Open mike 23/10/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 23rd, 2013 - 114 comments
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Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step right up to the mike…

114 comments on “Open mike 23/10/2013 ”

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  1. Paul 1
    23 October 2013 at 6:27 am

    John Key’s New Zealand…
    “Benefits cut for 13,000 parents in new regime”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11144397

    “Mother with newborn told to get a full-time job”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11144400

  2. amirite 2
    23 October 2013 at 7:17 am

    Most benefits cut in the Northland and Waikato region. Unemployed expected to concoct jobs out of thin air.
    I hope 2014 will be the death of you, National.

    • Tiger Mountain 2.1
      23 October 2013 at 7:36 am

      Dirty filthy Paula Bennett’s demise will certainly be ‘nice to have’ but it is going to be a long wait for the children being tortured week in week out by this ‘starve ’em out’ tory government.

  3. chris73 3
    23 October 2013 at 7:18 am

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9315726/Brown-campaign-tipped-off-by-National-MP

    – This is getting even better! More revelations the more interesting it becomes

    • millsy 3.1
      23 October 2013 at 7:29 am

      Im over hearing about this now. Whether Brown can keep it in his pants (A friend told me that all she was thinking is that why would any woman want to sleep with him — a reference to his looks), is not really any of our business.

      • amirite 3.1.1
        23 October 2013 at 11:34 am

        I agree, it’s not. However, he should just shut the fuck up but he keeps whingeing in the media how his privacy has been invaded and seeking some sort of protection from prying eyes but guess what Len, that’s what comes with having a public job. Ultimately, it’s his own fault although no one should lose their job just for cheating on their partner.

    • miravox 3.2
      23 October 2013 at 7:38 am

      That’s looking bad for National – they’ve said they knew nothing about the affair.

    • Te Reo Putake 3.3
      23 October 2013 at 7:48 am

      Have to agree with you, Chris. The more that comes out, the worse it looks for National. From your link, it appears even more likely that the threatening texts came from the Palino/Slater camp. And, if its true that Brown was tipped off by a Nat MP (there are some decent ones, I suppose), then that confirms the philosophical split in Tory ranks.

      I hope this one runs and runs!

      • miravox 3.3.1
        23 October 2013 at 8:16 am

        Dunnokeyo, true to form, is not asking MPs (including himself, I guess) who knew about it.

        Some of interestingly phrased sentences in the Tracy Watkins piece

        Strange how Key knows whats going on around the traps with Labour and SkyCity, but not with National and dirty politics.

        • karol 3.3.1.1
          23 October 2013 at 8:49 am

          NZ Herald, Bernard Orsman says Penny Webster (former ACT MP and Brown supporting councillor for Rodney) will neither confirm nor deny she is the Nat MP that tipped off Brown.

          • ScottGN 3.3.1.1.1
            23 October 2013 at 10:23 am

            I think the article says that Penny Webster was the Councillor whom the Nat MP passed the tip to and she then may or may not have passed the info on to Brown’s team. She’s not a National Party MP.

            • Morrissey 3.3.1.1.1.1
              23 October 2013 at 10:28 am

              There are people with a conscience in every organization—including the National Party. Someone will eventually blow the whistle on the wrong-doers, often at great personal cost when their identity is disclosed.

              • Tim …
                23 October 2013 at 4:22 pm

                Exactery. Often takes a while for certain ‘masters of the Universe’ to get used to the phenomenon though (aye?) !
                I reckon those in the Neshnool Party you’re thinking of are on the turn about now. I can think of one in particular

  4. risildowgtn 4
    23 October 2013 at 7:18 am

    Hah

    Wonder who it was???……

    None of them have any scruples…….

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9315726/Brown-campaign-tipped-off-by-National-MP

  5. phillip ure 5
    23 October 2013 at 7:22 am

    funny tv alert..!

    http://whoar.co.nz/2013/ed-media-heads-upalert/

    “..ed:..need a laff..?

    ..peter wiliams is co-hosting the tvone breakfast show..

    ..and williams is the benchmark for awkward/clumsy host-smalltalk/links..

    ..watchers get to excruciate along with him..

    ..and his old-man-raving-on-talkback opinions – are also a bit of a hoot..(all punctuated by his rictus-grin..)..”

    (williams is on fire today..i am doing regular updates..)

    phillip ure..

  6. marty mars 6
    23 October 2013 at 8:12 am

    Good article and the Oil Spill Map modelling is excellent.

    A deep-sea oil spill could devastate some of New Zealand’s favourite beaches, with the effects stretching as far as the international dateline, new modelling from Greenpeace suggests.

    Texan oil giant Anadarko begins exploratory drilling in the Taranaki and Canterbury Basins this summer.

    Greenpeace New Zealand asked scientists to make detailed estimates of how far an oil slick could stretch, based on wind, tide and sea currents.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/9314285/Oil-spill-projections-paint-big-black-stain

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLiwk9rK-3E

    This is a good way to get the information out there – short, sharp messages that tell the story and that can be easily shared via social media.

  7. Kevin Welsh 7
    23 October 2013 at 8:46 am

    Whats up with the masthead? Only just noticed…

    • Tat Loo 7.1
      23 October 2013 at 8:50 am

      thestandard.org.nz/cam-slater-politely-being-called-a-lying-arsehole/

      That’s lprent for ya!

      But have fun reading this…. I know I did. I even altered the banner to paraphrase a Pratchett joke while I was waiting for a server upgrade.

  8. Morrissey 8
    23 October 2013 at 10:00 am

    LIARS OF OUR TIME

    No. 31: John Palino

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    “Suggestions now that I, an entrepreneur, TV personality and political novice, am somehow orchestrating some grand right-wing conspiracy to unseat Len after the election are so wrong and so absurd they do not stand up to even the remotest test of common sense.”

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    —-Failed Auckland mayoral candidate JOHN PALINO, 20 October 2013
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9304635/John-Palino-I-was-never-part-of-any-plot

    More liars of our time….
    No. 30 Alan Dershowitz: “I will give $10,000 to the PLO if you can find a historical fact in my book that you can prove to be false.”
    No. 29 John Banks: “I have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. And never, ever would I ever knowingly sign a false electoral return. Never ever would I ever.”

    No. 28 John Kerry: “…we are especially sensitive, Chuck and I, to never again asking any member of Congress to take a vote on faulty intelligence.”
    
No. 27 Lyse Doucet: “I am there for those without a voice.”
    
No. 26 Sam Wallace: “So here we are—Otahuhu. It’s just a great place to be, really.”


    No. 25 Margaret Thatcher: “…no British government involvement of any kind…with Khmer Rouge…”


    No. 24 John Key: “…at the end of the day I, like most New Zealanders, value the role of the fourth estate…”
    


No. 23 Jay Carney: “…expel Mr Snowden back to the U.S. to face justice…”
    


No. 22 Mike Bush: “Bruce Hutton had integrity beyond reproach.”
    


No. 21 Tim Groser: “I think the relationship is genuinely in outstanding form.”
    


No. 20 John Key: “But if the question is do we use the United States or one of our other partners to circumvent New Zealand law then the answer is categorically no.”
    


No. 19 Matthew Hooton: “It is ridiculous to say that unions deliver higher wages! They DON’T!”


    No. 18 Ant Strachan: “The All Blacks won the RWC 2011 because of outstanding defence!”



    No. 17 Stephen Franks: “Peter has been such a level-headed, safe pair of hands.”



    No. 16 Phil Kafcaloudes: “Tony Abbott…hasn’t made any mistakes over the past eighteen months.”



    No. 15 Donald Rumsfeld: “I did not lie… Colin Powell did not lie.”
    


No. 14 Colin Powell: “a post-9/11 nexus between Iraq and terrorist organizations…connections are now emerging…”
    
No. 13 Barack Obama: “Simply put, these strikes have saved lives.”
    




No. 12 U.K. Ministry of Defence: “Protecting the Afghan civilian population is one of ISAF and the UK’s top priorities.”
    


No. 11 Brendan O’Connor: “Australia’s approach to refugees is compassionate and generous.”



    No. 10 Boris Johnson: “Londoners have… the best police in the world to look after us and keep us safe.”
    


No. 9 NewstalkZB PR dept: “News you NEED! Fast, fair, accurate!”
    


No. 8 Simon Bridges: “I don’t mean to duck the question….”



    No. 7 Nigel Morrison: “Quite frankly, they’ve been VERY tough.”




    No. 6 Herald PR dept: “Congratulations—you’re reading New Zealand’s best newspaper.”




    No. 5 Rawdon Christie: “…a FORMIDABLE replacement, it seems, is Claudette Hauiti.”
    




No. 4 Willie and J.T.: “The X-Factor. Nah, nah, there’s some GREAT talent there!”
    



No. 3 John Key: “Yeah we hold MPs to a higher standard.”
    



No. 2 Colin Craig: “Oh, I have a GREAT sense of humour.”




    No. 1 Barack Obama: “Margaret Thatcher was one of the great champions of freedom and liberty.”

  9. Morrissey 9
    23 October 2013 at 10:20 am

    Forget the drone strikes: here’s something positive
    All hail the gallant U.S. president

    To quote Charlie Brooker, Barack Obama often makes women melt—usually after he’s dropped a bomb on them.

    Here, for a change, he’s actually doing something useful….

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2013/oct/22/barack-obama-speech-catch-fainting-pregnant-woman-video

    • Draco T Bastard 9.1
      23 October 2013 at 11:13 am

      That’s actually horrifying. WTF didn’t everyone behind him get her help before he did. They could see that she was in trouble.

      • Tat Loo 9.1.1
        23 October 2013 at 11:25 am

        This is a country where a 12 year old boy just shot his maths teacher, shot and seriously wounded at least two young class mates, then killed himself with the gun.

        From the outside, it’s not looking like it’s going well.

        BTW one of the USA’s largest hedge funds has just stopped investing in rental houses, and started investing in trailer parks for the poor. The reason: at that level of poverty people don’t go anywhere, property maintenance costs are next to zero and the income streams are extremely steady and predictable.

  10. ScottGN 10
    23 October 2013 at 10:31 am

    Just watched question 3 from yesterday’s QT. Good work from Cunliffe to the PM. You are starting to get the sense that there is a noticeable shift in tone in the House these days. More and more I love seeing the worried, slightly bewildered look on Louise Upston’s (she’s the Nat’s Senior Whip) face as she sits behind the PM.

    • bad12 10.1
      23 October 2013 at 1:13 pm

      You are on to it ScottGN, there’s a lot to be ‘read’ from those who sit in the rows behind the front Benches in the Parliament,

      Interesting also from yesterdays sitting in the House, was that Mana’s Hone Harawira seen sitting in the front row of Labour’s Bench’s,

      An interesting message could be inferred from that…

    • felix 10.2
      23 October 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Upston always does that “look”. I think she imagines that it makes her look like she’s following what’s said, but I’m not fooled.

      bad12, that’s Hone’s allocated seat. It’s at the end of the Labour seats. http://www.parliament.nz/resource/0001905349

      • Morrissey 10.2.1
        23 October 2013 at 9:29 pm

        Diligent head-nodders like Louise Upston and her bench companion Tim McIndoe are an essential part of National Party strategy. Don’t knock those who only sit and nod. At least when they’re sitting and nodding they are not speaking…..

    • Murray Olsen 10.3
      23 October 2013 at 9:22 pm

      Upston always looks as if she’s worried that something might be going on that is too sophisticated for her intellectual equipment to understand. I suspect she’s right.

  11. Chris 11
    23 October 2013 at 11:46 am

    Help required… I cannot open QoT’s Fuck off Jones post.

    When I open it the page is blank, I’ve tried opening the article in the Feeds menu the same thing happens.

  12. greywarbler 12
    23 October 2013 at 11:47 am

    There is much discovery about brain functioning. Scans show parts of the brain will light up when one is thinking of a particular thing in a particular way. I think they can show whether someone can think around a problem, assess pros and cons and possible outcomes.

    If so perhaps citizens could demand a brain scan profile on politicians for certain areas that would show development in problem solving and judgment. We can then ensure that those we get into the House are capable of rational thinking and decision making and we are getting what we pay for.

    There is much mendacious talk from pollies about being good servants of the taxpayers’ money. Taxpayers should start throwing their weight around to ensure their servants are doing a good job for good value. At present when taxpayers’ money is mentioned, there’s a feeling of a naughty schoolboy creating a feel-good alibi at school before commiting some foul play.

    That’s playing the teacher for a fool. Our politicians do the same with taxpayers.

  13. captain hook 13
    23 October 2013 at 12:08 pm

    who heard john banks whining on telly last night that the people of NZ dont like him anymore.
    I wonder why they dont like him?

    • veutoviper 13.1
      23 October 2013 at 12:51 pm

      Who would know, captain hook? Perhaps we all have selective memories like Banks.

      But good news(hopefully) for Graham McCready on RNZ National Midday report.

      An Auckland barrister and former Crown Prosecutor, Michael Lloyd, has offered to provide his services for free to McCready if the Solicitor-General decides not to take over the prosecution.

      At about 12min30secs in this link to Midday Report

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/middayreport/audio/2573797/midday-news-for-23-october-2013

      I don’t know anything about Michael Lloyd, but in many ways I would prefer to see a private barrister involved rather than the S-G to avoid any whitewashes (real or perceived).

      This of course presupposes that Banks’ latest attempt to get the case dropped does not succeed – ie his seeking a High Court judicial review of the District Court judge’s decision.

      Morning Report also had a short discussion on this with Graeme Edgeler suggesting that the High Court review* was unlikely to affect the DC committal for trial or the timescale of the DC trial. He considered the two processes would run in parallel.

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2573770/banks-says-he's-filing-for-judicial-review-to-speed-up-process

      * This presupposes that the High Court does in fact agree to a judicial review.

      • bad12 13.1.1
        23 October 2013 at 1:19 pm

        Yes Banks might think money can buy Him a Legal Eagle with which to stymie Graham McCready’s prosecution, He has a problem tho when the professionals become involved…

      • Graeme Edgeler 13.1.2
        25 October 2013 at 3:41 pm

        * This presupposes that the High Court does in fact agree to a judicial review.

        The High Court doesn’t have to agree. If Banks files an application for judicial review there will be a judicial review.

  14. fambo 14
    23 October 2013 at 12:42 pm

    One of the top guys at Treasury (not sure which one) is going to be interviewed by Brian Crump on Nights at National Radio tonight (Wed) re criticism from a Sydney professor and Brian Roper of Dunedin University -it should be very interesting, especially (as Roper pointed out on Monday) Treasury has a huge amount of political power.

    • Tiger Mountain 14.1
      23 October 2013 at 12:53 pm

      Treasury has requested this right of reply according to Crump last night. Am expecting the usual crappola to go largely unchallenged as Crump is not usually a combative or particularly knowledgeable presenter on political matters as he has shown when up against Israeli spin doctors for example.

    • millsy 14.2
      23 October 2013 at 8:57 pm

      It sure does. It managed to push out engineering, technical and scientific expertise from the public service in only a few short years.

      Expertise we should be thanking in the light of a report last week that found that old school timber framed school buildings (the ones that the education boards and the old Education Department designed) didnt need much earthquake strengthening because they were rather resilient.

  15. idlegus 15
    23 October 2013 at 1:02 pm

    govt changed the deed of understanding regarding nz post, 3 day delivery & which will mean the loss of half the posties, 5000 plus? in 2015, but there’s talk it could be moved forward, so if you thought mail was slow now wait til 3 day delivery (3 day delivery is where a street will be delivered to every 2 days, so posties will still be working 6 days, it just means they only need half the workforce).

  16. idlegus 16
    23 October 2013 at 1:37 pm

    3 days a week for urban, but the farmers/rural get to keep 6 day delivery…

    • millsy 16.1
      23 October 2013 at 8:43 pm

      Post might not be sexy, but you cannot beat it for reliability, and its the best way for official correspondence.

      I hate to think how many people will miss important deadlines because NZ Post didnt deliver their bills /important documents in a timely manner.

  17. Penny Bright 17
    23 October 2013 at 1:40 pm

    In my considered opinion, both Mayor Len Brown and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, have done a great job for those who REALLY run the Auckland region – the unelected Committee for Auckland and the NZ Property Council.

    So – why would the Committee for Auckland and the NZ Property Council want Len Brown replaced as Mayor?

    That’s why, in my considered opinion, any ‘inquiry’ organised by Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay, (a member of the Committee for Auckland) which he has delegated to Ernst and Young (a member company of the Committee for Auckland), which potentially involves Sky City (whose CEO, Nigel Morrison, is a member of the Committee for Auckland), has significant ‘conflicts of interest’.

    (Don’t take my word for it – check for yourselves ….. )

    http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz/membership/member-organisations

    In my considered opinion, ANY inquiry into Mayor Len Brown, should arguably be conducted by the ‘lead’ agency in NZ, supposedly fighting corruption – the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

    Whether Len Brown paid for his alleged use of a Sky City hotel room for his illicit sexual relationship is, in my opinion, not the point.

    What concerns me is Len Brown’s support at Auckland Council Governing Body level for Sky City on 27 June 2013:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10893526

    The minutes:

    SkyCity.http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/governingbody/governingbodymin20130627.pdf

    Was Len Brown effectively ‘beholden’ to Sky City, some of whom must have known about his use of their premises for his illicit sexual affair?

    ‘Perceives’ to be so to me.

    NZ needs an Independent Commission Against Corruption, and enforceable ‘Codes of Conduct’ for both local and central government elected representatives.

    Penny Bright
    2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

    http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz (ACTION PLAN)

  18. Bill 18
    23 October 2013 at 1:59 pm

    No idea about the in’s and out’ of this call for Clare Curran to be stood down (ie, are the motivations genuine or just political). But having come across it, thought it might be of interest to one or two people hereabouts. And maybe somebody more up to speed on such machinations could offer some informed context?

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503438&objectid=11144140

  19. risildowgtn 19
    23 October 2013 at 2:20 pm

    Seems MP Mark Mitchell was the one who tipped off Brown re his affair was gonna be exposed

    Never heard of this MP before…

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9315726/Brown-rumours-rife-within-National-camp

    • millsy 20.1
      23 October 2013 at 8:44 pm

      You want your water storage schemes, cockies?

      Well guess what, you will have them, but they will be owned the NZ Goverment. And they will have strict rules on when and how they can be used.

  21. Tim 21
    23 October 2013 at 4:36 pm

    Exactery. Often takes a while for certain ‘masters of the Universe’ to get used to the phenomenon though (aye?) !
    I reckon those in the Neshnool Party you’re thinking of are on the turn about now. I can think of one in particular

  22. Tim 22
    23 October 2013 at 4:45 pm

    Oh, by the way Morrisyey (btw) …. I Hope like hell you’re not listening to the Panel atm (at the mo’) – ‘cos that regular guy JUM just wants to cover you with ‘wrap-around’ services and National Party-type leeeeerve..
    It’s just SOOOO much goodness I can hardly cope. I need another lay down!

    Btw (By the way) … is that deep-voiced authorative sounding femme shoving her thrupence worth against-or alongside Le Bernard – well who da fuck is she basically? A Cormandel MuthaEarth maybe?
    I guess they’ve got mortgahes to pay

    • Tim 22.1
      23 October 2013 at 5:04 pm

      Buggeration – stitch one Perl one C++ one ASM one, bug fix to the left, another to the right.
      My submissions don’t seem to fit with what was intended.
      Better that though than a ‘risk manager’ providing advice on how such submissions might meet up with the comments for which the reply was intended. (A cast of thousands has already attempted to reinvent the wheel, and they’re still fuckin at it – while Rome burns)

    • Morrissey 22.2
      23 October 2013 at 9:02 pm

      Oh, by the way Morrisyey (btw) …. I Hope like hell you’re not listening to the Panel atm (at the mo’) –

      Yes, Tim, I was listening. I did not think much of it. I’ll put up my impressions—-or is it a transcript?—some time tomorrow.

  23. ScottGN 23
    23 October 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Been watching a bit of CBC’s Power and Politics (I know, I should get out more). It looks like the shit has really hit the fan for Stephen Harper (Key’s bestie in Canada) as the Senate expense scandal goes nuclear.

  24. risildowgtn 24
    23 October 2013 at 5:50 pm

    Wonder IF any other Councils will follow suite:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9317894/No-free-lunch-for-councillors

    Nah

  25. chris73 25
    23 October 2013 at 6:03 pm

    “There’s got to be some protection here and presently there’s just nothing. And that I think provides for a conundrum, not just in our democracy, but in all.”

    – Ok so Len wants “protection” (I’ll ignore the comedic elements) and I’m interested in the lefts perspective on this because I think this a very bad idea and heres why:

    Len wants the media to look the other way while he does whatever it is he wants to do and I think thats the wrong attitude to have, if the media ackshully got of its collective but and did their jobs and reported politicians failings then maybe politicians (both sides of the house) might act more like we expect them to act as well as the idea of any govt controlling the media being a really bad idea

    Also what does this mean for political blogs because I know theres a few (probably more) who’d like to see whaleoil censured (if not outright banned) but what would happen if the right wing politicians decided that the Standard needed to be censured…

    So I think its a slippery slope Lens on and it should be a cause for worry for everyone

    • Pascal's bookie 25.1
      23 October 2013 at 6:29 pm

      I’d have to hear what he actually means though.

      Also, I’d like to see some polling that indicates people really do want a UK style tabloid press to develop here. No doubt some do, but how many?

      Also some polling on what ‘our expectations’ are around politician’s private lives, and whether that only applies to politicians and not private sector executives, journalists, police, doctors, teachers, etc, and so on, and so forth.

      • chris73 25.1.1
        23 October 2013 at 6:52 pm

        Well ok reporting on him having an affair is no big deal but him knobbing someone in work time in council offices is a big deal because someone doing the same thing but in a lesser role is likely to get the sack

        Again him doing someone is not a big issue but him giving his bit on the side a reference for a job in a council affiliated role is a big deal

        Doing someone in a motel is not an issue but doing someone in skycity when you’ve voted for them could be construed a certain way especially if the cost is a bit less…

        I just don’t think theres middle ground here, its either all on or all hidden and I’d rather see its all on as it might then make politicians act a bit better

        • felix 25.1.1.1
          23 October 2013 at 7:59 pm

          knobbing someone in work time in council offices is a big deal”

          lolwut? You mean if it were shown that Brown only got his end away after 5.30 pm Monday to Friday and after midday Saturday you’d be fine with it?

          “Work time” doesn’t really apply to senior politicians. They’re always working.

          Also I don’t believe you.

    • Rogue Trooper 25.2
      23 October 2013 at 6:45 pm

      FO

    • felix 25.3
      23 October 2013 at 7:05 pm

      “but what would happen if the right wing politicians decided that the Standard needed to be censured”

      Yeah, because it’s his blogging that’s got Cameron in the shit. 🙄

  26. greywarbler 26
    23 October 2013 at 6:15 pm

    The evening news is on. This calculating ruthless man planned the murder of his woman friend. He hid in her ceiling and cut her throat when she was in bed. Her 15 year old son found his mother like that. He got seven years I think.

    Then someone from South Africa was out on bail and killed the mother of his child. She was trying to keep him away from it. This may be one of the tragedies stirred up by WINZ insisting on uncovering every penis involved in making a baby. Sometimes it would be better fro a mother not to have any thing to do with somebody she has found is just a low-life. But you get help docked if you don’t give them information because they want their pound of flesh before they will help you maintain your pound of flesh. They want to place responsibility on the shoulders of someone who resents that burden. And these repercussions can result.
    I think they said that his wife helped him to get away. He got away on a false passport. We went to a lot of trouble and expense to get him back and try him. I think that the victim’s family might have been given the option of them not doing that but of having a large sum put in a trust fund instead. The warrant to remain open in case he ever came back. Family might prefer that.

    Someone’s barrister read out someone’s heartfelt sorrow blah blah . A relation said …
    Somebody cried. It’s sick making. I don’t want to hear how many tears and snot was shed by the victim, the perpetrator, the witnesses. I don’t want this sorry affair paraded for ghoulish people to emote about. I do want to see good support for victims and better attitudes encouraged in both men and women and women given psychological help so they can avoid being drawn to such utter shits.

    And no public victims reports. Read them out to the perpetrator or play a CD of it over to them.
    If it was me I wouldn’t like to look at the slime.

  27. Molly 27
    23 October 2013 at 7:01 pm

    Attended a brief workshop this morning unveiling the “Thriving Communities Action Plan” from Auckland Council. It was adopted by the outgoing council and the final document will be released before the end of the year.

    There seems to be some good intent in terms of empowering communities, including providing local procurement opportunities, community ownership of assets, networking of social entrepreneurs etc.

    Pleasantly surprised.

  28. bad12 28
    23 October 2013 at 7:10 pm

    What’s up with Nationals latest act of asset theft, also known as the part sale of an SOE, did it by any chance FLOP,

    If Slippery was looking at a triumphant number of Ma and Pa investors willing to pay top dollar for what they already own you would think that Him and Ryall would be fronting the announcement on the 6 oclock news,

    Ryall was last seen scarpering across the Parliaments forecourt as if being chased by a bailiff and someone is supposedly announcing the ‘sale’ details at 7.30 tonight…

  29. vto 29
    23 October 2013 at 7:18 pm

    How come rural folk rely more on the post than urban folk? How come rural will still get 5 days delivery and urban 3?

    Don’t make no sense whatsoever – just another silly assumption with not an ounce of reason behind it. None.

    • idlegus 29.1
      23 October 2013 at 7:49 pm

      fed farmers lobbied amy adams heavily, is my guess.

      • vto 29.1.1
        23 October 2013 at 8:04 pm

        Sure of course. But nobody has given a reason why they think they are more reliant on 5 day service than urban folk.

        Because there isn’t a reason.

        Is there?

        • idlegus 29.1.1.1
          23 October 2013 at 8:07 pm

          you are correct.

          • vto 29.1.1.1.1
            23 October 2013 at 8:12 pm

            I wish I wasn’t because that means I am being lied to and bullshitted by Amy Adams.

            If anything, urban folk, especially the elderly, would rely on the post more – for formal matters and for the social contact as many of them communicate by post. They are also far less self-sufficient than rural people and need services such as these.

            More stinking shit from this government.

            • millsy 29.1.1.1.1.1
              23 October 2013 at 8:50 pm

              Exactly, as I said above, I hate to think how many deadlines are going to be missed by people, thanks to these new rules.

      • RedBaronCV 29.1.2
        23 October 2013 at 8:11 pm

        If Farmers didn’t get a daily delivery their letterbox would be overflowing from the cheques to bank and the high end brochures advertising audi’s boats etc etc

      • Rosie 29.1.3
        23 October 2013 at 8:16 pm

        I did hear somewhere on the news today that NZ Post received a “robust” reaction from the rural community. I’m not sure how it’s going to work re the extra cost as urban folks can pay for a “premium service” and get their mail delivered more than 3 days per week. I guess the rate stays the same for the rural folks if their delivery remains as per usual. Kicks in mid 2015.

        Not sure why their reliance on postal service differs from everybody else. Has it got something to do with poor broadband connections, therefore they may not receive comms and bills etc on time?

        Speaking of ruralites, did ya see the one about the buttermilk dumping in where was it, central north Island, on Campbell Live last night? Apparently its a common practice in spring when those poor darling industrial cows are producing extra milk. What to do? Farmer logic says dump it and leave it to rot. More waste. More environmental damage. More disrespect to animals (she’s already had her baby taken from her and is mourning – they do, they’re very maternal, and now her milk is dumped too)) More couldn’t care less, she’ll be right.

        • vto 29.1.3.1
          23 October 2013 at 8:28 pm

          Imagine the stench…..

          “robust reaction”. I could just imagine that too – poor precious farmers. They are very important you know / sarc.

          I don’t like to have a go at this sector of our country so often but ffs they pull shit all the time which bears no relation to reality and all relation to their preciousness, puffed up chests and empty logic.

        • millsy 29.1.3.2
          23 October 2013 at 8:49 pm

          The farmer should be bottling and selling it. According to all the older folks I know, buttermilk was a very popular childhood drink of choice. And kids would break their backs doing chore after chore so they would get that sweet nectar.

  30. Philgwellington Wellington 30
    23 October 2013 at 8:02 pm

    Xox vto
    Rural tends to vote Nashonool.

  31. greywarbler 31
    23 October 2013 at 8:14 pm

    All you wanted to know about austerity and were afraid to ask, at breakneck speed. This is dazzling stuff.
    Go to google – mark blyth you tube
    and
    http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ltSSkq0AAAAJ&hl=en

    • Tat Loo 31.1
      23 October 2013 at 8:34 pm

      I see he’s published with Nassim Taleb before. Very nice.

    • greywarbler 31.2
      23 October 2013 at 9:09 pm

      More Mark Blyth – a google talk.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQuHSQXxsjM
      Mark Blyth: Austerity – The History of a Dangerous Idea
      He’s so interesting you forget this is really serious. And he manages to tell us unbelievably terrible stuff and you’re fascinated. He finds some useful stuff that countries could do, what Brazil has done for instance. There is some hope out there. What a speaker.

      And he mentions that he was brought up by his grandmother. Fairly poor and now he is an Ivy League professor at a huge salary. And what fuelled this trip of social mobility. The welfare state! And he repeats all the negative things that the neolibs say about it.

      So there is a fountain of information, and it keeps coming. Very good.

      This one caught my eye – I don’t know anything about the substance.
      At Occupy Boston Mark Blyth Asks: ‘Should the Poor Insure the Rich …
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTRjMkv92Z8‎

  32. Pascal's bookie 32
    23 October 2013 at 8:28 pm

    Live twitter reax to the pretty floppy Meridian float:

    https://twitter.com/search?q=meridian&src=typd

    $1.50 per share, bottom end of the range.
    1.6B raised.
    62k ‘Mum and dad’ investors (compared to 110k for MRP)

  33. Pascal's bookie 33
    23 October 2013 at 8:32 pm

    Cosgrove’s statement here:

    http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/meridian-sale-failure-cosgrove/5/171716?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

    “I don’t know how John Key and Bill English can look the taxpayers of New Zealand in the face. They have they sold half of a valuable long term asset for $1.2 billion less than they told the public they would sell it for in 2011. And just 62,000 retail investors, including institutions, bought shares.

    “John Key and Bill English threw everything they could at making this sale a success, even offering a Suzanne Paul-style buy now – pay later scheme. Despite offering everything but a free set of steak knives just 62,000 people wanted to buy in.

    “The number of investors in Meridian is half that of Mighty River, which was half that of Contact Energy when the National Government sold it in 1999. At this rate of success they will be paying people to buy Genesis Energy shares.

    Greens here:

    http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/meridian-another-failure-national%E2%80%99s-asset-sales-greens/5/171717?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

    Only 62,000 retail shareholders have bought shares in Meridian Energy. That compares to 113,000 who bought shares in Mighty River Power and an expected take-up of 250,000 buyers per sale when the asset sales were being planned. 62,000 equates to just 1.4% of the New Zealand population.

    Buyers will reap the benefit of paying only $1 per share up front and the remaining 50 cents in 18 months’ time – the total cost to the Crown of these interest free loans will be $50 million. Overseas investors bought 28% of the shares sold (13.5% of the company), meaning the New Zealand taxpayer is paying $14 million to incentivise foreign institutions to buy our electricity company.

    “The Meridian flop confirms that National’s asset sales are a failure and a huge waste money,” said Dr Norman.

    “Only 1% of Kiwis bought shares in Meridian. The other 99% of us have lost the profits from a strategic asset and can now look forward to higher power prices.

    “The Meridian sale cost around $90 million. We know the ‘buy now, pay later’ scheme alone will set taxpayers back $50 million while the fees for brokers, lawyers, and ad-men will add around $40 million to the bill. That’s on top of the $173 million that National’s asset sales have already cost the taxpayer.

    “Mr Key has just cost the New Zealand taxpayer $14 million to subsidise overseas buyers as they swoop in to take a chunk of Meridian and its profits.

    • vto 33.1
      23 October 2013 at 8:36 pm

      Fucking great isn’t it.

      Meridian goes from being owned by 100% of New Zealanders via government ownership…
      … to only 51.4% now.

      dumb

      cheats

      liars

      • Lanthanide 33.1.1
        23 October 2013 at 8:44 pm

        ?

        Including the government’s stake, Meridian will be 86.5% owned by NZers.

      • Murray Olsen 33.1.2
        23 October 2013 at 9:53 pm

        You’re correct mathematically. Lanthanide apparently has problems with comprehension. He/she/it apparently missed the “100% of” in “owned by 100% of New Zealanders via government ownership”

        • vto 33.1.2.1
          23 October 2013 at 10:13 pm

          hmmm, perhaps….. 100% of New Zealanders used to own 100% of Meridian. Now 100% of New Zealanders own only 50% and of those New Zealanders 1.4% of them own 86%.

          I think ….. my brain is bruised … time for zzzzzzzzzzzz

    • Rogue Trooper 33.2
      23 October 2013 at 8:36 pm

      sigh

    • millsy 33.3
      23 October 2013 at 8:46 pm

      What we should be doing is putting Manapouri into a seperate SOE, and putting half the profits into the conservation estate and the other half into a fund for Southland when the smelter closes.

  34. Morrissey 34
    23 October 2013 at 8:41 pm

    In “honor” of a stolen game, a vacuous tribute
    Campbell Live sinks to a new low
    TV3, Wednesday 23 October 2013

    Campbell Live has been for a long time now a beacon of serious and thoughtful journalism in this country. But not tonight—because it’s PARTY TIME! Remember, it’s October 23, the second anniversary of New Zealand’s hugely controversial Rugby World Cup final “victory” over a clearly superior France.

    The truth is, however, that far from a stirring one-point win for the All Blacks, as it is usually portrayed by the likes of John Campbell, for anybody who cares about rugby football that match will be forever tainted by the memory of South African referee Craig Joubert‘s failure, or refusal, to penalize the All Blacks as they engaged in a systematic strategy of flagrant cheating in the second half.

    But two years is obviously too soon for the clearly still awe-struck John Campbell. It would not be seemly to raise questions about the referee’s performance (or lack of performance) in that game. It would be disloyal. And lined up for later in the program was Sir Graham Henry himself. It just wouldn’t be nice to cast more doubt on the validity of that victory.

    So instead of taking a look at Joubert’s behavior, Campbell announced that the program would not be looking at the match itself, only at the celebrations that followed.

    The program had three parts to it: 1.) a visit to the Birkenhead “man cave” of one Johnny Townsend, who has been anointed by Campbell (or his producers) as the country’s number one All Black fan; 2.) an interview with “Sir” Graham Henry; 3.) to cap the good vibe, a performance of “Poi E” by the legendary Patea Maori Club.

    But first it was off to Johnny Townsend’s place, and an excruciatingly drawn out, toe-curlingly mortifying tour of the man-cave, full of Johnny Townsend’s embarrassed and awkward friends and family….

    JOHN CAMPBELL: Why do you love the All Blacks so much?
    JOHNNY TOWNSEND: I always have. I love the game, and I’m a Kiwi. And my wife’s father was an All Black.

    …..[Now THAT was an interesting bit of information. Campbell, however, didn’t follow up. Johnny revealed later that his wife’s dad was the North Auckland legend Nau “Big Horse” Cherrington, who played in the first test against the Lions in 1950.]….

    CAMPBELL: Who’s that bugger over there?
    JOHNNY TOWNSEND: That’s my brother in law.
    CAMPBELL: He looks like a good bugger!

    …..[Some awkward laughter, then further silence]…..

    CAMPBELL: Coming up after the break: some whimsical memories of the match with Sir Graham Henry!

    ……..ADVERTISING…….

    CAMPBELL: Welcome back to this special commemoration of the All Blacks’ World Cup victory! Let’s go back to that night—not the game so much, but the celebrations after.

    …..[Film of deliriously happy, noisy fans. Then we’re in a pleasant garden. It’s a sunny day. Campbell is standing with a relaxed “Sir” Graham Henry.]…..

    CAMPBELL: The All Blacks were euphoric! World champions again after twenty-four years!
    SIR GRAHAM HENRY: It was marvelous! They had been the best team in the world for a long time, but they couldn’t win it. But then Richie and the boys did the job! *

    …..[Cut to John Campbell interviewing Ali Williams straight after the final. The noise is cacophonous.]……

    ALI WILLIAMS: [shouting] Boys just wanted it more!

    [He hugs Campbell, who laughs in delight. Ironically, in the right foreground the non-referee skulks away from the camera.]

    CAMPBELL: There are two things I remember—the noise, and then how for twenty minutes in the second half it just went deathly silent.
    SIR GRAHAM HENRY: I think they’ve kept on growing which is hugely important, and they’ve ticked that box beautifully!
    CAMPBELL: Champions. Truly champions!
    SIR GRAHAM HENRY: A huge feather in the cap for Richie and the boys.

    [Back to Campbell in the Birkenhead man cave. He speaks to camera, like he’s some kind of philosopher…]

    CAMPBELL: It is only a sport. Tonight we can truly say we are the world champions. I know it’s only just a game but what a game it’s been! What a game it’s been!

    The program ends with a recording of the 2011 Auckland performance at the tournament by the Patea Maori Club.

    * That line (“Richie and the boys did the job”) is nearly word for word the same as Sir Colin Meads’s dodgy deer-velvet ad.
    …………………………………………………………………………….

    Judge for yourself whether it was the All Blacks who won that game, or a certain South African who refused to blow his whistle….

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMPYRxYBba4

    • Rogue Trooper 34.1
      23 October 2013 at 8:46 pm

      deeper sigh

      • Morrissey 34.1.1
        23 October 2013 at 8:58 pm

        That’s one response, I guess. I would have expected something more thoughtful from your good self, however.

        • Rogue Trooper 34.1.1.1
          23 October 2013 at 9:13 pm

          nothin’ personal, gist that it’s late In The Evening . Be well under observation my friend. 😀

          (now, that’s fine workmanship).

          • Morrissey 34.1.1.1.1
            23 October 2013 at 9:16 pm

            Good night, sweet prince.

            • Rogue Trooper 34.1.1.1.1.1
              23 October 2013 at 9:37 pm

              as you know, I dislike the behaviour of bullying immensely

              Personal Most Memorable Cinematic Moment
              -Oskar introduces mercy to Amon (who later goes on to shoot the boy anyway).

              Second Most Memorable Cinematic Moment
              -Goeth’s miss-firing side-arm

              Third…
              “we are not going to take orders from these people”- Amon Goeth.

              …carry on

    • millsy 34.2
      23 October 2013 at 9:07 pm

      What? Did we win a world cup or something 2 years ago? Sorry, I forgot all about it. Had better things to worry about.

  35. Tat Loo 35
    23 October 2013 at 8:49 pm

    Learn way more about the fraud underlying the GFC, and also about governments spending money into existence (instead of borrowing it) at the following podcast:

    http://stephaniekelton.com/2013/10/21/bill-black-and-randy-wray/

    one insight: The Democrats and Republicans are engineering multiple debt ceiling crises as a way to put Social Security on the table and in a bipartisan move, knife it.

  36. ghostrider888 36
    23 October 2013 at 8:50 pm

    More Mud -rakin’ to be done.

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