I was thinking of all the 'mad man' types the world has had to deal with since WW2–Hitler,Stalin,Mao,Pol Pot,Saddam,Gadaffi,Bin Laden,Chavez,Milosovic,Ceaucescu,Castro,various Kims and now Putin.
The common characteristic was that NONE of them spoke English.
Blazer you left Winston Churchill off your list of imperialist tyrants. He spoke English.
Arch imperialist Churchill muses on how the declining fortunes of the British Empire after WWII could be tied to US global interests.
THE FIRE OF LIFE – CHURCHILL AS IMPERIALIST
The International Churchill Society
Reading Time: 8 minutes
What changes are to be made in the political, economic, and defence structure of the British Commonwealth and Empire? In what way will an ever more closely knotted British Commonwealth and Empire become also, at the same time, more closely associated with the United States?….
…..should we concentrate upon our own Imperial and Commonwealth organisation, or upon our fraternal association with the United States, and put our trust in the English Channel, in air power, and in sea power?
Did anyone say 5 Eyes?
Churchill's musings, pretty much describe the current present world order, dominated as it is by the Western imperialism’ A world Order now being challenged in the 21st Century by arising neo-imperialist nations China and Russia, and their allies. Who want to achieve their new imperialist 'multilateral' world order on the globe. (By force if necessary).
Imperialism is an ancient habit going back at 3,000 years. There is no nation, no peoples, no leaders in history who did not indulge in some form. Like it's economic cousin slavery – both were virtually universal because they were thermodynamically necessary to survive in a pre-industrial world.
This modern habit of presentism, ''A magic moral time machine' where you always win as Bill Maher described it – is little more than speaking ill of those no longer able to defend themselves. Cheap, selective and above all – manipulative.
The empire of Akkad-Sumer was over 4000 years ago.
We have fallen upon evil times, the world has waxed old and wicked. Politics are very corrupt. Children are no longer respectful to their elders. Each man wants to write a book and the end of the world is evidently approaching
Yes you are correct I missed a word – I meant to say 'at least 3000 years ago'.
Empire was in my view an inevitable stage of human social evolution, a consequence of growing populations totally dependent on photosynthesis for energy and requiring more land and resources to enable more complex societies to expand.
And as with all things human there were tradeoffs – both positive and negative but over time the benefits have hugely dominated. We must of course understand our deep past, acknowledge it's often brutal realities – and yet recognise that each one of us is the result of an unbroken chain of smart, tough ancestors who sacrificed and suffered much that we might live. I for one am very grateful and respectful of them.
It is after all how we arrived at modernity, typing our thoughts on our magical computers on a fantasmagoric network that connects the entire planet in milliseconds.
And yes that is a very droll quote – every man wants to write a book indeed!
“Who want to achieve their new imperialist 'multilateral' world order on the globe. (By force if necessary).”
I don't think think this is true. Russia and China are really trying to defend themselves from being engulfed by Western imperialism. Both the PRC and Taiwan support the notion that that together they make up a single country, but the latter regard China's Communist Party regime as illegitimate. The party disagrees, and claims Taiwan as its own, but is not able to take control of it at present. Russia wants to defend its hold on Crimea, which has been Russian territory for 300 years, and which seems essential for Russia's defense.
The common characterisitic of those leaders that didn't slaughter their own people is a strong democracy. How far do you think the apparently English-speaking Trump would have gone if the US democratic process was any weaker than it is?
However, democracy hasn't stopped English-as-a-first language leaders madly slaughtering people in other countries.
The thing that makes me go hmmm is your thinking behind the comment.
The realist school of thought, simply put, is the belief that world politics is always and necessarily a field of conflict among actors pursuing wealth and power. That can explain almost most actions by nations and individual leaders in this thread, plus many others.
Cooperative ideals in international relations are unfortunately just a dream.
Who is rebuilding Dunedin Hospital? Who is fixing Middlemore Hospital? Who is working on Light Rail for Auckland? Who is building State houses all over the country, but especially in Auckland where whole suburbs are being rebuilt in a mix of public and private developments? Who is rebuilding Owairaka Primary school?
In the case of Dunedin hospital, I suppose better late than never. Ardern made a campaign promise that it would be built in her first term. It did not happen (and I doubt that Peters would have been a road-block on this issue – building capacity in the regions was a policy plank for him)
Clark was health minister in 2017 when the new hospital was announced. At the time he said construction would begin in 2020.When asked if the 2022 ceremony meant he had broken his promise, Little said “a promise kept late is a promise still kept”
Its amazing how many people criticise the government for not maintaining promises/predictions previously made about the completion of certain projects.
There is a new epidemic of national proportions befalling the nation – Amnesia. For the past 2 or so years we have been in the grip of a world wide pandemic and projects started 5 or more years ago are only just getting up and running again. 🙄
Ah….No. This was a promise about completion of a hospital during the first term 2017-20. Given that they hadn't even completed the designs by late 2019 – there was zero chance (even without a pandemic) that there would be a completed hospital by the 2020 election date. This was not a project delayed by Covid in 2020, it was a project which had not yet even begun.
It was an off-the-cuff promise by the PM on the campaign trail – when politicians are prone to over-promise what they don't have the capacity to deliver.
This was a promise about completion of a hospital during the first term 2017-20. [my italics]
Nope, you are contradicting your own comment @ 2.1.2. There’s no way a new hospital build can be completed from start to finish in a period of 3 years.
One of their first big moves in their first term was to scope and decide on an appropriate site and then purchasing the Cadbury site, which they completed 1 June 2018.
Mr Hodgson says negotiations with Mondelez have now successfully concluded and the Ministry of Health will take over the Cadbury site in November this year. The purchase price remains commercially sensitive.
"This means over half the land required for the new Dunedin Hospital has now been purchased. Negotiations are continuing with the eight owners of land in the so-called "Wilsons' block."
The first phase of the Detailed Business Case for the new billion dollar hospital is due to be completed in the middle of this year. [my italics]
The official start of the actual construction phase was much later, i.e., in Labour’s second term in government on 3 June 2022.
“In the five years we’ve been in Government, we’ve committed $6.9 billion to rebuilding infrastructure, including new hospitals for Dunedin, Nelson and Whangarei, with more to come.
“These are major projects, requiring a great deal of planning and preparation, and it is a real pleasure to be in Dunedin today to see work on the new hospital under way,” Andrew Little said.
Dunedin’s new $1.47 billion hospital is being built on the site of the old Cadbury chocolate factory. It will have 421 beds, 16 theatres and 30 high-dependency beds.
I suspect, that it wasn't until they were actually in Government that they realized the lag times involved in getting major projects actually underway.
Which brings me to the interesting article by Andrew Kirton – advocating for a 4 year parliamentary term, and suggesting that Labour give it to National first (I'm not sure how tongue-in-cheek that is)
Your assumptions don't make it fact Belladonna. The govt have been dealing with a one in one hundred year pandemic since 2020 when the govt anticipated construction would begin.
Yes. He said that in 2017. In late 2019 (immediately pre-pandemic) they still didn't have plans complete, let alone business case and costings. There was no chance that building would ever have commenced in 2020 (even if there were no pandemic)
The agreed design was approved by Government in Sept 2020.
I think that it is fair to say that they responded to the information that they obtained after they were elected and formed their first-term Government and during the various early phases of the overall project, e.g., they changed it to a 2-stage project with the first stage fast-tracked in order to finish 3 years earlier. I also like to think that this is a much more prudent approach than sticking to an election promise in an absolute and literal manner.
A bit like the 100,000 houses, then. Or Auckland light rail.
I don’t think it’s fair to say that there was significant information that they didn’t have when making the promise (there weren’t any hidden fish hooks – or at least none I’ve seen in the media). It does just seem to have been that they didn’t understand just how long major government projects take.
Election promises have a way of coming back and biting you – which Clark knew well, she was a master in under-promising and over-delivering.
This kind of thing feeds into the narrative that Labour is bad at delivery. And will be pulled out and dusted off by the opposition every time the progress on the Dunedin Hospital (a worthy achievement in itself) is in the media.
Sums it up nicely… although I'd love to know who if anyone told them that Kiwibuild target was even remotely achievable. Everyone I spoke to in construction basically knew it was a pipe dream. Purely based very easy to see constraints on capacity within the industry.
"Fletcher Building chairman's praise for KiwiBuild
KiwiBuild may have failed to hit its targets, but it has brought about a culture change in the building industry, according to Fletcher Building's chairman. "It has focused the industry around affordable housing,"
As I said, they badly underestimated the lag time for major projects.
"Badly", did you say? That's news to me, whichmakes one think, given delays caused by our pretty good pandemic response (2020 – 2022).
Indicative Business Case for Dunedin Hospital Rebuild
[29 June 2017; PDF] New hospital new site
Commentary on timing: This option assumes design, consenting, demolition and site preparation work being undertaken from 2019 to 2022. Actual construction of the new hospital and energy centre is assumed to take four years, with a further six months commissioning work.
Dunedin hospital rebuild [26 August 2017]
“The Ministry of Health is working to secure an appropriate site for the new hospital, with a strong preference for a central city location. Depending on the location the new hospital will be opened in 7 – 10 years." – Dr Coleman
No site prep work done in 2019.
Therefore impossible (even without the pandemic) for building work to have commenced in 2020.
And, as I said above, plans not completed until late 2020.
In order for them to meet their 2019 beginning-site-works target, they would have needed the plans to have been completed early 2018 – to allow 6 months or so for the business case to be done, and contracts to be issued for work to start in 2019.
They were well behind their timeline before the pandemic hit.
You really can't blame the pandemic for *every* failure to deliver.
Incognito's argument that they discovered the complexity once in government, and adjusted their time-table is a lot more convincing than just shouting 'Covid!'
Design for Dunedin and other hospitals was altered by COVID itself.
Hospitals weren't on the "shovel ready" list, and there were also hard overrun lessons to learn from Canterbury and Middlemore. Designed and fucked up under National.
It's a 1-in-100 year project that needs generous design time and simply doesn't matter who's in government.
Scope arguments will likely continue into ECI phase.
I agree that buildings of significance benefit from a cross-party approach, allowing significant time for planning and scheduling – it's a pity that neither of the main parties appear to agree with us.
As a member on the hospital bid team, it beggars belief anyone with half a braincell thinks putting a hospital on a "shovel ready" list would ever work.
"When Labour took office in 2017, we immediately committed to building the new Dunedin hospital. Fast forward to 2020 and we have secured funding , purchased a central city site and despite COVID-19 disruptions, continue making progress. the construction phase is well underway with demolition taking place, ground works progressing and more funding released for ongoing contracts."
"Commentary on timing: This option [New hospital new site] assumes design, consenting, demolition [2021] and site preparation work being undertaken from 2019 to 2022."
They were well behind their timeline before the pandemic hit.
Far be it from me to dispute the opinion of a self-declared respectful centrist vis-à-vis ignorant Labour's "failure to deliver" – remind me again about Ardern's 'off-the-cuff over-promise' MO, and just how "badly" Labour failed in this instance, whereas the Nats were "right on target". TBH it beggars belief – see "100,000 houses" or "light rail."
You really can't blame the pandemic for *every* failure to deliver.
Seems some have almost forgotten about the pandemic – reckon that has a bit to do with the relatively small number of dead Kiwis. Still, Labour delivering a new hospital for Dunedin according to the Nats pre-pandemic timeline can't be all bad – can it?
Incognito's argument that they discovered the complexity once in government, and adjusted their time-table is a lot more convincing than just shouting 'Covid!'
Shouting? The wedge is in. Misrepresentation comes in many guises – as transparent as a transparent thing
Please link to evidence of site work being done in 2019.
It really doesn't matter how hard you spin this – it's a failed promise (in terms of timing) by Labour.
And, has nothing to do with the pandemic – i.e. the failure was evident pre-pandemic.
Of course, if you can link to evidence that site works had begun, or even finalized plans or a business case were complete and ready for action in 2020 – only to be derailed by Covid, then I will certainly withdraw and apologize.
Given that I've provided links that show that the planning wasn't complete until 2021 and the business case until 2022 – I don't think you'll have much luck.
"Commentary on timing: This option [New hospital new site] assumes design, consenting, demolition and site preparation work being undertaken from 2019 to 2022."
Here's another link (to a May 2021 ODT article) on demolition and site preparation work. “Nothing to do with the pandemic.”
Given that I've provided links that show that the planning wasn't complete until 2021 and the business case until 2022 – I don't think you'll have much luck.
"It really doesn't matter how hard you spin this", imho Labour delivering a new hospital for Dunedin according to National’s pre-pandemic timeline is a good thing.
As you put it (grudgingly @2.1.2): "I suppose better late than never."
Anne, I suspect these same people expect govt projects to happen in line with fast food production times and search engine results on Google. The opposition and lazy media just serve to amplify these expectations. It is plainly obvious that a fair number of people have no idea how govt functions and the realities of planning and the carrying out of public works, even in the best of times. Sadly this ignorance is becoming alarmingly more apparent in today's society.
Oh look……here is the national director of brain spin, mud throwing and meanness herself, a classic example in todays Herald………….
It’s time Govt listened to people
Herald on Sunday
25 Sep 2022
Paula Bennett
Photo / Mark Mitchell
Is Grant Robertson shielding the Prime Minister from the public?
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has stated this week that he believes that threats and abuse towards politicians has increased. I’m not out there anymore so I don’t have first-hand knowledge, but have been talking to a few journalists and other MPs who say it does seem a bit more organised and that there are some people who really want to disrupt and are abusive.
I had more than my fair share during my 15 years in Parliament. I could be a bit controversial and, as Minister of Social Development, I made the most significant changes to welfare that the country had seen in decades. When you make changes in a portfolio that directly affects some of our most vulnerable, people can be scared of change and that can manifest to anger.
I didn’t enjoy it, but I understood it.
I in no way support abuse and threats of violence. I had a few scary times. One where a guy chased me and I got into my car and locked the door just in time. He then kicked the side of my car and started to punch the windscreen — I got out of there quickly. Another protest in Whanganui that was blocking my exit. I was in the car with my mate Chester Burrows and one of the protesters said her foot was run over.
On the whole I found listening to people and understanding where they were coming from was part of the job and actually made me better at it. Hiding from the public and hearing only the good stuff is ignorant and dangerous.
Threats and abuse are not new — but they might seem that way to the current Government. For the first few years of a new Labour Government the country went through what was called “Jacindamania”. No one would dare criticise her, including the media. I once criticised her in an ill-thought-out tweet and was hounded by outrage for weeks.
Then we had Covid and the Prime Minister was held up as some kind of saint who was saving our lives. Again, no one dared criticise her, we turned into a nation of followers overnight as messages were sent through every medium, led by the PM to “be kind”. Simon Bridges dared to criticise our response to Covid — proven right with time — but we all know how that went. It was the beginning of the end of his leadership.
The blinkers have now come off for many. They feel lied-to. They feel cheated. All the promises, all the words about improving everything from child poverty, to housing, to crime, to the cost of living have come to nothing. In fact, we are substantially worse off. Yes, people are angry and they don’t feel they are being listened to.
The thing I feel most cynical about is Grant Robertson saying this week that they would have to look at how they campaign next year. That is because in the past two elections they have had very staged appearances by the Prime Minister — her facing an angry mob doesn’t suit their agenda. They want you to see her in front of a planned crowd, all hanging on her every word and looking at her adoringly. Think about her announcement standing on the train platform promising to build light rail from downtown Auckland to the airport. Carefully staged — oh and of course, another broken promise.
His coming out now was planned and will be used as an excuse for her not to be out campaigning in public. Perhaps the Government should listen to some of those angry people. Understand where they are coming from.
Perhaps they should stop with false promises and actually deliver something and then people might happily get on with their lives.
Perhaps the Government should listen to some of those angry people. Understand where they are coming from.
Paula Bennett is a former Deputy Prime Minister and National Party politician who now works at Bayleys Real Estate as national director customer engagement.
The blinkers have now come off for many. They feel lied-to. They feel cheated. All the promises, all the words about improving everything from child poverty, to housing, to crime, to the cost of living have come to nothing. In fact, we are substantially worse off. Yes, people are angry and they don’t feel they are being listened to. [my italics]
This was a tell-tale sign of manipulative spin and counter propaganda.
This is the National party maitre de who used to hand out lollies and lead 'sing along songs' on the blue bus, who infamously once said that Jacinda Ardern doesn't have the brain to be a leader, that Jacinda stole her sunshine, that is now selling real estate, penning cheap shot commentary in the Herald and staring in charades and mind game shows on TV.
I challenge anyone to give an example of anything of real worth that this now very very bitter ex politician left as a positive legacy of her time in govt and parliament.
"Sadly this ignorance is becoming alarmingly more apparent in today's society."
And when it hits members of your own family who you originally thought were intelligent and astute enough to see through the DP, then it brings home just how serious this age of mis and dis-information has become.
So because some of your family members think differently to you, you believe the causal affect for their opinions is misinformation they have swallowed hook, line and sinker?
Has it crossed your mind you may be wrong? That your perceptions of the current state of affairs is ideologically driven misinformation?
Always – although that's never stopped me having an opinion
When evaluating information, misinformation and disinformation, I let consensus expert opinion be my guide – usually sees me right. Anne’s opinion about her family members may wrong (as you posit), but she’s certainly better placed than most to form her opinion, don’t you think?
No denying the appeal of contrarian views in these uncertain times, but consider the possibility that views at odds with expert consenseses are motivated by something other than a search for truth.
Has it occurred to you that you are an ignoramus and have absolutely no knowledge of my family or their beliefs or disbeliefs. Does it occur to you that you have no right to pass disrespectful judgement about something you know nothing about?
Does it occur to you that you may be the one swallowing mis and dis information gathered from less than reputable sources.
''Has it occurred to you that you are an ignoramus and have absolutely no knowledge of my family or their beliefs or disbeliefs.''
Well, when you write the following, naturally the reader will make assumptions given the topic under discussion and what members of your family have obviously opined contrary to beliefs you hold:
''And when it hits members of your own family who you originally thought were intelligent and astute.''
What about this? :
''Does it occur to you that you have no right to pass disrespectful judgement about something you know nothing about?''
I wasn't passing judgement on your family. I was posing a question to you.
''Does it occur to you that you may be the one swallowing mis and dis information gathered from less than reputable sources.''
Yes, I worry about disinformation all the time. Hence I pay little attention to social media for starters. That leaves serious publications and articles to wade through. And even then bias must be taken into consideration.
You called me a ignoramus with a a knee jerk-like response, without understanding what I wrote, or answering the question I posed. That tells me your mentation has the consistency of kapok. Ironically DMK provided me with the answer you should have.
There has been a lot going on that you are obviously not aware of Belladonna.
"When Labour took office in 2017, we immediately committed to building the new Dunedin hospital. Fast forward to 2020 and we have secured funding , purchased a central city site and despite COVID-19 disruptions, continue making progress. the construction phase is well underway with demolition taking place, ground works progressing and more funding released for ongoing contracts."
In the case of Dunedin hospital, I suppose better late than never.
I suppose similarly – a new hospital for Dunedin, promised by both Labour and National in 2017, built by Labour according to National's timetable. Neither party would have factored a pandemic into their original completion date estimates.
Construction Sector COVID-19 Recovery Study [January 2021; PDF] COVID-19 impacts thus far
The impact of COVID-19 has made 2020 the most turbulent year in recent history for the Sector. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant public health and economic policy responses centred on addressing the human impacts of the health crisis. Yet, measures aimed to slow the spread of the virus resulted in an unprecedented decline in construction activity.
Comparisons with previous administrations are not always easy; I am aware that there was hospital building during the time of the National Government; in Wellington a new Block was built at Bowen Hospital, and I think there was substantial work done at Wakefield. I don't know when it happened but the firm that now does taking samples for medical tests seems to be everywhere, although I was surprised they did not seem to be involved in the Covid injections; Dental firms seem to be going corporate as well – perhaps new Dentists cannot afford the equipment needed these days, so a corporate structure puts the profits with the supplier of capital – and now Warehouse Chemists are setting up bigger stores and may squeeze out local chemists through not charging for prescriptions – they may provide the same sort of competitive market that results in such low prices for groceries at our supermarkets . . . Meantime there are still trucks from three different companies going down my street to pick up rubbish – its got to be good to have the competition – for both profits and of course private companies are automatically more efficient . . . but thank goodness someone else pays for the road repairs from those extra trucks . . .
Twitter going nuts at the moment about a rumoured coup in China. Apparently flights cancelled all over the place, military vehicles seen heading to Beijing, and Xi being under house arrest. Seems to be mainly coming from India, and nothing confirmed at the moment. But would be huge if true.
I read somewhere about Indian websites spoofing legitimate news outlets and stealing whatever content they can get their hands on to repackage as their own.
Pretty sure coup 101 is stop the movement of people.
But anyhoo, I've had a look around and there's not much apart from the supposed prognostications of assorted seers and baseless reckons by anonymous interweb randos.
Regardless of the truth (or, as it now seems more likely, otherwise) – it's a lesson in how 'information' (or misinformation or disinformation) can be so easily spread and become mainstream (i.e. reported on by news sources) so quickly. Twitter is a force for both good and evil.
Kantar poll seems to be showing Brown as a clear front-runner over Collins for the Auckland mayoralty in the latest poll – conducted after Viv Beck pulled out.
She hopes no-one speaks to HADP's kid the way HADP spoke to hers. I suspect people will speak to HADP's kid that way and those people will be HADP herself, and her grandfather husband.
Oh dear, MoH has corrected one of its many webpages.
Last week, the ministry amended information on its webpage about transgender children and young people, removing the words “safe and fully reversible” from a section about puberty blockers.
AFAIK, despite lack of clinical evidence for use in "affirming healthcare", and increasing evidence of harm, the MoE website changes do not reflect a change in prescribing protocols – as they should.
Those who have asked the Ministry to justify use, also keep an eye on messaging.
You can groan and sigh all you like Incognito. But when the cases of detransitioners start rolling in, it will be those of us who spoke up and pushed back against this harmful ideology that will be off the hook.
The rest of you. Well you will have to admit you were wrong and defended the medical transitioning of children who are left with irreversible damage.
Given that I have neither treated nor suggested a child to undergo or not undergo transitioning treatment I can assure that my conscience is as clear as yours. FWIW, I’ll leave the moral judgement of the specialists involved in such treatments to those who are better equipped to do so and who have all the facts of each individual case.
Yes, Ad. He went there. Briefly, pointlessly and with little intention other than to… what?
How much time have you spent on looking for the background to New Zealand's current approach to the treatment of minors? I'm assuming it's very little, because you would not be so casual.
But, hey ho. Return to your usual discussion. (Which bores me to tears, but I have the self-control to not assume that my boredom should stop others being interested in it, and pass judgement.)
Do you know the latest Standards of Care from the WPATH guidelines that we base on health care on, removed any minimum ages from medical intervention, and included a section on eunuchs as a gender identity, complete with reference to child eunuchs?
to me it looks like MoH passed the buck. When the court cases arrive, it will be individual doctors not the MoH being held accountable. Clever, having a bob both ways.
I would assume so, but the chances of a detransitioner (or more than one) wanting to take a case to court increases with time and because the numbers of prescriptions has been increasing.
AFAIK this surreptitious website edit does not indicate a change of care, which will become increasingly inexcusable as the evidence of harm continues to grow.
ACC may argue that side effects from transition treatments were ordinary consequences.
Then there is complaints to the Health and Disability Commissioner, which has to first go to the relevant service or professional body. This isn't a court case either, but does have a high enough profile that a complaint going back to the Commissioner to investigate would be high profile. Would be interesting to see what the Commissioner did with this, given the pressures from both sides. Afaik, the Commissioner can't make legal binding requirements. But it's the public coverage that would be key.
Don't know if the Minister of Health can be taken to court.
In the UK Judicial Reviews are being used. In NZ,
Going to the courts (“Judicial review”) – Any decision made by a government agency or individual official under a power given by an Act can be challenged in the courts if the decision-maker went outside their legal powers in making the decision. This is called “judicial review”. To do this, you’ll have to go to the High Court. Usually the judge will focus on whether the decision-maker followed the process the law sets down for making the decision. (See, in this chapter, “Going to the courts: ‘Judicial review’”.)
That’s a rather cynical view, IMO. It is and always has been to the treating specialist(s). MoH has finally seen the light of day to amend the info on their website, which was overdue.
Yup, uncertainty on behalf of MoH, balancing between providing accurate information & advice on a controversial topic/issue and a rapidly changing space of medical, legal, and social-public opinions, mostly overseas.
Oh, and quite possibly lack of suitably qualified staff to take responsibility.
The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, was forceful this Thursday in pointing out that the Latin American left cannot have a double standard when it comes to human rights, and expressed that he is angry that there are sectors that do not condemn the abuses committed in Venezuela or Nicaragua. "It really bothers me when you're on the left and then you condemn the violation of human rights in Yemen or El Salvador, but you can't talk about Venezuela or Nicaragua," he assured during a conversation at Columbia University. Boric stated that “it does not matter if you are from the extreme right or extreme left. They are civilizing mandates. Respect for human rights cannot have a double standard” The Chilean president recalled that when the human rights abuses began in Venezuela during the government of Hugo Chávez, sectors of the left avoided condemning him.
I hadn't realised that the recent flow of insightful media coverage of the justice system, and the problems and inequities therein, were the result of a specific project.
Journalists are shining a light on our legal system, revealing some important cases and systemic problems. They're doing so in the face of impediments inside the courts and uncertainty about where the money to pay for the reporting will come from.
project Open Justice Te Pātiti, which is funded to employ 15 specialist journalists to cover everything from the Supreme Court to the Tenancy Tribunal.
The project has increased coverage of our courts across the country, including several in smaller towns and regions that have not seen regular scrutiny in some time.
I would definitely support continued funding for Open Justice. The more light we shine on justice and injustice the better.
Open Justice's future is far from guaranteed. Its funding runs out in September next year, though NZME can apply for further funds in either of the two final PIJF rounds.
I love the flexibility inherent in this design of modular tiny houses.
Yes, of course there are fish hooks in terms of consenting, etc – not to mention site coverage rules – but the whole concept of a house that grows and/or shrinks as your family circumstances change is awesome.
TBH – I don't think lobbying them is going to achieve much. Action needs to happen at a national level.
Councils are running scared (terrified more likely) over the whole leaky buildings saga which is still grinding its way through the court system (apparently new leaky buildings – including relatively recent builds – are still popping up). So often Council is the 'last man standing' and wears the cost for reparations of faults in building design, materials and workmanship (all other parties having wound up their business) – because they signed off on them at the time.
Until NZ finds a way to decouple Council responsibility from liability – Councils will be highly motivated to be as conservative as they possibly can be in terms of design approval. They also have issues around infrastructure – given the way the rates-based funding is tied to value of the property/land. A sewerage/stormwater connection (for example) costs just as much for a tiny house, as it does for a property worth 3x the price – and the family occupying the tiny house are equally likely to use Council services like pools or libraries – but the higher valued property pays a lot more in rates. Hence Councils are motivated to sign-off on high-value builds, rather than cheaper tiny houses.
My solution would be for the developer/builder/architect to be required to take out insurance against flaws in development/construction/design which impact on the habitability of the house. A one-off cost paid at the completion of the build (Switzerland does this). If there is a leaky building scenario (or any other build quality issue) – then the insurance companies fight it out. [I'd also legislate that they have to pay for repair/remediation up-front – while they're carrying on their legal battles over who pays in the background] And, developers/builders/architects who have ongoing issues, will be unable to get insurance, and will go out of business.
Such an insurance scheme could not happen in New Zealand.
It would immediately be framed as 'another tax' by ZB/ Herald arm of the National party – adding further to construction costs – stealing money from hard working Kiwis…
Depends on how it’s framed.
I think that many, many homeowners would like to see an effective scheme, rather than being forced (as they currently are) to go through the Courts in the hope of gaining redress.
We have experience in this area – from some years back admittedly – and I totally agree with you. Our building industry has struggled for decades with numerous problems and what you have described is absolutely one of the more significant ones.
I rather like your solution – although it would be good to have some carveouts to allow quality owner builder work to be permitted.
I don't have a problem with owner building work, so long as the owner wears the long term cost if problems eventuate. Insurance could cover this, as well.
"Until NZ finds a way to decouple Council responsibility from liability"
The LBP mechanism does decouple the councils from liability.
A consequence has also been that there is no one agency responsible for ensuring projects are built to plan, and to N Z Building Standards. That is now distributed amongst the local authorities and the associated Licensed Building Practitioners.
Master build guarantee supposedly does…and the consenting authority is ultimately liable.
As we have discovered having 'insurance' is no guarantee all loses will be made good….at best insurance may provide partial recompense in some situations.
The question is at what level of additional cost/risk is it viable?
The consenting authority ultimately being liable is part of the problem. What that actually means is that the cost/risk is spread across the ratepayers. And strongly incentivises high compliance fees and low risk consents (you want to do something 'different' be prepared to pay multiple tens of thousands up front)
Masterbuild guarantees spreads the cost/risk across a small number of builder members. It has always seemed to me to be a marketing tool, rather than an insurance protection.
Insurance, which is then re-insured off-shore, spreads the risk much more widely.
ATM developers routinely wind up their company at the end of each build – to ensure they are not liable for any downstream build-quality consequences. Insurance would be one mechanism to ensure that they couldn't opt out of their responsibilities.
It's affordable and effective in Switzerland (had a long discussion a couple of years ago with a Swiss/Kiwi friend renovating a house in NZ who was horrified at the apparent immunity of builders/developers here).
All insurance whether private or public is ultimately borne by the populous and reinsurance /insurance only remains so long as it is viable for the party(its) underwriting it. LLC ability to wind up is not altered by the presence of insurance and ICs can themselves 'wind up' (a la AMI)…the ultimate 'last man standing' will always be the Gov, both state and local….and any dispute is determined by the courts, whether it be with developer, IC or even the government.
We can demand all sorts of conditions on doing business here should we so desire….provided we are prepared for the possibility that no one will deem it worth the cost/risk to do so (and also that one way or another 'we' pay for it anyway)
And, wouldn't it be great if Council's mandated this kind of movable house as the only allowable build in flood-prone areas (looking at you North Shore beach-front) – every time a multi-millionaire wants to replace the house (happens amazingly regularly – looking at the building works every time we go to the beach) – they'd have to use modular housing….
New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Carereport released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced$802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Carereport in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquirypublished its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone iconon the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive:Transport Minister Simeon Brownannounced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloittereport for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’sOliver LewisScoop:Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announcedthe Board of Te Whatu Ora-Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Orderimage, ...
Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
Waiting In The Wings:For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSAannounced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
Open access notablesImproving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society:To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
A late change to charter school legislation will cheat educators out of fair pay and negotiating power proving charter schools are just a vehicle to make profit out of our education system. ...
In 2004 te iwi Māori rallied against the Crown’s attempt to confiscate our coastlines and moana with the Foreshore and Seabed Act. This led to the largest hīkoi of a generation and the birth of Te Pāti Māori. 20 years later, history is repeating itself. Today the government has announced ...
It has been five and a half years since the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care was established to investigate the abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults within state and faith-based institutions. Yesterday, the final report - Whanaketia through pain and trauma, from darkness to light ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to take action off the back of the International Court of Justice ruling on Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine. ...
On Friday the International Court of Justice reaffirmed what Palestinian’s have been telling us for decades: that the occupation and colonisation of Palestinian lands by Israel is illegal and must end immediately. They also called for reparations for Palestinian’s who have lived under Israeli occupation since it began in 1967. ...
Labour calls on the Government to act after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian Territories is illegal. ...
The 53.7 percent rise in benefit sanctions over the last year is more proof of this Government’s disdain for our communities most in need of support. ...
Aotearoa could be a country where every child grows up feeling safe, loved and with a sense of belonging in their whānau and community. But for some of our children, this is far from reality. Instead, they are trapped in a maze of intergenerational harm that they can’t escape on ...
Te Pāti Māori are calling for David Seymour to resign as Associate Health Minister in response to his call for Pharmac to ignore the Treaty of Waitangi. “This announcement is just another example of the government’s anti-Tiriti, anti-Māori agenda.” Said Co-leader and spokesperson for health, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. “Seymour thinks it ...
The soaring price of renting is driving the rise of inflation in this country - with latest figures from Stats NZ showing rents are up 4.8 per cent on average while annual inflation is at 3.3 per cent. ...
National’s Emissions Reduction Plan will take New Zealand further from the economy we need to ensure the next generation has a stable climate and secure livelihoods. ...
Following consultation with named parties and thorough consideration of privacy interests, the Green Party is in a position to release the Executive Summary of the final report from the independent investigation into Darleen Tana. ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon should be asking serious questions of his Minister for Resources Shane Jones now it’s been revealed he misled the public about a dinner with mining companies that he didn’t declare and said wasn’t pre-arranged. ...
Te Pāti Māori have submitted to the Justice Select Committee against the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill. The bill will further entrench racism in our justice system and fails to focus on rehabilitation. “Reinstating Three Strikes will empower a systematically racist system and exacerbate the overrepresentation of Māori in ...
The Transport and Infrastructure Committee is set to make a determination on the Residential Tenancies Amendment (RTA) Bill in the coming weeks. “This legislation will give landlords the power to kick our whānau out onto the street for no reason” said Housing spokesperson, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “Their solution to the housing ...
“National’s campaign was about tackling crime and the best they can do is a two-year long Ministerial Advisory Group,” Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...
“There are more examples of charter schools failing their students than there are success stories. The coalition Government is driving to dismantle our public school system and instead promote a privatised, competitive structure that puts profits before kids,” Jan Tinetti said. ...
“This government is choosing to deliberately mislead and withhold information, keeping our people in the dark about this government’s agenda and the future of our mokopuna,” said co-leader and spokesperson for Health, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. The call comes after the demand from the Chief Ombudsman that Associate Minister of Health, Casey ...
“Today’s climate announcement by Simon Watts makes clear the National Government is simply paying lip service to meeting its climate change targets,” Megan Woods said. ...
National is choosing to make life harder for workers by taking away the rights our communities have fought hard for. Here's how they’re taking workers backwards. ...
Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue. We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views. “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
Tēnā tātou katoa, Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts. “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced. “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet. “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks. “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. At the heart of this report are the ...
For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis. “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
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I was thinking of all the 'mad man' types the world has had to deal with since WW2–Hitler,Stalin,Mao,Pol Pot,Saddam,Gadaffi,Bin Laden,Chavez,Milosovic,Ceaucescu,Castro,various Kims and now Putin.
The common characteristic was that NONE of them spoke English.
Things that make you go….hmmmm.
Except for—- those that did.
Correction as their first language.
That was not my meaning.
Blazer you left Winston Churchill off your list of imperialist tyrants. He spoke English.
Arch imperialist Churchill muses on how the declining fortunes of the British Empire after WWII could be tied to US global interests.
Did anyone say 5 Eyes?
Churchill's musings, pretty much describe the current present world order, dominated as it is by the Western imperialism’ A world Order now being challenged in the 21st Century by arising neo-imperialist nations China and Russia, and their allies. Who want to achieve their new imperialist 'multilateral' world order on the globe. (By force if necessary).
I don't know that you could accuse Churchill of mass-murder against his own citizens – as practised by most of the initial list.
If you want to denounce imperialism – then you'll need to add leaders of China, the US and France to the list.
Imperialism is an ancient habit going back at 3,000 years. There is no nation, no peoples, no leaders in history who did not indulge in some form. Like it's economic cousin slavery – both were virtually universal because they were thermodynamically necessary to survive in a pre-industrial world.
This modern habit of presentism, ''A magic moral time machine' where you always win as Bill Maher described it – is little more than speaking ill of those no longer able to defend themselves. Cheap, selective and above all – manipulative.
The empire of Akkad-Sumer was over 4000 years ago.
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/10/22/world-end/
Attributed to Naram-Sin ruler of Akkad-Sumer
Yes you are correct I missed a word – I meant to say 'at least 3000 years ago'.
Empire was in my view an inevitable stage of human social evolution, a consequence of growing populations totally dependent on photosynthesis for energy and requiring more land and resources to enable more complex societies to expand.
And as with all things human there were tradeoffs – both positive and negative but over time the benefits have hugely dominated. We must of course understand our deep past, acknowledge it's often brutal realities – and yet recognise that each one of us is the result of an unbroken chain of smart, tough ancestors who sacrificed and suffered much that we might live. I for one am very grateful and respectful of them.
It is after all how we arrived at modernity, typing our thoughts on our magical computers on a fantasmagoric network that connects the entire planet in milliseconds.
And yes that is a very droll quote – every man wants to write a book indeed!
“Who want to achieve their new imperialist 'multilateral' world order on the globe. (By force if necessary).”
I don't think think this is true. Russia and China are really trying to defend themselves from being engulfed by Western imperialism. Both the PRC and Taiwan support the notion that that together they make up a single country, but the latter regard China's Communist Party regime as illegitimate. The party disagrees, and claims Taiwan as its own, but is not able to take control of it at present. Russia wants to defend its hold on Crimea, which has been Russian territory for 300 years, and which seems essential for Russia's defense.
And they needed to invade their sovereign neighbour to do so, right?
Right. It would have been hard to defend if the only access for them is by sea.
And they had to go via Kyiv, didn't they.
/
The common characterisitic of those leaders that didn't slaughter their own people is a strong democracy. How far do you think the apparently English-speaking Trump would have gone if the US democratic process was any weaker than it is?
However, democracy hasn't stopped English-as-a-first language leaders madly slaughtering people in other countries.
The thing that makes me go hmmm is your thinking behind the comment.
The realist school of thought, simply put, is the belief that world politics is always and necessarily a field of conflict among actors pursuing wealth and power. That can explain almost most actions by nations and individual leaders in this thread, plus many others.
Cooperative ideals in international relations are unfortunately just a dream.
“Previous Labour governments built schools, hospitals, public transportation networks, entire suburbs. Why can’t they?”
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2022/09/24/the-power-and-privilege-of-the-professional-managerial-class/
Why indeed.
Who is rebuilding Dunedin Hospital? Who is fixing Middlemore Hospital? Who is working on Light Rail for Auckland? Who is building State houses all over the country, but especially in Auckland where whole suburbs are being rebuilt in a mix of public and private developments? Who is rebuilding Owairaka Primary school?
And Onehunga Primary School
In the case of Dunedin hospital, I suppose better late than never. Ardern made a campaign promise that it would be built in her first term. It did not happen (and I doubt that Peters would have been a road-block on this issue – building capacity in the regions was a policy plank for him)
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/08/labour-promises-new-dunedin-hospital.html
"Ms Ardern believed that the hospital would be finished sooner than within the seven to ten years that National had set out."
Given that it's taken nearly 5 years to break the ground on it (June this year) – it seems as though the 7-10 years is right on target,
https://www.newdunedinhospital.nz/latest-news/start-of-major-infrastructure-work/
"The first stage of the project, the outpatients building, is on schedule to open in 2025. The inpatient building will open in 2028."
'A promise kept late is a promise kept'
Clark was health minister in 2017 when the new hospital was announced. At the time he said construction would begin in 2020.When asked if the 2022 ceremony meant he had broken his promise, Little said “a promise kept late is a promise still kept”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/128852478/a-promise-kept-late-is-a-promise-kept-one-of-nzs-biggest-infrastructure-projects-finally-under-way
Its amazing how many people criticise the government for not maintaining promises/predictions previously made about the completion of certain projects.
There is a new epidemic of national proportions befalling the nation – Amnesia. For the past 2 or so years we have been in the grip of a world wide pandemic and projects started 5 or more years ago are only just getting up and running again. 🙄
Ah….No. This was a promise about completion of a hospital during the first term 2017-20. Given that they hadn't even completed the designs by late 2019 – there was zero chance (even without a pandemic) that there would be a completed hospital by the 2020 election date. This was not a project delayed by Covid in 2020, it was a project which had not yet even begun.
It was an off-the-cuff promise by the PM on the campaign trail – when politicians are prone to over-promise what they don't have the capacity to deliver.
Nope, you are contradicting your own comment @ 2.1.2. There’s no way a new hospital build can be completed from start to finish in a period of 3 years.
My apologies – you are quite correct. Labour committed to beginning the build within its first term in Government, and failed to do so.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/08/labour-promises-new-dunedin-hospital.html
No worries.
One of their first big moves in their first term was to scope and decide on an appropriate site and then purchasing the Cadbury site, which they completed 1 June 2018.
https://www.newdunedinhospital.nz/latest-news/cadbury-site-signed-and-sealed/
The official start of the actual construction phase was much later, i.e., in Labour’s second term in government on 3 June 2022.
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/dunedin-hospital-construction-signals-start-major-health-infrastructure-work#:~:text=The%20first%20stage%20of%20the,million%20to%20the%20local%20economy.
I suspect, that it wasn't until they were actually in Government that they realized the lag times involved in getting major projects actually underway.
Which brings me to the interesting article by Andrew Kirton – advocating for a 4 year parliamentary term, and suggesting that Labour give it to National first (I'm not sure how tongue-in-cheek that is)
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/andrew-kirton-length-of-parliamentary-term-voting-age-back-on-the-agenda/NXSRNFNA7ZRTZMOHNRTBV4KTA4/
Your assumptions don't make it fact Belladonna. The govt have been dealing with a one in one hundred year pandemic since 2020 when the govt anticipated construction would begin.
"At the time he said construction would begin in 2020" Then the pandemic struck.
Yes. He said that in 2017. In late 2019 (immediately pre-pandemic) they still didn't have plans complete, let alone business case and costings. There was no chance that building would ever have commenced in 2020 (even if there were no pandemic)
The agreed design was approved by Government in Sept 2020.
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-confirms-new-dunedin-hospital-design
The final business case wasn't completed until May 2021.
https://www.newdunedinhospital.nz/latest-news/final-detailed-business-case-approved-for-new-dunedin-hospital/
As I said, they badly underestimated the lag time for major projects.
I think that it is fair to say that they responded to the information that they obtained after they were elected and formed their first-term Government and during the various early phases of the overall project, e.g., they changed it to a 2-stage project with the first stage fast-tracked in order to finish 3 years earlier. I also like to think that this is a much more prudent approach than sticking to an election promise in an absolute and literal manner.
A bit like the 100,000 houses, then. Or Auckland light rail.
I don’t think it’s fair to say that there was significant information that they didn’t have when making the promise (there weren’t any hidden fish hooks – or at least none I’ve seen in the media). It does just seem to have been that they didn’t understand just how long major government projects take.
Election promises have a way of coming back and biting you – which Clark knew well, she was a master in under-promising and over-delivering.
This kind of thing feeds into the narrative that Labour is bad at delivery. And will be pulled out and dusted off by the opposition every time the progress on the Dunedin Hospital (a worthy achievement in itself) is in the media.
Politicians are about .0005% of a major infrastructure project.
About 30% of time and cost is design.
About 10% consenting.
About 55% construction, variations, overruns, inflation
And maybe 6% profit. If it goes well.
Agree Labour have been writing cheques with their mouth their asses couldn't cash. Young and dumb and hadn't so much adrun a bath.
Thankfully they are almost nothing to do with it.
Sums it up nicely… although I'd love to know who if anyone told them that Kiwibuild target was even remotely achievable. Everyone I spoke to in construction basically knew it was a pipe dream. Purely based very easy to see constraints on capacity within the industry.
sigh
@Belladonna.
Although there has been a Kiwibuild reset in 2019, this govt have outdone themselves on State and transitional housing
"A major milestone of 10,037 additional public homes has been achieved since Labour came into office"
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/10000-more-permanent-public-homes-added-under-labour-government
"The Government is announcing new initiatives to help more New Zealanders into homeownership through its KiwiBuild reset"
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-resets-kiwibuild-help-more-new-zealanders-home-ownership
"Fletcher Building chairman's praise for KiwiBuild
KiwiBuild may have failed to hit its targets, but it has brought about a culture change in the building industry, according to Fletcher Building's chairman. "It has focused the industry around affordable housing,"
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/117846966/fletcher-building-chairmans-praise-for-kiwibuild
"Simon Wilson: In praise of Government's KiwiBuild housing scheme"
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/simon-wilson-in-praise-of-governments-kiwibuild-housing-scheme/SP5U4XGB4OAAFXEA6MAZ56I2OM/
National left a 71,000 housing shortage
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/mbie-figures-show-nationwide-housing-shortage-of-71000/55NUUYNFWZA3OJTTDCHF7W3T4I/
Fast forward to 2022
"NZ will have a housing surplus in 12 months – Kiwibank"
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-will-have-a-housing-surplus-in-12-months-kiwibank/6ABPUEGRN4I4ZTVYDST2B7MTCI/
https://infrastructurepipeline.org/project/new-dunedin-hospital
"Badly", did you say? That's news to me, which makes one think, given delays caused by our pretty good pandemic response (2020 – 2022).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/99678845/war-of-words-over-dunedin-hospital-rebuild
No site prep work done in 2019.
Therefore impossible (even without the pandemic) for building work to have commenced in 2020.
And, as I said above, plans not completed until late 2020.
In order for them to meet their 2019 beginning-site-works target, they would have needed the plans to have been completed early 2018 – to allow 6 months or so for the business case to be done, and contracts to be issued for work to start in 2019.
They were well behind their timeline before the pandemic hit.
You really can't blame the pandemic for *every* failure to deliver.
Incognito's argument that they discovered the complexity once in government, and adjusted their time-table is a lot more convincing than just shouting 'Covid!'
They redesigned piling for example after more Geotechnical study.
Design for Dunedin and other hospitals was altered by COVID itself.
Hospitals weren't on the "shovel ready" list, and there were also hard overrun lessons to learn from Canterbury and Middlemore. Designed and fucked up under National.
It's a 1-in-100 year project that needs generous design time and simply doesn't matter who's in government.
Scope arguments will likely continue into ECI phase.
Wellington childrens not affected so much,when the donors maintained project control.
Wellington health is committing no extra services to current baseline for that hospital.
Dumb donor agreement, opening doors to fuck all.
TBH it beggars belief that hospitals weren't on the shovel-ready list in a pandemic.
I don't know a lot about Canterbury – but the Middlemore issues appear to be in the buildings designed and built during the 5th Labour Government.
Although, I think that it has more to do with building standards, than with failures of Government design and management.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/356056/architects-defend-work-on-middlemore-hospital
I agree that buildings of significance benefit from a cross-party approach, allowing significant time for planning and scheduling – it's a pity that neither of the main parties appear to agree with us.
As a member on the hospital bid team, it beggars belief anyone with half a braincell thinks putting a hospital on a "shovel ready" list would ever work.
"When Labour took office in 2017, we immediately committed to building the new Dunedin hospital. Fast forward to 2020 and we have secured funding , purchased a central city site and despite COVID-19 disruptions, continue making progress. the construction phase is well underway with demolition taking place, ground works progressing and more funding released for ongoing contracts."
https://m.facebook.com/DavidClarkMP/photos/a.128562733877834/3443915332342541/?type=3&source=57&locale2=sw_KE&__tn__=EH-R
@Belladonna (5:57 pm)
"Commentary on timing: This option [New hospital new site] assumes design, consenting, demolition [2021] and site preparation work being undertaken from 2019 to 2022."
Far be it from me to dispute the opinion of a self-declared respectful centrist vis-à-vis ignorant Labour's "failure to deliver" – remind me again about Ardern's 'off-the-cuff over-promise' MO, and just how "badly" Labour failed in this instance, whereas the Nats were "right on target". TBH it beggars belief – see "100,000 houses" or "light rail."
Seems some have almost forgotten about the pandemic – reckon that has a bit to do with the relatively small number of dead Kiwis. Still, Labour delivering a new hospital for Dunedin according to the Nats pre-pandemic timeline can't be all bad – can it?
Shouting? The wedge is in. Misrepresentation comes in many guises – as transparent as a transparent thing![wink wink](https://cdn2.thestandard.org.nz/wp-content/plugins/ark-wysiwyg-comment-editor/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/wink_smile.png?x42494)
Please link to evidence of site work being done in 2019.
It really doesn't matter how hard you spin this – it's a failed promise (in terms of timing) by Labour.
And, has nothing to do with the pandemic – i.e. the failure was evident pre-pandemic.
Of course, if you can link to evidence that site works had begun, or even finalized plans or a business case were complete and ready for action in 2020 – only to be derailed by Covid, then I will certainly withdraw and apologize.
Given that I've provided links that show that the planning wasn't complete until 2021 and the business case until 2022 – I don't think you'll have much luck.
It is not a failed promise Belladonna, when the promise is being kept.
Who made such an unsupportable assertion? Let me at 'em.
From the MoH-commissioned Indicative Business Case for Dunedin Hospital Rebuild [Final 29 June 2017]:
Here's another link (to a May 2021 ODT article) on demolition and site preparation work. “Nothing to do with the pandemic.”
https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/information-release/1-cabinet-paper-final-detailed-business-case.pdf
"It really doesn't matter how hard you spin this", imho Labour delivering a new hospital for Dunedin according to National’s pre-pandemic timeline is a good thing.
As you put it (grudgingly @2.1.2): "I suppose better late than never."
P.S. Not a Labour voter.
And there was only 1 competent NZ bidder with the qualities to build the no 2 hospital in NZ. Which is what Dunedin is.
They didn’t go with the locals so they have to wait for all the specialists to arrive in from overseas.
Anne, I suspect these same people expect govt projects to happen in line with fast food production times and search engine results on Google. The opposition and lazy media just serve to amplify these expectations. It is plainly obvious that a fair number of people have no idea how govt functions and the realities of planning and the carrying out of public works, even in the best of times. Sadly this ignorance is becoming alarmingly more apparent in today's society.
Oh look……here is the national director of brain spin, mud throwing and meanness herself, a classic example in todays Herald………….
It’s time Govt listened to people
Is Grant Robertson shielding the Prime Minister from the public?
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has stated this week that he believes that threats and abuse towards politicians has increased. I’m not out there anymore so I don’t have first-hand knowledge, but have been talking to a few journalists and other MPs who say it does seem a bit more organised and that there are some people who really want to disrupt and are abusive.
I had more than my fair share during my 15 years in Parliament. I could be a bit controversial and, as Minister of Social Development, I made the most significant changes to welfare that the country had seen in decades. When you make changes in a portfolio that directly affects some of our most vulnerable, people can be scared of change and that can manifest to anger.
I didn’t enjoy it, but I understood it.
I in no way support abuse and threats of violence. I had a few scary times. One where a guy chased me and I got into my car and locked the door just in time. He then kicked the side of my car and started to punch the windscreen — I got out of there quickly. Another protest in Whanganui that was blocking my exit. I was in the car with my mate Chester Burrows and one of the protesters said her foot was run over.
On the whole I found listening to people and understanding where they were coming from was part of the job and actually made me better at it. Hiding from the public and hearing only the good stuff is ignorant and dangerous.
Threats and abuse are not new — but they might seem that way to the current Government. For the first few years of a new Labour Government the country went through what was called “Jacindamania”. No one would dare criticise her, including the media. I once criticised her in an ill-thought-out tweet and was hounded by outrage for weeks.
Then we had Covid and the Prime Minister was held up as some kind of saint who was saving our lives. Again, no one dared criticise her, we turned into a nation of followers overnight as messages were sent through every medium, led by the PM to “be kind”. Simon Bridges dared to criticise our response to Covid — proven right with time — but we all know how that went. It was the beginning of the end of his leadership.
The blinkers have now come off for many. They feel lied-to. They feel cheated. All the promises, all the words about improving everything from child poverty, to housing, to crime, to the cost of living have come to nothing. In fact, we are substantially worse off. Yes, people are angry and they don’t feel they are being listened to.
The thing I feel most cynical about is Grant Robertson saying this week that they would have to look at how they campaign next year. That is because in the past two elections they have had very staged appearances by the Prime Minister — her facing an angry mob doesn’t suit their agenda. They want you to see her in front of a planned crowd, all hanging on her every word and looking at her adoringly. Think about her announcement standing on the train platform promising to build light rail from downtown Auckland to the airport. Carefully staged — oh and of course, another broken promise.
His coming out now was planned and will be used as an excuse for her not to be out campaigning in public. Perhaps the Government should listen to some of those angry people. Understand where they are coming from.
Perhaps they should stop with false promises and actually deliver something and then people might happily get on with their lives.
Perhaps the Government should listen to some of those angry people. Understand where they are coming from.
Paula Bennett is a former Deputy Prime Minister and National Party politician who now works at Bayleys Real Estate as national director customer engagement.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/paula-bennett-its-time-the-government-listened-to-the-people/OOP2S4U3Q6RSXFWAHBPGVWI2LE/
This was a tell-tale sign of manipulative spin and counter propaganda.
This is the National party maitre de who used to hand out lollies and lead 'sing along songs' on the blue bus, who infamously once said that Jacinda Ardern doesn't have the brain to be a leader, that Jacinda stole her sunshine, that is now selling real estate, penning cheap shot commentary in the Herald and staring in charades and mind game shows on TV.
I challenge anyone to give an example of anything of real worth that this now very very bitter ex politician left as a positive legacy of her time in govt and parliament.
"Sadly this ignorance is becoming alarmingly more apparent in today's society."
And when it hits members of your own family who you originally thought were intelligent and astute enough to see through the DP, then it brings home just how serious this age of mis and dis-information has become.
So because some of your family members think differently to you, you believe the causal affect for their opinions is misinformation they have swallowed hook, line and sinker?
Has it crossed your mind you may be wrong? That your perceptions of the current state of affairs is ideologically driven misinformation?
Always – although that's never stopped me having an opinion![wink wink](https://cdn2.thestandard.org.nz/wp-content/plugins/ark-wysiwyg-comment-editor/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/wink_smile.png?x42494)
When evaluating information, misinformation and disinformation, I let consensus expert opinion be my guide – usually sees me right. Anne’s opinion about her family members may wrong (as you posit), but she’s certainly better placed than most to form her opinion, don’t you think?
No denying the appeal of contrarian views in these uncertain times, but consider the possibility that views at odds with expert consenseses are motivated by something other than a search for truth.
https://thinkingispower.com/how-to-inoculate-yourself-against-misinformation/
Has it occurred to you that you are an ignoramus and have absolutely no knowledge of my family or their beliefs or disbeliefs. Does it occur to you that you have no right to pass disrespectful judgement about something you know nothing about?
Does it occur to you that you may be the one swallowing mis and dis information gathered from less than reputable sources.
What a jerk-like response!
''Has it occurred to you that you are an ignoramus and have absolutely no knowledge of my family or their beliefs or disbeliefs.''
Well, when you write the following, naturally the reader will make assumptions given the topic under discussion and what members of your family have obviously opined contrary to beliefs you hold:
''And when it hits members of your own family who you originally thought were intelligent and astute.''
What about this? :
''Does it occur to you that you have no right to pass disrespectful judgement about something you know nothing about?''
I wasn't passing judgement on your family. I was posing a question to you.
''Does it occur to you that you may be the one swallowing mis and dis information gathered from less than reputable sources.''
Yes, I worry about disinformation all the time. Hence I pay little attention to social media for starters. That leaves serious publications and articles to wade through. And even then bias must be taken into consideration.
You called me a ignoramus with a a knee jerk-like response, without understanding what I wrote, or answering the question I posed. That tells me your mentation has the consistency of kapok. Ironically DMK provided me with the answer you should have.
Clark is right.
They are hard deals to get through government because they are big fucking deals.
Neither do your assumptions (that the pandemic intervened) make it fact.
I've provided evidence that they were well off track on their timeline in 2019.
Where is your evidence that they were all poised to start building in 2020 and were derailed by the pandemic?
There has been a lot going on that you are obviously not aware of Belladonna.
"When Labour took office in 2017, we immediately committed to building the new Dunedin hospital. Fast forward to 2020 and we have secured funding , purchased a central city site and despite COVID-19 disruptions, continue making progress. the construction phase is well underway with demolition taking place, ground works progressing and more funding released for ongoing contracts."
https://m.facebook.com/DavidClarkMP/photos/a.128562733877834/3443915332342541/?type=3&source=57&locale2=sw_KE&__tn__=EH-R
"The turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will delay but not deter the Government from building a new Dunedin Hospital"
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/hospital-still-being-built-clark-says
"The things that will cause delay and may still cause delay are the supply chain problems, which do arise from Covid"
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/little-warns-rising-costs-new-hospital
So no evidence that building was poised to commence at the end of 2019 – and was only halted by Covid.
"At the time he said construction would begin in 2020"
You have already conceded you were wrong with your false claim that "it would be built in her first term"
I suppose similarly – a new hospital for Dunedin, promised by both Labour and National in 2017, built by Labour according to National's timetable. Neither party would have factored a pandemic into their original completion date estimates.
Comparisons with previous administrations are not always easy; I am aware that there was hospital building during the time of the National Government; in Wellington a new Block was built at Bowen Hospital, and I think there was substantial work done at Wakefield. I don't know when it happened but the firm that now does taking samples for medical tests seems to be everywhere, although I was surprised they did not seem to be involved in the Covid injections; Dental firms seem to be going corporate as well – perhaps new Dentists cannot afford the equipment needed these days, so a corporate structure puts the profits with the supplier of capital – and now Warehouse Chemists are setting up bigger stores and may squeeze out local chemists through not charging for prescriptions – they may provide the same sort of competitive market that results in such low prices for groceries at our supermarkets . . . Meantime there are still trucks from three different companies going down my street to pick up rubbish – its got to be good to have the competition – for both profits and of course private companies are automatically more efficient . . . but thank goodness someone else pays for the road repairs from those extra trucks . . .
And Nelson Hospital.
Twitter going nuts at the moment about a rumoured coup in China. Apparently flights cancelled all over the place, military vehicles seen heading to Beijing, and Xi being under house arrest. Seems to be mainly coming from India, and nothing confirmed at the moment. But would be huge if true.
https://twitter.com/indiatvnews/status/1573632942701584384
The interesting thing is that the article is very specific in its detail, and as far as I know, no denial from China yet.
Eh?
Lots of air traffic.
https://www.flightradar24.com/CSN5031/2d9884de
I am not trying to say that it is true, but certainly a bit weird. If anyone else can find anything I would be interested.
This is a summary of the 'news' to date – nothing confirmed, lots of gossip, lots of people foretelling the future based on straws in the wind.
Specific (i.e. named) commentators, in a position to make more informed guesses – are saying 'no'
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/fact-check-is-china-having-a-coup-and-is-xi-jinping-under-house-arrest-here-is-what-we-know-news-225623
Just a case of wait and see. Most of the reports seem to be coming from India from some reason.
There’s one ‘report’ coming from New Zealand by someone by the name of tsmithfield for some reason. Very weird, indeed.
I read somewhere about Indian websites spoofing legitimate news outlets and stealing whatever content they can get their hands on to repackage as their own.
Uh Oh! Who's next
https://twitter.com/Karl_Was_Right/status/1573712375798120450?s=20&t=LtyyFRWfIbt8_WvH0BAehA
Pretty sure coup 101 is stop the movement of people.
But anyhoo, I've had a look around and there's not much apart from the supposed prognostications of assorted seers and baseless reckons by anonymous interweb randos.
And there doesn't seen to be anything about it in Hong Kong media so pretty doubtful.
Probably the most interesting thing is was there any motivation for this rumour being put about, and what initiated it.
…and who spread it!
…not Carlson..was it.
Regardless of the truth (or, as it now seems more likely, otherwise) – it's a lesson in how 'information' (or misinformation or disinformation) can be so easily spread and become mainstream (i.e. reported on by news sources) so quickly. Twitter is a force for both good and evil.
Kantar poll seems to be showing Brown as a clear front-runner over Collins for the Auckland mayoralty in the latest poll – conducted after Viv Beck pulled out.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayoralty-brown-leapfrogs-collins-to-take-handy-lead-in-latest-poll/UQ32Y6NXAOODBS3BMMT3C6IAPA/?c_id=1&objectid=12554019&ref=rss
And they're off.
https://twitter.com/lrozen/status/1573744537335480322
POS.
https://twitter.com/MorganGodfery/status/1573786471957307392
Izzy's mother responds.
Izzy is a [deleted] Her mother is an [deleted]
[see if you can make an argument. read the site Policy, we’re here for the robust debate, not casual slurs – weka]
mod note for you above.
Brutal, that is one angry mum.
She hopes no-one speaks to HADP's kid the way HADP spoke to hers. I suspect people will speak to HADP's kid that way and those people will be HADP herself, and her
grandfatherhusband.Doesn’t nitrate give water that earthy taste?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475451/hundreds-of-rural-cantabrians-to-go-months-without-safe-drinking-water
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475457/more-than-80-percent-of-new-zealand-s-low-lying-lakes-and-rivers-surveyed-poor-or-very-poor
Yup, the metaphorical but also literal shit always travels down.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/300697359/murmurs-of-discontent-grow-in-china-as-xi-jinping-poised-for-third-term
Darn, and I didn’t win Lotto either because I didn’t buy a ticket![surprise surprise](https://cdn2.thestandard.org.nz/wp-content/plugins/ark-wysiwyg-comment-editor/ckeditor/plugins/smiley/images/omg_smile.png?x42494)
Oh dear, MoH has corrected one of its many webpages.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/129962797/puberty-blockers-still-considered-safe-and-reversible-health-ministry-says
What's your point here?
AFAIK, despite lack of clinical evidence for use in "affirming healthcare", and increasing evidence of harm, the MoE website changes do not reflect a change in prescribing protocols – as they should.
Those who have asked the Ministry to justify use, also keep an eye on messaging.
sigh
That's less than expected from you, Incognito.
The Ministry of Health (and Education) has taken advice from advocates, and website edits are the least of it.
Do you approve of current protocols for minors and consider this a storm in a teacup?
Or do you just want to critique those who noticed the change? Because?
Phone edit funky.
"Taken advice from advocates" should have added "without scientific basis or evidence regarding next positive outcomes"
You went there dummy
groan
You can groan and sigh all you like Incognito. But when the cases of detransitioners start rolling in, it will be those of us who spoke up and pushed back against this harmful ideology that will be off the hook.
The rest of you. Well you will have to admit you were wrong and defended the medical transitioning of children who are left with irreversible damage.
My conscious will be clear
Given that I have neither treated nor suggested a child to undergo or not undergo transitioning treatment I can assure that my conscience is as clear as yours. FWIW, I’ll leave the moral judgement of the specialists involved in such treatments to those who are better equipped to do so and who have all the facts of each individual case.
It was nice talking to you again.
Yep.
Remember TS is not for asking if medicating NZ children without clinical evidence is a problem.
It’s for swapping insights into the Ukranian war…
lol.
Yes, Ad. He went there. Briefly, pointlessly and with little intention other than to… what?
How much time have you spent on looking for the background to New Zealand's current approach to the treatment of minors? I'm assuming it's very little, because you would not be so casual.
But, hey ho. Return to your usual discussion. (Which bores me to tears, but I have the self-control to not assume that my boredom should stop others being interested in it, and pass judgement.)
Do you know the latest Standards of Care from the WPATH guidelines that we base on health care on, removed any minimum ages from medical intervention, and included a section on eunuchs as a gender identity, complete with reference to child eunuchs?
For those who – unlike Incognito and Ad – might consider there are aspects about healthcare for minors that they are unaware of:
The link to the recent WPATH release on the Standards of Care for eunuchs:
https://wesleyyang.substack.com/p/of-eunuchs-and-wannabes?r=u0nm&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
The link to background of one of the authors of the chapter:
https://reduxx.info/top-trans-medical-association-collaborated-with-castration-child-abuse-fetishists/
The M of H can't have it both ways.
Either puberty blockers are safe and fully reversible or they are not.
Yes, they can, because your premise is an absolute, and you can't have it that way.
A British psychiatrist on puberty blockers. He ran a specialist clinic for gender dysphoric people in the UK.
Watch and learn
to me it looks like MoH passed the buck. When the court cases arrive, it will be individual doctors not the MoH being held accountable. Clever, having a bob both ways.
They should / could still be held responsible for anything that was done before the edit on the web page which a few days ago?
I am sure more then one person has screenshotted etc.
I would assume so, but the chances of a detransitioner (or more than one) wanting to take a case to court increases with time and because the numbers of prescriptions has been increasing.
Haven't read this yet,
https://twitter.com/fundypost/status/1573257019657801729
Bernard Lane article is really good.
Well worth the time.
Held responsible by what process?
AFAIK this surreptitious website edit does not indicate a change of care, which will become increasingly inexcusable as the evidence of harm continues to grow.
Do we have such court cases here? See the ACC legislation.
ACC will cover harm from medical treatment, but this presumes they accept a claim. eg,
https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-19-accident-compensation-acc/when-youre-covered-by-acc-and-when-youre-not/injuries-caused-by-medical-treatment-treatment-injuries/
ACC may argue that side effects from transition treatments were ordinary consequences.
Then there is complaints to the Health and Disability Commissioner, which has to first go to the relevant service or professional body. This isn't a court case either, but does have a high enough profile that a complaint going back to the Commissioner to investigate would be high profile. Would be interesting to see what the Commissioner did with this, given the pressures from both sides. Afaik, the Commissioner can't make legal binding requirements. But it's the public coverage that would be key.
Don't know if the Minister of Health can be taken to court.
In the UK Judicial Reviews are being used. In NZ,
https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-3-dealing-with-government-agencies/challenging-decisions-and-conduct-of-government-agencies/
Keira Bell in the UK started with a Judicial Review, and it went through the High Court and then the Court of Appeal. Don't know how this works in NZ.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_v_Tavistock
That’s a rather cynical view, IMO. It is and always has been to the treating specialist(s). MoH has finally seen the light of day to amend the info on their website, which was overdue.
I expect it's for a range of reasons.
Given what's happening internationally, I won't rule out them having had legal advice.
A number of people have been emailing the MoH asking them about that webpage, so there's that pressure too.
It has taken them 2 years to update that page: https://thestandard.org.nz/why-is-the-uks-only-youth-gender-identity-clinic-closing-and-what-does-this-mean-for-new-zealand/#comment-1903905.
I know. Is there some significance you see in that?
Yup, uncertainty on behalf of MoH, balancing between providing accurate information & advice on a controversial topic/issue and a rapidly changing space of medical, legal, and social-public opinions, mostly overseas.
Oh, and quite possibly lack of suitably qualified staff to take responsibility.
He's not wrong.
Gabriel Boric: "It makes me angry that the left condemns the violation of human rights in Yemen or El Salvador, but not Venezuela or Nicaragua"
https://twitter.com/monitoreamos/status/1573101755935739905
The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, was forceful this Thursday in pointing out that the Latin American left cannot have a double standard when it comes to human rights, and expressed that he is angry that there are sectors that do not condemn the abuses committed in Venezuela or Nicaragua. "It really bothers me when you're on the left and then you condemn the violation of human rights in Yemen or El Salvador, but you can't talk about Venezuela or Nicaragua," he assured during a conversation at Columbia University. Boric stated that “it does not matter if you are from the extreme right or extreme left. They are civilizing mandates. Respect for human rights cannot have a double standard” The Chilean president recalled that when the human rights abuses began in Venezuela during the government of Hugo Chávez, sectors of the left avoided condemning him.
https://monitoreamos.com/destacado/boric-me-enoja-que-la-izquierda-no-condene-la-violacion-de-ddhh-en-venezuela-o-nicaragua
google translate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Boric
I hadn't realised that the recent flow of insightful media coverage of the justice system, and the problems and inequities therein, were the result of a specific project.
I would definitely support continued funding for Open Justice. The more light we shine on justice and injustice the better.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-zealand-justice-system-the-push-for-open-justice/WLC6MJMD4CO2DWU64YDVZEXNPY/?c_id=1&objectid=12554501&ref=rss
I love the flexibility inherent in this design of modular tiny houses.
Yes, of course there are fish hooks in terms of consenting, etc – not to mention site coverage rules – but the whole concept of a house that grows and/or shrinks as your family circumstances change is awesome.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300691572/plug-and-play-a-fresh-take-on-tiny-houses-allows-for-big-or-small-dwellings
We just need more flexible thinking in Councils. A big ask as they don't do that!!
So we need to lobby them.
TBH – I don't think lobbying them is going to achieve much. Action needs to happen at a national level.
Councils are running scared (terrified more likely) over the whole leaky buildings saga which is still grinding its way through the court system (apparently new leaky buildings – including relatively recent builds – are still popping up). So often Council is the 'last man standing' and wears the cost for reparations of faults in building design, materials and workmanship (all other parties having wound up their business) – because they signed off on them at the time.
Until NZ finds a way to decouple Council responsibility from liability – Councils will be highly motivated to be as conservative as they possibly can be in terms of design approval. They also have issues around infrastructure – given the way the rates-based funding is tied to value of the property/land. A sewerage/stormwater connection (for example) costs just as much for a tiny house, as it does for a property worth 3x the price – and the family occupying the tiny house are equally likely to use Council services like pools or libraries – but the higher valued property pays a lot more in rates. Hence Councils are motivated to sign-off on high-value builds, rather than cheaper tiny houses.
My solution would be for the developer/builder/architect to be required to take out insurance against flaws in development/construction/design which impact on the habitability of the house. A one-off cost paid at the completion of the build (Switzerland does this). If there is a leaky building scenario (or any other build quality issue) – then the insurance companies fight it out. [I'd also legislate that they have to pay for repair/remediation up-front – while they're carrying on their legal battles over who pays in the background] And, developers/builders/architects who have ongoing issues, will be unable to get insurance, and will go out of business.
Such an insurance scheme could not happen in New Zealand.
It would immediately be framed as 'another tax' by ZB/ Herald arm of the National party – adding further to construction costs – stealing money from hard working Kiwis…
Depends on how it’s framed.
I think that many, many homeowners would like to see an effective scheme, rather than being forced (as they currently are) to go through the Courts in the hope of gaining redress.
We have experience in this area – from some years back admittedly – and I totally agree with you. Our building industry has struggled for decades with numerous problems and what you have described is absolutely one of the more significant ones.
I rather like your solution – although it would be good to have some carveouts to allow quality owner builder work to be permitted.
I don't have a problem with owner building work, so long as the owner wears the long term cost if problems eventuate. Insurance could cover this, as well.
"Until NZ finds a way to decouple Council responsibility from liability"
The LBP mechanism does decouple the councils from liability.
A consequence has also been that there is no one agency responsible for ensuring projects are built to plan, and to N Z Building Standards. That is now distributed amongst the local authorities and the associated Licensed Building Practitioners.
We have such a scheme and did have at the time of 'leaky building'….insurance, either public or private is not a panacea.
No. Your general house insurance does not usually cover defects in workmanship or design (AKA leaky buildings).
Master build guarantee supposedly does…and the consenting authority is ultimately liable.
As we have discovered having 'insurance' is no guarantee all loses will be made good….at best insurance may provide partial recompense in some situations.
The question is at what level of additional cost/risk is it viable?
The consenting authority ultimately being liable is part of the problem. What that actually means is that the cost/risk is spread across the ratepayers. And strongly incentivises high compliance fees and low risk consents (you want to do something 'different' be prepared to pay multiple tens of thousands up front)
Masterbuild guarantees spreads the cost/risk across a small number of builder members. It has always seemed to me to be a marketing tool, rather than an insurance protection.
Insurance, which is then re-insured off-shore, spreads the risk much more widely.
ATM developers routinely wind up their company at the end of each build – to ensure they are not liable for any downstream build-quality consequences. Insurance would be one mechanism to ensure that they couldn't opt out of their responsibilities.
It's affordable and effective in Switzerland (had a long discussion a couple of years ago with a Swiss/Kiwi friend renovating a house in NZ who was horrified at the apparent immunity of builders/developers here).
All insurance whether private or public is ultimately borne by the populous and reinsurance /insurance only remains so long as it is viable for the party(its) underwriting it. LLC ability to wind up is not altered by the presence of insurance and ICs can themselves 'wind up' (a la AMI)…the ultimate 'last man standing' will always be the Gov, both state and local….and any dispute is determined by the courts, whether it be with developer, IC or even the government.
We can demand all sorts of conditions on doing business here should we so desire….provided we are prepared for the possibility that no one will deem it worth the cost/risk to do so (and also that one way or another 'we' pay for it anyway)
And, wouldn't it be great if Council's mandated this kind of movable house as the only allowable build in flood-prone areas (looking at you North Shore beach-front) – every time a multi-millionaire wants to replace the house (happens amazingly regularly – looking at the building works every time we go to the beach) – they'd have to use modular housing….