If Labour want to win this election, then they need to go to EVERY state house in the country and inform the tenants in no uncertain terms that if National wins they will be kicked out of their house.
I guess you are right HS, realistically there’s probably only a ~50% chance per household that they will be kicked out by the NATs as the NATs continue their sell off of our state housing stock.
PRESS RELEASE: Sue Henry Housing Lobby Spokesperson:
” Leave vulnerable elderly State Housing tenants alone!”
“After Housing Minister Phil Heatley’s confirmation on TVNZ’s “Q & A” programme (Sunday 26 June 2011) that National intend to break their promises to State Housing tenants, and dismantle and privatise State Housing stock – there are further issues that need clarification”, says Sue Henry Housing Lobby Spokesperson.
“The majority of State Housing tenants receiving the Income Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS), each year, have to fully disclose all forms of income, and supply evidential statements from the appropriate departments, for an annual review by Housing New Zealand.
So, technically, an ‘annual review’ for those State Housing tenants receiving the IRRS is already in place.
Those paying market rents do not have to disclose their income details because they are not applying for the Income Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS).
_____________________________________________________________________________
“PHIL [HEATLEY – MINISTER OF HOUSING:]
Well, the interesting thing is that those people paying a full rent – we don’t know anything about them.
We don’t know if they’ve got investment properties.
We don’t know if they’ve got significant assets, own businesses. Because they pay a full rent, we historically have not asked them those questions.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
“Annually those paying market rents will simply get a statement from Housing New Zealand of their rent increase for the following year,” explained Sue Henry.
“The Minister also said surplus houses would be handed over to charities ie: third sector organisations like the Salvation Army:
_____________________________________________________________________________
“GUYON The other big aspect of this is strengthening this third-party sector, if you like, the non-governmental organisations – the Salvation Army, for example – and letting them take over a core amount of social housing.
You originally talked to of perhaps 20% of the Housing New Zealand houses going into that charity sector, if you like.
Is that still your thinking?
PHIL Look, I just have to correct you there.
We had an independent review team that actually were from-
GUYON They recommended the 20% figure?
PHIL And they recommended the 20%.
We don’t envisage that many surplus state houses being passed over. What we’re doing is looking at how we can boost the community-housing sector because, actually, they’re key here.
What we’re saying is as a government is, ‘Look, we can’t house all these people alone.’
We want to focus on those most in need, so what were going to do is pass cash, some surplus state houses and also surplus Crown land to these housing organisations across New Zealand and say to them, ‘Look, use these assets to house a lot of these people on the housing continuum that probably aren’t desperate enough to have a state house, but can’t quite go into private rental or ownership.’
______________________________________________________________________________
“There are NO surplus State houses,” states Sue Henry.
“There is a shortage.
In 1998 there were 8691 on the State Housing waiting list even after National sold off 13,000 houses as ‘surplus to requirements’.
The State Housing stock should NOT be sold off – ie: PRIVATISED, whether to supposedly ‘not-for-profit’ charities, or NGOs, or to the ‘for profit’ private sector.”
“With there no longer being tenure protection for the elderly this new policy puts them at risk.
The elderly and widows including those in Council pensioner units that Housing New Zealand took over should not be subjected to harassment and intimidation as they have been under previous National Governments.
The elderly should not be subjected to unnecessary change, and unstability.
Older citizens should feel secure in their homes, able to live out whatever life they have left in ‘peace and quiet enjoyment’.
This includes retired servicemen and widows, (World War 2 veterans) who were told that their State houses were permanent dwellings for the rest of their natural lives.
The Housing Minister Phil Heatley is acting in a very callous manner, and has no business trying to shift the housing ‘goal posts’ for these vulnerable elderly people in their twilight years,” concluded Sue Henry.
Sue Henry
Spokesperson
Housing Lobby
____________________________________________________________________________
Time for the public debate about devolution of state services to the (supposedly) not-for-profit
‘third sector’ / NGOs?
In my considered opinion – this is PRIVATISATION – end of story.
I may not yet be up to speed so excuse me if the following has been covered.
Government said they would not change income related rents for state housing prior to the 2008 election. This has been covered.
When it comes to community housing, HNZ stocks will be shifted BUT government will now say that community housing rental is different. A source told me that the accommodation supplement is being reviewed (not sure if for everyone or those who may qualify in a HNZ home) and the rental cost for community housing may be between an income related rent and a private rent.
Well done Sue and Penny I know you both will work hard for a just system. Im sure Heatley will be very aware of you both. I hope you beat the creep/.
Im afraid he has pulled a quickie over us. He opened his attack on State tenants by making it seem as if they are all earning huge wages but having subsidised homes. Unforunatly this creepy bastard may well have people believing that. Please show him up for what he is both you ladies.
Good Luck . Kia kaha.
On 9 to Noon this morning, they were talking about the CHCH red zone insurance issue with replacement costs for house insurance.
I’m not sure who the guy was, but he was talking about his specific situation where EQC said the building was a write-off and would cost over $200k to repair, while his insurance company said it would only cost $100k to repair, and that the replacement value would be $350-360k, so hence they will go for the repairable option and not pay out the full insurance policy.
The guy pointed out (using his PhD in engineering) that actually the $100k figure that the insurance company were quoting was based on the assumption that the government was going to carry out land remediation and that therefore the repairs they were going to do would be for a house with standard foundations. But the land will *not* be re-mediated by the government, and therefore to meet the building code they would need to have very specialised foundations that go deep into the ground to secure the house, which would cost well more than $100k. He pointed out that there are in fact very few engineers qualified to do that sort of planning (he was one of them). Unfortunately I had to stop listening to the interview at that point, but I guess the implication is that this low supply of labour would push the prices sky-high and cause huge delays.
Note that he described the case with the insurance companies – there is a clause saying that if the government decides to put a road through your house, then the insurance does not activate and you are required to deal with the government for a fair and equitable payout. They are using that same clause to cover the new Red Zone allocation by the government. But obviously this is not the same thing – the government isn’t just doing it for shits and giggles, they’re doing it in response to the earthquake. So the cause for your house no longer being livable (completely destroyed initially, or simply declared red zone) shouldn’t alter the ultimate outcome, because the Red Zone declaration is in strict response to the earthquake.
The discussion this morning included the information that Insurance companies intend to go back through the Red Zone and re-assess houses trying to find some to declare repairable and thus avoid paying out the full amount. This especially for “Replacement Insurance.”
David also suggested this morning that it is possible that all insurance companies could use the same loophole and by sticking together they would all be legally untouchable. They would all be classed as ratbags but what other choice would you have?
I have an idea that State Insurance was taken over by Tower?
And yes. Imagine the field day that an insurance Company would have if it claimed “We Will Pay Out On All Our Policies. Including Replacements.” It would only take one company to break ranks.
Perhaps Kiwibank could go into the business?
Seems to me that the requirement of building new strong foundations for all these buildings would be sufficient to inflate the costs to the level at which the insurers are forced to pay replacement values?
Also, the government could very easily put out a statement such as this:
“Declaration of land as Red Zone (irreparable) is a direct consequence of the earthquake damage, and therefore must not be treated as government acquisition of land as in the case of roadwork or other utility work, but instead must be treated as direct damage from the earthquake thus rendering all properties on the land as unrepairable”.
It seems this should be within the government’s abilities, I think, as it is clearly outside the scope of the insurance loophole of compulsory acquisition to build services. The government wouldn’t be taking anyone’s rights away or anything, just clarifying that their actions are a result of the earthquake – if insurers don’t have any specific opt-out clauses dealing with land acquisition in emergency cases, that’s their loss.
I am listening to him on Clive right now! Insurance companies love to not pay out… Can someone who knows, please tell me what has become of people in Christchurch who were renting?
Classic for-profit business model that one. Suck premiums in from policy holders and absolutely minimise paying out. So much to look forwards to with ACC.
I still don’t believe the polls. Apparantly the urban Labour strongholds at the last election had very low turnouts. That suggests to me that Labour voters stayed away from the polls. The question remains did they stay away becacuse the polls convinced them labour had no chance of winning or because of unhappyiness with Labour. We wont find out unless we get volunteers into those areas to ask voters did they decide based on those polls it was a waste of time to vote. Were they already hard pressed to actually get out and vote and just decided it was a waste of time anyway.
Remember the election prior to that the polls were wrong. The last election and all through this governments term we have been told that Labour have no chance. How many labour voters are being conditioned to think going out to the polls is a wasted effort.
I speak to so many people who are really scared of National but are resigned that they cannot win. Labour must investigate and depending on what they find counter it for them to have any chance of getting their voters out at the next election. If you miss this one again ( I warned about it last time with no action taken by Labour) then you don’t deserve to win.
I will admit my knowledge here is limited but I form my opinion on the basis of the above situation of low labour stronghold turnout plus a poll before the election. They only poll that actually questioned the undecided voters.
That poll asked voters if they wanted even further tax cuts than National had already promised. The results were clearly split. National voters were overwhelmingly in favour of more tax cuts. labour voters were about 50-50 and green voters were as opposed to more cuts as National voters were in favour. Then they questioned the 10% of undecided voters who overwhelmingly sided with the greens in their opinion that there should be no further tax cuts.
That leads me to believe that those 10% of undecided were in fact Left wing voters tossing up between left wing parties. They should have been asked what parties they were considering and what parties they would not vote for.
In the US undecided swing voters usually lean heavilly to the left. Undecided voters are usually investigated but not here in NZ and you have to ask why?
Yep Viper I know and they have the option to increase their share to 25% and possibly more. We are under seige and we must fight back. This election is critical.
Can someone please tell me about the recent changes to the private inestigators legislation that allows employers to spy on employees. How did labour vote on that and if they supported it please tell us why. Why haven’t Labour questioned this in the media? Workers would be furious but there has only been one small article about it in Stuff so they don’t have any idea. This is something that would alienate the government with workers so Labour should be shouting loudly about this one unless they actually voted in favour of spying on workers.
I will answer my own question. Labour and the Greens voted in favour of this bill. There are other positive aspects to the Bill such as training of security staff and compulsory checks on security personell, however I would say workers would be furious that the labour party has given the green light to private investigators spying on workers and that a workers party would draw up such legislation which they started during their last term. Would someone from labour or the Greens would like to elucidate the finer points of this leglislation please.
I think part of the problem is that employees are already under the camera anyway in a lot of workplaces (banks, hospitals, supermarkets etc) and this part of the legislation tidied that up. What this will now do is clarify the use of PI’s and more importantly, the legal status of the material such as videos that they provide.
Actually, it’s not quite like that. It’s a combination of factors.
What happened was a dismissal was zotzed by the Employment Court because the employer had paid a private investigator to install the covert camera that provided evidence for the misconduct. Unfortunately for the employer, at the time it was illegal for private investigators to make recordings without the consent of recorded parties. The evidence therefore was obtained illegally, and therefore was not admissable.
The flipside is that a private investigator is someone who investigates on behalf of another party for money. Employers can still install covert cameras or run an investigation themselves or pay security contractors to do the installation.
The only real restriction on filming employees is basic reasonableness – excessive monitoring for marginal justification could be regarded as hostile, especially if it involves covert surveillance. The other thing that springs to mind is that it would be very easy to run afoul of surreptitious filming and unlawful interception laws if the “security” justification is essentially bollocks or the camera had an audio feed.
I’m not a lawyer, but did use the trades’ entrance in that area for a while đ
Tangata, as it relates to Maori, are defined firstly by whanau (family), then hapu (extended family), then iwi (tribe), then as Maori, not the other way around.
Whenua defines the land (rohe) from whence they whakapapa (claim ancestral ties) to and is denoted by the river, the mountain, the ancestor who first settled there and the canoe from whence they journeyed from Pasifika on.
Tangata Whenua therefore relate only to the iwi within it’s rohe. If say for instance you’re Kahungunu living in Nga Puhi, you’re manuhiri (visitor/guest) not tangata whenua as shown in the protocols for welcoming guests to a marae. Tangata whenua on one side, manuhiri on the other. An analogy would be that, if you’re from Scotland you cant go to England and claim you’re indigenous/tangata whenua though you’re from the same island.
So while it may be expedient to include all Maori under the one classification, “those bloody maaaris” it is patently false to consider Maori as one united people and be treated as such. Hence the difficulty in settling all treaty claims under one collective agreement. Neither are Maori to be considered one ‘race’ in much the same respect that Scottish people are not considered to be of the Scottish ‘race’. We do not make the distinction between the disparate peoples of Europe into races, why do we do it for Maori ? Do we consider Fijians to be the Fijian race or the Samoan race or the Tongan race or how about the French race, the Luxembourg race, the German race ?
The independent nature of Maori as individual iwi/sovereign nations was guaranteed, not by one single person representing Maori on the whole in the signing of the treaty, but by the sovereigns/chiefs of each iwi signing on behalf of the subjects within their dominion/rohe.
hope that goes some way to sorting out a few people’s misconceptions.
It was said that the royals would act on the advice of the NZ Government. I wonder what that advice would be? Ummm? Not that the NZ Govt would have a vested interest of course.
Either he’s correct, and they do end up coming. Or he’s wrong, and he ends up with egg over his face as a result of these emphatic declarations that Yes, The Royals Are Coming.
Have to wonder why he bothered, really, don’t you?
Jim N. Key will still try his hardest to get a Royal visit before the election
He’ s a royalist to the core . I also firmly believe he is after a knighthood. Im surprised he did not get one when they dished out the last lot ,but perhaps wiser heads advised him to wait until the election is over. He may have left it too late.I presume that if Labour wins they will reverse the titular titles ? I certainly hope so. However just watch Johnny boy when and if he gets to become Sir John.
So Cactus KKKate has officially thrown her hat into the ring with as eatarse an explanation as any brown nosing right wing suckhole is ever likely to make.
Kathy Odgers has a grossly inflated opinion of herself and her abilities. She is devoid of most humane instincts and has no concept of the actual meaning of the word “justice”. I hope she makes it to parliament because the prospect of seeing certain political opponents make mince meat of her would indeed be amusing.
I wonder if anybody knows anything about this:
My wife needs an unsubsidised prescription drug. When she first got it, her doctor quoted her a price out of a book for this drug, and that is how much it cost at our local pharmacy, and at every other one as far as I’m aware.
Now, it seems as though our local pharmacy set its own price, 35 % higher (of course). I can still get the same product for a much lower price online, which naturally I do. But what interests me is, how come the price a doctor quoted a year ago is no longer universal? I’ve asked around and it seems that all unsubsidised prescription medicines now cost whatever your pharmacy wants to charge for them. Has there been a legal change in recent months that allowed this practice?
We are not exactly over the moon, as healthcare cost more then enough before this and what’s more, I certainly have not seen any notification of an impending change anywhere beforehand. Anyone?
Only illumination I can offer is those new Avigra ads where they say that it is “significantly cheaper than viagra” but they can’t give a price because prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. So I’d say this is a general thing, rather than something unusual or specific to your case. Whether it is new, or has always been that way, I don’t know.
For the record, avigra is exactly the same as viagra. The active ingredient is now out of patent, so there are lots of generic brands popping up that are cheaper. Seems that the pfizer decided they’d make their own “generic” type. So the ad is a little misleading, in that it gives you the impression it’s a different, but cheaper and same effectiveness drug, when really it’s exactly the same just has a different name.
Pharmacies can charge whatever price they want for a medicine that is completely unsubsidised by the government that has always been the case. Usually they mark it up by a standard percentage but they are under no legal obligation to do so.
My advice would be to ask your GP if there is a subsidised alternative and failing that find a good pharmacist who is not solely interested in their profit line and will only add a small profit margin.
If you can name the medicine for me I can perhaps advise you what to ask your GP.
Thanks HS, I have a source at the price we always paid. And thanks for the info, everyone I asked who is in the same boat was flabbergasted. They thought they could trust their health professionals. I was talking about an anti-inflammatory btw., of which there are no subsidised substitutes.
A new left wing party launced from the poorsest multicultural electorate in NZ wherever that is. The rich have theirs in the Act party. Maori stand to gain even more support from 2 parties and maybe Hone is really for all of us but many non maori voters will suspect he represents mainly Maori.
If you read Chris Fords article on Voxy and believe it then Hone really left the Maori Party over the Seabed and Foreshore legislation. Chris thinks that the claims to the foreshore and seabed etc are in the interests of a new Maori rich elite and that this is who Hone is really fighting for. Even if this is true he is at least going to do some damage to the National party which will help the left. Also Matt McCarten is clearly a lefty. Tell me what you think of Chris Ford’s observations about Hone’s true motivations for forming the Mana party.
I think Turiana Turai stating that personally she would like to abolish the dole even though its not Maori Party policy would be enough to destroy the Maori party if Labour sent out flyers in her electorate and the other Maori electorates with this quote included and explained. If I were standing against her that is cwhat I would do.
This statement from Turia makes it clear that the Maori party are not for the poor and explains their connection with the National party.
just discovered another nasty hootonism.
must be him running the anti baby boomer spin.
roger the mutt is busy handing it out in the dompost this morning.
it is just an attack on the national super.
it all sounds like a bit of harmless ageist banter but its intent is DEADLY.
A cost-cutting exercise that caused 15% of the Department of Conservationâs permanent conservation science staff to lose their jobs is a disgrace, says Nationalâs Conservation spokesman, Simon Power.
Forest and Bird reported in their February newsletter that DOC has undertaken a cost-cutting and restructuring exercise, even though its annual report stated it lacked the core capacity to properly protect the majority of our threatened native species.
âNow that it has cut 15% of its permanent science staff, there is likely to be a serious reduction in its species recovery work, putting our native species at even more risk of extinction,â says Mr Power.
InterestingâŠ
Mr Power is blaming DoC for the budget cuts that NAct have rammed through.
Stunning!
What’s next?
Wayne Mapp damning MSI for NACT’s budget cuts in failing to deliver on innovation for growth?
Tony Ryall blaming, when the next health disaster hits, the Minister of Health for the NACT government slashing and burning the Ministry of Health?
These are geniuses in government.
In about 2005 doc staffing nod were reduced little barrier has had it’s resources reduced and the volunteers at Tori have been asked to do more. Does no one understand perhaps our most underfunded ministry is the foundation of what differientates nz from every other country and greatly enhances tourism . we are and have been led by muppets, kermit on one side and fozie bear on the other
“Philip Morris Asia said today it had served a notice of legal claim on the government under Australia’s bilateral investment treaty with Hong Kong, which holds the government responsible to protect Hong Kong investments in Australia.”
Private Corporations are now emboldened to take on Sovereign Countries.
This is a replay of centuries past. We have a political class now which is more focussed on what is good for corporations, not what is good for the public service mission.
The Employers’ & Manufacturers Association says it needs time to decide the fate of its CEO Alasdair Thompson.
The EMA has been hit by angry feedback from its membership and others over Thompson’s comments during a radio interview on Thursday morning suggesting women take more sick leave because of their monthly periods.
This morning it cancelled an emergency board meeting convened to discuss the situation and Thompson’s future.
“These sorts of decisions that are momentous, are not the sorts of decisions to be rushed. The board need to deliberate and not be pushed in to making a decision by media or witch-hunts,” said EMA’s communications manager Gilbert Peterson.
Although today’s board meeting was called off, members were in communication with each other over the matter, he said.
An announcement was expected to be made in the next few days, said Peterson.
Thompson could not be contacted for comment and he was not expected at work today.
Calls for the CEO to quit have grown during the weekend, in spite of him twice apologising for his remarks.
At one point his detractors mounted a tampon-throwing protest outside the EMA’s offices in Khyber Pass Rd, Auckland.
Nelson-based Labour list MP Maryan Street has confirmed knowledge of an overseas confrontation between Thompson and unionist Helen Kelly in 2009 – but says Thompson doesn’t need any help to talk himself out of a job.
“He’s reaping his own whirlwind,” Street told the Nelson Mail today.
Thompson was being interviewed alongside Kelly, the Council of Trade Unions president, on Newstalk ZB on Thursday when he made the productivity comments.
The Herald on Sunday reported that Thompson had boasted that he had asked Prime Minister John Key about a sexual relationship with Kelly.
An un-named influential businesswoman, who witnessed the confrontation, is reportedly making a formal complaint to the board of the EMA, which was to gather today but then cancelled its meeting.
Kelly has also confirmed the incident, which came in the course of a high-level trade meeting at the US-NZ Partnership Forum in the US in 2009.
Late last night, the Prime Minister’s office dismissed the allegations as “totally ridiculous”.
The source said the comments were made without any basis other than Helen Kelly and John Key’s “good working relationship”.
Street said today she was at the same table as Kelly and the businesswoman.
She didn’t overhear the initial comments but the report was accurate as the conversation had been relayed to her at the time, she said. She did overhear the shouted remarks as Kelly walked away, and recalled that Kelly “turned round and abused him”.
“I clearly don’t need to comment further on this because Mr Thompson is successfully destroying himself,” Street said. “More broadly, business in New Zealand needs modern, innovative, imaginative leaders, and Alasdair Thompson is none of those things.
“It’s time he went – but he’s doing it himself, without any assistance from me.”
Street would respect the businesswoman’s anonymity but she was a well-known figure. She understood the woman’s complaint was being laid yesterday.
Thatâs a statement of fact, not a question btw. He recently tweeted that Telecom isn’t owned by overseas companies… What a douchebag! Telecom was sold to two United States-based telecommunications companies, Bell Atlantic and Ameritech, for NZ$4.25 billion in 1990.
As I understand it Bell Atlantic and Ameritech had dumped their shareholdings by about 1997 after pulling about $8b in profits out but that doesn’t mean that anyone in NZ bought them.
I’ve been having a little dig at it looks like around 5.65% of Telecom is invested in by NZ companies. Accident Compensation Corporation â NZCSD 60,689,024 shares or 3.15% and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nominees â NZCD 48,067,830 shares or 2.50% meaning that 94.35% of the profits go out of New Zealand.
There’s a few small NZ investors, but not enough to mention. I wonder why more mum and dad investors donât put their money into Telecom?
I wonder why more mum and dad investors donât put their money into Telecom?
Because Telecom NZ are evil bastards who screw the public?
At least that is the view of myself and the investors in my family (the exact phrasing is my fathers). We also don’t deal with them directly. They have a couple of decades of bad deeds plus whatever they are doing now to lose wealth for. It doesn’t matter how much Joyce tries to prop them up. Eventually we will drive them out of business.
Mr Key joked that as much as he loved his wife, he did not think he would be building a replica in Auckland.
“I’m not sure how it would be funded. I certainly can’t and I can’t see Bill English giving the money for this. The cycleway was a bit of a stretch for him.”
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The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that âNew Zealandâs economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerfulâ. They also believe that âNew Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerfulâ. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
âYou talking about me?âThe neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hallâs âGlide Timeâ caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund â When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayersâ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund â and ...
Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 âredesign of the welfare stateâ â which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty â various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being âWorking for Familiesâ, introduced in 2005. ...
Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing âon why Melissa is muteâ. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Leeâs ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from âserious populist discontentâ. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring âhard-working peopleâ. ...
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 yearâs 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, Labourâs 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 countryâs 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 Governmentâs Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a âget out of jail freeâ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
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 Zealandâs good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National governmentâs lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for TÄmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Governmentâs democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Governmentâs proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change thatâs great for the planet and great for consumers after her memberâs bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the countryâs books after Teanau Tuionoâs membersâ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his memberâs bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Todayâs advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Governmentâs newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealandâs urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealandâs hydrogen future, with the opening of the countryâs first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. âI want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealandâs own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealandâs energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. âThe report shows that New Zealandâs emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,â Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where heâll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Governmentâs work to restore law and order. âAttending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealandâs human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the worldâs largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. âThe reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealandâs wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin  NgÄ mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho  Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.  I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. âOur Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealandâs overseas missions.  âOur diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealandâs interests around the world,â Mr Peters says.  âI am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. Â âOver 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. âIt is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. âOur coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
âChina remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,â Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.  Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. âRecently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachersâ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.  âThe Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. âScience, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During todayâs meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. âThe Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in TaupĆ as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the TaupĆ International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. âAnticipation for the ITM TaupĆ Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. âThe coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. âThis project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sectorâs productivity,â Mr Jones says. âThe project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Governmentâs plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. âBenefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Governmentâs commitment to doubling New Zealandâs renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealandâs latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. âOur Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. âNew Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Governmentâs intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. âThe introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Todayâs announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Governmentâs plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. âInflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sectorâs role in the export-led recovery of the economy. âI am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Governmentâs support for the revitalisation the sector.  "New Zealandâs wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. âThe inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. âMy meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singaporeâs outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.  Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpartâs almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During todayâs meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Lowry, Ice Sheet & Climate Modeller, GNS Science Hugh Chittock/Antarctica New Zealand, CC BY-SA As the climate warms and Antarcticaâs glaciers and ice sheets melt, the resulting rise in sea level has the potential to displace hundreds of millions of ...
The government's plan to reintroduce a three strikes regime is being strongly opposed by lawyers, who argue there is no evidence it reduces crime or helps people rehabilitate. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Jerker B. Svantesson, Professor specialising in Internet law, Bond University Do Australian courts have the right to decide what foreign citizens, located overseas, view online on a foreign-owned platform? Anyone inclined to answer âyesâ to this question should perhaps also ask ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giovanni E Ferreira, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney Last week in a post on X, owner of the platform Elon Musk recommended people look into disc replacement if theyâre experiencing severe neck or back pain. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey caught the headlines yesterday, courtesy of a blistering speech condemning the latest GST carve-up. New South Wales, he claimed, would be A$11.9 billion worse off over the ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
By Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at Kokoda Station, Northern province, at the start of his state visit to Papua New Guinea. Both Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape will meet with the locals and the Northern Provincial government before they begin their ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Wallace, Professor, School of Politics Economics & Society, Faculty of Business Government & Law, University of Canberra Shutterstock An important principle was invoked by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week in defence of the governmentâs Future Made in Australia industry ...
A poll last August found that just 16% of New Zealanders oppose bringing back the âThree Strikesâ law. The nationwide poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was commissioned by Family First NZ and carried out by Curia Market Research. ...
The solo show from Ana Scotney is both sprawling and intimate, and a must-see, writes Mad Chapman. In the opening moments of Scattergun: After the Death of RĆ«aumoko, writer and performer Ana Scotney lays out the groundwork, literally. Silently moving around the square stage, Scotney is not so much dancing ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Burridge, Professor of Linguistics, Monash University Who makes the words? Why are trees called trees and why are shoes called shoes and who makes the names? – Elliot, age 5, Eltham, Victoria Good question Elliot! Letâs start with ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne at amRawpixel.com/Shutterstock Roles of health professionals are still unfortunately often stuck in the past. That is, before the ...
COMMENTARY:By Malcolm Evans Last weekâs leaked New York Times staff directive, as to what words can and cannot be used to describe the carnage Israel is raining on Palestinians, is proof positive, since those reports are published verbatim here in New Zealand, that our understanding of the conflict is ...
In the case of New Zealand, the results confirm that there is no popular support for the vicious austerity program being imposed by the National Party-led government, which is backed in all fundamental respects by the opposition Labour Party. ...
The âVampireâ singer has never visited our part of the world, but that might all be about to change. We assess the evidence.Olivia Rodrigoâs Guts World Tour is pulling in massive crowds as it whips around the US and Europe, even helping to catapult regular supporting act Chappell Roan ...
Testing of drinking water in rural Canterbury over the weekend by Greenpeace revealed that several public town supplies were reaching levels of nitrate above 5 mg/L - the threshold which a growing body of scientific evidence has linked to increased ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rohan Fisher, Information Technology for Development Researcher, Charles Darwin University It may come as a surprise to hear 2023 was Australiaâs biggest bushfire season in more than a decade. Fires burned across an area eight times as big as the 2019â20 Black ...
Responding to the Governmentâs announcement of changes to resource management laws, Taxpayersâ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said: âThese changes are a step in the right direction in terms of removing ideological and unworkable ...
More than two years after the Human Rights Council called for the establishment of a national human rights commission, such a body has yet to be formed. ...
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If Labour want to win this election, then they need to go to EVERY state house in the country and inform the tenants in no uncertain terms that if National wins they will be kicked out of their house.
Simple as that.
Don’t worry Millsy lying is standard practice for all politicians and political parties so they may very well do that.
I guess you are right HS, realistically there’s probably only a ~50% chance per household that they will be kicked out by the NATs as the NATs continue their sell off of our state housing stock.
PRESS RELEASE: Sue Henry Housing Lobby Spokesperson:
” Leave vulnerable elderly State Housing tenants alone!”
“After Housing Minister Phil Heatley’s confirmation on TVNZ’s “Q & A” programme (Sunday 26 June 2011) that National intend to break their promises to State Housing tenants, and dismantle and privatise State Housing stock – there are further issues that need clarification”, says Sue Henry Housing Lobby Spokesperson.
http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/phil-heatley-interview-transcript-4262392
“The majority of State Housing tenants receiving the Income Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS), each year, have to fully disclose all forms of income, and supply evidential statements from the appropriate departments, for an annual review by Housing New Zealand.
So, technically, an ‘annual review’ for those State Housing tenants receiving the IRRS is already in place.
Those paying market rents do not have to disclose their income details because they are not applying for the Income Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS).
_____________________________________________________________________________
“PHIL [HEATLEY – MINISTER OF HOUSING:]
Well, the interesting thing is that those people paying a full rent – we don’t know anything about them.
We don’t know if they’ve got investment properties.
We don’t know if they’ve got significant assets, own businesses. Because they pay a full rent, we historically have not asked them those questions.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
“Annually those paying market rents will simply get a statement from Housing New Zealand of their rent increase for the following year,” explained Sue Henry.
“The Minister also said surplus houses would be handed over to charities ie: third sector organisations like the Salvation Army:
_____________________________________________________________________________
“GUYON The other big aspect of this is strengthening this third-party sector, if you like, the non-governmental organisations – the Salvation Army, for example – and letting them take over a core amount of social housing.
You originally talked to of perhaps 20% of the Housing New Zealand houses going into that charity sector, if you like.
Is that still your thinking?
PHIL Look, I just have to correct you there.
We had an independent review team that actually were from-
GUYON They recommended the 20% figure?
PHIL And they recommended the 20%.
We don’t envisage that many surplus state houses being passed over. What we’re doing is looking at how we can boost the community-housing sector because, actually, they’re key here.
What we’re saying is as a government is, ‘Look, we can’t house all these people alone.’
We want to focus on those most in need, so what were going to do is pass cash, some surplus state houses and also surplus Crown land to these housing organisations across New Zealand and say to them, ‘Look, use these assets to house a lot of these people on the housing continuum that probably aren’t desperate enough to have a state house, but can’t quite go into private rental or ownership.’
______________________________________________________________________________
“There are NO surplus State houses,” states Sue Henry.
“There is a shortage.
In 1998 there were 8691 on the State Housing waiting list even after National sold off 13,000 houses as ‘surplus to requirements’.
(http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/Daily/2/e/4/48HansD_20071108-Volume-643-Week-60-Thursday-8-November-2007.htm )
The State Housing stock should NOT be sold off – ie: PRIVATISED, whether to supposedly ‘not-for-profit’ charities, or NGOs, or to the ‘for profit’ private sector.”
“With there no longer being tenure protection for the elderly this new policy puts them at risk.
The elderly and widows including those in Council pensioner units that Housing New Zealand took over should not be subjected to harassment and intimidation as they have been under previous National Governments.
The elderly should not be subjected to unnecessary change, and unstability.
Older citizens should feel secure in their homes, able to live out whatever life they have left in ‘peace and quiet enjoyment’.
This includes retired servicemen and widows, (World War 2 veterans) who were told that their State houses were permanent dwellings for the rest of their natural lives.
The Housing Minister Phil Heatley is acting in a very callous manner, and has no business trying to shift the housing ‘goal posts’ for these vulnerable elderly people in their twilight years,” concluded Sue Henry.
Sue Henry
Spokesperson
Housing Lobby
____________________________________________________________________________
Time for the public debate about devolution of state services to the (supposedly) not-for-profit
‘third sector’ / NGOs?
In my considered opinion – this is PRIVATISATION – end of story.
What do others think?
Forwarded in the public interest.
Penny Bright
http://waterpressure.wordpress.com
I may not yet be up to speed so excuse me if the following has been covered.
Government said they would not change income related rents for state housing prior to the 2008 election. This has been covered.
When it comes to community housing, HNZ stocks will be shifted BUT government will now say that community housing rental is different. A source told me that the accommodation supplement is being reviewed (not sure if for everyone or those who may qualify in a HNZ home) and the rental cost for community housing may be between an income related rent and a private rent.
Well done Sue and Penny I know you both will work hard for a just system. Im sure Heatley will be very aware of you both. I hope you beat the creep/.
Im afraid he has pulled a quickie over us. He opened his attack on State tenants by making it seem as if they are all earning huge wages but having subsidised homes. Unforunatly this creepy bastard may well have people believing that. Please show him up for what he is both you ladies.
Good Luck . Kia kaha.
On 9 to Noon this morning, they were talking about the CHCH red zone insurance issue with replacement costs for house insurance.
I’m not sure who the guy was, but he was talking about his specific situation where EQC said the building was a write-off and would cost over $200k to repair, while his insurance company said it would only cost $100k to repair, and that the replacement value would be $350-360k, so hence they will go for the repairable option and not pay out the full insurance policy.
The guy pointed out (using his PhD in engineering) that actually the $100k figure that the insurance company were quoting was based on the assumption that the government was going to carry out land remediation and that therefore the repairs they were going to do would be for a house with standard foundations. But the land will *not* be re-mediated by the government, and therefore to meet the building code they would need to have very specialised foundations that go deep into the ground to secure the house, which would cost well more than $100k. He pointed out that there are in fact very few engineers qualified to do that sort of planning (he was one of them). Unfortunately I had to stop listening to the interview at that point, but I guess the implication is that this low supply of labour would push the prices sky-high and cause huge delays.
So it seems like a simple reality-based approached, coupled with this http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/5195255/Christchurch-earthquake-legal-advice-sought may be sufficient to get the insurance companies to pay out what they should be paying.
Note that he described the case with the insurance companies – there is a clause saying that if the government decides to put a road through your house, then the insurance does not activate and you are required to deal with the government for a fair and equitable payout. They are using that same clause to cover the new Red Zone allocation by the government. But obviously this is not the same thing – the government isn’t just doing it for shits and giggles, they’re doing it in response to the earthquake. So the cause for your house no longer being livable (completely destroyed initially, or simply declared red zone) shouldn’t alter the ultimate outcome, because the Red Zone declaration is in strict response to the earthquake.
Lanthanide. That was David Haywood who wrote a column about this on Public Address last week.
http://publicaddress.net/southerly/tower-insurance-have-some-bad-news-for-you/
The discussion this morning included the information that Insurance companies intend to go back through the Red Zone and re-assess houses trying to find some to declare repairable and thus avoid paying out the full amount. This especially for “Replacement Insurance.”
David also suggested this morning that it is possible that all insurance companies could use the same loophole and by sticking together they would all be legally untouchable. They would all be classed as ratbags but what other choice would you have?
Perfect time for a state owned insurer to grab a huge amount of marketshare off the privateers. Oh that’s right we used to have one, didn’t we?
I have an idea that State Insurance was taken over by Tower?
And yes. Imagine the field day that an insurance Company would have if it claimed “We Will Pay Out On All Our Policies. Including Replacements.” It would only take one company to break ranks.
Perhaps Kiwibank could go into the business?
“Kiwi-sure”?
Somehow I don’t think that the current bunch of muppets will go for a highly profitable state-owned insurer. đ
I know for a fact that proposals for a “KiwiSure” type organisation have been talked about in the past but never gone anywhere.
But its clear that the private sector will always palm off the heaviest most difficult lifting to the state when things become too unprofitable.
Ta Ian.
Seems to me that the requirement of building new strong foundations for all these buildings would be sufficient to inflate the costs to the level at which the insurers are forced to pay replacement values?
Also, the government could very easily put out a statement such as this:
“Declaration of land as Red Zone (irreparable) is a direct consequence of the earthquake damage, and therefore must not be treated as government acquisition of land as in the case of roadwork or other utility work, but instead must be treated as direct damage from the earthquake thus rendering all properties on the land as unrepairable”.
It seems this should be within the government’s abilities, I think, as it is clearly outside the scope of the insurance loophole of compulsory acquisition to build services. The government wouldn’t be taking anyone’s rights away or anything, just clarifying that their actions are a result of the earthquake – if insurers don’t have any specific opt-out clauses dealing with land acquisition in emergency cases, that’s their loss.
I am listening to him on Clive right now! Insurance companies love to not pay out… Can someone who knows, please tell me what has become of people in Christchurch who were renting?
Classic for-profit business model that one. Suck premiums in from policy holders and absolutely minimise paying out. So much to look forwards to with ACC.
I still don’t believe the polls. Apparantly the urban Labour strongholds at the last election had very low turnouts. That suggests to me that Labour voters stayed away from the polls. The question remains did they stay away becacuse the polls convinced them labour had no chance of winning or because of unhappyiness with Labour. We wont find out unless we get volunteers into those areas to ask voters did they decide based on those polls it was a waste of time to vote. Were they already hard pressed to actually get out and vote and just decided it was a waste of time anyway.
Remember the election prior to that the polls were wrong. The last election and all through this governments term we have been told that Labour have no chance. How many labour voters are being conditioned to think going out to the polls is a wasted effort.
I speak to so many people who are really scared of National but are resigned that they cannot win. Labour must investigate and depending on what they find counter it for them to have any chance of getting their voters out at the next election. If you miss this one again ( I warned about it last time with no action taken by Labour) then you don’t deserve to win.
I will admit my knowledge here is limited but I form my opinion on the basis of the above situation of low labour stronghold turnout plus a poll before the election. They only poll that actually questioned the undecided voters.
That poll asked voters if they wanted even further tax cuts than National had already promised. The results were clearly split. National voters were overwhelmingly in favour of more tax cuts. labour voters were about 50-50 and green voters were as opposed to more cuts as National voters were in favour. Then they questioned the 10% of undecided voters who overwhelmingly sided with the greens in their opinion that there should be no further tax cuts.
That leads me to believe that those 10% of undecided were in fact Left wing voters tossing up between left wing parties. They should have been asked what parties they were considering and what parties they would not vote for.
In the US undecided swing voters usually lean heavilly to the left. Undecided voters are usually investigated but not here in NZ and you have to ask why?
The Left needs its own MSM in this country. The Murdochs and MediaWorks of this world are great friends of right wing governments.
You know of course that Goldman Sachs now owns 13% of MediaWorks.
Yep Viper I know and they have the option to increase their share to 25% and possibly more. We are under seige and we must fight back. This election is critical.
Can someone please tell me about the recent changes to the private inestigators legislation that allows employers to spy on employees. How did labour vote on that and if they supported it please tell us why. Why haven’t Labour questioned this in the media? Workers would be furious but there has only been one small article about it in Stuff so they don’t have any idea. This is something that would alienate the government with workers so Labour should be shouting loudly about this one unless they actually voted in favour of spying on workers.
I will answer my own question. Labour and the Greens voted in favour of this bill. There are other positive aspects to the Bill such as training of security staff and compulsory checks on security personell, however I would say workers would be furious that the labour party has given the green light to private investigators spying on workers and that a workers party would draw up such legislation which they started during their last term. Would someone from labour or the Greens would like to elucidate the finer points of this leglislation please.
I think part of the problem is that employees are already under the camera anyway in a lot of workplaces (banks, hospitals, supermarkets etc) and this part of the legislation tidied that up. What this will now do is clarify the use of PI’s and more importantly, the legal status of the material such as videos that they provide.
Actually, it’s not quite like that. It’s a combination of factors.
What happened was a dismissal was zotzed by the Employment Court because the employer had paid a private investigator to install the covert camera that provided evidence for the misconduct. Unfortunately for the employer, at the time it was illegal for private investigators to make recordings without the consent of recorded parties. The evidence therefore was obtained illegally, and therefore was not admissable.
The flipside is that a private investigator is someone who investigates on behalf of another party for money. Employers can still install covert cameras or run an investigation themselves or pay security contractors to do the installation.
The only real restriction on filming employees is basic reasonableness – excessive monitoring for marginal justification could be regarded as hostile, especially if it involves covert surveillance. The other thing that springs to mind is that it would be very easy to run afoul of surreptitious filming and unlawful interception laws if the “security” justification is essentially bollocks or the camera had an audio feed.
I’m not a lawyer, but did use the trades’ entrance in that area for a while đ
I think this needs to be cleared up…
Tangata whenua – people of the land
Tangata, as it relates to Maori, are defined firstly by whanau (family), then hapu (extended family), then iwi (tribe), then as Maori, not the other way around.
Whenua defines the land (rohe) from whence they whakapapa (claim ancestral ties) to and is denoted by the river, the mountain, the ancestor who first settled there and the canoe from whence they journeyed from Pasifika on.
Tangata Whenua therefore relate only to the iwi within it’s rohe. If say for instance you’re Kahungunu living in Nga Puhi, you’re manuhiri (visitor/guest) not tangata whenua as shown in the protocols for welcoming guests to a marae. Tangata whenua on one side, manuhiri on the other. An analogy would be that, if you’re from Scotland you cant go to England and claim you’re indigenous/tangata whenua though you’re from the same island.
So while it may be expedient to include all Maori under the one classification, “those bloody maaaris” it is patently false to consider Maori as one united people and be treated as such. Hence the difficulty in settling all treaty claims under one collective agreement. Neither are Maori to be considered one ‘race’ in much the same respect that Scottish people are not considered to be of the Scottish ‘race’. We do not make the distinction between the disparate peoples of Europe into races, why do we do it for Maori ? Do we consider Fijians to be the Fijian race or the Samoan race or the Tongan race or how about the French race, the Luxembourg race, the German race ?
The independent nature of Maori as individual iwi/sovereign nations was guaranteed, not by one single person representing Maori on the whole in the signing of the treaty, but by the sovereigns/chiefs of each iwi signing on behalf of the subjects within their dominion/rohe.
hope that goes some way to sorting out a few people’s misconceptions.
chur.
Key still holding a candle that Wills and Kate will attend the World Cup.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5195414/PM-denies-royals-have-canned-trip
Give it up John, the royals might be superfluous but they clearly understand democracy, unlike you.
It was said that the royals would act on the advice of the NZ Government. I wonder what that advice would be? Ummm? Not that the NZ Govt would have a vested interest of course.
Quebec’s rallying cry: “Get lost, William!”
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/people/royal-tour-draws-protesters-20110627-1gmcp.html
Seems like there’s only downside for Key in this.
Either he’s correct, and they do end up coming. Or he’s wrong, and he ends up with egg over his face as a result of these emphatic declarations that Yes, The Royals Are Coming.
Have to wonder why he bothered, really, don’t you?
Maybe a few photos from the Royal Wedding didn’t turn out so good so there is still an empty page in his scrap book.
The Royals may be more circumspect and wise enough
to make their own decision and work behind the scenes to postpone their visit.
From the distance, they may have noticed
how Key is cunning at using other people for his personal advantage.
Wills and Kate @ Buckingham Palace as another version of
Aroha and Joan Nathan @ McGehan Close?
Wills and Kate would more constructively enhance their image as future sovereigns
by visiting, not before, but after 26 Nov 11.
Coming on this side of the election
promotes the short term gains of Key’s political image
rather than their own long term royal standing.
Jim N. Key will still try his hardest to get a Royal visit before the election
He’ s a royalist to the core . I also firmly believe he is after a knighthood. Im surprised he did not get one when they dished out the last lot ,but perhaps wiser heads advised him to wait until the election is over. He may have left it too late.I presume that if Labour wins they will reverse the titular titles ? I certainly hope so. However just watch Johnny boy when and if he gets to become Sir John.
Audrey Young advises Mp and Mana to kiss and make up
Apparently for the best interests of the country.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10734724
So Cactus KKKate has officially thrown her hat into the ring with as eatarse an explanation as any brown nosing right wing suckhole is ever likely to make.
yawn*zzzzzzz*yawn
http://asianinvasion2006.blogspot.com/2011/06/statement-on-potential-act-candidacy.html
Somehow I don’t think that she wants to represent you polly…
Who is she fooling?
The likes of Coddington and Roy were failures in that bunch dominated by white wannabe K.K.K. pricks eager for K.Y.
She will be used and then dumped by the puppet-masters running the whole A.C.T.
If she thinks she will make a difference, she is dumber than a cabbage.
She thinks of joining the political cemetery of male, pale and stale –
she would do well to change her handle to cactus kale.
Kathy Odgers has a grossly inflated opinion of herself and her abilities. She is devoid of most humane instincts and has no concept of the actual meaning of the word “justice”. I hope she makes it to parliament because the prospect of seeing certain political opponents make mince meat of her would indeed be amusing.
^ this. She really isn’t that smart, but she’s smart enough to associate with people even less so.
Aww I’m hurt…
Seriously though, she loves me, all my kids and their Maori whanau. I know secretly she wants to have my babies, if only to eat them.
Honestly, I don’t think i’ve come across a more caring and compassionate person on line. Feel the love in this thread…
http://asianinvasion2006.blogspot.com/2011/01/hone-launches-self-mana-enhancement.html
…so why she’d want to be spitroasted between Bed n Breakfast (Brash and Banks) is beyond me ?
I wonder if anybody knows anything about this:
My wife needs an unsubsidised prescription drug. When she first got it, her doctor quoted her a price out of a book for this drug, and that is how much it cost at our local pharmacy, and at every other one as far as I’m aware.
Now, it seems as though our local pharmacy set its own price, 35 % higher (of course). I can still get the same product for a much lower price online, which naturally I do. But what interests me is, how come the price a doctor quoted a year ago is no longer universal? I’ve asked around and it seems that all unsubsidised prescription medicines now cost whatever your pharmacy wants to charge for them. Has there been a legal change in recent months that allowed this practice?
We are not exactly over the moon, as healthcare cost more then enough before this and what’s more, I certainly have not seen any notification of an impending change anywhere beforehand. Anyone?
Might also be worth getting in touch with Grant Robertson Labour MP/health spokesperson with the details of your observations.
Parliamentary Office
grant.robertson@parliament.govt.nz
Tel: 04 817 8204
Fax: 04 439 6473
Mob: 021 270 9023
Good question.
Only illumination I can offer is those new Avigra ads where they say that it is “significantly cheaper than viagra” but they can’t give a price because prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. So I’d say this is a general thing, rather than something unusual or specific to your case. Whether it is new, or has always been that way, I don’t know.
For the record, avigra is exactly the same as viagra. The active ingredient is now out of patent, so there are lots of generic brands popping up that are cheaper. Seems that the pfizer decided they’d make their own “generic” type. So the ad is a little misleading, in that it gives you the impression it’s a different, but cheaper and same effectiveness drug, when really it’s exactly the same just has a different name.
Hi Augustus
Pharmacies can charge whatever price they want for a medicine that is completely unsubsidised by the government that has always been the case. Usually they mark it up by a standard percentage but they are under no legal obligation to do so.
My advice would be to ask your GP if there is a subsidised alternative and failing that find a good pharmacist who is not solely interested in their profit line and will only add a small profit margin.
If you can name the medicine for me I can perhaps advise you what to ask your GP.
Thanks HS, I have a source at the price we always paid. And thanks for the info, everyone I asked who is in the same boat was flabbergasted. They thought they could trust their health professionals. I was talking about an anti-inflammatory btw., of which there are no subsidised substitutes.
Suggestion
A new left wing party launced from the poorsest multicultural electorate in NZ wherever that is. The rich have theirs in the Act party. Maori stand to gain even more support from 2 parties and maybe Hone is really for all of us but many non maori voters will suspect he represents mainly Maori.
If you read Chris Fords article on Voxy and believe it then Hone really left the Maori Party over the Seabed and Foreshore legislation. Chris thinks that the claims to the foreshore and seabed etc are in the interests of a new Maori rich elite and that this is who Hone is really fighting for. Even if this is true he is at least going to do some damage to the National party which will help the left. Also Matt McCarten is clearly a lefty. Tell me what you think of Chris Ford’s observations about Hone’s true motivations for forming the Mana party.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/hollow-victory-hone-te-tai-tokerau/1273/93222
I think Turiana Turai stating that personally she would like to abolish the dole even though its not Maori Party policy would be enough to destroy the Maori party if Labour sent out flyers in her electorate and the other Maori electorates with this quote included and explained. If I were standing against her that is cwhat I would do.
This statement from Turia makes it clear that the Maori party are not for the poor and explains their connection with the National party.
just discovered another nasty hootonism.
must be him running the anti baby boomer spin.
roger the mutt is busy handing it out in the dompost this morning.
it is just an attack on the national super.
it all sounds like a bit of harmless ageist banter but its intent is DEADLY.
A New Wiggle
A few Minsters tried out for a Wiggles position today…
DOC job losses a disgrace
InterestingâŠ
Mr Power is blaming DoC for the budget cuts that NAct have rammed through.
Stunning!
What’s next?
Wayne Mapp damning MSI for NACT’s budget cuts in failing to deliver on innovation for growth?
Tony Ryall blaming, when the next health disaster hits, the Minister of Health for the NACT government slashing and burning the Ministry of Health?
These are geniuses in government.
Jim, those cuts are a result of the Budget’s cuts, they are not a result of the Government’s cuts.
Just like the forecasts for 170,000 new jobs is the Budget’s forecast, not the Government’s forecast.
See how it works?
In about 2005 doc staffing nod were reduced little barrier has had it’s resources reduced and the volunteers at Tori have been asked to do more. Does no one understand perhaps our most underfunded ministry is the foundation of what differientates nz from every other country and greatly enhances tourism . we are and have been led by muppets, kermit on one side and fozie bear on the other
16 November 2010:
“The PM described the authors assertion that the texts included provisions allowing for private companies to sue sovereign nations as “far-fetched”
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1011/S00125/no-ordinary-deal-book-launch-pm-response.htm
27 June 2011:
“Philip Morris Asia said today it had served a notice of legal claim on the government under Australia’s bilateral investment treaty with Hong Kong, which holds the government responsible to protect Hong Kong investments in Australia.”
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/5198670/Tobacco-giant-takes-aim-at-Australian-government
Yeah important.
Private Corporations are now emboldened to take on Sovereign Countries.
This is a replay of centuries past. We have a political class now which is more focussed on what is good for corporations, not what is good for the public service mission.
Fate of EMA chief Alasdair Thompson unclear
Last updated 15:20 27/06/2011
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5195877/Fate-of-EMA-chief-Alasdair-Thompson-unclear
The Employers’ & Manufacturers Association says it needs time to decide the fate of its CEO Alasdair Thompson.
The EMA has been hit by angry feedback from its membership and others over Thompson’s comments during a radio interview on Thursday morning suggesting women take more sick leave because of their monthly periods.
This morning it cancelled an emergency board meeting convened to discuss the situation and Thompson’s future.
“These sorts of decisions that are momentous, are not the sorts of decisions to be rushed. The board need to deliberate and not be pushed in to making a decision by media or witch-hunts,” said EMA’s communications manager Gilbert Peterson.
Although today’s board meeting was called off, members were in communication with each other over the matter, he said.
An announcement was expected to be made in the next few days, said Peterson.
Thompson could not be contacted for comment and he was not expected at work today.
Calls for the CEO to quit have grown during the weekend, in spite of him twice apologising for his remarks.
At one point his detractors mounted a tampon-throwing protest outside the EMA’s offices in Khyber Pass Rd, Auckland.
Nelson-based Labour list MP Maryan Street has confirmed knowledge of an overseas confrontation between Thompson and unionist Helen Kelly in 2009 – but says Thompson doesn’t need any help to talk himself out of a job.
“He’s reaping his own whirlwind,” Street told the Nelson Mail today.
Thompson was being interviewed alongside Kelly, the Council of Trade Unions president, on Newstalk ZB on Thursday when he made the productivity comments.
The Herald on Sunday reported that Thompson had boasted that he had asked Prime Minister John Key about a sexual relationship with Kelly.
An un-named influential businesswoman, who witnessed the confrontation, is reportedly making a formal complaint to the board of the EMA, which was to gather today but then cancelled its meeting.
Kelly has also confirmed the incident, which came in the course of a high-level trade meeting at the US-NZ Partnership Forum in the US in 2009.
Late last night, the Prime Minister’s office dismissed the allegations as “totally ridiculous”.
The source said the comments were made without any basis other than Helen Kelly and John Key’s “good working relationship”.
Street said today she was at the same table as Kelly and the businesswoman.
She didn’t overhear the initial comments but the report was accurate as the conversation had been relayed to her at the time, she said. She did overhear the shouted remarks as Kelly walked away, and recalled that Kelly “turned round and abused him”.
“I clearly don’t need to comment further on this because Mr Thompson is successfully destroying himself,” Street said. “More broadly, business in New Zealand needs modern, innovative, imaginative leaders, and Alasdair Thompson is none of those things.
“It’s time he went – but he’s doing it himself, without any assistance from me.”
Street would respect the businesswoman’s anonymity but she was a well-known figure. She understood the woman’s complaint was being laid yesterday.
– BusinessDay.co.nz, with Nelson Mail
Where in the world is Johnny???
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10734849
Tad bit much to drink in the cabin?
PM’s “magestic” trip to Taj Mahal
http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=132664&fm=psp,nwl
so for some reason i cant submit a contact us form so I guess is the best place to post it.
Perfect photo for a caption competition – http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1309158206/739/5198739.jpg
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5198459/John-Key-and-wife-visit-Taj-Mahal
Once again displays amazing journalism by the Herald
PICTURE PERFECT? thats one of the worst photographs I’ve seen
Cameron Slater is an Idiot!
Thatâs a statement of fact, not a question btw. He recently tweeted that Telecom isn’t owned by overseas companies… What a douchebag! Telecom was sold to two United States-based telecommunications companies, Bell Atlantic and Ameritech, for NZ$4.25 billion in 1990.
As I understand it Bell Atlantic and Ameritech had dumped their shareholdings by about 1997 after pulling about $8b in profits out but that doesn’t mean that anyone in NZ bought them.
I’ve been having a little dig at it looks like around 5.65% of Telecom is invested in by NZ companies. Accident Compensation Corporation â NZCSD 60,689,024 shares or 3.15% and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nominees â NZCD 48,067,830 shares or 2.50% meaning that 94.35% of the profits go out of New Zealand.
There’s a few small NZ investors, but not enough to mention. I wonder why more mum and dad investors donât put their money into Telecom?
I wonder why more mum and dad investors donât put their money into Telecom?
Because Telecom NZ are evil bastards who screw the public?
At least that is the view of myself and the investors in my family (the exact phrasing is my fathers). We also don’t deal with them directly. They have a couple of decades of bad deeds plus whatever they are doing now to lose wealth for. It doesn’t matter how much Joyce tries to prop them up. Eventually we will drive them out of business.
Key on the Taj Mahal:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10734849