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Open Mike 22/05/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 22nd, 2018 - 56 comments
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56 comments on “Open Mike 22/05/2018 ”

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  1. One Anonymous Bloke 1
    22 May 2018 at 6:32 am

    Stuff’s slavery investigation concludes that “no slave-tainted fish are ending up in New Zealand”, and also that “it’s almost certain that we have eaten fish caught by crew under conditions of forced labour.”

    Always look for the label. If it says “Fabrique en Nouvelle Zelande” there might be a problem. How much are corporate reassurances worth? More importantly, how can they be verified?

    • WILD KATIPO 1.1
      22 May 2018 at 7:11 am

      ^^^

      Just read that too,… it was appalling.

      My son has a friend who fishes for 3 months at a time at sea near the Auckland Islands , with a crew of around 55 people … he says its a hard life but the captain and crew are a close knit family and they get looked after well ,… and when you compare the two… and whats been going on in the Stuff article,… it just shows that it doesn’t have to be that way at all.

    • Ed 1.2
      22 May 2018 at 7:33 am

      Thank you for sharing.
      Awful.

      Further proof globalisation and neoliberalism is literally killing people and species as it’s ruthlessly exploits the finite resources of capitalism his planet.
      Add that to bananas from slave plantations in the Philippines and electronics from slave mines in the Congo.
      The article presents a neoliberal solution- consumers can change things.
      Much better would be government actions to rid the oceans of these death factories.
      That would be a good use for our navy.

      • WILD KATIPO 1.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 8:01 am

        – That would be a good use for our navy –

        Yes it would , the Navy has a long tradition of hunting down these sort of high sea pirates , and that’s what they are – pirates. Criminals. The trick then is to bring them before the courts on human rights abuses with so many of these govt’s shielding them. And to do that we need the assistance of the ICC- International Criminal Court, if indeed, they manage these sorts of offences.

        • WILD KATIPO 1.2.1.1
          22 May 2018 at 8:12 am

          The other problem is lack of jurisdiction in certain waters, and the sheer size of the area , which enables these criminals to indulge these behaviors,… when we consider that the ocean is a massive water filled desert,… we get an idea of its expanse.

          It would need several cases to be made an example of using an international policing force , a power of legal workers behind that , – in short , – some sort of international agreement with teeth, – and therein lies the problem; so many big business interests… which takes us back to the Stuff answer… widespread public education to bring international political solutions.

          It should be done. Murder is going on out there.

          • Cinny 1.2.1.1.1
            22 May 2018 at 5:16 pm

            Wows, OAB, cheers for the link, really pleased the fishing industry is being brought to light, again, so much goes on out there.

            WK, this bit…. “The other problem is lack of jurisdiction in certain waters, and the sheer size of the area” absolutely bang on.

            It’s important to understand that MOST officers are treated well in the fishing industry, this ensures their flexibility.

            What goes on at sea stays at sea, open your mouth and someone may shut it for you, loose lips sink ships etc. Good on Stuff for gaining some insight.

            Get the job done, stress runs high out there, fish are money.

            In many instances, officers (cook to captain) are paid a salary plus a % of the catch, as a result, the crew are worked hard if the fish are running, no sleep for you, shall we bring up the P epidemic, time is money and all that.

            Those in the factory or on deck are often graded to earn their percentage, so if any officers have it in for you, that will impact your grade.

            Factory/deck crew from other countries are treated like shite, depending on the ‘culture’ of the vessel. It’s easy as to pick up more offshore factory and deck crews, easy as.

            And if you spend 3mths at sea, there’s not much you can do or say about it and there is def nowhere to run.

      • Gosman 1.2.2
        22 May 2018 at 1:43 pm

        An electronics mine. I’d love to see that in action. Do you get working equipment of just components?

      • Exkiwiforces 1.2.3
        22 May 2018 at 2:04 pm

        The RNZN/ MOD have asked for a 3rd OPV that is design to operate in the Southern Ocean in the last DWP as the current two OPV’s are barely Fit for Purpose for Southern Ocean duties (fit for only the Summer run down Sth, but I believe it can’t take a Seasprite down Sth as it pushes the ships ice belt below the waterline). But from the sounds of it the 3rd OPV is on hold until they work out what’s going to replace the P3’s so they can line up right Combat Mission Systems etc so that OPV, Fixed and Rotary Wing assets can have and provide update SA to each other plus future proof the system when the UAV’s entry service sooner or later down the track.

        Once that is sorted out I think you would the NZDF spending a lot more time down Sth all yr round instead of usual runs down during the summer periods. With having everybody on the same sheet of music unlike it atm will allow NZDF to effectively enforce the Southern Fishies. If the ODT is right about this one and it’s something that I have been suggesting as well.Then our wishes for a permanent presence in the Southern Ocean might come true.

        https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dunedin-navy-base-rumour

        Then there will be whining from the Fishing Industry as they well able to enforce the quota, Labour and Maritime Laws etc more effectively than at the present time.

    • Stuart Munro 1.3
      22 May 2018 at 2:22 pm

      The government ought to be looking at whether NZ crews can buy a house. Because if working a couple of months away on rotating shifts won’t let you do that, only a fool would do it. And that’s how the industry falls into the hands of the charter and slave fishing companies.

    • Cinny 1.4
      22 May 2018 at 5:36 pm

      Here’s a classic example of a slave ship by an Aussie company (by that i mean it used to be Aussie based), their PR via the net would make people think otherwise lololz.

      “To satisfy the surging Asian appetite for its abalone, the company said it will base its abalone grow-out ship, the MV Destiny Queen, in Asian waters.”

      What this particular company does is grow their abalone on a factory ship outside of Aussie waters, that particular ship is a freaking disgrace, workers are treated like dirt, it’s hell on earth for them. The grown abalone is then collected by a small vessel and new spawn are dropped off along with ships stores. No reason for the factory vessels crew to go anywhere near land, keep them onboard as long as possible.

      Edit… found an article about their ‘true colours’, was a fair while back, but I doubt they’ve changed.

      “The 120-metre, 65-tonne ship has been under close scrutiny by Australian unions, who are furious that all but four of the vessel’s Australian crew were dismissed last September and replaced with much cheaper Chinese sailors and Ukrainian officers and engineers.

      Suspicions have increased because the ship’s owners have refused to publicly say how much its sailors are being paid, and it is believed that some of the Chinese crew are earning as little as US$300 a month.”

      These practices have been going on for too long, may stuff continue to inform kiwis about it.

      Because companies will always deny it, check out Polly, bold faced lies from her…

      “Polly Kwok Wing-wah, a Hong Kong-based director of the firm, said: ‘The attack has taken the form of false submissions to local media, lies, and untrue allegations to union-biased government ministers and intimidation of company employees.'” LIAR !!!

  2. cleangreen 2
    22 May 2018 at 7:36 am

    Pac N save must be using some cheaper fish supplier than other supermarkets are as we have bought three times some red cod with fish bones in them. The cost per kilo is much cheaper than other supermarkets at only $16 a kilo, where other supermarkets are charging over $23 a kilo.

    Beware as I got two large fish bones struck between my gums and teeth that caused a gum injury.

  3. cleangreen 3
    22 May 2018 at 7:51 am

    Is it ostrich day today????

    We see Jacinda ignoring the elephant in the room again today and was on the media mainly seeming to be worried about something other than mycoplama bovis as the main theme of this day!!!!!!!

    We need a moritorium on cow movements until we do this now or we risk a widespread catastrope of this disease now.

    Subject; Mycoplasma bovis can be spread on trucks among shared containment areas unless every truck is sterilised see below.

    Everyone is asking how did mycoplasma bovis spread across the North Island from the south Island?

    It can travel on trucks John, and we cannot allow moving of stock now until it is made safe otherwise we are all going to spread the disease before long now.

    This is according to this article from the website.

    The new threat of disease to our entire cattle stock is a case of point as we have now allowed the unchecked transport of cows all around NZ on trucks and the Mycoplasma_bovis dsease which may destroy our second largest export earner and biggest company.

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

    Prevention[edit]
    There are many ways by which cattle can be prevented from catching Mycoplasma bovis and other pathogenic bacteria.[7]
    Transport of animals[edit]
    When transporting the animals from one farm to another, It would be appropriate if the transport vehicle could be cleaned with disinfectants before and after use. For better care, environmental swabbing should be taken place and samples sent to a microbiology lab if any harmful bacteria will be detected, further actions should be taken place.[8]
    Visitors[edit]
    Only authorized people should be allow to visit a farm. Visitors shall arrive with clean clothing and footwear and disinfectant on arrival and departure can be used to stop getting the introduction of bacteria’s. For example, a water mat with disinfectant can be used in the entrance of the farm, water bath, company can provide sanitized clothes for people.
    Weekly inspection and maintenance[edit]
    In the end of the week, cleaning of all the areas and equipment reduces the chances of animals getting sick. Also, it is important to clean the feedlot container and keep the feed dry. Doubling the boundary fence with a 6-inch gap prevents the animals contacting neighbouring animals.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1
      22 May 2018 at 8:16 am

      People can concern themselves with more than one thing at a time!!!!!!!!! Especially Prime Ministers!!!!!!!!

      • cleangreen 3.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 9:40 am

        Well if loosing our largest export earner and farming bussinesses along with their company to overseas (Fonterra) this should now be a full blown five alarm amergency.

        I am astounded that anything else is as important as keeping the direct focus on the major loss we are about to encounter if we sit there and ‘dilly dally’ while saying figuratively “rome burns”.

        It is all about what’s most important as last governments lost the plot so will we if we dilly dally.

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.1
          22 May 2018 at 10:48 am

          Well if loosing our largest export earner and farming bussinesses along with their company to overseas (Fonterra) this should now be a full blown five alarm amergency.

          You do know why there’s cautionary tails about sticking all your eggs one basket right?

    • Hooch 3.2
      22 May 2018 at 8:24 am

      I don’t understand the dithering about on this issue. For a country that fines people hundreds of dollars for bringing a piece fruit into an airport it’s bizarre.

      Short term pain. Ban all cattle movement for six months, slaughter any infected animals, massive cleaning operation of all associated infrastructure and name all infected farms.

      We can point fingers and blame each other later.

      • cleangreen 3.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 9:43 am

        Hooch, 100%

        Yes we agree.

        We now need an imeadiate ‘moritorium’ on this spreading of movements of diseased cattle now or we are done.

        Stop trucking cattle now.

      • Draco T Bastard 3.2.2
        22 May 2018 at 10:50 am

        and name all infected farms.

        and charge them for the clean up.

        • Stuart Munro 3.2.2.1
          22 May 2018 at 11:06 am

          Just make sure if any are driven to the wall they’re not sold offshore. Glomming the mortgaged dairy farms was a major cause of the SCF abuse of state power.

  5. dv 5
    22 May 2018 at 9:57 am

    What is Peters up to now.
    Peters is pregnant?

    A press release from the nz embassy in Japan.- Translated by Google.

    The Prime Minister of New Zealand, the prime minister of the New Zealand, instructed Vice Prime Minister to give birth to the second child in June, and the prime minister of’s will be on maternity leave on may 14th. The Vice Prime Minister published a letter showing his duties as prime minister.

  7. greywarshark 7
    22 May 2018 at 10:28 am

    I think we need to have provision set up to go at a moment’s notice with give a little ready for each time some NZr is discriminated into oblivion by the Australian government. Ours is helpless with confronting these intransigent, callous, spiteful non-friendly foreign politicians.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/05/advocates-for-homeless-kiwis-in-australia-pen-letter-asking-pm-jacinda-ardern-for-help.html

    https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/video/homeless-kiwis-in-australia-pen-letter-asking-pm-to-help/vp-AAxzu7j

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018645943/australian-pension-rules-leaving-nz-family-poor

    • Ad 7.1
      22 May 2018 at 11:12 am

      It may well be the case that there is no other country in the world that pays direct transfers for the social welfare of their citizens in another country, but honestly this government does need to go there.

      The alternative is that these street waifs are going to be arrested, put into Australian jails, in which they are fully criminalised, after which they will be deported back to New Zealand as criminals.

      Which would of course be even worse.

      • greywarshark 7.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 1:03 pm

        Yes Ad it makes sense from an objective, economic sense. And there is also the moral imperative. They are being punished by the Australian government for being New Zealanders. It has become clear from recent happenings that sanctions are applied to us that they don’t apply to any other country’s citizens. This was actually stated in the interview with the NZ woman with a convalescent husband on Radionz this morning.
        http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018645943/australian-pension-rules-leaving-nz-family-poor

        A NZ family living in Perth are struggling to make ends meet after a father broke his leg and cannot gain access to any benefits.

        Johno Walsh broke his leg playing in the park with his children at the end of April.
        Because his injury occurred outside of his work as a diesel engineer he was ineligible for sick pay or work cover. Now he and his wife Debbie, originally from Hawke’s Bay, found out their income protection insurance won’t pay out until the end of June. They have four children.

        So Ms Walsh went to the social welfare office, Centrelink, to see about getting access to their seven years of superannuation paid while living in Australia….

        New Zealanders on the Special Category Visa are not eligible for federal benefits. No one can withdraw super for hardship unless they had been on a benefit for six months.
        Centrelink staff [were] asked how it was possible permanent residents from other countries were able to qualify for benefits and New Zealanders with seven years in Australia could not…

        They and their New Zealand friends both had no idea that their income protection nor superannuation would buffer them.
        We’re trying to play it cool cos we don’t want our kids to know, because I don’t think they need to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

        “That’s the life of a New Zealand citizen in Australia.”

        They have income protection insurance but didn’t shape the policy to cover this, and in a modern society expect that they can get help in times of need and emergency. But not us in Australia. They are following the neoliberal line even more rigidly than our RW governments have done.

        I think that we have shown them up in Oz, irritated them, not followed an order etc, and they have decided that they don’t owe us respect, or anything. They have got themselves into a liege lord situation over us by owning our banks, and competing successfully for any business that still manages to run here, and have nothing to lose by acting out of character, that is, in a principled manner.

        A moral imperative is a strongly-felt principle that compels that person to act. It is a kind of categorical imperative, as defined by Immanuel Kant. Kant took the imperative to be a dictate of pure reason, in its practical aspect. Not following the moral law was seen to be self-defeating and thus contrary to reason.
        Moral imperative – Wikipedia
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_imperative

      • AsleepWhileWalking 7.1.2
        22 May 2018 at 4:32 pm

        Needs / must.

        This should be a priority.

  8. alwyn 8
    22 May 2018 at 12:27 pm

    I see that Winston has had another policy altered to favour his benefactors in the Fishing Industry. Years of work down the drain because the fishing industry has called in a debt from Tsar Winston.
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104082934/government-dfrops-plan-to-restrict-deep-sea-trawling-protect-orange-roughy
    Have a look at the photo of Ardern and Peters in this story.
    Puppeteer Winston feeding Ardern with the lines she must utter. Then his final words.
    “Just do what I tell you Jacinda.” is his order.

    • bwaghorn 8.1
      22 May 2018 at 12:35 pm

      Since you are so concerned you’ll have to vote green next time so nzf has less sway in the next lab/green/and gov

    • greywarshark 8.2
      22 May 2018 at 1:05 pm

      You sour little creep Alwyn, always badmouthing someone trying to do good in running the country besides your losing team.

      • alwyn 8.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 2:18 pm

        I really would suggest that you stop reading my comments.
        It is obviously not good for your digestion, or for the preservation of your delusions.

    • Fireblade 8.3
      22 May 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Mr Delusional returns. A quote from Alwyn’s rant earlier today:

      “I wonder if Ms Ardern realises that she is not just allowing him the role of Acting Prime Minister as she has said. He is going to depose her”

      Don’t take anything Alwyn says as being a rational comment. He lives in fantasy land.

      • alwyn 8.3.1
        22 May 2018 at 1:58 pm

        You really should learn to read properly.
        It was wild Katipo who raised this as an apparently serious comment.
        After all Ms Ardern tells us that Winston is going to be Acting PM.
        That means she will still be PM and Winnie will only be filling in for her.

        Wild Katipo tells us that he is going to actually be Prime Minister. You can only have one at a time so he will have to replace Ardern, won’t he?
        Why don’t you ask Wild Katipo where he gets his information from?

        And then calm down.

    • Rosemary McDonald 8.4
      22 May 2018 at 1:50 pm

      alwyn…playing Machiavelli are you?

      You know how folks will react to you posting that link, wrapped up in your usual invective…and success! Because they’re all piling onto you rather than reading the actual article…which demands our attention.

      So…now you’ve all taken alwyn’s bait…go and read the article…

      There’s something not right about this.

      • alwyn 8.4.1
        22 May 2018 at 2:14 pm

        I’m afraid they don’t want to read the story Rosemary. If they did they would have to accept the fact that this Government is simply made up of politicians whose main interest is just like every other politician.
        They want the power and the perks of office. They aren’t paragons of virtue.

        My real complaint about them is not that they are in power. It is that they simply aren’t competent and didn’t spend their time in Opposition preparing to be a Government with a set of well thought out policies.
        I mean look at Twyford and Kiwibuild. Have you ever seen anyone in quite such a muddle?

        National were tired and really needed replacing. No Government should last more than three terms, at least in my opinion. Unfortunately we have had a group who are incompetent taking over. The only one who actually knows what he is doing is Tsar Winston and he is running things for his mates, like those who run the Fishing Industry and people like Sir Patrick Hogan and the horseracing fraternity.

  9. Rosemary McDonald 9
    22 May 2018 at 1:40 pm

    So, we have a discussion going on about David ‘Footloose’ Seymour trying to raise a rabble in Remmers against a potential invasion of mentally ill folk…and I contributed this link to an article about Seymour’s reaction to the professional opinions of a panel of palliative care experts to the euthanasia select committee.

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/356086/euthanasia-bill-dangerous-palliative-care-workers

    “Act leader David Seymour, who introduced the bill to Parliament in June last year has hit back, accusing the experts of fearmongering.

    He insisted the vulnerable would be protected.

    “Our own Attorney-General has written that my bill has sufficient safeguards and is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights. So these guys, frankly, need to go jump in a lake, start debating on the evidence and stop speculating to create fear, uncertainty and doubt.””

    Seymour continues his less than respectful response to those expressing concern about his pet project with an attack on the Disabilities Commissioner…https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/357924/euthanasia-bill-a-clayton-s-choice-for-disabled-people

    “ACT leader David Seymour said he was deeply disappointed that Ms Tesoriero was “spreading misinformation” as intellectually disabled people did not qualify under the bill.

    “It’s very ironic that the Disabilities Commissioner of all people would be saying that a person who’s perfectly capable of making a decision … should have fewer rights and choices than other people.””

    Tesoreiro had quite rightly pointed out that in NZ people with disabilities “could not freely exercise their choice in New Zealand.

    “We live in a world where people focus on fixing us, not on removing the barriers that make us disabled.

    “In the absence of adequate services, we run the risk that choice under this bill becomes a Clayton’s choice for disabled people.””

    Seymour was supported by none other than Greg ‘give all the cops guns all the time’ O’Connor, who because he has a son with an intellectual disability claims to have looked at the Bill and has not seen any problems.

    “A “Clayton’s choice” is a choice that exists in name only and isn’t genuine.

    But Mr O’Connor said many disabled people were perfectly able to give well-informed consent.

    “You have to be careful – because it’s almost like you’re saying, ‘Leave disabled people over here, because they’re not capable of the same … mental capability””

    I know M O’ Connor still uses MP training wheels, but he really needs to be more nuance aware.

    What the Disabilities Commissioner is saying Greg, is that while far too many disabled New Zealanders struggle to get the supports they need and have to battle all the way to the United Nations to have they basic rights as humans recognised, it is really inafuckingppropriate to be defending the rights of disabled people to choose euthanasia while dismissing the concerns of a disabled person who represents the rights of all disabled New Zealanders.

    Not without making a clear and unequivocal statement on behalf on the government that the rights of all disabled New Zealanders will be respected.

    • Gosman 9.1
      22 May 2018 at 1:48 pm

      Eh????

      The current bill won’t be able to be used by disabled people unless they are of sound mind, can convince a GP.

      • Rosemary McDonald 9.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 1:54 pm

        Go have a lie down Gosman. I used far too many words, and there are subtleties that may be difficult to sense for those outside of the disability community.

    • greywarshark 9.2
      22 May 2018 at 4:45 pm

      I just suggest Rosemary that some disabled persons might wish to have the right to choose euthanasia in the present or at some future specified time.

      I note that the antis regard their opinions as sacred, and the final authority. This assumes that other people have no agency in their own lives; that they don’t have the intellect, that they must do what society and those around them decide for them. It is strange that others want to own others body and soul.

      • Rosemary McDonald 9.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 5:09 pm

        “….that some disabled persons might wish to have the right to choose euthanasia in the present or at some future specified time. ”

        And no one is saying otherwise.

        BUT…and this is a very big BUT…there must be no question at all that the disabled person who chooses euthanasia is doing so because the lack of proper support is making their life unbearable.

        And at the present point in time this cannot be guaranteed.

        Most of the people living with disability in New Zealand have no entitlement to funded supports from the Ministry of Health whatsoever.

        And seeking supports from the Ministry of Health has actually made people wish that they were dead.

        “I note that the antis regard their opinions as sacred, and the final authority.”

        Funny that, I’ve noted the exact same tone from the pros…did you actually read Seymour’s responses to the Commissioner and the palliative care professionals that I referenced in my comment?

        Telling the palliative care professionals that they “need to go jump in a lake,”…..

  10. Exkiwiforces 10
    22 May 2018 at 3:04 pm

    An interesting article to read for those interested? With a 11pg document in English from Sweden on what to do if Sweden is attack from a hostile country.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-22/sweden-issues-leaflet-on-how-to-prepare-for-war/9785934

    • Ad 10.1
      22 May 2018 at 3:52 pm

      Saw that.

      A great read in translation.

      Sweden has their own strong reasons to fear Russia, and it is driving them into NATO membership.

      • McFlock 10.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 4:22 pm

        Also some concerns about coastal submarines, if I recall correctly.

        • Exkiwiforces 10.1.1.1
          22 May 2018 at 5:24 pm

          I was reading a Janes Defence report a mths ago saying Russia Submarine activity in the Baltic Sea is almost back to Cold War levels and a huge increase around the Northern Approaches to Norway, Iceland and UK gap, but not to the same levels as during Cold War although there has been the odd surge or a increase rate of effort too Cold War levels during Russian Navy Summer Manoeuvres or NATO Ex’s.

          Everyone is now having to relearn the art of ASW and tracking Subs etc as everything was either cut, mothballed or quietly drop as a peace dividend or the same to find cost savings to fund the “War on Terror” in the Gan and forgetting the need to have the “The Utility of Force” because the silly pollie’s didn’t want rise taxes to fund the “War on Terror” as British Armed Forces have found out thanks to that muppet Blair.

          • McFlock 10.1.1.1.1
            22 May 2018 at 5:32 pm

            Oh, I knew I’d read something else a while back:

            the Swedish nuclear sub design of old.

            Deary me.

            • Exkiwiforces 10.1.1.1.1.1
              22 May 2018 at 7:36 pm

              Yes I had seen that article as well, an interesting design and common sense prevail that it was unlikely to work. But they design this wee beauty of Submarine for use in and around the Baltic Sea until the Aussies got hold of it and completely bugged it up.

              https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A4sterg%C3%B6tland-class_submarine

              The design was so good that yanks got hold of a Swedish one on lease complete with it crew to train it scope dopes on how to find a diesel electric sub. When the aussies finally got their subs work properly and gave the yanks a right royal thrashing on RIMPAC Ex’s. As they got inside a Carrier Battle Group Anti Submarine Screen, then tailing the Carrier for couple days taking pictures of it before surfacing beside the Carrier after proclaiming to every Tom, Dick and Harry that no one can penetrate it a Anti Sub screen.

              • McFlock …
                22 May 2018 at 9:48 pm

                Lol those would be the ones being replaced by the ones pauline hansen thought could only stay under water for a few hours?

      • Exkiwiforces 10.1.2
        22 May 2018 at 5:04 pm

        Both Sweden and Finland both cut back it Defence expenditure after the end of the Cold War to a point where they mothballed bases, equipment and move to suspend the National Service requirements of National’s Defence Force including the Civil Defence Forces. The Nordic countries have their own battle group with NATO for UN operations or for NATO’s Out of Area Operations aka The Gan. Which according to a couple of Swedish girl’s who work the bar at near bush block said they and many others are not impressed the close tries that Sweden has developed with NATO since the end of the Cold War. But on the other hand they could under stand the UN operations like Bosnia but not Gan as it comprises its Neutrality and if we run down our Defence Forces then we only have ourselves to blame. They also said Russia is a major concern to them as they see Russia wanting to rebuild its former Tsar Empire across the Baltic Nations and a threat to Nordic Values, Lifestyle and Freedoms.

        It’s was only about 5 or so yrs ago (maybe longer not sure) that the last Swedish Troops left Gotland Defences and turn the lights off. Here they now standing its up Defences on Gotland and as my friends were saying it’s little bit concerning that is is happening.

    • One Two 10.2
      22 May 2018 at 11:31 pm

      11 pages…

      There is number 11, once again
      ..

  11. greywarshark 11
    22 May 2018 at 4:49 pm

    This sounds like an interesting read.
    https://people.unisa.edu.au/Ben.Stubbs

    My first book Ticket to Paradise: A Journey to Find the Australian Colony in Paraguay Among Nazis, Mennonites and Japanese Beekeepers
    about my search for the remnants of the Australian utopian colony in Paraguay was published by ABC Books in 2012.

    I am a writing and journalism academic. My background is as a travel and features journalist for publications in Australia and overseas. I have written for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Toronto Star, The Sydney Morning Herald and Rough Guides among many others. My current academic research focuses on exploring the plurality of the travel writing form.

    I am fluent in Spanish and my latest book After Dark: A Nocturnal Exploration of… Read more

  12. greywarshark 12
    22 May 2018 at 7:25 pm

    Heart warming and hopeful for the future of our environment.
    Together we can make the vital difference and achieve amity and mutuality.

    • greywarshark 12.1
      22 May 2018 at 9:05 pm

      China is happy that it is turning sand dunes into productive growing areas.

      We could be going ahead with something special for NZ since we are such a beautiful country and we love it. I’m sure we could be forging ahead with organics. I think that the Falklands has done this. Robert G would have good ideas. Let’s do it !

  14. eco maori 14
    24 May 2018 at 6:11 am

    the auckland sandflys are just like the ones in vags the get shitty because I can smell them and cheat and block all my devices from getting this site ———- ka kite ano

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  • Arts and heritage venues get helping hand
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  • New Zealand to increase NZDF commitment to the United Nations Command, Republic of Korea
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