Open mike 21/07/2010

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 21st, 2010 - 20 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

It’s open for discussing topics of interest, making announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

Comment on whatever takes your fancy.

The usual good behaviour rules apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

20 comments on “Open mike 21/07/2010 ”

  1. Carol 1

    An email from my union says there are the following proposed changes to the Emploment Relatiosn Act that I had not heard before:

    *Employers will be able to communicate directly with workers during bargaining and at settlement.
    The union says that ATM, som such commuunication is possible but the proposed changes open possibilities for employers to misuse power, intimidate subtley workers, and undermine employer-employee relations.

    * A number of the rules around personal grievances are being changed to simplify procedure.
    The union says there is no problem here that needs fixing. They say only a small number of girevances cases are taken by employees because the process is very stressful. Where processes have been criticised, it is usually the employer who is being criticised for being unfair in the way they have carried out procedures.

    * Changes to the Holiday Act (which includes the proposalm to be able to cash in holidays) includes: Employers and employees will be able to agree to transfer the observance of public holidays to another (identified) working day.”The union says this may seem like a good idea to many employees. However, it will be the employer who decides when an employee can take a public holiday.
    So, IMO, that must mean that it will mean that the employer will be able to tell a worker to work on the ACTUAL public holiday, and that they can have another day as their paid day off.

    I have found this outline of the proposed changes. It goes into more detail than the email from my union. But I guess my union has identitfied the most problematic proposed changes for workers.:
    http://johndierckx.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/proposed-changes-to-employment-law-in-new-zealand/

    • jcuknz 1.1

      All my working life my employer could roster me on to work on a public holiday along with which days I got off and for me to have particular days off was by negotiation … things must have badly gone wrong since I left the workforce twenty years ago … from the little I know of the current system my impression is that the unions and government have fouled up the pretty sensible arrangements I worked under. I feel sorry for the current workforce what with that and the lack of security in employment.

      • Carol 1.1.1

        I believe the current law (from 2003) is that an employee is entitled to a paid day off if they would normally work on the day the public holiday falls. The employer can only expect an employee to work on that day if it is part of a collective agreement. And then I think they must pay time & a half.

        http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/holidays_act_2003/public.html

        When can an employee be required to work on a public holiday

        An employer may require an employee to work on a public holiday when:

        * the public holiday falls on a day the employee would otherwise have worked, and
        * the employee’s employment agreement specifies that the employee may be required to work on the holiday.

        http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/holidays_act_2003/time_half_print.html

  2. News that “Australian company AWE is about to drill a well close to the Marlborough Sounds” is a worry for me. “Environmental group Greenpeace said the plan to drill close to D’Urville Island was “quite alarming” after one of the worst oil spills in history at a BP well in the Gulf of Mexico.”

    Yes it is a worry – this area is very precious and should not be put at risk for a few dollars. But don’t worry the aussies drillers are onto it,
    “We will do everything in our powers to make sure we don’t have any adverse reactions there,” AWE corporate development manager Garry Marsden said yesterday .”we are conscious we are in a very environmentally sensitive area there,” he said.”

    This oil well is just so wrong.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3938335/Sounds-site-next-prospect-for-AWE
    http://mars2earth.blogspot.com/2010/07/sounds-get-oil-well.html

  3. ZombieBusiness 3

    Police are reluctant to use a gun! The introduction of Tasers will not
    only see an increase of legal assaults on the public by the Police but
    comparable increases of illegal use of Tasers by Police on the Public.
    The debate by the media has consistently ignored the odious point
    that Tasers are mostly non-lethal and so will be used more frequently.
    There is no good reason for Tasers, Police should always be reluctant
    to use force.

  4. ak 4

    More of our “best and brightest” leaving biketrack paradise I see from the latest numbers…..I thought Beaky and the Bland were going to stop this?

    • Lanthanide 4.1

      The only thing that is going to really stop the ‘brain drain’ across the ditch is higher wages in NZ. Although Bland and Beaky like to talk this up, they have no real intention of following through on anything apart from tax cuts (which rewards the richest the most).

      • prism 4.1.1

        Yes I don’t think that the electorate understands the thinking behind the catching up with Oz avowed by the pollies. It’s just a pretty rainbow for us kiddies to dance towards as we look for the mythical pot of gold.

        Why we are far from understanding is firstly, we assume they mean most of us. They don’t – we need to be a low-waged long-hours economy to enable the country to function because of the way the economy has been shaped.
        Second – the times we did come close to Australian earnings were when the stars were in the right alignment. You can study your horoscopes till the cows come home looking for a repeat.
        Third – there is generally a parallel in NZ stats to Australian income and wealth progress stats, but NZ stays at a lower level, and rarely, at exceptional times that prove the rule, do the lines close.

        So don’t hold your breath waiting and hoping for better times, move to Oz and try for yourself, or forget about Oz wage advantages. We should get on with grappling to gain understanding of our country and aim to influence better policies that strike the right amount of co-operation, ethical standards, pragmatism, intransigence, chutzpah, wily self-interest and smart innovation with the rest of the world. It’s all needed now right here not under the seductive rainbow.

        • Bored 4.1.1.1

          Hi Prism, this is sadly redolent of the outpouring of green grass syndrome I listened to last night. Driving back from Taupo in the dark of the night, pressing the radio dials I heard the MOST truly excremental talkback show ever. Madame Woodham and the redneck rabble all complaining about the cost of living in NZ, and how Aussie was better. It was at that moment a lady returned from years in NSW called in and mentioned costs they have in NSW such as real estate stamp duties, higher health costs etc, and it all fell into place. The good lady in question put the whole debate to bed by moving the topic onto comparative issues such as community, politeness etc praising her homecoming Dunedin experience. And on that high note before Kerry could debase the story I turned it off.

          • prism 4.1.1.1.1

            Yay Bored – It is good to hear what the talking heads are saying. Knowledge is strength I have heard. God give me strength. And you can hear useful information from callers with personal experience if the broadcaster allows them to talk.

            I avoid like the plague such people as Kerry Woodham, Paul Holmes, Henry etc. I would like Jim Mora to have a wider number of such RWNJs on his show (than he already has) so I get a sneak preview into what is passing through their minds. Seems to be a convenient settling place for the flies each day at 4pm, mixed with a few active minds.

            • Bored 4.1.1.1.1.1

              Ah the dung hill that the fornicating flies of NZ retreat to at 4pm….

  5. Kerry 5

    I’m rather amused at the apparent leftist plot to remove Sideshow Bob as mayor of Christchurch.

    Personally I couldn’t in good faith bring myself to vote for either Anderton or Parker

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/3934524/Leftist-plot-to-win-election

  6. Carol 6

    An announcment due in the next hour about a step towards public-private partnership school. Press conference called for midday by English & Tolley:
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/3939675/Public-private-partnership-school-deal-expected

  7. Selwyn Hammond 7

    Any inside word on the changes at headquarters announced in the Dominion today?
    LABOUR SHAKES UP ITS SPIN DOCTORS A shake-up in Labour leader Phil Goff’s office will see chief press secretary Gordon Jon Thompson promoted to the vacant position of chief of staff – a title previously held under Helen Clark by Heather Simpson, or H2 as she was known. (Which presumably makes Mr Thompson G2.) Mr Goff said Mr Thompson would co-ordinate the policy, communications, administration and media teams, be responsible for strategic and tactical planning, and ensure that leadership decisions are implemented. Press secretary Kris Faafoi is seen as the frontrunner as chief spin doctor

    • sarah carter 7.1

      I don’t know the individuals but having a chief of staff has to be a good development

    • prism 8.1

      RL Shocking. Do you remember Biafra decades ago. Same ribs showing then. I guess they call New York the Dupli City. I’ve sent it to someone wealthy I know. I should be looking for a charity organising food. It should be one of the UN agencies as its the sort of problem that they should be at least coordinating help for.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-29T01:38:07+00:00