—-Translation: In order to try and sell this bullshit story we had to work really closely with the story tellers, in order that the lies were fully joined up. We needed to make sure that everyone was on the same page, so that when we released the film, it would appear convincing. Its Hollywood baby, thats what we do, tell stories…..
“US officials had urged Pakistan to release the doctor, who ran a vaccination program for the CIA to collect DNA and verify the al-Qaeda leader’s presence at the compound in the town of Abbottabad where US commandos killed him in May 2011 in a unilateral raid.”
— Ran a vaccination programme for the CIA, to collect DNA to verify OBL was in Pakistan. That Doctor definitely gets a key part in the film, I wonder who will play the role, of this fearless doctor!
—- Of course its nothing at all to do with the fact that the USA wants Pakistan split along tribal lines, so it can ensure it pushes the destabilisation nearer towards China,, or that the Pakistanis closed off NATO supply routes in reaction to the continued US drone attacks
I just heard on the BBC WS that Hilary Clinton is weeping crocodile tears over the fact that the “brave Pakistani doctor” has been done for treason. They just played her sound-bite again, and dear Hilary has a much stronger Southern accent than she ever used to have! Seriously, Hilary, the guy’s actions were in fact treason! What do you expect?
Is the sentence of the “Uruwera four” reasonable? I don;t think so but even more so I think it is a step towards being able to prosecute people for what is generally called “Thought crime”. That is; being arrested for merely thinking about a crime.
The two brown boys get it and the two whities walk, great. Initially I felt the U4 could only be convicted of behaving like prize dicks, but given this dodgy judge’s behaviour taking into account the orginal admissibility of evidence arguments, we do indeed have two political prisoners in Mt Eden.
Perhaps Tame can run a few seminars.
What ticks me off is armed camo clad white supremacists frolic about unbothered by the PoPo in the South Island, not to mention a certain racist two wheel ‘club’.
Yeah, but she’s a girl Maori with a light skin and sticking her in jail for two years might upset even Pakeha again. And this is about divide and rule! So the Whiye boy and the light coloured Maori girl (let’s face it Girls can’t really be dangerous not like Moko’d Black man who stick their tongue out at ya and that white boy probably only got mixed up in all of this because he was infatuated with light coloured Moari girl) get house detention.
How about, the two Maori with “fiendish tattoos” are scapegoated? Emily is rather noticeably less Maori (but I am not sure how much you really do notice).
You claimed on Wednesday that your brother in law didn’t attend the citizenship ceremony, which would mean he’s not a citizen of New Zealand. It wasn’t a “party with Labour,” it was citizenship ceremony dickhead!
Let me repeat what I said and I’ll highlight the important bit as you seem to having trouble. Then I’ll explain further as you seem to having trouble grasping what should be relatively simple English (also for the benefit for those who read this and need context to understand how bizarre your comment is)
“My wife is from South Africa and her brother recently got citizenship – no party with Labour for him. ”
Now, what does that mean? As we were talking about Mr. Yan getting citizenship under what seem to be unusual circumstances I made mention that my brother-in-law is a South African and was recently awarded NZ citizenship. He went and did the usual business down the town-hall with the mayor (that is usually what happens – I wasn’t there but I went to my sister-in-laws a few years back). But, unlike Mr. Yan, there was no “party” or “private ceremony” with Labour MP’s for either my brother-in-law or my sister-in-law for that matter.
Does this help Jacklal? I am sorry to be so verbose but since you had trouble understanding my original statement i thought I better clear it up. But since it appears you are troling (i.e. interjecting with a completely off-topic response into a thread) I expect you to misunderstand
You were replying to a comment by tsmithfield about the citizenship ceremony Yan attended, trying to imply this was somehow special treatment when it’s not. All citizens have a ceremony prior to becoming a New Zealand citizen.
My point is that you’re continually pulling people up for the most trivial things while promoting falsehoods yourself. In effect you want people to paint the perfect portrait and give by way of example a doodle painted in bullshit.
Just in case you hadn’t noticed, this is open mic.
So you wait two days to interject into a conversation in order to re-quote a comment of mine you misunderstood and after it is explained to you turn around accuse me of being trivial and then claim you do want to feed the troll?
Thanks, you have spoken for me, and put the case so well! Certainly these tattoos, anyway! Clearly, you observe well the nature of this judge and of what we call “justice” in this country. Next you will be telling me you have friends who are Maori!
I nearly fell out of my chair laughing the other day, listening to Police Union Boss Greg O’Connor talking to Willie Jackson on the radio, O’Connor actually said “Some of my best freinds are maori cops”.
Interesting point Tiger M ,Because I seem to remember a programme on TV (might have been John Campbell ) about the National Front carrying out military type exercises . Completely ignored by the police ,Why?
Survivalists and white supremacists are definitely out there, under the radar mostly it seems in NZ. In the US many such people thankfully just keep their guns well oiled and fume away behind the razor wire.
Get a grip TC, while South African immigrants to NZ may not be actual “yarpies” a number of them being professionals of various types present as reactionary in their politics. As in the North Shore of Auckland, Rodney and such like.
Hello, like vote for ShonKey, and like don’t live in Mangere.
No bigotry HS. It is informed generalisation about comfortable run, run, run, runaway whites.
I personally met a few pretty staunch ‘saffas’ in the early 80s, journo Donald Woods, ANC guys Andrew Molotsane (later murdered) and Eddie Fundie.
As John Minto has pointed out Azania is in deep shit, district 9 deep shit almost.
But the NZ anti racist movement acted honourably at the time as confirmed by N. Mandela. The ANC took office at precisely the wrong time during the era of neo liberalist Reganism, Thatcherism etc and succumbing to it.
Didn’t know that ‘informed generalisation’ was in the listed as descriptor for bigotry in any of commonly used dictionaries, more often it’s described as ‘intolerance towards those who hold different opinions from oneself ‘
My informed generalisation would be that there’s no more or less bigotry amongst immigrant South Africans coming to NZ than there is among other immigrant groups or indeed amongst long term NZers be they of the white, brown polka dot or any other variety.
My point is that observable behaviour and location of South African immigrants places many of them in the tory world. Not too many Yarpies joining Labour, Greens, Te Mana etc. They are bailing out to “Hobbiton” for goodness sake.
I expect you may be right about not too many South African immigrants joining any of those parties.
Then again from where I sit not too many of us join political parties full stop.
I think we both might be a bit surprised about the actual and voting intentions of recent immigrants and recent NZ citizens the might not be too different from the voting % splits of everyone else across the population
Yes I think it is clear this “judgement” has much more behind it than face value. Having failed in the attempt to creat a NZ centric terror threat, I wonder what “event” NZ might incur, something that can really get us locked down nice and tight.
Maybe even set up control center here, where armed drones can be used around the place…You know , for our safety from all the terrorists!
God only knows what the Judge was (or was not) thinking. Sending a message perhaps? If so she has certainly sent a message that Tuhoe and It are being made to pay, but for which crime? It looks like the stupidest case of martyr creation yet from our embarressing legal system.
Thanks. All power to the teacher Liam Taylor and Occupy for their efforts to do something positive. But it still makes for depressing reading. I lived and worked in London for quite a few years and was familiar with the areas mentioned back then.
This country really has the law impartially administered? We might as well return to the onslaughts of the British against Maori in earlier wars. What happened in this court somewhat reminded me of Parihaka. How many hunters are running around in the bush with unlicensed firearms (all too frequently killing one another)? No, these two “victims” of society were not only discriminated against due to being Maori, worse because they were so defiant as to wear those “threatening” tattoos!
Subject: Civil Unrest
I have a manual issued to me about 50 years ago when I was on Active Service.
The use of Military Forces to control Civil Unrest.
It is frightening because it is based on hundreds of years of experience both in the U.K and in building up the British Empire.
The introduction acknowledges that while no two situations are ever the same, experience has shown that, over a period of years, Civil Unrest in any one area follows a standard pattern. It then identifies 4 PHASES of Civil Unrest, from
PHASE 1, “gaining support of the local people” , through to
PHASE 4, “The complete overthrow of the established government”.
( How often has this happened in Fiji ?)
The manual emphasises ” To defeat this plan of unrest the vital need is to prevent it ever getting beyond PHASE 1.”
Both New Zealand and Australia are already in PHASE 2.
The Operational Section of the manual is a Restricted Document that discusses control of public movement, setting up road blocks, setting up curfews, etc. Something we have seen in Australia.
What ever name you give it, the fact remains IT WAS ” CIVIL UNREST”.
This manual also discusses the loss of public confidence in Forces of Law and Order, something that has happened in parts of New Zealand. ( The media must accept a lot of responsibility for this. )
So many people are saying “It can not happen to us.” but this is just fear of the issue, or propaganda and propaganda is one of the items mentioned when the manual defines the objects and methods used, by people causing trouble, during each PHASE of Civil Unrest.
” United we stand, divided we fall ” and we are becoming increasingly divided.
The manual defines different levels of Civil Disturbances, from Unlawful Assemblies, through to Riots, to Insurrection, emphasising time and again that if any assistance is requested, it’s primary purpose is to “protect the innocent”.(Not pass judgement or ascertain who is guilty. )
The discussion on “Suppression of Unlawful Assemblies and Riots” and ” Dispersing of a Crowd” reads so much like what we have seen.
Finally, PHASE 2 is identified as the period when –
“The creation of base areas under insurgent control by ‘propaganda’, ‘compulsion’ or ‘terrorist methods’, for purposes of food storage, concealment and recruitment.” occurs.(Now, it would also be used to train suicide bombers. )
How many places in New Zealand fit that definition ?
Call it Gang Headquarters, a Muri where we speak our own language, call it what you like, does it fit that definition ?
History is repeating itself. New Zealand is becoming broken and divided. Racisim is just an EMOTIONAL TOOL.
In the desperation of the little people to want to accept, and be accepted no matter what their position, status, orientation, race, rugby team is etc, they are in fact being turned onto eachother in ever increasingly vile ways, and they fight amongst themselves for position. This is the most elementary form of deception, and most are not even able to identify it!
Sadly many people want to fee like they are contributing to solutions, when in fact they are part of the problem…
Good humour is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.
Good on John Campbell for outing the nasty,fearful racists texting his programme.
POLICE 10-7 last night; Young drunk man,”can i piss on your face officer?”
(officer may have given brief consideration to offer;could have borrowed some sunglasses)
“govt at top end of optimism”, KPMG analyst on Budget.
War with Iran in support of US-Israel; 25-50% probability; UK Minister on Security.
NewsNow and The Guardian and PrisonPlanet very useful sites to keep gaze on events unfolding in real time.
HyperInflation to come?
Dear Hekia, thought is purer than form. Push.Push Back.
Celebrating Youth Week? Throwing them on the intergenerational fire!
The National Party Benches seat many of these Maternal Authoritarian types and we know what the outcomes for their dependents is likely to be; Submission through sublimation, or resistance.
One of the dark sides of education is student accommodation with venal pigs exploiting the demand. Claimed to be the smallest apartment in NZ, which I bet it’s not;
I agree. The price of $160-$180 does seem excessive BUT 7.9m2 it is only a bedroom, not an appartment. Where were the cooking facilities, the toilet, a shower, handbasin, laundry etc. ? There must have been some arrangements for water, toilet, etc. DH is insulting the reader and casting doubts upon his own credibility with an emotionl tirade that ignores these subjects. He is also lowering the standard of discussion on this website.
Or , is the Herald at fault or just quoted out of context?
This isn’t a zero budget, It’s a no hope no growth no brighter future budget… it’s an archaic return to failed ideologies of the past that will detrimentally impact on the already downtrodden budget… It’s an elitist budget designed to transfer even more wealth from those who can least afford it to those that don’t need it… It’s a penny pinching agist budget that will do nothing to get New Zealand back on its feet…
Yes. National shifted the burden of taxation onto the middle and lower deciles, and then borrowed.
They then fake victimhood by claiming to be at the whims of Earthquakes, Global depression and Labour’s ability to leave the country in the black.
Impressively Key then makes out with himself regularly on TV, claiming he’s absolutely certain and never broaching one risk least his ignorance is exposed.
mr Australia has first shifted the private debt run up by the wealthy in good times (at the expense of NZ now), onto the government books. This helps the banks out who have all those mortgagee homes to move onto new buyers getting indebted. And now Key plans to help the other side of the Bank books by pushing more collateral into the market (asset sales) to help Banks deleverage further.
Banks owned by foreigners.
The joke being that we did not have a problem with government debt before National came to power.
And the country was so badly geared to favor the non-productive sector (capital farming homes and farms), and is still.
These freak zombies need to be ousted by the farmers whose lobby is constantly used to justify the bad decision making of Mr Australia. Why are farmers so gullible, do they really believe keep NZ on one agarian growth trend is a good idea. As soon as oil peaks the luxury added value sector that relies on heavy oil inputs goes to the wall. Cheap food becomes the priority and like our mines, our farms are much smaller than the USA wheat belt and the new Russian wheatbelt.
So when is Key going wise up, the day he touches day in Hawaii and retires.
hardly believable but our finance minister is suggesting students need to get organised, rise up and riot properly, like the greeks! Inciting a riot hmmmm.. “Finance Minister Bill English has taunted student protesters who yesterday blockaded an Auckland street saying “they need some Greeks to show them how to do it.” http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/budget-2012/6985706/English-taunts-student-protesters
Well, good on Blinglish for recognising that the postwar economic situation has changed forever. But, his whinging about student protests ignores the fact Bill and John are asking for austerity for the less well-off, especially the non-wealthy young, while the wealthy of all ages still get to party like it’s 1999.
And he is reinforcing elite power by talking about an on-going crisis over debt – that’s just the same old disaster capitalism, tyrannising people with threats of an eternal state of emergency.:
Finance Minister Bill English says people should get used to a regular sense of crisis over debt.
What the world was seeing in Europe and the United States was the end of the post-war model which was that when your income was not going up, you just borrow it.
“They are drowning in debt and there’s only two ways to deal with debt,” he told the ANZ Post Budget breakfast in Wellington this morning. “Pay it off or write it off.”
[…]
“So get used to it. A regular sense of crisis is normal. It’s going to be normal.”
[…]
Regular crises were now a part of doing business in the global environment, he said.
Mr English said there was no “whinge-fest” in New Zealand, and no sympathy for the likes of students protesting about changes to their interest-free student loans.
Pretty disappointing and disingenuous that a Government simply refuses to look at solid budgetary alternatives, like:
– Cutting out $5b of motorways and reprioritising that spending onto more job-rich and benefit-diffuse projects
– Reversing the 2009 tax cuts to the rich
– Reversing the incrase in GST
– Properly taxing landlords, their rent, and their capital gain
Should be a core part of a Minsiterial Job Description to avoid or avert or ameliorate crisis, not repeatedly push the Orwellian language-button. So cynical it’s contemptible.
If he had been asked a month ago if there had been a chance that Greece would exit the Euro, he said he would have dismissed it and thought common sense would prevail
“Now I’m far more uncertain.”
—-What a lying little toerag Key is! Of course he knows exactly what is going on inside the world of fiance, and politics…If he doesn’t, he is not fit for office is he!
Half a million to be spent on Govt House which has already cost the country 40 odd million.Talk about putting the boot in!I thought we living in austere times?
Today’s WINZ update… 🙂
“So, I spent the morning at WINZ Mt Albert, for the second ‘seminar’ of the week – this one, four of us had turned up, each one to be ‘interviewed’ by two people – lucky for me that I had brought a book! One man who had applied to move from UB to DPB was allowed to go, because he already had an appointment to discuss this. Another, a woman in her late 40s, who had waited (on the advice of a WINZ person) to make an appointment to discuss her application for DPB Caring For, in respect of her adult son with disabilities was told she had to stay and prove she was looking for work as “you probably won’t get the carers benefit”… (I leaned across and advised her contact Citizen Advocacy, which helps people with disabilities and their families – not a popular move as the WINZ women saw me do it.)
I sat in a public room (we’d been told to move from the private room we were in) for 35 minutes by the clock, while the other two women were interviewed. I made a point of not listening, but anyone could have heard them and their interrogators.
After 35 minutes I asked the man on reception who was stood twiddling his thumbs, if he would enquire as to how longer I would be sat reading my book… “Not too much longer” she said smiling, and sure enough, the mother of the man with disabilities was just leaving. However, my enquiry was apparently against some rule, as the manager appeared at my elbow and demanded that I see her, because I had “been rude to her staff” (!!!) Said manager proceeded to take me to her corner desk and start berating me for my unemployed status and my bad attitude. When I quoted Petulant Bean’s own words (that the jobs don’t exist), well, it was like the US disaster movie I saw on TV the other day, ‘Volcano’! The afore-mentioned manager went ballistic. She said that she was going to find a training programme to put me on, wait here.
After waiting there for a further 15 minutes, I walked out, and had a cigarette. When I came back, they were still talking, so I stood at their elbow, then went to reception and got the woman there to photocopy my job diary and when finally summoned (to talk to the original woman) I gave her the pages. She was totally different from the hostile angry manager – explaining that she had just looked at my CV and had seen that I already have tertiary qualifications and years of work experience, she said that they had been unable to find a 6 month training programme that I actually needed or qualified for! (The Manager had simply been making assumptions and had in the end resorting to chanting at me “I’m as old as you are, and *I* have a job!” How that was supposed to ‘help’ me I can’t fathom!
In the end, the second woman referred to me a 26 week programme at the Chamber of Commerce. What that will achieve, I have no idea. If, while on that course, I get offered a day here and there at a school, I am ‘obliged by my job-seeker contract’ to take it, and then ask the Principal/DoS to type and sign a letter proving I was there, and so couldn’t attend the course. When I pointed out that Alan would rather not hire as a reliever than have to spend hours proving to WINZ that I was relieving for 3 hours, she didn’t care.
So, that’s how things stand at the minute. I expect I shall be called in for more seminars… as I left the manager’s desk, I saw a whiteboard placed where the staff can see it, but the bennys can’t – giving the ‘target’ of people they have to get off benefit. 60 a month off UB and 50 a month off Sickness benefit. Lynne the second woman let slip that if Chamber of Commerce accept me on the 26 week course, I will *not* be counted in official UB statistics, even though I will still actually be getting UB. No wonder she was so desperately eager to get me on this course!”
(I wrote this after I got home. When I arrived I was early for the seminar to which I had been summoned. By the time I got to the head of the queue at Reception, I was late – so I had been in the queue for 20 minutes, while a white South African receptionist baffled and confused an elderly Chinese couple.) IMO, she ought to have asked for help, as while I waited the queue grew longer and longer, filled with people who were officially now, like me, very late… and none of them by their own fault!
The real planetVicky32 but not the same planet as Miss Bennett or English or Key. They make it sound so simple and suggest that you are undeserving. Keep your reports coming and good luck.
Hi Vicky,
I am not the least bit surprised to read of your experiences.
I went through a not unsimilar situation in the mid to late 90s when I was looking after my elderly mother who was slowly deteriorating with Alzeimers. Initially Income Support (I think it became WINZ during the latter part of the period) put me on the wrong benefit. Around 1997 I was ordered to attend instructions on ‘how to apply for a job, and how to dress for the interviews’. When I pointed out I was a former public servant with professional qualifications and didn’t need such instructions, I wasn’t believed. As far as the woman handling my case was concerned, I was a malingerer who had made up the story about my mother. That was the essence of her response anyway… even though there was irrefutable evidence of my mother’s condition (submitted by her doctor) on my file. She hadn’t bothered to look I suppose. Eventually it was accepted, and I was transferred to the correct benefit which was the DPB of course.
But that wasn’t the end of it. Not long afterwards I noticed the presence of an unmarked car with two individuals (male and female) that was conveniently parked at a point on the road where they could witness all the comings and goings on my mother’s property. They looked like cops dressed in mufti to me, and I actually saw the female in the passenger seat taking down the registration number of my car. Yep. It was Winz keeping me (and my elderly mother) under surveillance. They were part of the then “Winz Fraud Squad” which was largely staffed by ex-cops.
This took place during the Christine Rankin era, and they used to get away with it because they knew their targets were vulnerable and would be too scared to retaliate for fear of losing the much needed benefit. I did eventually write to the ‘chief cook and bottle washer’ at the North Shore WINZ centre and let him know I was well aware what was going on. I never received a reply, but the surveillance immediately stopped!
I despise Paula Bennett and her cohorts, because I can clearly see they are re-introducing exactly the same culture at WINZ.
The truth was – and is again – that they know you will not take action because of the faear
It was Winz keeping me (and my elderly mother) under surveillance. They were part of the then “Winz Fraud Squad” which was largely staffed by ex-cops.
Oh my giddy aunt, Anne! How horrendous, and how ridiculous!
It seems to me that They have a view of what we bennies are like, and education and experience don’t fit their picture. I remember when I worked at Social Welfare as it was then, a boss making up a song we newbies had to sing at the staff Christmas party (cringe) one line of which went “they ask for Snigs * to feed their kids/but we know it’s for their beer! Oh, Jingle bells etc”…
* Snigs = office jargon for Special Needs Grant.
The truth was – and is again – that they know you will not take action because of the fear
They hate it when you know anything! I remember the hostility one woman gathered against her when she rang up about the non-arrival of her UB in her account, and said to the staff member “Can’t you check the ROI?” (Register of issues). That the beneficiary knew this piece of office jargon, scared them siilly regarding her…
@vicky 32
Yes, my experiences were distressing at the time, but one thing you need to remember… in the end they don’t get away with it. Remember what happened to C Rankin. She was unceremoniously kicked out along with many of her senior team by the new Labour govt. and the Benefit Fraud Squad was dis-established.
It will happen again in 2014 – we hope.
Btw. My mother died some time ago so I’m no longer on a benefit. But I won’t ever forget what happened and – unlike P Bennett – will stand up for beneficiaries because I know the vast bulk are there through no fault of their own and don’t rort the system.
Probably ex cops who’d PERFed out at great expense to us. Funny how they get a huge payout for not being able to do their job, and then keep doing basically the same thing.
What makes this so ridiculous is that Apache has tried to suppress information about the Varanus Island gas explosion that cost WA $3 billion because they say releasing it would “aid terrorist attacks on gas infrastructure.”
The men in charge of the Reno are guilty obviously. But they were late for getting to their next port Tauranga and I believe that they were held up in Napier. Now if there are port hold-ups does the port pay a fine, refund most of the docking fee etc?
I would bet that the Captain and offsider would be under strict orders to sail within the most efficient and profitable parameters.
They were not doing their best but they were trying to get to the next link in the chain. Was it Napier’s fault equally?
I agree Prism, it would be enlightening to see if any of the port operating procedures and shipping targets of the Rena’s owners had anything to do with the shortcut they took through Astrolabe Reef – and how frequently that shortcut is taken by other ships.
Maybe there is nothing there – but an inquiry at some level would be useful.
“He had a paper round when he was a boy, but he had not claimed the rebate.
He first heard on Monday about the specific changes, which IRD had been working on.
The most substantial was around the tax treatment of beach houses, where the government thought allowances were too generous, and they are also closing a loophole around livestock valuations. ”
He only ever knows about things just before they happen, Who is running this country??
Dumb and Dumber busy ramming legislation through under urgency.Apparently they have no need for the Select Committee as conkey had a chat with Moombeam(bet he’s on a retainer) and they have decided that they know what they are doing is best for the country.How does one get rid of these smirking morons…….Legally!
This is sort of about the budget, but more about the reaction, and the reality.
We are now at something like 397.17 C02 and rising, zero growth or maintaining the statuesque is not an option, if the children born today want a snowballs chance in hell of being alive in 25-30 years time, then the adults in this society are going to have to work out how to live with drastic reverse growth. But no, watching TV tonight there they where, students etc crying about zero growth, they actually want to really really fuck the environment, most of whom are no doubt doing degrees involving the continued growth of energy and all the Disneyland attachments we ‘need’ to live.
Who is to blame for this massive display of ignorance?
Fucking selfish pig ignorant humans, all demanding their cut of the planet.
Gaia will heave a sigh of relief, that this 10,000 year experiment is about over, shame the effects of it will be around till the end of the planet. ie plastic, chemicals, radiation.
Time for the rubber to hit The Road 😉 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898367/
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After a hiatus of over four months Selwyn Manning and I finally got it together to re-start the “A View from Afar” podcast series. We shall see how we go but aim to do 2 episodes per month if possible. … Continue reading → ...
In 2008, the UK Parliament passed the Climate Change Act 2008. The law established a system of targets, budgets, and plans, with inbuilt accountability mechanisms; the aim was to break the cycle of empty promises and replace it with actual progress towards emissions reduction. The law was passed with near-universal ...
Buzz from the Beehive Local Water Done Well – let’s be blunt – is a silly name, but the first big initiative to put it into practice has gone done well. This success is reflected in the headline on an RNZ report:District mayors welcome Auckland’s new water deal with ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate ConnectionsA farmworker cleans the solar panels of a solar water pump in the village of Jagadhri, Haryana Country, India. (Photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan/ IWMI) Decisions made in India over the next few years will play a key role in global ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – The Children’s Minister, Karen Chhour, intends to repeal Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 because it creates conflict between claimed Crown Treaty obligations and the child’s best interests. In her words, “Oranga Tamariki’s governing principles and its act should be colour ...
Geoffrey Miller writes – The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. ...
Brian Easton writes – This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be (I will report on them ...
TL;DR:Winston Peters is reported to have won a budget increase for MFAT. David Seymour wanted his Ministry of Regulation to be three times bigger than the Productivity Commission. Simeon Brown is appointing a Crown Monitor to Watercare to protect the Claytons Crown Guarantee he had to give ratings agencies ...
The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. Carr had made highly ...
I could be a florist'Round the corner from Rye LaneI'll be giving daisies to craziesBut, baby, I'll wrap you up real safe Oh, I can give you flowers At the end of every dayFor the center of your table, a rainbowIn case you have people 'round to stay Depending on ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 12 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give a pre-budget speech on Thursday.Parliament sits from Question Time at 2pm on ...
The price of the foreign affairs “reset” is now becoming apparent, with Defence set to get a funding boost in the Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed that it will be one of the few votes, apart from Health and Education and possibly Police, which will get an increase ...
A listing of 26 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 28, 2024 thru Sat, May 4, 2024. Story of the week "It’s straight out of Big Tobacco’s playbook. In fact, research by John Cook and his colleagues ...
Yesterday I received come lovely feedback following my Star Wars themed newsletter. A few people mentioned they’d enjoyed reading the personal part at the beginning.I often begin newsletters with some memories, or general thoughts, before commencing the main topic. This hopefully sets the mood and provides some context in which ...
April 30 was going to be the day we’d be calling Mum from London to wish her a happy birthday. Then it became the day we would be going to St. Paul's at Evensong to remember her. The aim of the cathedral builders was to find a way to make their ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Can’t remember the last book by a Kiwi author you read? Think the NZ government should spend less on the arts in favor of helping the homeless? If so, as far as Newsroom is concerned, you probably deserve to be called a cultural ignoramus ...
Eric Crampton writes – Grudges are bad. Better to move on. But it can be fun to keep a couple of really trivial ones, so you’re not tempted to have other ones. For example, because of the rootkit fiasco of 2005, no Sony products in our household. ...
A new report warns an estimated third of the adult population have unmet need for health care.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāHere’s the six key things I learned about Aotaroa’s political economy this week around housing, climate and poverty:Politics - Three opinion polls confirmed support for PM Christopher Luxon ...
Today is May the fourth. Which was just a regular day when my mother took me to see the newly released Star Wars at the Odeon in Rotorua. The queue was right around the corner. Some years later this day became known as Star Wars Day, the date being a ...
Buzz from the Beehive Much more media attention is being paid to something Winston Peters said about former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr than to a speech he delivered to the New Zealand China Council. One word is missing from the speech: AUKUS. But AUKUS loomed large in his considerations ...
Is the economy in another long stagnation? If so, why?This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be ...
The annual list of who's been bribing our politicians is out, and journalists will no doubt be poring over it to find the juiciest and dirtiest bribes. The government's fast-track invite list is likely to be a particular focus, and we already know of one company on the list which ...
In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Southern Israel I wrote about the possible 2nd, 3rd and even 4th order effects of the conflict. These included new fronts being opened in the West Bank (with Hamas), Golan … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – It is one of the oldest truisms that there is never a good time for MPs to get a pay rise. This week’s announcement of pay raises of around 2.8% backdated to last October could hardly have come at a worse time, with the ...
David Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House – but it’s not the first time ...
The Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand: The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...
Winston Peters’ comments about former Australian foreign minister look set to be an ongoing headache for both him and Luxon. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guests on Gaza and ...
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...
Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when – during an interview on RNZ’s Morning Report today – he criticised ...
The Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? “It's not ...
As pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events:The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: TVNZ says it is dealing with about 50 formal complaints over its coverage of the latest 1News-Verian political poll, with some viewers – as well as the Prime Minister and a former senior Labour MP – critical of the tone of the 6pm report. ...
Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
Alwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...
Our trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...
This article was prepared for publication yesterday. More ministerial announcements have been posted on the government’s official website since it was written. We will report on these later today …. Buzz from the BeehiveThere we were, thinking the environment is in trouble, when along came Jones. Shane Jones. ...
New Zealand now has the fourth most depressed construction sector in the world behind China, Qatar and Hong Kong. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 8:46am on Thursday, May 2:The Lead: ...
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
Winston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...
Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”.As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Asia Pacific Report Following an open letter by Auckland University academics speaking out in support of their students’ right to protest against the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza, a group of academics at Otago University have today also called on New Zealand academic institutions to “repair colonial violence” and end ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda J. Graham, Professor and Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Ryan Tauss/ Unsplash, CC BY Two male students have been expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in a list ranking female students. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The Reserve Bank is now assuming Australians will see no interest rate cuts this year – and quite possibly none before the next federal election, due next May. That’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University The Victorian budget offered more of the same on Tuesday, with the only change being how the budget papers were packaged. The usual shrink wrap was gone, hinting at savings in the pages ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition is demanding extensive amendments to the government’s legislation targeting non-citizens who refuse to co-operate with their removal. In a dissenting report to the senate inquiry into the legislation, the Coalition says it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanita Yadav, Senior Research Fellow, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Brett Boardman/Belvoir The complex and grappling issue of violence against women takes centre stage in the soul-stirring solo dance drama Nayika: A Dancing Girl. During a dinner conversation ...
Disruption to patient care from a nationwide junior doctors strike is bordering on unsafe, a senior doctor claims, despite what health officials say. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ground Picture/Shutterstock The anti-cancer drug abemaciclib (also known as Vernezio) has this month been added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat certain ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic McAfee, Postdoctoral researcher, marine ecology, University of Adelaide Robbie Porter, OzFish Unlimited Around Australia, hundreds of people are coming together to help a once-prized, but decimated and largely forgotten marine ecosystem. They’re busy restoring Australia’s native oyster and mussel reefs. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Austin Human/Unsplash How does Earth stop meteors from hitting Earth and hurting people? –Asher, 6 years 11 months, New South Wales Alright, let’s embark on a meteor ...
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The March results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2023 (HYEFU 2023), published on 20 December 2023 and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...
Jamie Arbuckle, the district councillor who became an MP but decided to keep getting paid for both roles, will instead donate one salary to charity. ...
Adding gender to the Human Rights Act would simply make the implicit explicit. So why is it so controversial? Paul Thistoll explain. At present, Aotearoa’s 1993 Human Rights Act (HRA) includes sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief (meaning a lack of religious belief), colour, race, ethnicity or national origin, ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Resources Minister Shane Jones has reportedly asked officials for advice on whether oil and gas companies could be offered “bonds” as compensation if drilling rights offered by ...
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Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa, a new incorporated society dedicated to ending harmful drug policies, officially launched today, seeks a new fit-for-purpose drug law for Aotearoa New Zealand, rooted in science, experience and evidence. ...
The Corrections Minister admits he "muddied the water" after he and the Prime Minister repeatedly provided incorrect information about a $1.9 billion prison spend-up. ...
It took a post-post-cabinet statement to confirm that 810 new beds will be built at Waikeria, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 7 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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This episode of A View From Afar was recorded LIVE on May 6, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, May 5, 2024 at 8:30pm (USEST). In an analytical essay titled ‘A moment of friction’ political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan wrote how we are living within a decisive moment ...
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Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King. Photo / APA House committee chairman charged Wednesday that the CIA and defence Department jeopardized national security by cooperating too closely with filmmakers producing a movie on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
—-Translation: In order to try and sell this bullshit story we had to work really closely with the story tellers, in order that the lies were fully joined up. We needed to make sure that everyone was on the same page, so that when we released the film, it would appear convincing. Its Hollywood baby, thats what we do, tell stories…..
Oh but hold on then we also have this …
It could give further fuel to critics in the United States that Pakistan which has yet to arrest anyone for helping shelter bin Laden should no longer be treated as an ally.
“US officials had urged Pakistan to release the doctor, who ran a vaccination program for the CIA to collect DNA and verify the al-Qaeda leader’s presence at the compound in the town of Abbottabad where US commandos killed him in May 2011 in a unilateral raid.”
— Ran a vaccination programme for the CIA, to collect DNA to verify OBL was in Pakistan. That Doctor definitely gets a key part in the film, I wonder who will play the role, of this fearless doctor!
—- Of course its nothing at all to do with the fact that the USA wants Pakistan split along tribal lines, so it can ensure it pushes the destabilisation nearer towards China,, or that the Pakistanis closed off NATO supply routes in reaction to the continued US drone attacks
America F-ck yeah!
I just heard on the BBC WS that Hilary Clinton is weeping crocodile tears over the fact that the “brave Pakistani doctor” has been done for treason. They just played her sound-bite again, and dear Hilary has a much stronger Southern accent than she ever used to have!
Seriously, Hilary, the guy’s actions were in fact treason! What do you expect?
Yep, not too dissimilar to the Urewera four verdicts, V. Sometimes people do things without thinking through the consequences if they get caught.
Is the sentence of the “Uruwera four” reasonable? I don;t think so but even more so I think it is a step towards being able to prosecute people for what is generally called “Thought crime”. That is; being arrested for merely thinking about a crime.
The two brown boys get it and the two whities walk, great. Initially I felt the U4 could only be convicted of behaving like prize dicks, but given this dodgy judge’s behaviour taking into account the orginal admissibility of evidence arguments, we do indeed have two political prisoners in Mt Eden.
Perhaps Tame can run a few seminars.
What ticks me off is armed camo clad white supremacists frolic about unbothered by the PoPo in the South Island, not to mention a certain racist two wheel ‘club’.
“the two whities walk, great.”
Errr, Emily Bailey is Maori
Artistic license TC, the moko’ed pair got the incarceration.
So she isn’t Maori to you because she has no moko? That makes her less Maori?
She is a Maori, dude.
Yeah, but she’s a girl Maori with a light skin and sticking her in jail for two years might upset even Pakeha again. And this is about divide and rule! So the Whiye boy and the light coloured Maori girl (let’s face it Girls can’t really be dangerous not like Moko’d Black man who stick their tongue out at ya and that white boy probably only got mixed up in all of this because he was infatuated with light coloured Moari girl) get house detention.
DNFTT
How about, the two Maori with “fiendish tattoos” are scapegoated? Emily is rather noticeably less Maori (but I am not sure how much you really do notice).
Really? Are you really going to delve into “who’s more Maori”?
If that is the way this is going to go you’d have a better case in saying the judge is prejudice against tattoos.
Have you told your brother in law yet that he’s not a New Zealand citizen The Sectarian?
Umm, what are you talking about?
You claimed on Wednesday that your brother in law didn’t attend the citizenship ceremony, which would mean he’s not a citizen of New Zealand. It wasn’t a “party with Labour,” it was citizenship ceremony dickhead!
Let me repeat what I said and I’ll highlight the important bit as you seem to having trouble. Then I’ll explain further as you seem to having trouble grasping what should be relatively simple English (also for the benefit for those who read this and need context to understand how bizarre your comment is)
“My wife is from South Africa and her brother recently got citizenship – no party with Labour for him. ”
Now, what does that mean? As we were talking about Mr. Yan getting citizenship under what seem to be unusual circumstances I made mention that my brother-in-law is a South African and was recently awarded NZ citizenship. He went and did the usual business down the town-hall with the mayor (that is usually what happens – I wasn’t there but I went to my sister-in-laws a few years back). But, unlike Mr. Yan, there was no “party” or “private ceremony” with Labour MP’s for either my brother-in-law or my sister-in-law for that matter.
Does this help Jacklal? I am sorry to be so verbose but since you had trouble understanding my original statement i thought I better clear it up. But since it appears you are troling (i.e. interjecting with a completely off-topic response into a thread) I expect you to misunderstand
Well the “Seff Effricon” link may inform some readers
You were replying to a comment by tsmithfield about the citizenship ceremony Yan attended, trying to imply this was somehow special treatment when it’s not. All citizens have a ceremony prior to becoming a New Zealand citizen.
My point is that you’re continually pulling people up for the most trivial things while promoting falsehoods yourself. In effect you want people to paint the perfect portrait and give by way of example a doodle painted in bullshit.
Just in case you hadn’t noticed, this is open mic.
Yes, everyone gets a citizen ceremony.
Not many have private ceremonies with Labour MP’s in Labour’s caucus room
So are you going to get off your high horse or are you going to keep being trivial and pissing people off?
Hey, you brought it up buddy. Out of nowhere I might add, several days later.
Two days later chump and it’s not an isolated incident. hs has the right idea… DNFTT
So you wait two days to interject into a conversation in order to re-quote a comment of mine you misunderstood and after it is explained to you turn around accuse me of being trivial and then claim you do want to feed the troll?
Riiiight.
Thanks, you have spoken for me, and put the case so well! Certainly these tattoos, anyway! Clearly, you observe well the nature of this judge and of what we call “justice” in this country. Next you will be telling me you have friends who are Maori!
I nearly fell out of my chair laughing the other day, listening to Police Union Boss Greg O’Connor talking to Willie Jackson on the radio, O’Connor actually said “Some of my best freinds are maori cops”.
Interesting point Tiger M ,Because I seem to remember a programme on TV (might have been John Campbell ) about the National Front carrying out military type exercises . Completely ignored by the police ,Why?
Agree Postman, why not check them out too?
Survivalists and white supremacists are definitely out there, under the radar mostly it seems in NZ. In the US many such people thankfully just keep their guns well oiled and fume away behind the razor wire.
Hey,
What do you mean by:
“Well the “Seff Effricon” link may inform some readers ”
Forgive my slowness
Yes, we all forgive your “slowness” because you simply cannot help it.
Yes quite. Well done. Amusing.
Get a grip TC, while South African immigrants to NZ may not be actual “yarpies” a number of them being professionals of various types present as reactionary in their politics. As in the North Shore of Auckland, Rodney and such like.
Hello, like vote for ShonKey, and like don’t live in Mangere.
Get a grip? I was just asking for clarification dude.
And yes, the Auckland ones are pretty weird but I am pretty sure my wife voted Green in the last election. Or maybe that was 2008.
Does not living in Mangere present some kind of handicap?
Nice bigotry TM.
No bigotry HS. It is informed generalisation about comfortable run, run, run, runaway whites.
I personally met a few pretty staunch ‘saffas’ in the early 80s, journo Donald Woods, ANC guys Andrew Molotsane (later murdered) and Eddie Fundie.
As John Minto has pointed out Azania is in deep shit, district 9 deep shit almost.
But the NZ anti racist movement acted honourably at the time as confirmed by N. Mandela. The ANC took office at precisely the wrong time during the era of neo liberalist Reganism, Thatcherism etc and succumbing to it.
Didn’t know that ‘informed generalisation’ was in the listed as descriptor for bigotry in any of commonly used dictionaries, more often it’s described as ‘intolerance towards those who hold different opinions from oneself ‘
My informed generalisation would be that there’s no more or less bigotry amongst immigrant South Africans coming to NZ than there is among other immigrant groups or indeed amongst long term NZers be they of the white, brown polka dot or any other variety.
Heh, fair enough to some extent HS.
My point is that observable behaviour and location of South African immigrants places many of them in the tory world. Not too many Yarpies joining Labour, Greens, Te Mana etc. They are bailing out to “Hobbiton” for goodness sake.
Hi TM
I expect you may be right about not too many South African immigrants joining any of those parties.
Then again from where I sit not too many of us join political parties full stop.
I think we both might be a bit surprised about the actual and voting intentions of recent immigrants and recent NZ citizens the might not be too different from the voting % splits of everyone else across the population
Yes I think it is clear this “judgement” has much more behind it than face value. Having failed in the attempt to creat a NZ centric terror threat, I wonder what “event” NZ might incur, something that can really get us locked down nice and tight.
Maybe even set up control center here, where armed drones can be used around the place…You know , for our safety from all the terrorists!
False Flag incident.
God only knows what the Judge was (or was not) thinking. Sending a message perhaps? If so she has certainly sent a message that Tuhoe and It are being made to pay, but for which crime? It looks like the stupidest case of martyr creation yet from our embarressing legal system.
Intresting background article on London, Austerity City in the Herald, via Bloomberg… Remarkable social insight from a financial new source…
Thanks. All power to the teacher Liam Taylor and Occupy for their efforts to do something positive. But it still makes for depressing reading. I lived and worked in London for quite a few years and was familiar with the areas mentioned back then.
This country really has the law impartially administered? We might as well return to the onslaughts of the British against Maori in earlier wars. What happened in this court somewhat reminded me of Parihaka. How many hunters are running around in the bush with unlicensed firearms (all too frequently killing one another)? No, these two “victims” of society were not only discriminated against due to being Maori, worse because they were so defiant as to wear those “threatening” tattoos!
Subject: Civil Unrest
I have a manual issued to me about 50 years ago when I was on Active Service.
The use of Military Forces to control Civil Unrest.
It is frightening because it is based on hundreds of years of experience both in the U.K and in building up the British Empire.
The introduction acknowledges that while no two situations are ever the same, experience has shown that, over a period of years, Civil Unrest in any one area follows a standard pattern. It then identifies 4 PHASES of Civil Unrest, from
PHASE 1, “gaining support of the local people” , through to
PHASE 4, “The complete overthrow of the established government”.
( How often has this happened in Fiji ?)
The manual emphasises ” To defeat this plan of unrest the vital need is to prevent it ever getting beyond PHASE 1.”
Both New Zealand and Australia are already in PHASE 2.
The Operational Section of the manual is a Restricted Document that discusses control of public movement, setting up road blocks, setting up curfews, etc. Something we have seen in Australia.
What ever name you give it, the fact remains IT WAS ” CIVIL UNREST”.
This manual also discusses the loss of public confidence in Forces of Law and Order, something that has happened in parts of New Zealand. ( The media must accept a lot of responsibility for this. )
So many people are saying “It can not happen to us.” but this is just fear of the issue, or propaganda and propaganda is one of the items mentioned when the manual defines the objects and methods used, by people causing trouble, during each PHASE of Civil Unrest.
” United we stand, divided we fall ” and we are becoming increasingly divided.
The manual defines different levels of Civil Disturbances, from Unlawful Assemblies, through to Riots, to Insurrection, emphasising time and again that if any assistance is requested, it’s primary purpose is to “protect the innocent”.(Not pass judgement or ascertain who is guilty. )
The discussion on “Suppression of Unlawful Assemblies and Riots” and ” Dispersing of a Crowd” reads so much like what we have seen.
Finally, PHASE 2 is identified as the period when –
“The creation of base areas under insurgent control by ‘propaganda’, ‘compulsion’ or ‘terrorist methods’, for purposes of food storage, concealment and recruitment.” occurs.(Now, it would also be used to train suicide bombers. )
How many places in New Zealand fit that definition ?
Call it Gang Headquarters, a Muri where we speak our own language, call it what you like, does it fit that definition ?
History is repeating itself. New Zealand is becoming broken and divided. Racisim is just an EMOTIONAL TOOL.
Thats correct J72, very good post!
In the desperation of the little people to want to accept, and be accepted no matter what their position, status, orientation, race, rugby team is etc, they are in fact being turned onto eachother in ever increasingly vile ways, and they fight amongst themselves for position. This is the most elementary form of deception, and most are not even able to identify it!
Sadly many people want to fee like they are contributing to solutions, when in fact they are part of the problem…
Good humour is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.
Planet Labour?
Planet Uranus John!
Good on John Campbell for outing the nasty,fearful racists texting his programme.
POLICE 10-7 last night; Young drunk man,”can i piss on your face officer?”
(officer may have given brief consideration to offer;could have borrowed some sunglasses)
“govt at top end of optimism”, KPMG analyst on Budget.
War with Iran in support of US-Israel; 25-50% probability; UK Minister on Security.
NewsNow and The Guardian and PrisonPlanet very useful sites to keep gaze on events unfolding in real time.
HyperInflation to come?
Dear Hekia, thought is purer than form. Push.Push Back.
Celebrating Youth Week? Throwing them on the intergenerational fire!
The National Party Benches seat many of these Maternal Authoritarian types and we know what the outcomes for their dependents is likely to be; Submission through sublimation, or resistance.
there is no such thing as a free lunch but blinglish and his cronies got a free apre budget breakfast today.
ho hum.
One of the dark sides of education is student accommodation with venal pigs exploiting the demand. Claimed to be the smallest apartment in NZ, which I bet it’s not;
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/national/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503075&gal_cid=1503075&gallery_id=125777
7.9 sq metres, $160-180 per week. Hong Kong investor/owner.
Note the shark trying to push the price up with talk about rent increases to $200 etc.
Disgusting.
Yeah, I saw that on John Campbell Live last night. That place isn’t much bigger than a broom closet.
Low cost housing, Hong Kong style.
It’s enough to make you weep. That’s where the export earnings from foreign students go; straight back offshore again.
Mind you there’s probably no shortage of local investors milking the students for as much as they can either. Pigs.
$40k to $45k to buy that room and you get about 15% return on it. In other words, pocket change to buy and a guaranteed income for life doing nothing.
I agree. The price of $160-$180 does seem excessive BUT 7.9m2 it is only a bedroom, not an appartment. Where were the cooking facilities, the toilet, a shower, handbasin, laundry etc. ? There must have been some arrangements for water, toilet, etc. DH is insulting the reader and casting doubts upon his own credibility with an emotionl tirade that ignores these subjects. He is also lowering the standard of discussion on this website.
Or , is the Herald at fault or just quoted out of context?
Australia looks better every day
This isn’t a zero budget, It’s a no hope no growth no brighter future budget… it’s an archaic return to failed ideologies of the past that will detrimentally impact on the already downtrodden budget… It’s an elitist budget designed to transfer even more wealth from those who can least afford it to those that don’t need it… It’s a penny pinching agist budget that will do nothing to get New Zealand back on its feet…
Yes. National shifted the burden of taxation onto the middle and lower deciles, and then borrowed.
They then fake victimhood by claiming to be at the whims of Earthquakes, Global depression and Labour’s ability to leave the country in the black.
Impressively Key then makes out with himself regularly on TV, claiming he’s absolutely certain and never broaching one risk least his ignorance is exposed.
mr Australia has first shifted the private debt run up by the wealthy in good times (at the expense of NZ now), onto the government books. This helps the banks out who have all those mortgagee homes to move onto new buyers getting indebted. And now Key plans to help the other side of the Bank books by pushing more collateral into the market (asset sales) to help Banks deleverage further.
Banks owned by foreigners.
The joke being that we did not have a problem with government debt before National came to power.
And the country was so badly geared to favor the non-productive sector (capital farming homes and farms), and is still.
These freak zombies need to be ousted by the farmers whose lobby is constantly used to justify the bad decision making of Mr Australia. Why are farmers so gullible, do they really believe keep NZ on one agarian growth trend is a good idea. As soon as oil peaks the luxury added value sector that relies on heavy oil inputs goes to the wall. Cheap food becomes the priority and like our mines, our farms are much smaller than the USA wheat belt and the new Russian wheatbelt.
So when is Key going wise up, the day he touches day in Hawaii and retires.
+1 Unfortunately for New Zealand we shouldn’t expect Key to grow a conscience anytime soon.
Have courage with your convictions. If they are in error it will be you against human nature.If they are correct, they will benefit all.
Just “popped” into my head like thought popcorn and then I toasted it a little bit.
Have courage with your convictions.
Is that aimed at Tame Iti?
Seriously though, I’m all for courage in examining and putting into practice ideas, politics and activism.
Can anyone name the beach in the picture for me ?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=10808256
Sorry, I don’t know, but I just wanted to say that it’s a lovely spot.
Matapouri_
Right click on image then click on view image info.
Thanks Carol
hardly believable but our finance minister is suggesting students need to get organised, rise up and riot properly, like the greeks! Inciting a riot hmmmm..
“Finance Minister Bill English has taunted student protesters who yesterday blockaded an Auckland street saying “they need some Greeks to show them how to do it.”
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/budget-2012/6985706/English-taunts-student-protesters
Perhaps a prime time NZ’s next Loukanikos.
Well, good on Blinglish for recognising that the postwar economic situation has changed forever. But, his whinging about student protests ignores the fact Bill and John are asking for austerity for the less well-off, especially the non-wealthy young, while the wealthy of all ages still get to party like it’s 1999.
And he is reinforcing elite power by talking about an on-going crisis over debt – that’s just the same old disaster capitalism, tyrannising people with threats of an eternal state of emergency.:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10808417
Thus saith Bill, whilst whinging about protests.
Pretty disappointing and disingenuous that a Government simply refuses to look at solid budgetary alternatives, like:
– Cutting out $5b of motorways and reprioritising that spending onto more job-rich and benefit-diffuse projects
– Reversing the 2009 tax cuts to the rich
– Reversing the incrase in GST
– Properly taxing landlords, their rent, and their capital gain
Should be a core part of a Minsiterial Job Description to avoid or avert or ameliorate crisis, not repeatedly push the Orwellian language-button. So cynical it’s contemptible.
Surprise! :
https://twitter.com/katieabradford/status/205822493380968450
Mr Key told members of the Trans Tasman Business Circles that the Budget was “a very sensible Budget for very volatile times.”
If he had been asked a month ago if there had been a chance that Greece would exit the Euro, he said he would have dismissed it and thought common sense would prevail
“Now I’m far more uncertain.”
—-What a lying little toerag Key is! Of course he knows exactly what is going on inside the world of fiance, and politics…If he doesn’t, he is not fit for office is he!
Half a million to be spent on Govt House which has already cost the country 40 odd million.Talk about putting the boot in!I thought we living in austere times?
Today’s WINZ update… 🙂
“So, I spent the morning at WINZ Mt Albert, for the second ‘seminar’ of the week – this one, four of us had turned up, each one to be ‘interviewed’ by two people – lucky for me that I had brought a book! One man who had applied to move from UB to DPB was allowed to go, because he already had an appointment to discuss this. Another, a woman in her late 40s, who had waited (on the advice of a WINZ person) to make an appointment to discuss her application for DPB Caring For, in respect of her adult son with disabilities was told she had to stay and prove she was looking for work as “you probably won’t get the carers benefit”… (I leaned across and advised her contact Citizen Advocacy, which helps people with disabilities and their families – not a popular move as the WINZ women saw me do it.)
I sat in a public room (we’d been told to move from the private room we were in) for 35 minutes by the clock, while the other two women were interviewed. I made a point of not listening, but anyone could have heard them and their interrogators.
After 35 minutes I asked the man on reception who was stood twiddling his thumbs, if he would enquire as to how longer I would be sat reading my book… “Not too much longer” she said smiling, and sure enough, the mother of the man with disabilities was just leaving. However, my enquiry was apparently against some rule, as the manager appeared at my elbow and demanded that I see her, because I had “been rude to her staff” (!!!) Said manager proceeded to take me to her corner desk and start berating me for my unemployed status and my bad attitude. When I quoted Petulant Bean’s own words (that the jobs don’t exist), well, it was like the US disaster movie I saw on TV the other day, ‘Volcano’! The afore-mentioned manager went ballistic. She said that she was going to find a training programme to put me on, wait here.
After waiting there for a further 15 minutes, I walked out, and had a cigarette. When I came back, they were still talking, so I stood at their elbow, then went to reception and got the woman there to photocopy my job diary and when finally summoned (to talk to the original woman) I gave her the pages. She was totally different from the hostile angry manager – explaining that she had just looked at my CV and had seen that I already have tertiary qualifications and years of work experience, she said that they had been unable to find a 6 month training programme that I actually needed or qualified for! (The Manager had simply been making assumptions and had in the end resorting to chanting at me “I’m as old as you are, and *I* have a job!” How that was supposed to ‘help’ me I can’t fathom!
In the end, the second woman referred to me a 26 week programme at the Chamber of Commerce. What that will achieve, I have no idea. If, while on that course, I get offered a day here and there at a school, I am ‘obliged by my job-seeker contract’ to take it, and then ask the Principal/DoS to type and sign a letter proving I was there, and so couldn’t attend the course. When I pointed out that Alan would rather not hire as a reliever than have to spend hours proving to WINZ that I was relieving for 3 hours, she didn’t care.
So, that’s how things stand at the minute. I expect I shall be called in for more seminars… as I left the manager’s desk, I saw a whiteboard placed where the staff can see it, but the bennys can’t – giving the ‘target’ of people they have to get off benefit. 60 a month off UB and 50 a month off Sickness benefit. Lynne the second woman let slip that if Chamber of Commerce accept me on the 26 week course, I will *not* be counted in official UB statistics, even though I will still actually be getting UB. No wonder she was so desperately eager to get me on this course!”
(I wrote this after I got home. When I arrived I was early for the seminar to which I had been summoned. By the time I got to the head of the queue at Reception, I was late – so I had been in the queue for 20 minutes, while a white South African receptionist baffled and confused an elderly Chinese couple.) IMO, she ought to have asked for help, as while I waited the queue grew longer and longer, filled with people who were officially now, like me, very late… and none of them by their own fault!
The real planetVicky32 but not the same planet as Miss Bennett or English or Key. They make it sound so simple and suggest that you are undeserving. Keep your reports coming and good luck.
Thank you for the good wishes Ianmac! 🙂
What a breath-takingly callous and unrealistic system. You sound like you are doing the best you can given the circumstances, vicky.
Hi Vicky,
I am not the least bit surprised to read of your experiences.
I went through a not unsimilar situation in the mid to late 90s when I was looking after my elderly mother who was slowly deteriorating with Alzeimers. Initially Income Support (I think it became WINZ during the latter part of the period) put me on the wrong benefit. Around 1997 I was ordered to attend instructions on ‘how to apply for a job, and how to dress for the interviews’. When I pointed out I was a former public servant with professional qualifications and didn’t need such instructions, I wasn’t believed. As far as the woman handling my case was concerned, I was a malingerer who had made up the story about my mother. That was the essence of her response anyway… even though there was irrefutable evidence of my mother’s condition (submitted by her doctor) on my file. She hadn’t bothered to look I suppose. Eventually it was accepted, and I was transferred to the correct benefit which was the DPB of course.
But that wasn’t the end of it. Not long afterwards I noticed the presence of an unmarked car with two individuals (male and female) that was conveniently parked at a point on the road where they could witness all the comings and goings on my mother’s property. They looked like cops dressed in mufti to me, and I actually saw the female in the passenger seat taking down the registration number of my car. Yep. It was Winz keeping me (and my elderly mother) under surveillance. They were part of the then “Winz Fraud Squad” which was largely staffed by ex-cops.
This took place during the Christine Rankin era, and they used to get away with it because they knew their targets were vulnerable and would be too scared to retaliate for fear of losing the much needed benefit. I did eventually write to the ‘chief cook and bottle washer’ at the North Shore WINZ centre and let him know I was well aware what was going on. I never received a reply, but the surveillance immediately stopped!
I despise Paula Bennett and her cohorts, because I can clearly see they are re-introducing exactly the same culture at WINZ.
The truth was – and is again – that they know you will not take action because of the faear
oops… ignore the last line. Shouldn’t be there.
Oh my giddy aunt, Anne! How horrendous, and how ridiculous!
It seems to me that They have a view of what we bennies are like, and education and experience don’t fit their picture. I remember when I worked at Social Welfare as it was then, a boss making up a song we newbies had to sing at the staff Christmas party (cringe) one line of which went “they ask for Snigs * to feed their kids/but we know it’s for their beer! Oh, Jingle bells etc”…
* Snigs = office jargon for Special Needs Grant.
They hate it when you know anything! I remember the hostility one woman gathered against her when she rang up about the non-arrival of her UB in her account, and said to the staff member “Can’t you check the ROI?” (Register of issues). That the beneficiary knew this piece of office jargon, scared them siilly regarding her…
@vicky 32
Yes, my experiences were distressing at the time, but one thing you need to remember… in the end they don’t get away with it. Remember what happened to C Rankin. She was unceremoniously kicked out along with many of her senior team by the new Labour govt. and the Benefit Fraud Squad was dis-established.
It will happen again in 2014 – we hope.
Btw. My mother died some time ago so I’m no longer on a benefit. But I won’t ever forget what happened and – unlike P Bennett – will stand up for beneficiaries because I know the vast bulk are there through no fault of their own and don’t rort the system.
Probably ex cops who’d PERFed out at great expense to us. Funny how they get a huge payout for not being able to do their job, and then keep doing basically the same thing.
V32, keep your chin up, and keep those reports coming, and make sure you send them to your local MP, and if you can follow up with a visit to them.
More power to you!
Hi Vicky32 – wish I had time to comment on yours but don’t at the moment but hang in there.
With all your seminars etc, dont know whether you saw Uturn’s message to you yesterday on open Mike, so here it is again.
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-24052012/#comment-474900
Thanks Deuto, and Uturn, yes, I did see it, and have made use of it! 🙂
Apache’s negligence under fire
What makes this so ridiculous is that Apache has tried to suppress information about the Varanus Island gas explosion that cost WA $3 billion because they say releasing it would “aid terrorist attacks on gas infrastructure.”
Terrorists probably wouldn’t go near them because they’re too dangerous.
The men in charge of the Reno are guilty obviously. But they were late for getting to their next port Tauranga and I believe that they were held up in Napier. Now if there are port hold-ups does the port pay a fine, refund most of the docking fee etc?
I would bet that the Captain and offsider would be under strict orders to sail within the most efficient and profitable parameters.
They were not doing their best but they were trying to get to the next link in the chain. Was it Napier’s fault equally?
I agree Prism, it would be enlightening to see if any of the port operating procedures and shipping targets of the Rena’s owners had anything to do with the shortcut they took through Astrolabe Reef – and how frequently that shortcut is taken by other ships.
Maybe there is nothing there – but an inquiry at some level would be useful.
Do we have the most under informed PM ever
“He had a paper round when he was a boy, but he had not claimed the rebate.
He first heard on Monday about the specific changes, which IRD had been working on.
The most substantial was around the tax treatment of beach houses, where the government thought allowances were too generous, and they are also closing a loophole around livestock valuations. ”
He only ever knows about things just before they happen, Who is running this country??
OOps, Link
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/budget-2012/6988099/Key-defends-Budget-tax-tweaks
“Do we have the most under informed PM ever”
—The complete opposite of that is true in fact
What we have is ever bigger and bigger liers, selling bigger lies to even stupider people, those that pay attention!
Dumb and Dumber busy ramming legislation through under urgency.Apparently they have no need for the Select Committee as conkey had a chat with Moombeam(bet he’s on a retainer) and they have decided that they know what they are doing is best for the country.How does one get rid of these smirking morons…….Legally!
What pleasant reading the standard has been this week without Concern Troll Peter George.
Yes, the discourse has been diverse and very interesting. What a pity it isn’t going to last.
While it is so petty, a PFD (Pete Free Day) is a rather good day for some.
This is sort of about the budget, but more about the reaction, and the reality.
We are now at something like 397.17 C02 and rising, zero growth or maintaining the statuesque is not an option, if the children born today want a snowballs chance in hell of being alive in 25-30 years time, then the adults in this society are going to have to work out how to live with drastic reverse growth. But no, watching TV tonight there they where, students etc crying about zero growth, they actually want to really really fuck the environment, most of whom are no doubt doing degrees involving the continued growth of energy and all the Disneyland attachments we ‘need’ to live.
Who is to blame for this massive display of ignorance?
Fucking selfish pig ignorant humans, all demanding their cut of the planet.
Gaia will heave a sigh of relief, that this 10,000 year experiment is about over, shame the effects of it will be around till the end of the planet. ie plastic, chemicals, radiation.
Time for the rubber to hit The Road 😉 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898367/
I thought it was more about idiots not politicians/politics, ops same thing, sorry.