Open Mike 24/08/2018
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6:00 am, August 24th, 2018 - 63 comments
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Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...2 days ago
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The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...3 days ago - Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession
The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...3 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...4 days ago
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A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
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The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
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The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...5 days ago
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The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...5 days ago
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With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...5 days ago
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For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
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The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...6 days ago
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All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
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The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
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The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
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The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...6 days ago
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The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
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The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
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New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
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The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
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Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
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Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
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Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
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The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
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Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
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After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
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Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
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The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
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Nothing to see here, move along.
https://libcom.org/news/comrade-malik-speaks-out-nationwide-program-political-repression-against-prison-organizers-
https://libcom.org/news/statement-protesting-inmates-burnside-jail-nova-scotia-19082018
Boycott Wakanui Beef, its stockists and the restaurants it uses.
These Auckland supermarkets were on Wakanui’s list of stockists before it was taken down.
Countdown Ponsonby
Countdown Auckland City (Quay Street)
Countdown Browns Bay
Countdown Green Lane
Countdown Meadowbank
Countdown Milford
Countdown Mount Eden
Countdown St Johns
These Christchurch supermarkets were on Wakanui’s list of stockists before it was taken down.
Countdown Colombo Street
Countdown Ferrymead
Countdown Northlands
Fresh Choice Barrington
Fresh Choice Parklands
*sigh* Ed calling for yet another boycott.
You’re determined to see the thousands of families who rely on the industry deprived of their livelihoods, aren’t you?.
Hoax news or true???
“Bridges and Parliament’s Speaker Trevor Mallard both received an anonymous text message last week from a person claiming to be responsible for leaking the information to Newshub, sources told RNZ.
The text author reportedly said they had leaked the expenses because they disagreed with Bridges’ leadership style, describing him as “arrogant”, and wanted him to be held to account for his spending of taxpayers’ money….
RNZ said it had not seen the text, which is believed to have detailed a number of conversations and pieces of information from National caucus meetings over a period of weeks in an attempt to prove the author was a National MP.”
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12112670
Imagine the special National Caucus meeting this morning.
Eyeing each other.
Fake news Judith?
Simon crumbling?
What next?
Trump goes for the ‘Wall Street Banker’ defence.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/23/trump-michael-cohen-flipping-should-be-illegal-warns-against-impeachment?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
From President Trump’s interview yesterday at the White House with Fox and Friends, came this lovely quote:
“If I ever got impeached, I think the market would crash”
“I think everybody would be very poor. Because without this thinking,” he continued, pointing a finger at his head, “you would see, you would see numbers that you wouldn’t believe in reverse.”
I love the smell of fear from evil politicians.
Yep he scared – probably gonna start a war now.
Desperate and scared.
https://news.sky.com/story/rudy-giuliani-impeaching-trump-would-mean-peoples-revolt-11480366
edit: if Trump shot Cohen on Fifth Avenue
CNN:
Anderson Cooper: “We’re seeing incredible images here. The president being taken into custody. Kellyanne, what can you tell us?”
Kellyanne Conway: “I’m not going to comment on rumors, Anderson.”
AC: “Kellyanne, these are not rumors. The president has handcuffs around his wrists. You’re seeing the same footage we are.”
KC: “You’re free to see things your way. I have an alternative perception.”
AC: “But how can you possibly –”
KC: “Let’s agree to disagree, Anderson!”
https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/23/trump-michael-cohen-broad-daylight
POPCORN DAY
It has to be a Popcorn Day – even a vegan Popcorn Day if you put a vegan spread in it rather than butter.
Between Australian Liberals and our very own Bridges, and Trump, we really all need a bit of a funny break, so here is one.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/364819/texan-becomes-viral-sensation-amid-australian-political-turmoil
It starts “As the political turmoil in Australia heated up on Thursday, a popcorn company sales manager from America received a whirl of notifications buzzing on his phone. …”
ROFL
No plastic bags? How do I line my bin?
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018659188/no-plastic-bags-how-do-i-line-my-bin
The old fashioned way – with paper bags.
Line your bin?
Wash your bin.
My rubbish almost entirely consists of packaging – wrappers, bags etc. If those just went loosely into the big bin the truck picks it up from, it would all just go flying everywhere. So liners are needed, not to keep the bin clean, but to manage the rubbish so it doesn’t end up flying around loose.
Pack it down, and it won’t fly around, when in the big bin.
Transport it to said big bin via a box or cloth bag.
pack it down too hard and it doesn’t come out.
Plastice bags were useful for a reason.
Round here our garbage truckies are like this one.
Don’t need liners. Newspaper is good for wrapping rubbish destined for the kitchen bin. Each time bin is emptied, a quick wipe and leave it outside or a well ventilated area for a while to air.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/programmes/go-ahead-caller/story/2018659378/go-ahead-caller-ser-11-ep2-plastic-bags
I agree with Ashley.
“Ashley Judd said: “We hold any and every abuser accountable, regardless of their gender, race, socioeconomic status, public visibility or popularity.” ”
https://i.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/106527889/metoo-actress-asia-argento-now-admits-to-sex-with-underage-boy-in-leaked-texts
Heh. That one juror that held out on convicting Manafort on those bank fraud charges really didn’t do him any favours. It just opened the door wider for state authorities to go after him too, in which case a Drumpf pardon wouldn’t help. That’s because it was declared a mistrial on those 10 charges, so state-federal double-jeopardy rules won’t apply.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/08/paul-manafort-will-likely-go-to-jail-if-trump-pardons-him-thanks-to-a-lone-holdout-juror.html?via=homepage_taps_top
Looks like UK voters bought a pup.
https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1032576458642915328
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1032576458642915328.html
joe90
The twitter.com.lewis link is amazing and horrifying. I don’t think any animal’s good name should be besmirched by connecting it with Brexit.
Does that twitter feed have an adult rating? There are big words in it I don’t understand, and don’t think I want to understand. I want to run away to Mummy but can’t find the door. Help.
PM has apparently called a mystery press conference for 4pm today. This is unusual for late on a Friday.
Is this to “bury bad news”? Hope we don’t go the political way of timed disclosures.
Clare Curran sacked from cabinet and two portfolios – keeps broadcasting and ACC – ie lost Open government & Digital thingy
Due to Curran not declaring meeting – 2nd offense.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/364851/watch-live-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-holds-media-conference
Listening to this press conference, I couldn’t be prouder of our PM, she’s not going to put up with any shite, and I’m impressed.
Good on you Red Princess, well done.
As well she is setting the bar for simon, on dealing with his ‘situation’.
Bravo to our PM.
ownership. Someone declares they own land, a resource, even people have been owned. What I don’t get is why once you own something you can on seal it without any risk, it’s this that creates legal dumping of waste etc. Everyone who touches, uses a product has a ownership right over the cleanup.
QFT
Jacinda has just removed Curran from cabinet – bloody great effort from ministers from Poverty South Dunedin.
Benson Pope removed by Clarke now goodbye Curran.
Hmmm Curran removed from cabinet just as an inquiry is ended…
Except Labour didn’t have access to National’s expenses, did they.
edit: she forgot about another bloody meeting? Doofus.
Well we’ll never know but I’m guessing Jacinda didn’t want all National getting all the publicity so she pulled this out last thing on a Friday
Yeah, ain’t it nice that the bad news thrown out late friday afternoon is simply holding a stupid minister to account, rather than burying a flurry of reports of how badly the entire government is doing.
Almost like responsible government.
Yeah…. Nah, PR
‘The Speaker has called off an inquiry into the leaking of Simon Bridges’ expenses details, saying he believes the perpetrator is from within the National Party.’
Thats just poos, if he knows he should say so otherwise all sorts of rumours will fly (if they haven’t already)
Regarding rumours, here’s a brief cap from your webcam at the moment.
Evidently when there is a hot topic post up Open Mike goes really quiet.
I actually went to check for problems when I looked at the comments this afternoon.
Lmao 🙂
Some days I read OM for some sanity. Today was such a day, almost … 😉
Last weekend I copped a fair bit of abuse for encouraging people to stop drinking.
Maybe this might persuade some of you.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/aug/23/no-healthy-level-of-alcohol-consumption-says-major-study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31310-2/fulltext
http://www.healthdata.org/research-article/alcohol-use-and-burden-195-countries-and-territories-1990%E2%80%932016-systematic-analysis
Cheers Ed I raise my glass to that
What a load of rubbish, thousands of people who are mild drinkers and live full and happy healthy lives make what you say and your silly self affirmation research a load of shite
Cheers Ed I raise my glass to that
What a load of rubbish, thousands of people who are mild drinkers and live full and happy healthy lives make what you say and your silly self affirmation research a load of shite
Ed, don’t waste energy on replying to this witless troll.
Aw how sweet but I am sure Ed can look after himself Morrissey
Agreed.
A total tool.
It’s an interesting study, but I’m not too worried. In NZ we have a much lower risk of tuberculosisthan Russia, so that would skew the odds. It’s a bit like BMI, really. And that’s if the confidence intervals come out right, anyway.
A Chinese (no surprise there) company stole millions of liters of fucking water.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/environment/106557026/environment-canterbury-orders-chinabased-firm-to-stop-water-bottling-after-it-breached-consent
Finally got some internetabilty to check the news not covered by Natrad and there that was.
Beggars bleeding belief.
Similar thing happened up in the FFN with a couple of the water consent applicants. They were found sucking water from the Te Aupouri aquifer before the consent was approved. They got the wet bus ticket treatment and business goes on…
We have spinless jellyfish of Regional Councils in this country. Anyone recall the exact date we sold our souls?
Now, if Jacinda declared a ban on water bottled in plastic…woo hoo!
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/03/chinese-company-drills-water-bore-in-christchurch-despite-council-warning.html
The consent allows 1.6 billion litres a year. In China, the shelf price for 10 litres is $27, which means potential sales of $12 million a day or $4.3 billion a year.
“The process, we believe, is flawed – we believe it is unlawful,”
Remember boycott the stockists of Wakanui Beef.
Today it was reported that there were about 19 of the Wakanui cattle have the virus. Isn’t it contagious and in a herd of 19,000 cattle?
Hmmm .. 19000 x say $1500 a piece …. my calculator went in to spasms …..
Unsure how MPI will cope with that? and/or who should be responsible for this Madness! ….
Nathan?
Stop feedlot farms.
Simple.
MEMO: Wayne.
You need to watch this, as well as do some serious reading.
Norman Finkelstein on the “really sordid, filthy campaign of blackmail and extortion to try to get Corbyn on his knees or preferably out of the party altogether.” (Aug. 17, 2018)
A brilliant interview.
Some interesting thoughts on history and democracy.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/05/10-lessons-from-1930s-germany-for-democracies-today
“First, referenda are dangerous, especially when they are rarely used and the electorate has little experience with them.”
………………
“Fifth, a political culture in which leaders demonize their opponents erodes democracy.”
The sandflys have blocked my computer so much for free speach they love national I could see the tears when Winston chose to form a Labour Green. Government.
One thing te tangata will be guaranteed is that ECO MAORI will never turn to the neo liberals capitalist view on reality no matter how much money they throw at me OUR Mokopunas can not eat and breathe money. Ka kite ano
Here you go trump is just stuffing the people future get his administration to delay chemical plants safety rules.
The week before I seen a article about trump backing a law that bans chemicals that cause brain damage in Mokopunas yea right the truth was the US Courts struck down there attempts to clear the use of these chemicals the fake it till you make it move Ka kite ano link below
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/17/epa-setback-court-chemical-safety-environment
Many thanks to Norway’s plan for electric planes Ka pai link below Ka kite ano
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180814-norways-plan-for-a-fleet-of-electric-planes
Here we go even doctors are biest against Wahine link below. Ka kite ano
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180518-the-inequality-in-how-women-are-treated-for-pain
Good evening Newshub come on those small towns trump supporters could not even look straight this tells me that they have no faith in trump.
There you go I seen that story about alcohol what I would like to see is the Mokopunas to treat the stuff with caution and stop getting in the – – – with this stuff Ka pai News Hub.
Stop mineing on conservation land that’s what it’s for to save Papatuanukue endangered creature like arches endangered frogs in the coramadal.
I’m going to look into the medical marawana for my Mokopuna she is in constant pain Im still no happy with the diegnosestic of her pain I blame the sandflys full stop if she had been tread right from the start she would not have this problem.
Kate I found a good series Marco Polo it’s excerlint.
Ka kite ano P.S the League team deserves to celebrate there win Kia kaha