Open mike 25/05/2023

88 comments on “Open mike 25/05/2023 ”

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1. bwaghorn 1

   25 May 2023 at 6:52 am

   I hope whomever getting there subsidized tesla today is greatful to this medium income solo dad who has donated $4000 in ute tax for buying a low budget but most economical ute .
   • Jack 1.1

     25 May 2023 at 7:57 am

     This country is becoming seriously screwed up.

     All I can suggest is take Minister Woods advice. Take a shorter shower, turn off the lights and heater to counter the governments inability to cut their own spending.
     • newsense 1.1.1

       25 May 2023 at 5:39 pm

       Don’t worry lad- National want single storey houses connected by single lane roads submerged in water all through the North Island. They’ll give you a dollar back on your tax and then ensure you can’t get insurance. Nothing like a party with vision, eh?
   • Tiger Mountain 1.2

     25 May 2023 at 8:14 am

     The rebate ceiling is $80,000.

     https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/clean-car-programme/clean-car-discount/clean-car-discount-1-july-2023-changes/

     Only one Tesla model sells for under the eighty grand according the Automobile Association. This is a period of transition, moving from old to new technology has all sorts of challenges and contradictions along the way–but as the saying goes, “what planet are you on?”
     https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/buying-a-car/car-buying-guide/new-cars/new-car-prices/tesla/

     I have had an EV for a year now, driving past gas stations–priceless.
     • Bearded Git 1.2.1

       25 May 2023 at 8:50 am

       Tiger-Thank you for some common sense on this issue.

       Teslas made up 24% of the popular EV's sold in NZ in April, and most of these would not have qualified for a clean car discount.

       https://www.canstar.co.nz/nz-car-insurance/top-selling-electric-cars-in-nz/

       58% of EV imports to NZ in the year to March 23 are Chinese brands. In a couple of years time I predict that this will be 80%. Elon is discounting now because he can’t compete with the Chinese.

       More worrying is that EX imports rose 127% to $1.23 billion to the year March 23. NZ's current account is suffering at the moment, partly because of EV imports. We are living beyond our means.

       https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202305/02/WS645097c5a310b6054fad0baf.html
     • Sanctuary 1.2.2

       25 May 2023 at 9:19 am

       Yup, I got a modern hybrid a couple of years ago and the difference in fuel efficiency is ridiculous. Our next vehicle purchase will be a pure BEV.
       • lprent 1.2.2.1

         25 May 2023 at 2:26 pm

         I had a 2012 Honda Fit RS hybrid until it found the St Georges Bay River in a cyclone. I thought that was amazingly efficient at about 5.5l/100km (I usually found it to be about 6-6.5). Way better than my old ICE Caldina. Not to mention was amazingly snappy to drive in sport. Also had 40L tank compared to the 60L in the Caldina and lasted weeks longer doing my minimal around town driving.

         After the insurance company wrote off the Fit because of wet carpets and possible electrics.

         So I got a 2014 Honda Fit RS hybrid. That is rated at 3.9L/100km if you drove like an old man.

         Drove myself, partner, and luggage to Bay of Islands – 246km starting with a full tank. Did some running around there probably another 100km. Drove back another 246km. Had quarter of a tank showing when I got home. Filled up with 25 litres. Roughly 4.1-4.2L.

         I wasn’t exactly driving conservatively. Drove at speed limit on ECO except when passing. Then I’d flip into sport and pass fast. This included passing lanes going uphill at from 80km/hr to 160km/hour in a couple seconds testing the little 1500cc engine.
     • bwaghorn 1.2.3

       25 May 2023 at 1:20 pm

       Fair point, if you want to divert from the fact that it ain't all jafas buying remuera tractors,getting caught by this tax,
   • Incognito 1.3

     25 May 2023 at 8:33 am

     Elon is grateful and says ‘thank you’.
     • bwaghorn 1.3.1

       25 May 2023 at 1:23 pm

       You'd have to be pretty thick or a shit stirrer if you think I think musk benifits,

       So which one are ya?
       • Incognito 1.3.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 2:07 pm

         Neither
       • joe90 1.3.1.2

         25 May 2023 at 2:36 pm

         The maker of your new ute likely purchased carbon credits from Musk.

         https://www.green.earth/news/teslas-carbon-credit-sales-soared-to-1.78-billion-in-2022
   • Graeme 1.4

     25 May 2023 at 8:34 am

     What's your reasoning for buying a new, or fresh import, 'budget' ute?

     Would have thought going for a second hand item that will get you through a couple of years until electrics arrive, and they are certainly coming, would have been a better bet.

     Although if you need the certainty / reliability of a new vehicle (not necessarily guaranteed) then it's a different story.
     • bwaghorn 1.4.1

       25 May 2023 at 1:06 pm

       1 piece of mind , it's the first time I've ever bought new, and that warrantee feels good.

       1a I might keep this till they plant me as I don't do many KS a year now

       2 been searching the 2nd hand market for awhile to get anything ghat is under 100 000 Kms is not that different from going new.

       3 definitely an element of because I can.

       4 my one was burning oil needed a warrantee a reg and had other spends coming and is a discontinued make, holden.

       If in 5 years there's an electric that can do 500kms in my bracket I'll be in .
       • roblogic 1.4.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 2:34 pm

         I miss my VE Commodore, it died about 18 months ago. Cost a bomb to keep the bloody thing on the road. In the end the steering, timing chain and transmission all needed replacing for over $7k and it didn't seem worth it any more.

         Bought a 2016 Atenza (diesel turbo) a couple of months later. Damn thing was even worse. Took it for a drive to Wellington, the turbo shat itself and fscked up the engine, needing a $10k repair job (I just got rid of it).

         ICE needs to die
   • Ad 1.5

     25 May 2023 at 8:45 am

     China will cease production of all combustion vehicles by 2035.

     Singapore will stop registration of all combustion vehicles in 7 years.

     Australia as of last month is putting penalties on importing all combusion vehicles and bringing in much stricter emission controls.

     Those three – plus Japan – are the places we get our used vehicles from.

     So inside 7 years we are all going to feel your same pain as we renew vehicles.

     we're going to have to wait for the big fleets like Police and rental companies before we get a proper used electric car and ute surge to help the proletariat.

     If we wanted real subsidy we'd turn ourselves into a steel company.
     • Incognito 1.5.1

       25 May 2023 at 9:13 am

       If we wanted real subsidy we’d turn ourselves into a steel company.

       That won’t make one iota of difference if we didn’t retain NZ ownership. And if we did, we would lose considerable negotiating power with the government to attract subsidies. Multinational companies simply chase the best deals & locations and have very little sympathy for the little local guys on the ground and little attachment to the land they occupy. It’s just business to them, nothing personal.
       • Ad 1.5.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 9:33 am

         New Zealand does not own Blue Scope.

         Nor does New Zealand own NZ Aluminium Smelter.

         "Our" negotiating power is extremely narrow since the electricity generators are no longer able to be controlled by the state as they are now only bare-majority shareholders.
         • RedLogix 1.5.1.1.1

           25 May 2023 at 11:00 am

           One of New Zealand's structural economic problems, going back since forever, has been a chronically weak capital formation.

           It's has a long and complex history – and our failure to address this lies at the root of so many of the problems NZ now faces.
           • Tiger Mountain 1.5.1.1.1.1

             25 May 2023 at 11:37 am

             NZ has long had a Comprador Capitalist bourgeoisie, where generally the local ruling class subordinates to offshore imperialist powers and corporates, as evidenced in years gone by with the meat industry, and now with the ‘big 4’ Aussie banks.

             The current account deficit also tells the story of brands that operate in NZ but export their profits to the parent company overseas. The oil industry are experts at transfer pricing and the tech companies at tax dodging.
             • Ad …

               25 May 2023 at 11:46 am

               If Labour and Greens get back in there is better chances of housing prices continuing to flatten, making asset classes other than housing more attractive …

               … for those who have the money to invest.

               Also for those who have saved, the rate of those withdrawing $20,000 or more from Kiwisaver over the last 6 months is now pretty high.

               I am not giving advice on anything, just noticing.
               • Tiger Mountain …

                 25 May 2023 at 1:13 pm

                 Well, as some have noted a capital gains based economy for many (on property) has starved investment in other areas.

                 And since the union busting 1991 Employment Contracts Act, which reduced workers power substantially, some SME owners got into the Bach, boat and BMW groove rather than development and improvement–which I observe living on the coast in the Far North.

                 Reduced union levels make a mockery of claims that wage rises affect inflation substantially.
                 • Ad …

                   25 May 2023 at 2:32 pm

                   +100
                   Though our savings rate was still bad before that.
   • Gabby 1.6

     26 May 2023 at 9:09 am

     Bloody fed up with utes everywhere. Get a proper car.
     • bwaghorn 1.6.1

       26 May 2023 at 1:21 pm

       I'm pretty sure my path and yours never cross out here in the boonies
2. Sanctuary 2

   25 May 2023 at 9:13 am

   Those three – plus Japan – are the places we get our used vehicles from.

   The Japanese have been late to the BEV market and Toyota is betting the farm on hydrogen powered ICE vehicles, which may turn out to be the betamax moment for the Japanese auto industry.

   NZ is already the discounted dumping ground for unable to sell elsewhere right hand drive ICE vehicles, and that will slow electric vehicle adoption here big time.
3. Ad 3

   25 May 2023 at 9:31 am

   Great news: a better-functioning New Zealand market for farmers' milk.

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/agribusiness/132117381/fonterra-cuts-this-seasons-milk-price-announces-lower-price-for-next-season

   “This forecast is actually a really big signal for Fonterra suppliers and every other dairy farmer in New Zealand to sit back and say is my business worth carrying on in this current situation or do I need to start making alternative investment decisions or system changes,” Davison said.
   • newsense 3.1

     25 May 2023 at 5:41 pm

     Without factoring in the 24 billion in corporate welfare we’ll be paying for them in climate bills.
     • tWiggle 3.1.1

       25 May 2023 at 7:10 pm

       Plus near to $1bi for M.bovis eradication. Oh ye of short memory. “At last count some $660 million had been spent over four years tackling M.Bovis out of an allocated funding pool of just under $870 million. Around $200 million of the $660 million was compensation to farmers, Ardern said" in 2022.

       https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/300580701/government-announces-strengthened-biosecurity-funding-and-mbovis-milestone
4. adam 4

   25 May 2023 at 12:03 pm

   This went from bad to worse. Why oh why did a cop thinking tasering a 95 year old was a good idea?

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYe5G5Qhh6A
   • Tiger Mountain 4.1

     25 May 2023 at 1:03 pm

     Indeed.

     Tasers were meant to be substitutes for lethal force (in the NZ cops pitch to obtain them anyway). In reality they are often used as punishment and compliance devices by more sadistic plods.

     Police execution by firearm have included distressed people wielding a golf club (Steven Wallace) builders hammers, knives and the unarmed. A few shots to the torso (heart) as per police weapons training soon sorted them out.

     Police culture in Australia, NZ, and USA is still largely bent, violent, racist and misogynist–which needs to change asap.
     • roblogic 4.1.1

       25 May 2023 at 2:54 pm

       "Police culture… needs to change asap"

       That's a tough argument to make when the MSM is splashing ramraid videos everywhere and 501s are changing the dynamic of the NZ underworld.

       We ought to think carefully before disempowering cops — I'd prefer not to follow the dumb "defund the Police" movement that has ruined Portland, Oregon
       • tWiggle 4.1.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 7:51 pm

         Disagree with you completely, Tiger Mountain. The NZ Police have significantly tightened their act up since the 80s, when we had the Muldoon-militia Red Squad, corrupt drug squads in cahoots with dealers, and bad boy behaviour like the long-term sexual predation experienced by Louise Nicholas.

         The establishment of the Independent Police Conduct Authority, and the outcome of the Louise Nichols investigation resulted in significant cultural change in the Police. A push for diversity and more women in recruiting have also had downstream effects.

         The NZ Police are nothing like the self-'policing' and racist culture in Australia and the US. And England's (but not Scotland's) police can be lumped in there. I do have to say some Australian State governments, like Palaszczuk's, are having a go at improving Police culture.

         UK confidence in Police sinks to 53% in two years

         Queensland Police racism disclosed

         The most recent surveys show NZers' satisfaction with Police was at 77%.

         Independent survey of public satisfaction with NZ Police
         • Tiger Mountain 4.1.1.1.1

           26 May 2023 at 9:12 am

           Righto…Police commission own survey…

           There is a real cringe factor the way some NZers fawn over NZ Police, some how thinking subservience will protect them. Unless you grew up in Sunday school and have lived a very quiet life you might realise that indiscretions by the law are common, not down to ‘bad apples’.

           –Rare is the day IPCA finds against a cop, or even criticises one.
           –NZ Police got facial recognition technology under way without proper authority and when caught out attempted to deny it.
           –They illegally photograph and cherrypick young Māori–stopped for driving a car while Māori.
           –Police discriminated when targeting a group of young African men in Auckland

           They have a difficult job (though paramedics, adequate mental health workers, tow truck drivers and civilian search and rescue could likely do some of their work anyway), the officers are drawn from the same society we all live in, but they should set a better example if they want wider support.
       • Tiger Mountain 4.1.1.2

         26 May 2023 at 7:03 am

         I did not mention defunding. How about just making cops more accountable for their actions and less knee jerk thuggish. What would inspire a fit young man to think a 95 year old needed a good old cardiac threatening tasering?

         If mental health services were working better there might be less of the “the mad the sad and the bad” for Police to deal with in the first place.
5. tsmithfield 5

   25 May 2023 at 12:12 pm

   A lot of handwringing and hypocrisy over woke criticism of a kiwi being handled at Miami Zoo, especially from DOC.. E.g.

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300887468/you-can-hold-a-kiwi-in-nz-too-do-we-have-a-double-standard

   https://twitter.com/DavisAndrew88/status/1661455904787791872
   • Mac1 5.1

     25 May 2023 at 12:40 pm

     Have you been reading "The Croaking Wokes" by John Wind'emup?

     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kraken_Wakes
     • tsmithfield 5.1.1

       25 May 2023 at 3:53 pm

       LOL. John Wyndham actually wrote some pretty good books back in the day. That is one I have read. Also, the Day of the Triffids amongst others.
   • joe90 5.2

     25 May 2023 at 12:43 pm

     Anaru 'Tikaokao Nui' Davis at DavisAndrew88

     That user name.

     /

     https://maori.english-dictionary.help/maori-to-english-meaning-tikaokao-nui

     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/88_(number)#In_neo-Nazism
     • roblogic 5.2.1

       25 May 2023 at 2:57 pm

       The 88 is a dead giveaway, a hard right provocateur acting in bad faith
     • Gabby 5.2.2

       26 May 2023 at 9:18 am

       I seem to remember him being very reluctant to explain the 88. It may have been on The Malevolent Gnome's site.
   • newsense 5.3

     25 May 2023 at 5:46 pm

     Didn’t read the stuff article obviously. Their answer:

     No, but RW trolls like frothing over something.

     The pictures showing politicians holding birds before their release into the wild are done with trained handlers and not as part of a constant exploitation program done during daytime for nocturnal creatures.
6. arkie 6

   25 May 2023 at 12:38 pm

   Creatives are undervalued, underpaid and burned out:

   CNZ and NZ On Air have combined for a second time on this body of work to produce A Profile of Creative Professionals 2023 and the reading – while important – isn't pretty.

   The quick take: creatives still are nowhere near the average wage earners in Aotearoa.

   The research underlines that New Zealand’s creative professionals’ median income is $37,000, compared to the median of $61,800 for salary and wage earners in this country. But that's even an inaccurate view – given that 44% of creative professionals supplement their income with 'other work'; the median income from creative pursuits alone is $19,500 a year.

   Creative New Zealand CEO, Stephen Wainwright states “The research continues to paint a bleak picture of remuneration in some parts of the arts sector and the sustainability of creative careers. Income growth is very low, and it continues to be a struggle for the majority of creative professionals to plan financially and to secure important loans such as mortgages.

   “It’s not surprising seeing the stats to understand why 68% of creative professionals believe their income is not fair and over half report experiencing burnout in the last year.”

   As Wainwright suggests, there has been little shock in the announcement – artists underpaid? who knew?? – but there's a growing frustration that the gap isn't just not closing, it's widening. Only a quarter of creative professionals are living comfortably on their present income.

   The Big Idea fielded some strong reactions to Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage's (MCH) recent report touting that arts and creative is now a $12.9 billion sector in Aotearoa. There's been plenty to suggest that's not the reality for those on the ground.

   https://thebigidea.nz/stories/lowdown-creatives-income-research-paints-grim-picture
   • Sanctuary 6.1

     25 May 2023 at 12:56 pm

     Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec, Rembrandt, El Greco, Modigliani, Vermeer, Gauguin, and Van Gough all died in poverty.

     If your genius means you are called to be an artist, poet, sculptor or writer don't expect your art to generate great wealth. At least not while you are still around to enjoy it.
     • arkie 6.1.1

       25 May 2023 at 1:15 pm

       Thanks for proving my point.

       Creative work isn't just fine art, If you think it isn’t worth paying for I trust you don’t consume writing, television, film, games, performance, music or any other things produced by creatives then:

       

       People who create the art you consume deserve a living for their efforts. It is an antiquated attitude to romanticise the 'starving artist' trope:

       Romanticizing the idea of impoverished artists struggling to create art at the expense of financial security reinforces the notion that artists should create “for the sake of art” alone, with no expectation of compensation, and normalizes the idea that an inability to support one’s self is an inherent part of life as an artist.

       https://copyrightalliance.org/stop-romanticizing-starving-artist/
       • Ad 6.1.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 2:37 pm

         That tells anyone they are marginal occupations best left to the semi-retired or rich.

         Unemployment is still so low at 3.4% that there's plenty of opportunity to get out of low paid occupations and get into something more financially rewarding.

         Many people in this economy are doing it.
         • arkie 6.1.1.1.1

           25 May 2023 at 3:55 pm

           Yet more reinforcement of my point.

           Creatives will continue to be undervalued if the elitist attitudes you express are continually promulgated.

           In times of crisis, arts, culture and creative experiences play an essential role. Whether through a music gig, a performing arts festival, a visual art exhibit or a well-thumbed book—these bring joy, comfort, and relief in troubled times.

           Taking part in creative activities and events boosts individual and collective wellbeing, brings communities together, and keeps our social bonds in tune.

           But the full potential of arts, culture and creativity to create positive social change has been held back by cycles of crisis in Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative sector.

           https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2023/02/we-need-to-break-the-cycle-of-crisis-in-aotearoas-arts-and-culture

           Over 3000 research studies inform a World Health Organisation report published in 2020 that clearly links the arts to individual and community health. Some of that research makes it clear that the arts are cheaper and more effective interventions in mental health than medical therapies. Research shows the arts helped many people cope with lockdowns. It seems ludicrous then, as we recover from Covid, in the barren wasteland of cones and $2 shops in the CBD, we have a mayor who threatens the existence of the arts as a publicly-funded good.

           Research demonstrates that the arts are lifelines for many of our young people in this city. They provide the reason to get out of bed, to mix and meet with others. To cut community youth arts programmes will feel like further abandonment for those who have used the arts as gateways to return to meaningful purposeful lives. The proposed cuts in this context are both cruel and short-sighted.

           https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/we-deserve-better-than-aucklands-art-vandal
           • Jack 6.1.1.1.1.1

             25 May 2023 at 6:33 pm

             A bit presumptuous to assume creatives “deserve a living” if you are creating content no one wants to consume.

             I write copious amounts of poetry and build the odd sand castle. I certainly don’t expect to be paid, little own earn a living, from it.
             • arkie …

               25 May 2023 at 6:49 pm

               As my links say, professional creatives (people making things that are paid for and consumed) are undervalued by those who consume their art.

               You are once again arguing against something I never claimed.

               If you were employed to write poetry then you would deserve a living for it. It's not complicated.
               • Jack …

                 25 May 2023 at 6:56 pm

                 If you’re not earning a living, bit of a stretch to say professional me thinks.

                 Who’s employed to write poetry???
                 • arkie …

                   25 May 2023 at 7:09 pm

                   If someone is paying you for a skill that you possess due to your training and qualifications, that is definitionally a profession.

                   If you actually want to learn more: https://www.creativenz.govt.nz/-/media/Project/Creative-NZ/CreativeNZ/PublicationsFiles/2023-Profile-of-Creative-Professionals/Profile-of-Creative-Professionals—Easy-Read—PDF.pdf
                   • Jack …

                     25 May 2023 at 7:16 pm

                     Right. So your moan is you don’t think they pay you enough. Join the long line behind nurses, teachers, bus drivers, barristas etc … all providing a service people want.

                     Failing that, if you’re non union, suggest you have a word with your employer directly and try convince them why you think you are worth more.
                   • arkie …

                     25 May 2023 at 7:56 pm

                     Join the long line behind nurses, teachers, bus drivers, barristas etc … all providing a service people want.

                     It's almost as if the problem is systemic and structural; a consequence of political choices.

                     I do agree with you though, everyone should join their union.
7. roblogic 7

   25 May 2023 at 12:55 pm

   Luxon has become the gift that keeps on giving. I really thought the Nats were serious about winning the election this year.

   But his stupid comments around free prescriptions, flip-flop on housing intensification, $1.4 billion dollar accounting error from his alt budget, mythical tax cuts for the wealthy, etc etc… offers nothing for ordinary Kiwis.

   Luxo is spending too much time talking to farmers and cadaverous Rotarians, calls them the "real people", while disrespecting Māori and complaining about Te Reo. No wonder he is losing in the polls.

   I predict he will resign on election night.
   • Bearded Git 7.1

     25 May 2023 at 1:30 pm

     I think you are right about Luxon talking only to the people he is comfortable with…that is the impression I get.

     The flip flop on housing densification loses him many votes among the young who are yet to buy a house ….but he doesn't talk to them….he has 7 houses after all.
     • roblogic 7.1.1

       25 May 2023 at 2:38 pm

       Yeah he's too focused on the landlord class. Problem is he says the quiet stuff out loud. John Key was much more subtle and deceptive by crapping on about the underclass to get elected (then doing approximately zilch for them)
       • Incognito 7.1.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 2:53 pm

         Yes, John Key was sly & subtle, which is how he earned his nickname of ‘smiling assassin’. Luxon is as subtle & shambolic as a blundering bouncer on steroids, politically speaking.
         • roblogic 7.1.1.1.1

           25 May 2023 at 3:05 pm

           Policy has always been a National Party weakness. They seem to do better with feel-good fluff pieces and minimal difficult questions, and to take pot shots at government errors while promising pie in the sky solutions.

           But if the candidates are basically unlikeable the PR stuff is pushing shit uphill
   • newsense 7.2

     25 May 2023 at 5:49 pm

     Key tacked centrally. Luxon is tacking right.

     Perhaps liberals in the party are done with him and he is clinging on to his leadership with the votes of the religious conservatives in his caucus.
     • roblogic 7.2.1

       25 May 2023 at 6:30 pm

       He seems desperate, flailing around for something, anything that might get traction. Would have been far better to state a bunch of principles and ambitions – NZ needs a leader with vision, not some guy randomly making up policy on the hoof
     • tWiggle 7.2.2

       25 May 2023 at 8:09 pm

       No tacking for Luxon; rowing in circles and catching crabs.

       I do like those Big Hairy News snippets. From 10 min onwards is a discussion with Horizon pollster of how NZers saw Luxon in Nov 2022, and of vote pattern shifts from 2020 election. At the start, this poll shows NZ First still a critical player.

       BHN interview Graeme Colman of Horizon Research on voter poll
   • alwyn 7.3

     25 May 2023 at 6:54 pm

     He must be doing something right. According to tonights One News poll he is going to be PM after the election with a National -ACT coalition.

     In this post-Budget poll National is up by 3%, ACT is steady, Labour is down by 1% and The Green Party have dropped by 4%. Meanwhile Hipkins has dropped in the PM stakes and Luxon is up.

     What do you base your opinion on?

     https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132140611/national-given-budget-boost-in-latest-political-poll
     • SPC 7.3.1

       25 May 2023 at 7:09 pm

       The problem for Luxon is that most ACT supporters would prefer Seymour as PM, that keeps him lower than Hipkins

       That was once a problem for Clark before becoming PM (the numbers preferring Peters as Leader of the Oppositon – problem solved when Peters went with National in 1996).

       PS Polls are showing L-G-TPM 62-58, then NACT 62-58. It's a race not yet run.
       • alwyn 7.3.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 7:18 pm

         You are probably correct about the PM numbers. It is only the ACT party, out of all the minor parties in Parliament, who has a leader who can even be considered as a possibility for PM.

         Can you imagine anyone who thinks that Davidson, Shaw, Ngarewa-Packer or Waititi could possibly be PM?
       • Belladonna 7.3.1.2

         25 May 2023 at 7:32 pm

         I agree that the numbers are far too close to call.
         Luxon certainly doesn't have the popular appeal of a Key or an Ardern – but, then neither did Helen Clark before being elected (IIRC – I can't find the preferred PM results that far back)

         https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/leader-factor-is-what-counts/ONEDFGGKXUDINMWXNSPGVCPAJM/

         However, that's a known issue for National (he's never been Mr Popularity).

         What must be concerning for Labour is that Hipkins isn't exactly resonating with the electorate either.

         Of course, that only matters for people who vote for a party based on whether or not they like the leader. Perhaps we'll see an election that is more about policy and less about personality.
   • Stuart Munro 7.4

     25 May 2023 at 9:51 pm

     He might need heavy protective gear to make it that far – the entitled ones resent leaders that have no sinecures to grant. I can smell the barbecue already.
8. Visubversa 8

   25 May 2023 at 1:21 pm

   A whole 8 years to bring these predators to justice.

   https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/05/mama-hooch-danny-and-roberto-jaz-named-as-men-who-drugged-sexually-assaulted-women-in-christchurch.html?fbclid=IwAR03DbkBYQyO_dzv3VXZ-fAeGFk9VhGMrgB7gu7IMYa4DXGK_GqwW8–Gw0
   • weka 8.1

     25 May 2023 at 1:46 pm

     do you know when sentencing is?

     Given the extent of the offending, the planning and strategising, and the number of women assaulted, it's hard to see why they should be let out again unless they can demonstrate remorse, substantial change in attitude, and reparation. Not that NZ law allows for that.
     • weka 8.1.1

       25 May 2023 at 1:53 pm

       sentencing is in August

       https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/132052656/extreme-hardship-if-mama-hooch-sexual-predators-are-named-judge-told
   • joe90 8.2

     25 May 2023 at 3:37 pm

     They used a WhatsApp group to share their rape/sexual assault videos and images. Only three were on trial but dollars to donuts there were more than three group members and if there's any justice to be had, those group members will be scared to fucking death waiting for the knock on the door.
9. Graeme 9

   25 May 2023 at 2:09 pm

   Signs for National's "Get NZ Back On Track" tour have popped up around the district over the last couple of days, seems they might be starting in Queenstown.

   Have we got an guerrilla songwriters around who can come up with some images of modern trains to plaster across them… Leave the National logo in the top left, and "Get NZ Back On Track" in bottom right, but the rest a train. Much better billboard.
   • Phillip ure 9.1

     25 May 2023 at 2:21 pm

     Heh..!
   • roblogic 9.2

     25 May 2023 at 2:43 pm

     My local (new) barber just left Queenstown, to get that place on track they need to ban AirBNB. Normal workers cannot live anywhere nearby and end up sleeping in cars

     A squalid town ruled by a grasping elite
     • Alan 9.2.1

       25 May 2023 at 3:03 pm

       But its private property and the owners can do as they please, I know that must be very aggravating for you, but that is reality.
       • roblogic 9.2.1.1

         25 May 2023 at 3:12 pm

         I wonder how much Q'town property is actually owned by New Zealanders – what I find aggravating is global capital bleeding Aotearoa dry.
         • Incognito 9.2.1.1.1

           25 May 2023 at 3:45 pm

           I don’t know about ownership per se, although this data can be accessed, but data on property transfers is easily accessible:

           https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/property-transfer-statistics-march-2023-quarter/
       • Stuart Munro 9.2.1.2

         25 May 2023 at 9:54 pm

         I venture a solid health and safety case could be made against employers who leave workers living in vehicles for any length of time. Fatigue is a risk.
     • Gabby 9.2.2

       26 May 2023 at 9:24 am

       They're Sweeney Todding themselves and don't even realise it. Come and work in Queenstown where you will have splendid views of spectacular empty mansions from the bridge you're sleeping under. Spend your minimum wage on overpriced groceries.
   • PsyclingLeft.Always 9.3

     25 May 2023 at 2:56 pm

     There's a clear choice this election – a choice between the 'Coalition of Chaos' or a National-led government that will fix the economy to lower the cost-of-living, restore law and order, improve our schools and healthcare, and Get New Zealand Back on Track.

     National has a plan to fix our economy by stopping wasteful spending, providing tax relief

     https://www.national.org.nz/gnzbotqueenstown

     The unaware irony of them. A choice, between the 'Coalition of Chaos' OR a National-led government ? !….like a Nact govt wouldnt literally be the Coalition of Chaos for the majority of NZ : (

     And stopping wasteful spending? Geez yea, about that…

     https://thestandard.org.nz/nationals-policy-machine-is-a-thing-to-behold/

     And of course…tax relief. For those who dont even need any. Just extra gravy…as always.

     Anway Graeme…hope all good with you? Best of .
   • Mike the Lefty 9.4

     25 May 2023 at 4:38 pm

     Getting back on track is appropriate for National because the (railway) tracks will one of the first thing that the ACT Party will demand is sold off if their junior coalition partners National win the election this year.

     But as for Queenstown?

     Preaching to the converted I'd say.

     Incidentally, I noticed in downtown Masterton today, the National candidate Mike Butterick opened up a campaign office just a few doors down from Labour's Keiran McAnulty's existing office.

     Too close for comfort?
   • Patricia Bremner 9.5

     25 May 2023 at 5:15 pm

     Good idea. Made my day. Especially as Nats hate trains lol.
     Shades of “Make Merica Great again”
     • Ngungukai 9.5.1

       25 May 2023 at 8:06 pm

       "Get NZ Back on Track" has a nice ring to it, hopefully some Government whether National or Labour will start governing for the people and not themselves and their cronies.
10. Incognito 10

    25 May 2023 at 2:13 pm

    It [Cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge] said the weaker New Zealand dollar had also helped operating revenue.

    Total revenue, which included government grants and other income, nearly doubled.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/490626/cancer-diagnostics-company-posts-loss-after-investment

    It’s very tough competing out there even when you have a sound high-value product and some help from the NZ government.
11. Incognito 11

    25 May 2023 at 2:16 pm

    Will Luxon reverse this too? I think he might.

    More than 6000 GP and community nurses will be eligible for an average 8 percent pay rise from 1 July to address pay disparities with hospital nurses.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/490627/pay-boost-for-thousands-of-gp-and-community-nurses
12. Ad 12

    25 May 2023 at 2:46 pm

    Hopefully from this morning's disaster De Santis has realised he can't trust Elon Musk.
    • joe90 12.1

      25 May 2023 at 3:42 pm

      Biden's comms are on their game.

      @JoeBiden

      This link works:

      

      https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1661496322980028423
      • roblogic 12.1.1

        25 May 2023 at 4:06 pm

        Trump's media team is on their game too… petty but enjoyable

        https://twitter.com/EudaimoniaEsq/status/1661543467401502721?s=20

        From Trump’s instagram account: a fake Twitter spaces video (including fake DeSantis audio) w/ DeSantis, Elon, George Soros, Hitler, the FBI, Dick Cheney, The Devil, and others.
      • SPC 12.1.2

        25 May 2023 at 4:13 pm

        Da or DeSantis – The Police investigate.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2GDbEmjGE

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