Open mike 25/12/2019
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7:00 am, December 25th, 2019 - 32 comments
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- Seymour causes thousands of unjustified absences by forcing kids to fight for their rights instead o...
The State would like to remind you that they are in control. They manage your employment prospects, and can destroy the job market you and yours rely on by mass-cancelling construction projects, cutting funding, and firing a good chunk of our public servants. They wield the mechanisms that provide scrutiny ...1 hour ago - The Weight of the World
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The Treaty Principles Bill is set to have its First Reading in the House today, as the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti continues. More than 40 KCs have written to the Prime Minister and Attorney-General outlining their “grave concerns” about the substance of the Treaty Principles Bill, while an academic and ...2 hours ago - Trump’s return to White House brings the climate’s ‘find out’ phase closer
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As the Hikoi against it swells into the tens of thousands, KCs call on National to kill off ACT’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. Photo: Getty ImagesKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, November 14: The ...5 hours ago - Dealing to the big Aussie banks
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On November 5th, the Spinoff published a very interesting article on Stephen Rainbow, the Human Rights Commission’s latest recruitment, and how he came to get the controversial appointment. Naturally because of the excitement of the US election, it’s flown a little below the radar. https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-11-2024/i-didnt-get-the-hrc-job-stephen-rainbows-human-rights-commission-appointment-just-got-weirderThe article details evidence of the ...18 hours ago - Injustice for torture
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19 hours ago - Hīkoi over the Harbour
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- Oranga Tamariki is beyond saving, and always has been
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Today Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will formally apologise to those who experienced abuse in state and faith-based care at Parliament. The apology is long overdue, and many are saying it’s not enough and are still waiting on the details of redress. There are also criticisms about the decision to give ...2 days ago
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Although I shared some thoughts about the US election on other social media platforms, here are some items that emerged from the wreckage: Campaigns based on hope do not always defeat campaigns based on fear. Having dozens of retired high … Continue reading ...6 days ago- Sissy
2022, directed by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes You know that thing where a character just keeps on making bad decision after bad decision as everything goes to shit around them? I can’t stand that thing. Snowballing consequences can be done really well when all of a character’s choices make ...6 days ago- Friday 8 November 2024
The Treaty Principles Bill has been introduced to Parliament, with its First Reading set down for next week. A large hīkoi is set to depart from Te Rerenga Wairua on Monday, with events planned as they head down the motu to Parliament. In employment news, NZDF staff have escalated strike ...6 days ago- Just Let Them Walk All Over You
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Sometimes it’s hard to stop doomscrolling. One thing that can help is having something else to focus on, like video games! I’m not exactly the most tuned in to the industry, but I follow enough variety content creators to know of a pretty decent range of games that are easy ...7 days ago- Climate Change: Raising the bar
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I spent yesterday afternoon watching the New York Times election dashboard needle steadily move towards the worst possible result. It was more or less the same dashboard they had in 2016, and it was telling more or less the same tale. You end up hating the NYT and its damn ...7 days ago- This One’s Just For You, Martyn.
Hard Hat & A HammerAlan JacksonVideo courtesy of YouTubePosted on Bowalley Road on Thursday, 7 November 2024. ...7 days ago- The Age of (Dis)Information
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A ballot for two Member's Bills was held today, and the following bills were drawn: Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Agreement) Amendment Bill (Laura Trask) Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill (Kahurangi Carter) The first is ACT bullshit aimed at undermining basic employment rights. The ...7 days ago- The planet is ‘on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster,’ scientists warn
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections A person rides past a destroyed church in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on October 6, 2024, in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Scientists say that climate change increased the storm’s deadly rainfall by about 10%. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Earth’s ...1 week ago- Making America Gross Again
I should be crying, but I just can't let it showI should be hoping, but I can't stop thinkingOf all the things I should've saidThat I never saidAll the things we should've doneThat we never didAll the things I should've givenBut I didn'tOh, darling, make it goMake it go awaySongwriter: ...1 week ago- The Day After
This morning, there will be plenty of reflections on why and how Donald J. Trump won the US election for a second time.Melania agrees to hold her husband’s hand after his historic victoryThere will be pithy lines, astute observations, and anger and disbelief from some. And for others, celebration - ...1 week ago- Throwback Thursday: 10 Years
At the start of 2018, Patrick penned this post thinking about how Auckland might look in 10 years. We are almost 7 years through that, and so we thought it might be interesting to think about what came true, and what was unforeseen? What has changed in Auckland and does ...1 week ago- What Donald Trump’s second Presidency means for us financially
Trump busts out his signature move at a celebratory election night party. Photo: Getty ImagesKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, November 7: Donald Trump’s re-election as US President overnight has already driven global ...1 week ago- This Time America Knew What It Was Doing
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2021, directed by the Adams family A fun thing about Hellbender is that it was created by a married couple, John Adams and Toby Posey (to clarify, Toby is a woman) and their two daughters Zelda and Lulu. Zelda and Toby play the two main characters and Lulu the main ...1 week ago- Trump’s Comeback: It’s a new, strongman era, ‘whether they like it or not’
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- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...16 hours ago - Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...2 days ago - Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...2 days ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...2 days ago
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The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...3 days ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...3 days ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...6 days ago
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The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...6 days ago
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Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...6 days ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...6 days ago
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The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...7 days ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...7 days ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...7 days ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government continues to fail small business
The Government is leaving small businesses high and dry in difficult economic times, by letting big business get away with not paying their bills. ...1 week ago
- Release: Unemployment rising under National
Nicola Willis’ policies continue to slow the economy with more Kiwis out of work as a result. ...1 week ago
- Near four-year high unemployment reveals dire need for new direction
Today, Statistics New Zealand’s latest labour market report revealed that unemployment has reached 4.8 per cent, the highest rate since late 2020, during the COVID pandemic. ...1 week ago
- Release: Shovels in the ground this term unlikely
National looks set to break another election promise, this time by not beginning construction on a second Mt Victoria tunnel this term, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...1 week ago
- Not too late to abandon the Bill, Christopher
The Green Party is urgently calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill following reports it will be introduced on Thursday. ...1 week ago
- Coalition Govt’s expensive tunnel vision for Wellington comes at the expense of the regions
A second Mount Victoria tunnel, a duplicate Terrace tunnel alongside highway widening will dump more traffic in the centre of Wellington and result in more pollution. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government’s disgrace for Christchurch homeowners
The Government is backtracking on existing commitments to do the right thing by homeowners let down by EQC (now the Natural Hazards Commission). ...1 week ago
- Release: National’s FamilyBoost a colossal flop
Nicola Willis continues to over promise and under deliver, with most families receiving only $30 a week from National’s flagship FamilyBoost flop. ...1 week ago
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Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is calling on the Mayor for New Plymouth, Neil Holdom, to do the right thing. “I am shocked at his decision to disregard the petition presented by Palestine Solidarity Taranaki calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire”, said ...1 week ago
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Labour welcomes the conclusion of a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that was restarted under a Labour government after languishing for many years. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour welcomes OAG fast track inquiry
The Government should consider the outcome of an Auditor-General report into conflicts of interest before progressing the Fast track Approvals Bill through Parliament. ...1 week ago
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A new report detailing the enormous social and economic costs of our dental system has reignited the Greens' call for free dental care. ...1 week ago
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The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling, following news a New Zealand bottom trawler caught 37kg of coral in international waters, prompting the suspension of all fishing in the area until 2026. ...2 weeks ago
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The National Government should review its support for Gumboot Friday after unacceptable comments by its leader and champion Mike King. ...2 weeks ago
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The Government has very conveniently cherry-picked data from the latest MSD projections to justify its cruel agenda and punch-down policy when it comes to people living in poverty. ...2 weeks ago
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The Green Party was appalled to hear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claim we are “doing everything we can” on climate change, while his government does nothing to address emissions in our most polluting sector. ...2 weeks ago
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Te Pāti Māori is calling out the Government and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for their inaction and disgraceful downplaying of the impact caused by the sunken HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa. “We demand the Government move without further delay to clean up its shit from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa,” said co-leader Debbie ...3 weeks ago
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There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...3 weeks ago
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Mr Speaker, as the Minister for Children, it is my priority to ensure that children and young people in the care system are safe. The thousands of survivors who shared their experiences with the Royal Commission have been clear that the system must improve its protections against abuse and neglect. ...2 days ago
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Kia ora. Tēnā koutou katoa. And greetings from New Zealand. Thank you to Rector Devés and the University of Chile for hosting us today, and to Undersecretary de la Fuente and Professor López for the warm welcome and introductions. When a much younger person, walking on a bridge ...2 days ago
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Ngā kura mōrehu, Treasured survivors, kua ngaro, haere atu rā. those that have passed, farewell. Ngā kura mōrehu, Treasured survivors E whakawhaiti nei that have gathered here. Kei ngā rangatira To the esteemed leaders Tēnā koutou katoa. Greetings. I’d like to welcome you ...2 days ago
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- Prime Minister pays tribute to Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Gillies
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Have a great Xmas everyone. All the best for 2020 folks.
Happy holidays!
Had a great xmas gift this morning.
UK rental car agency informed me of a fine and charged me 40 pounds admin fee to tell me.
Looks like the 100 pound parking fine was cancelled (it was part of my accomadation). But I wasted an hour writing a email to elicit confirmation that it was cancelled and that there were no other fines floating around for the other 10 days I was there.
Reminds me why I try to ride a e-bike as much as possible. Cars are just a eternal waste of time and resources.
Happy holidays every one, drive safe and obey that speed limit.
Hmmmm …
Meri kirihimete to all Standardistas and your whanau.
A very Merry Christmas to you particularly, MS.
Your efforts over and above your regular work in law and in local politics are much appreciated by many including the silent minority which you speak for.
Please keep up your great work representing those without a voice.
Thank you Mickysavage, same to you and yours.
Lets hope it isnt the last Christmas under a Labour government. Though looking at the polls, it could end up that way.
I found this amusing, i am sure wag would like it
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12291069
Hoof up looking for the dashboard – sheep is one laidback mofo.
I ate too much.
I'm slothing about watching Desk Set.
So did I.
AND I read your post from yesterday on the Future of Capitalism and the excellent discussion it provoked,
AND then Incogs on Democratisation, Soshul Media et all. If I had the energy, I'd be totally illuminated
All up in the scheme of things, I've decided it might just be easier to become a numbnut and professional victim, or alternatively hibernate for two or three years .
Burp.
Blaargh – fine food wasted on gluttons, most of the day spent drinking in the garden and spouting bullshit at family members. Fine modern traditional NZ Christmas, in other words.
Me too. Mind you some of the bullshit coming back at me was worse.
Quite Crass when you think about it eh @ PM. Such is the nature though of how things have evolved amongst supposedly intelligent human beings.
Merry Christmas all.
Had a good day, kids opened presents, entertained the family, etc.
One lowlight was asking a racist RWNJ friend if he'd be watching the Prime Minister's Goodnight Kiwi reading at 8:05 on TV2.
He replied, "I hate that bitch".
This is the invective of the regular near and far right in New Zealand at the moment. It must be outed and fought at every possible opportunity.
I did the JA and smiled at my friend's hatred…
Time to let your mate go.
Anyone want to see Australia burn?
I do.
Why? It could be our turn next.
Lot of innocent people losing their houses and possesions though.
From what I am hearing a lot of the greenies and environmentalists are copping the blame because they have opposed controlled burnoffs.
Well … climate change deniers like Barnaby Joyce says it's the "greenies" fault.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/12/is-there-really-a-green-conspiracy-to-stop-bushfire-hazard-reduction
Why do you want to see Australia burn?
You like the idea of all that extra CO2 in the atmosphere?
You like seeing further destruction of already scarce wild places?
You like pushing endangered species even closer to the edge through further habitat destruction?
Are you under the delusion that these fires are in any slightest way causing suffering or inducing a rethink among those responsible for the Australian government's current deliberate climate and environmental vandalism? If that's the case, seek help. Seriously.
Yeah, this was what I was getting at.
I'll seek help.
And see several million Australians rock up in New Zealand seeking a better place to live, because they can. And we can't do a thing about it.
Just think about the consequences of that happening.
not to mention half a million+ expat kiwis who currently live there…and the link between those population flows and trade
There's the start of it around Central Otago, but with more of a political motivation, we're seen as better governed, but climate response is part of that.
Friend's I've got over there are split, some very green by Aussie standards, some very denialist, also by Aussie standards. We could see a dramatic change in our politics, along with a social, employment and housing crisis of un-imaginable proportions.
and that change may be made from without and beyond our control/influence
I don't think anyone that full of hate is capable of a logical reasoned thought process.
Wow, that would have to be the most stupid comment i have seen on here for a very long time. I hope the law keeps a close eye on you. Do you have no shame?
Merry Christmas, snowflake!
Kirwee pub burns down last night.
Seems to be a lot of these old country pubs burning down lately. One wonders if the owners are putting a match to them to claim the insurance…
I've watched the demise and subsequent immolation of several old country pubs and in all cases the place was a fire waiting to happen. They were old, poorly maintained and managed, and had a severe barfly infestation. Sooner or later someone dropped a fag, or the rats chewed the wrong wire, and away they went. And old pubs, like old fish and chip shops, tend to be rather combustible.