happy with the world. That’s what you said – piffle.

            People are not happy with this world, or how it’s run – but don’t talk to anyone – just sit in your room and pontificate about how your great system and ideas of governance are the only option. Just more right wing turgid arguments against the people. The TINA buzz sanctimoniously put, just like the late roger dogulas. So if your going to lambaste us with piffle, any chance you could do it with a modicum of originality?

          • miravox 10.1.1.1.3

            “The single main reason people do not vote is that they ‘didn’t get round to it, forgot or were not interested’”

            That’s three reasons there, Tls, and they come under the single biggest category of why people didn’t vote – Disengaged – which included:

            I didn’t get round to it or I forgot about it/am not interested 21.0
            I didn’t think it was worth voting because my vote wouldn’t have made a difference 7.1
            I didn’t think it was worth voting because it makes no difference which party is in government 7.0
            I didn’t think it was worth voting because politicians only care about being in power 5.1
            Dislike politicians, the political system, or all parties 3.0(*)

            Total Disengaged 43.2

            (*) Relative sampling error is 30–49.9 percent, and should be viewed with caution.)

            The ‘not interested’ category could probably do with separation from the ‘forgot/didn’t get around to it’ options, imo. Without further explanation it could just as easily fit with any one of the other options in the Disengaged category.

  11. Tautoko Mangō Mata 11

    I am glad to see that Prof Jane Kelsey has called attention to the incorrect implication given by both Radio NZ and the NZ Herald that the Fast Track for the TPPA had been achieved by Obama. In fact the Fast Track Bill had just been tabled in the US Congress.

    The RNZ headline was “Obama to get fast-track authority for TPP”

    These parts of the report distinctly gave the impression that this was a done deal.

    “The US Congress has agreed to give President Barack Obama the authority to fast-track its signing.
    However, the US commitment still has hurdles to overcome.
    The agreement, struck by the leaders of the tax-writing committees, will grant the president so-called trade promotion authority, which will limit lawmakers to taking only a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on any eventual trade deal without any power to amend it.
    The Republican chairs of the Senate’s Finance Committee and Ways and Means Committee had to agree to stringent requirements for the trade deal to win over the ranking Democrat on the finance panel.”

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/271465/obama-to-get-fast-track-authority-for-tpp

    Tim Groser no doubt was pushing that line. I hope that NZ’s interests are not being sacrificed by Tim Groser on his altar of ambition to become NZ’s Ambassador in Washington.

  12. Philip Ferguson 12

    Any folks here who are in Dunedin and have an interest in Irish/working class/left history might be interested in a couple of talks I’m giving on campus about the 1916 Rebellion in Ireland and its aftermath.

    The talks are at 5pm, today (Tuesday), April 21 and 5pm, next Tuesday (April 28) and are in Room 4, upstairs in the Clubs and Societies building at 84 Albany Street.

    In the first talk I’ll be looking at the lead-up to the Rising, in particular the arrival in Irish society of the working class as an organised industrial/political force with the formation especially of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union, founded by James Larkin and later led by James Connolly, the development of its newspaper (the widely-read Irish Worker, edited by Sean O’Casey) and of the workers’ militia (the Irish Citizen Army, led by Connolly, Michael Mallin and Countess Markievicz; the formation of the first republican paramilitary organisation, Na Fianna Eireann, founded by Countess Markievicz; the revitalisation of the Irish Republican Brotherhood by young militants like Sean MacDiarmada and the return of the veteran Tom Clarke; the formation of a republican women’s movement (Inghinidhe na hEireann), founded by Maud Gonne; and the Irishwomen’s Suffrage League.

    I’ll look at the 1913 Dublin Lockout and the Home Rule Crisis and the different responses within Irish nationalism to World War 1.

    Bigi linn (all welcome).

    For poster, see: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/dunedin-talks-on-the-1916-rebellion-in-ireland/

    Phil

  13. logie97 13

    Today’s Herald “Chinese bank giant pushes into New Zealand mortgage market…”

    Stop the World a moment.
    Where is NZ Inc heading?
    We have a person who was singularly able to influence New Zealand social policy for many years as the Reserve Bank Governor, (failed to lead National to government even through “Hollow Men” tactics and push his agenda) now turns up heading a foreign bank which is bleeding more “Decent Ordinary Blokes” money offshore.

    “Industrial and Commercial Bank of China New Zealand began lending last year and made $11.2 million in home loans in the 12 months to December 31, according to a disclosure statement lodged with the Companies Office.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11435747

    Apparently these new banks are keeping the Aussie banks honest.
    “Last year Reserve Bank deputy governor Grant Spencer said the arrival of Chinese and Indian banking giants was a “watershed event” that would help keep the dominant Australian-owned lenders “on their toes”.

    Now, what say for starters, the Government instructed that all of it’s business (education, health, roading etc) be put the way of KIWI Bank.

    • freedom 13.1

      And speaking of people on boards of big banks – it is forever interesting how the New Zealand Herald (et al), when trumpeting the new Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and its entrance to the NZ market, have completely forgotten to mention that Jenny Shipley is a Director on the Board of the ICBC’s ‘sister bank’ the Chinese Construction Bank and has been since 2007.

      Even when discussing recent NZ Government appointments, and listing the appointees responsibilities and previous experience, they just forget to include this apparently insignificant fact?

      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11435185
      http://www.ccb.com/en/investor/biogofdirectors.html

      • saveNZ 13.1.1

        Our Jenny Shiply indépendant chair of Mainzeal until 2 weeks before it collapsed into bankruptcy. Great to see the banks want to see such a ‘successful’ director. It’s not cronyism and connections – really….

    • Colonial Rawshark 13.2

      “Industrial and Commercial Bank of China New Zealand began lending last year and made $11.2 million in home loans in the 12 months to December 31

      Sounds like they did mortgages on 20 Auckland houses. Nothing to write home about.

      • logie97 13.2.1

        Sorry CR but making 11.2 million would be servicing a few more mortgages wouldn’t it??? I took that to read “extracted”. Wouldn’t have thought lending 11.2 would be the sort of small change that Brash would be involved in. Stand to be corrected on that …

  14. freedom 14

    Here’s a little story about play nice, or you don’t get paid.

    It’s about a small company legally supplying a necessary service to 15 million people around the world and getting absolutely shafted by corporate bully boys for doing nothing but offering a better business model.

    https://mega.co.nz/#blog_33
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/66829568/paypal-stops-processing-payments-to-kim-dotcoms-mega
    (+ couldn’t see anything on NZH)

    The developed world operates a free market economy? yeah ok, if you say so.

    • saveNZ 14.1

      @Freedom +1

      Oh and he lives in NZ, while he waits, assets stripped, to be extradited while JK backslaps with the US Movie industry.

      Another enemy of the people from our Beloved Leader. Nicky Hager, John Campbell, Snowdon, Dotcom, Catton, so many people who seem to want a ‘different’ type of democracy from the Nats and the Entertainment Industry.

      If only Dotcom had invested in residential property all would have been well.

    • Murray Rawshark 14.2

      In a free market, a company can make whatever decisions they feel like. If they don’t want to deal with gays or blacks, for example, there will be no legislative pressure requiring them to do so. A company can be as vile as its owners feel like. The free market will end up with concentration of economic power in fewer and fewer hands. It is not a good thing and Paypal refusing to deal with Mega is not against the ideals of the free market.

  15. Marksman33 15

    FYI, our favorite ex-Northland MP is now CEO of Carrington Resort on the Karikari Peninsula. The resort is now owned by a Chinese consortium who are buying and developing large tracks of the peninsula. Margaret Mutu conspicuous by her absence. What nexts ?

    • veutoviper 15.1

      Much as the early reports on Sabin’s appointment referred to it as to the position of CEO of the Peppers Carrington Resort, a subsequent (edited) report on the NBR corrected this to CEO of Magnificant Jade:

      Former National MP Mike Sabin has been appointed as chief executive officer of Magnificent Jade, which oversees the New Zealand-based assets of Chinese real estate developer Shanghai CRED.

      In 2013, Shanghai CRED bought Northland’s luxurious Peppers Carrington Resort for a sum understood to be almost $29 million. It was reported on NBR ONLINE and other media earlier this week that Mr Sabin had been appointed chief executive officer of the resort.

      However, the Mantra Group, which operates the resort under the Peppers luxury resort brand, has since confirmed that Mr Sabin has not or is not an employee of Peppers, and that Peppers was not consulted on the appointment.

      It is understood that Shanghai CRED is planning to upscale Peppers Carrington Resort into the largest five star resort in New Zealand and Mr Sabin’s appointment as chief executive of Magnificent Jade is central to this development.

      (note: this article has been updated to reflect that Mr Sabin is CEO of Magnificent Jade, and not Peppers Carrington Resort)

      Full article is here –
      http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/sabin-linked-luxury-resort-goes-ground-over-new-ceo-jb-171490

      So it seems that Sabin will not be actually the “on the spot” hands-on manager of the resort itself. Presumably Simon Jones, who has apparently been in this position for some years, will continue to be the CEO/manager of the resort itself.

  16. Colonial Rawshark 16

    Sex clubs for wealthy women

    Organised by a girlfriend of Kate Middleton’s. Always reminds me of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire when the elite can’t be bothered to hide their decadence from the rest of society any more.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/love-sex/67901076/What-does-a-sex-club-for-women-look-like

    • saveNZ 17.1

      +1 Yep I would have liked to see an enquiry. I don’t think Peter Ellis was guilty or had a fair trial, while people in power like Lord Janner in the UK and the roast buster youths get away with no prosecution.

      On the programme ‘I am Innocent” there was a case where a Dad was put away for abusing his kids, when all along it was their ‘support person’ the Stepfather who was the abuser, who stood behind them in court convicting the Dad, and the kids were confused and were not allowed to retract. The law is unjust in this area.

    • thatguynz 17.2

      The planet has truly spun on its axis – I am 100% in agreement with PR.

      *Sigh* indeed.

    • Murray Rawshark 17.3

      Peter Ellis was obviously innocent. His bad luck was to be a male working with children at a time that collective madness overtook many social workers and child psychologists. I remember around that time, a microcephalic psychologist tried explaining to me that my father had sexually abused me and that I had suppressed the memories. This was based on nothing except distorted memories of a lecture she’d just been to. God save us from crusading psychologists.

      • Colonial Rawshark 17.3.1

        I’m reasonably certain that there was a specific type of vindictive or self righteous professional woman who rejoiced at seeing Peter Ellis pay for his “crimes” – and still does. The result echoes decades down the track – men stay well away from early childhood and primary school education, and as a society we’re Ok with it.

        • Charles 17.3.1.1

          Couple of weeks ago I was out running/training at the park I usually run at, big public place, sports teams and that sort of thing present, and a girl roughly 11 or 12 asked if she could run with me. I made the stupid on-the-spot-answer that she could. We ran together for one lap. I walked beside her when she stopped to catch her breath, let her set the pace, encouraged her forward, reinforced that she should pay attention to what she thought and felt. We talked about sport, good practice, and training. I had about five minutes to impress the alternative to what I’d seen the local coaches slamming into the children:

          masculine pain/gain
          division of mind/body
          everyone for themselves
          heroes over teams
          individuals over support.

          I can’t go back to that park now. That’s the price I have to pay. I won’t speak to another young person again – there are only so many parks round here. Society sees a grown man running with a young girl and immediately thinks “Pedophile”. What I should have done, what society wants me to reply to youngsters who approach me, is, “No go away!”

          Thanks NZ. Great country you’re putting together here.

          • Puckish Rogue 17.3.1.1.1

            I understand where you’re coming from

          • One Anonymous Bloke 17.3.1.1.2

            Thanks Charles, that’s a great story you put together there.

          • rawshark-yeshe 17.3.1.1.3

            To the contrary Charles, you should go back to the same park and run as you have always done. If anyone asks to join in, you can easily decline. But please, it should not prevent you from going back again. That just feeds the disease.

            • Draco T Bastard 17.3.1.1.3.1

              +1

            • McFlock 17.3.1.1.3.2

              easy to say until someone else decides you look dodgy.

              I remember a story of a guy near a local beach who saw a crying, unattended toddler. He felt he had to get a female to go up to the kid, as it would be a bad look if he went up and a parent saw it at the wrong moment (strange guy, crying kid) and went off the handle.

              • saveNZ

                I recommend watching the film “Capturing the Friedmans” an HBO documentary film directed by Andrew Jarecki. It focuses on the 1980s investigation of Arnold and Jesse Friedman for child molestation. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Documentary Feature in 2003.

                It is food for thought on this issue.

  17. saveNZ 19

    Extremely heartening to see the vast majority of commentary on the herald article being against TPP.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11435695
    I particularly liked

    May the TPPA die and go back to hell from whence it came. Hey, let’s sell our country for some magic beans! I am amazed the US Congress is staffed by wiser and more intelligent people than our own governing gits.
    John Berry

    Magic beans, I love it!

    And theres is a lot more similar sentiment.

  18. One Anonymous Bloke 20

    If these guys are on our side, we’re on the wrong side.

    What’s the difference between Daesh and Canberra? Language and Geography.

    • Clashman 20.1

      Bloody Hell!
      Shits getting so bad I’m getting close to the point of burying my head in the sand, its really driving me to despair. Has the whole world gone fucking mad recently or is it just me?

  19. rawshark-yeshe 21

    Native Affairs with Mihingarangi Forbes on Maori TV is astonishingly powerful .. check on their website for replays. And next week, they have a vital debate on the importance of public broadcasting in NZ.

    Plus, of course, they are the go-to place on Anzac Day. Sam Neill has made what looks like a fine documentary .. he was interviewed about it last night on Native Affairs … and for sure he is no fan on Pry Minister Key. Definitely worth a watch ..

    http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/national/native-affairs-tides-blood

    ( and yes, Mihi worked a long time on Campbell Live so no surprises there !)

  20. Penny Bright 22

    Seen this folks?

    “Alex Swney pleads guilty to a further $2.5 million fraud

    Hamish McNicol · Tuesday April 21, 2015 · 

    Alex Swney, the former boss of Auckland business organisation Heart of the City, has pleaded guilty to further fraud charges of more than $2.5 million.

    Mr Swney appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning to answer a charge brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) of dishonestly using documents.

    He has pleaded guilty to the charge and was remanded on bail until his next appearance on April 30.

    The maximum prison term for the charge is seven years.

    Mr Swney created fictitious invoices while at Heart of the City which resulted in payments of more than $2.5 million to accounts controlled by him.

    SFO director Julie Read says the misappropriation increased the cost of the services provided by the organisation and reduced the benefits delivered by it.

    “Fraud of this size by employees who are entrusted with the management and expenditure of substantial sums of money is very costly for both the businesses concerned and more broadly for the community as it harms the integrity of these organisations,” she says.

    In January, Mr Swney also admitted to charges laid by the IRD covering $1.8 million in unpaid taxes.

    He had initially denied the charges last year but after switching lawyers to Murray Gibson changed his plea.

    The IRD also alleges Mr Swney owes $1.4 million in penalties and interest.

    Mr Swney will be sentenced on four of the original IRD charges this month, after another 34 initial charges were dropped.

    He also faces civil proceedings by Heart of the City’s board, which undertook an independent investigation when the allegations surfaced.

    Heart of the City is mostly funded by targeted business rates and its purpose is to promote business in the Auckland CBD.

    In its most recently available annual report for 2011-2012, the organisation records receiving $4.47 million in revenue.

    Earlier this year the association teamed up with Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to fund a domestic tourism campaign.

    It also had funded the Whitcoulls Santa each Christmas, but NBR Rich Listers the Mansons and SkyCity are now funding the statue for five years.

    Mr Swney had been at the helm of the business association for more than a decade.

    In 2007 he unsuccessfully ran for mayor of (then) Auckland City Council, which he lost to John Banks. ”
    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    Penny Bright

    http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz

  21. Rodel 23

    Happy to watch TV3 news and Campbell live but have an instinctive rapid response when a Paul Henry promo suddenly comes on and I have to panic switch channels quickly to avoid looking at or hearing him.
    Consequently I mostly watch TV1.

  22. The Chairman 24

    What’s the chances of Labour jumping on this water issue Campbell live has been highlighting?

  23. greywarshark 25

    Retiring in Britain is tiring to contemplate.
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2042630/New-era-hippies-Millions-50s-relying-home-pension.html
    A recent report highlighted the huge financial pressure on Britain’s older people.
    HomeLet, a firm of lettings experts, looked at the number of its clients between the age of 66 and 70 who were selling their home and moving into rental accommodation.
    Over the last year, it found a 30 per cent increase in those putting up the ‘For Sale’ sign – a move likely to be fuelled by a chronic lack of cash….

    Another survey warned yesterday that people turning to renting are facing record costs.
    The study revealed that it is cheaper to buy a home than to rent the same property in 45 of the country’s 50 largest towns…. the asking price of all two-bedroom flats available to buy or to rent…..
    On average, it found the cost of the monthly rental bill higher than the cost of the mortgage.

  24. Brendan 26

    Hello Standard people,

    I am writing a theoretical sociological essay with regards to Campbell Live’s potential dumping (or watering down) in the guise of Theodore Adorno’s Culture Industry thesis. Hopefully it’s a good one given the local application. Anyway, does anyone know where I can (reliably) follow up these TV ratings that have been so liberally tossed around in the ensuing arguments over Campbell’s commercial viability? I know this is not discussion, but I’ll be happy to share a link to the essay when it’s done. But only if you’re a fan of Campbell or Adorno, or both 😉

    Brendan.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-08T14:53:49+00:00