Open mike 27/06/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 27th, 2016 - 144 comments
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openmikeOpen mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

144 comments on “Open mike 27/06/2016 ”

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  1. Paul 1
    27 June 2016 at 6:17 am

    Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
    We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.

    Yet there are people who still care and who are unselfish.
    Manurewa Marae represents the best of New Zealand.
    A government that does not house its citizens adequately represents the worst of New Zealand.

    Manurewa Marae is one step closer to opening its doors to the homeless. While preparations for the move are under way, Māori youth onsite are upskilling in financial literacy.
    New furniture for the Manurewa Marae kitchen is expected to arrive shortly and will help prepare food for those in need. ……………

    https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/manurewa-marae-step-closer-opening-doors-homeless

  2. Paul 2
    27 June 2016 at 6:18 am

    Christine and Doug Banks face an $81,000 debt for legal costs after losing court action taken by the Grey District Council that ended in the Supreme Court.
    The couple own a house in Blaketown on council land, and were taken to the High Court in a dispute over the lease renewal after refusing to pay rent increases.
    Doug and Christine Banks owe the Grey District Council almost $81,000.
    Councillors asked for 5 per cent interest and repayments of $80 a week, increasing by $5 a week annually. They want the full balance paid by October 30, 2020.
    The couple agreed to pay $80 a week, but say they cannot pay interest, which will cost up to $22,000.
    ………………”It doesn’t make sense. It will cost them more money to bankrupt us and they will get less in return. We want to pay and we are happy to enter into an agreement that we pay in full or forfeit the house,” she said.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/81234898/west-coast-couple-owing-grey-district-council-81000-must-pay-interest–council

  3. swordfish 3
    27 June 2016 at 6:46 am

    In the following, I paraphrase, condense and crystallise the key points in a number of UK articles on the precise mechanics of this building coup against Corbyn:

    Today (Monday), the UK Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) are to discuss a No Confidence motion in Corbyn’s leadership (after MPs Margaret Hodge and Ann Coffey submitted the motion). Anti-Corbyn plotters are convinced they have the numbers to pass the No Confidence motion. There will be a secret ballot on Tuesday.

    Former Shadow Foreign Secretary, Hilary Benn, has told Labour MPs that he will challenge Corbyn for the leadership should the latter lose this vote of confidence.

    Passing that no confidence motion, however, would in itself be purely symbolic. It wouldn’t formally trigger either (1) Corbyn’s resignation or (2) a Leadership challenge.

    To trigger a leadership challenge, his opponents would need to go one step further and get the backing of at least 50 MPs/MEPs (yep, the latter, for the time being, still exist). Labour’s Parliamentary rebels, however, are convinced they have the numbers not only to pass the No Confidence motion but also the 50 names needed to endorse a leadership challenger and thus trigger a contest.

    Even if that happens, Corbyn’s inner circle are certain he’ll triumph over whoever ran against him – winning easily with the Labour membership just as he did in September last year. Indeed, a fairly recent YouGov poll of members suggests that, if anything, his support has grown. The exodus of Blairites and Brownites and other anti-Corbynite members and their replacement with a whole swathe of his supporters since his rise to the leadership has clearly shifted the Party Left.

    There is, however, a key problem for Corbyn and his backers. The leadership electoral rules are, at best, murky. While it’s certainly clear that Corbyn’s challengers would need to collect the 50+ signatures from Labour politicians in order to obtain a place on the ballot, it’s significantly less clear whether Corbyn himself would need to. Would he automatically be guaranteed a place on the ballot as of right given he’s the current leader ? (as Corbyn and his supporters expect) Or would he also need to mount the hurdle of finding 50 nominees first ? (as his critics would hope)

    Unfortunately, the relevant clause in Labour’s rulebook is unhelpfully vague.

    Lawyers asked to look over the wording by media organisations believe Corbyn would indeed have an automatic place on the ballot. On the other hand, though, legal advice obtained by Corbyn’s critics in the PLP suggest the opposite.

    Crucially, the definitive interpretation will come from the Party’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC). They make the final decision. And, according to at least one journo, a well placed source suggests the NEC is pretty likely to come down on the side of Corbyn’s critics on this one. So, no automatic place on the ballot.

    This is partly why Corbyn’s critics have been so keen to strike at this moment. Control over the NEC is apparently finely balanced (there is a fragile Corbynite majority on some issues but not on others) and this balance may well shift decisively towards the Corbyn Left faction after this year’s NEC elections, given the broad change in the size and ideological direction of the membership.

    If that happened, Corbyn’s allies believe they’d easily secure the 50 nominees needed and the coup would quickly crumble, with senior figures falling into line. But with the present NEC line-up, that’s considerably less certain.

    And, it appears that UK Labour’s General Secretary, Iain McNicol, has – like the plotters (of which he may well be one) and (possibly) like the current NEC – received legal advice that Corbyn only gets a place on the ballot if he has the backing of the requisite number of MPs/MEPs and it seems this is advice he is willing to put his job on the line to follow.

    • Ad 3.1
      27 June 2016 at 7:49 am

      “The People’s Liberation Front of Palestine!”

    • Colonial Viper 3.2
      27 June 2016 at 8:38 am

      Thanks for the summary, swordfish. It will be very interesting what move tens of thousands of Corbyn supporters will make if the Labour Caucus exclude Corbyn’s nomination on the basis of a fragile technicality.

      It’s going to be a blast.

      • Pasupial 3.2.1
        27 June 2016 at 9:47 am

        Thanks from me too for clearing up this whole opaque muddle, Swordfish. I actually trust you so much that I don’t feel compelled to do my own research to see if your summary is accurate. That is not something I’d say of many online commenters!

        The most reasonable course of action would seem to be for the Labour NEC to defer a decision until after their own election (even if that had to be brought forward). But this is bare-knuckle politics, I’m not holding out much hope for reason.

    • Morrissey 3.3
      27 June 2016 at 8:38 am

      An “expert” commentator on breakfast television this morning said that Corbyn was “not popular”, except with the overwhelming majority of Labour Party members.

      • Anne 3.3.1
        27 June 2016 at 8:52 am

        Unbelievable isn’t it. The overwhelming majority of Labour Party members don’t count. I think they may have to start a new party “New Labour”. Or should it be: New Old Labour. Better still: New Old Young Labour. 😡

      • gsays 3.3.2
        27 June 2016 at 9:41 am

        Hi Morrissey, after hearing what the expert on am TV said, I must find out what the contestants on the block have to say.

        Scuse the sarcasm and cynicism.

        • Richardrawshark 3.3.2.1
          27 June 2016 at 11:55 am

          I think what you really want is a insightful, unbiased, straight talking man like Mike Hosking’s opinion and in depth analysis of the British Labour Party, and why Boris Johnson who looks and walks similar enough to Churchill, that having him leader of the Tories should be plain to see for all normal all black watching pony tail pulling kiwi’s. /sarc

          Getting the right leader to take them through is so crucial watch them implode over a power grab.

          Someone just threw a cat on the table this time they decided to play last man standing over it.

          • John shears 3.3.2.1.1
            27 June 2016 at 12:40 pm

            Looks like Churchill errrr??? looks more like Trump to my ancient eyes.

      • Draco T Bastard 3.3.3
        27 June 2016 at 10:48 am

        Obviously not being popular with the rich is the only thing that counts to said “expert” commentator.

        This attitude seems to have flavoured the entire Brexit argument.

    • ianmac 3.4
      27 June 2016 at 8:55 am

      It really does read like a script for a sort of farce. Not credible of course.
      Thanks Swordfish for the update.
      The rebel front bench will go where if Corbyn wins?

      • Draco T Bastard 3.4.1
        27 June 2016 at 10:49 am

        The rebel front bench will go where if Corbyn wins?

        They should join their natural home – the Tories.

      • RedBaronCV 3.4.2
        27 June 2016 at 8:12 pm

        I Imagine they will be deselected by their local party in many cases. But honestly what do they really hope to achieve?

        If they win, they won’t be getting much support from the Jezza wing of the labour party (which is pretty large) and they won’t get back the labour voters who have already departed nor the voters who think Brexit is a good idea and who are sick of their MP’s talking at them not with them so the voters will move them on.
        They also seem to be overlooking the fact that the by-elections held since Jezza took the post have been won pretty handily and he gets great turnouts when he talks.

        And if they lose then they will get moved on too – maybe a little faster.
        If they now have no safe seats north of Islington then they are the ones largely responsible for that state of affairs.

    • James 3.5
      27 June 2016 at 12:44 pm

      That is really interesting – did not know that. Will be interesting to watch it play out.

  4. vto 4
    27 June 2016 at 6:47 am

    There is no recession on the horizon for the UK and euro craplands..

    This week the UK will export the same amount of cheese and Austin Princesses to euroland..

    and euroland will export the same amount of Skodas and foi gras to the UK..

    and the Brits will drink the same amount of tea for breakfast, drive the same distance to work, smoke the same number of cigarettes and drink the same amount of piss..

    nothing will bloody change
    don’t listen to the mainstream vested interests
    the mainstream vested interests have ramped the bullshit spinner to red-line, such is their panic over their privileged position in London city

    never in the 21st century has so much bullshit been spoken by so few people

    • Ad 4.1
      27 June 2016 at 7:35 am

      Possibly a bit early to say it’s all fine. Good data not around for a few months.

      • vto 4.1.1
        27 June 2016 at 7:45 am

        I don’t think it is too early,…. some simple questions…

        How many UK exports will be banned from Europe, or hit with tariffs?
        How many euro imports will be banned from UK, or hit with tariffs?
        How much tea have people had for breakfast the last 2-3 days?
        How much beer has been poured over the weekend?
        How much fuel has been sold over the weekend?
        … compared with pre-vote

        It aint no rocket science..
        imo

        • Ad 4.1.1.1
          27 June 2016 at 7:47 am

          It will take months to have trackable data.

          But go ahead Mr Rocket Scientist. Show us your trading trends.

          • vto 4.1.1.1.1
            27 June 2016 at 7:59 am

            here’s a trick… (for those who can of course)

            go to the local service station and see how much diesel got pumped and compare it with the same period pre-vote

            look up the eu rules around imports and exports with non-eu countries like swisserland

            go to the local pub and ask the guv’ how much ale he poured and compare it with the same period pre-vote

            …..

            or, you know, wait for the boffins
            depends how you want to live your life I guess

            because of course the people who are crying “recession recession” are the same people who cried “the wealth trickles down” and also cried “we will all have more jobs and greater prosperity in the EU”

            I know who I will not believe

            • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.1.1.1
              27 June 2016 at 8:32 am

              o to the local service station and see how much diesel got pumped and compare it with the same period pre-vote

              look up the eu rules around imports and exports with non-eu countries like swisserland

              go to the local pub and ask the guv’ how much ale he poured and compare it with the same period pre-vote

              Interestingly the UK equivalent of the EFTPOS network provider could tell you all these things, day by day.

            • Pat 4.1.1.1.1.2
              27 June 2016 at 9:31 am

              watch the capital flows and you will be able to determine whether the trade will remain unchanged or not…..me, I think its a certainty activity will reduce in the short/medium term…..and we know who bears the brunt of that.

              • vto …
                27 June 2016 at 9:35 am

                Why would it reduce? There have been plenty claims on that, but no explanation as to why ….

                • Pat …
                  27 June 2016 at 9:40 am

                  why….unstable political situation, self fulfilling prophecy, reluctance to commit investment in the face of uncertainty, better option presented elsewhere…..there isn’t a lot to recommend the UK as a place to do business at the moment.

                  Potentially a lack of private investment could be overcome by a government investment program and that in turn would reattract private interest but given the existing trade and political circumstances do you see that as likely?

                  • vto …
                    27 June 2016 at 10:09 am

                    But the UK is really not unstable. In fact if anything, the exit will increase stability for them because they are no longer under the whim of Brussels and all them other nations tossing their 2c in on everything.

                    And there is no uncertainty. The exit vote provides absolute certainty. The uncertainty was last week. What is there that is uncertain about the time from here onwards??

                    The only “why” there that has any cred imo is the self-fulfilling prophecy one…

                    Re private investment – I haven’t seen a lot of businesses upping tools and heading for Calais… Haven’t even seen any threats of that ….

                    My view is that the now unique, more stable and controllable, and special status of the UK will see it seen as desireable, as it is outside of the marauding politics of the EU. Like the swiss.

                    The EU average brought the UK down..
                    The UK now reverts to its long term position – above the average for Europe..

                    Methinks once the financial markets settle down after the initial flurry of woebetide wailing, they will signal better things for the UK… lets keep a watch…

                    • Pat …
                      27 June 2016 at 10:16 am

                      “But the UK is really not unstable”

                      reread that statement and then read the UK news and ask yourself….does this statement hold true?

                      “Re private investment – I haven’t seen a lot of businesses upping tools and heading for Calais… Haven’t even seen any threats of that ….”

                      the referendum occured on friday….give them time….how many orders have been cancelled or put on hold, and its not just big business moving offshore, its all the small medium business that won’t or can’t fund that new machine, hire those few extra people or launch that new product /service.

                    • mikesh …
                      27 June 2016 at 2:04 pm

                      If Scotland gains independence and joins the EU, will they also join the Eurozone, or will they retain the pound, or set up their own Scottish pound?

                • jcuknz …
                  27 June 2016 at 10:07 am

                  VTO …. One of my dreams is to own a special live steam model locomotive made in the UK …. cost around NZ$8000 with GST etc. Fall in pound makes it a better option… but will I waste my money in that direction … not on your nellie … too risky at the moment if ever 🙂
                  Will continue perhaps to make the one I already have started 🙂

            • Richardrawshark 4.1.1.1.1.3
              27 June 2016 at 12:01 pm

              When I was there a pint cost 87p LCL(leg collapsing lager) lol, at the Comrades club, with huge full size snooker tables, events all the time, dominoes, quizzes, everything. massive community spirit, buy, sell anything at the pub. Pub landlords doing well.

              I hear you VTO.

    • miravox 4.2
      27 June 2016 at 8:00 am

      Even Mr ‘oh no Brexit won’t trigger a recession’ Farage admits a recession is on the horizon… nothing to do with Brexit though. Strange how he wasn’t saying this last week,

      • vto 4.2.1
        27 June 2016 at 8:07 am

        yeah, too many vested interests all over the whole place to believe anything…

        I did notice our own ex-pat Eric Watson considered the opportunities the exit opens up to be immense and exciting… so I guess from that business person’s view the exit is anything but a recession…

        which is my instinct too fwiw… the UK is now special and unique and removed from the deadweight of eurobureau

        watch the pound rise above its previous position

        • miravox 4.2.1.1
          27 June 2016 at 8:11 am

          Eric Watson??? but, but…. he’s a foreigner and a neo-lib. This referendum was meant to see the end of people like that in Britain.

          (sorry, just a little bit of gallows humour there)

          The way it’s been going in today though, I don’t think Clause 50 will be triggered anytime soon. Watching with interest.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.2
          27 June 2016 at 11:01 am

          too many vested interests all over the whole place to believe anything…

          Pretty much and all the ‘experts’ are coming out in support of one faction or another and happen to be ignoring reality. But, then, they’ve been doing that so long that they probably think that their delusions are reality.

  5. Jenny 5
    27 June 2016 at 7:15 am

    Auckland Coal Action activists enter Solid Energy’s new coal mine development at Maramarua on the weekend to announce the beginning of a campaign to keep the mine from opening.

    The Maramarua K1 open cast pit mine was shut down in the mid ’90s and the pit left to flood.

    Solid Energy which is supposedly bankrupt and up for sale, has launched a $multi million program to rehabilitate the mine to produce coal again. Pumping out the pit and buliding new infrastructure.

    Nobody seems to question the insanity of a bankrupt company spending money it doesn’t have, to rehabilitate an old mine to dig up coal we can’t afford to burn.

  6. b waghorn 6
    27 June 2016 at 7:44 am

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/81474280/high-turnover-of-staff-in-national-mps-office-and-claims-of-bullying

    Not a good day for foster bell , he’s all love the tv news for his spending habits and in the paper for bullying.

    • I Feel Love 6.1
      27 June 2016 at 8:10 am

      There was a tweet going the rounds a few months back with a picture of him & Key & he was all googly eyes at Key & the message was about Key being the most amazing Prime Minister NZ has ever had. I think we can see why he got the job. Smooch.

      I also liked how the bi-line had ‘But he’s a good boss’ & the quote was from Foster-Bell talking about himself!

      • Greg 6.1.1
        27 June 2016 at 8:22 am

        Key’s last employer said he was a great smoocher, superficially charming for sure,
        but a snake in the grass.

  7. Greg 7
    27 June 2016 at 8:19 am

    Did the sheeple miss this story, and why kiwi’s are missing out, why are migrants not building homes. Does this story prove anything.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11659765

    • John shears 7.1
      27 June 2016 at 12:47 pm

      But Greg don’t you understand National’s John & Bill are quite clear that it is NOT Chinese buyers that are active in the Auckland housing market?

      • Greg 7.1.1
        27 June 2016 at 3:02 pm

        It aint first home buyers either,

        and now not foreign loan applicants to kiwi banks,
        whatever that number was=0

        Its all just how they manage to not say what is happening.
        by saying what isnt.

      • Visubversa 7.1.2
        27 June 2016 at 4:40 pm

        Have a drive around the North Shore – Albany and Greenhithe. Streets like Golden Morning Drive and the new end of Admirals Court Drive. You could drop a bomb on both those streets and the chances of you blowing up anything not built by Chinese developers would be almost minimal.

  8. Morrissey 8
    27 June 2016 at 8:33 am

    Here’s a Horribly Hilary-ous Cavalcade of Cowards
    Or does their failure to fight make them heroes and patriots?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFGit_tZDqs

    Max Blumenthal: Do you plan to enlist?
    Hero No. 1: Why am I not fighting over there? Because I’m in college right now.
    Max Bumenthal: Do you plan to enlist?
    Hero No. 1: I haven’t ruled it out.

    Max Blumenthal: Are YOU gonna serve?
    Hero No. 2: I’ve thought about it, thought about it. I’m undecided.
    Max Blumenthal: “Undecided.” Why aren’t you serving currently?
    Hero No. 2: Well, I’m a new graduate right now and I have a scholarship for Fulbright Futures and I just didn’t have any strong urge…

    Hero No. 3: Why am I not serving? I dunno, I mean, I really support this country strongly and I, ah, I didn’t enlist. I mean, there’s not much else I can say. I don’t think you can’t talk about this issue if you’re not serving.

    Hero No.4: What would convince me NOT to join is if somehow I become a like a really good speaker and stuff like that.That’s what would convince me NOT to join. But what would convince me to join is if something, like, even BIGGER happened.

    Max Blumenthal: If you support the war, why are you not serving?
    Hero No. 5 (Josh Bellis, Wabash ’08): I’m in school. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

    continues ad nauseam

    • vto 8.1
      27 June 2016 at 8:52 am

      jesus christ the world is completely awash with ignorance

      combine that with also being awash with guns and mass communication….

      GO AMERICA ! YOU’RE AMAZING ….. / sarc

  9. Greg 9
    27 June 2016 at 8:43 am

    Why is the left fractured, its less about the Brexit, and more than its being by assimilated by Feminism. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian PM, son of a famous leftist, describes himself as a Feminist. Think about Star Treks Borg, resistance is futile.

    The Left is essentially about the economics of the working poor and social class.
    Feminism is about privilege, and socialism of state rewards, (hence they have lobby power next to corporations) fighting the so called, male privilege, but is not able to exist without it, proven by its existence in mostly British colonized countries.

    How many first wave feminist went to prison for being pacifists =0, Im happy to be proven wrong, if it wasnt a very small handful. Study that one.

    The Tories may crow, but they are leading the West to rising neo fascism, evidenced by Trumpism, and a blind obedience to mythical free market ideology, why being feted by the rich and elite and companies, believing in there own propaganda, and ignoring the poverty of the peasantry.

    My points are just a generalism, you lose by criticizing me.

    [RL: Off Topic. Moved to Open Mike]

    • Draco T Bastard 9.1
      27 June 2016 at 11:20 am

      Why is the left fractured, its less about the Brexit, and more than its being by assimilated by Feminism.

      The Left is fractured but not by Feminism.

      Feminism is about privilege, and socialism of state rewards?

      And that’s a load of bollocks. Feminism is about treating everyone with respect and equality.

      How many first wave feminist went to prison for being pacifists =0, Im happy to be proven wrong, if it wasnt a very small handful. Study that one.

      WTF that got to do with the price of fish?

      My points are just a generalism, you lose by criticizing me.

      Your points are generally wrong and you’re just stupid.

      • McFlock 9.1.1
        27 June 2016 at 11:40 am

        oooo but you criticized him, therefore the Lords of the Internet will rule pwnage to the mighty Greg.

        You fool, DTB, you fell into his masterful trap. Never before have the arguments against identity politics been so eloquently or comprehensively expressed. Corsets and bras are now de rigueur. In fact, even males who are sympathetic to the feminist cause should embra their saggy man-boobs.

        ps: /sarc

      • joe90 9.1.2
        27 June 2016 at 11:40 am

        Dude’s ghow.
        /

        • Psycho Milt 9.1.2.1
          27 June 2016 at 12:33 pm

          Level 4 MTGOW: “Short brief: the MGTOW drops out of society altogether. He minimises contact with the blue-pill world and seeks to further his own ends on his own terms. For all intents and purposes, he does not exist.”

          Hilarious that someone would declare themselves a level-4 MTGOW by writing it in a public comment on a social media website…

          • Greg 9.1.2.1.1
            27 June 2016 at 2:30 pm

            no it means i work less for my own security, and entertain myself,
            much more cheaply and have more fun,

            if i was a woman, i’l have 5 or 6 cats.
            and probably give up on personal grooming,

            • McFlock 9.1.2.1.1.1
              27 June 2016 at 2:56 pm

              Are you sure this is an active decision on your part?

              It’s just that you’re not really looking all that much like partner material anyway, with comments like that.

              • Greg …
                27 June 2016 at 3:22 pm

                Why would I risk my security and being made homeless on the whim of a unhappy partner, or worse be in jail, if she was insecure, or had mental health issues, =conditions of which are rising for women,

                Men have less rights in a relationship than a woman in psychiatric care.

                I had my opportunities in my 30’s n 40’s, just no one to consider long term.

                Life is what we make it, its not defined by someone’s unhappiness.

                Single women constantly say what they want and expect, and nothing on what they have to offer, some wonderful gift of emotional transference, or fantasy, Yeah Nah,

                https://www.amazon.com/Love-Western-World-Denis-Rougemont/dp/0691013934

                • McFlock …
                  27 June 2016 at 3:56 pm

                  wow.

                  I’m profoundly sorry for you.

                  Don’t get me wrong – I’m single at the moment, and pretty happy with what I’ve got going on. But I would also have to say that some of the happiest times of my life involved having a deep emotional connection with a partner. Shit doesn’t work out sometimes, and that’s cool too.

                  But I would be profoundly worse off without these relationships, even the absolute worst one that would cause me more pain than a slight wince at recollection today if she hadn’t been such an utterly deplorable human being (but I was young and dumb and didn’t see the flags).

                  I just hope I never get into the place you are now.

                  • Greg …
                    27 June 2016 at 10:10 pm

                    I’m content, have some goals, minimizing stress and chaos, need to get my teeth fixed in Thailand. The murder house really stuffed them, need the filings out. My managers husband get his done in Thailand.

                    So just working as hard as i need to, n enjoying what I have.

                    I’m not against a relationship, and mowing someones lawns,
                    it just needs to be more mutually beneficial,
                    and not a one way crazy crazy power trip.
                    And with eggs popped is probably better, +1 cat?
                    Sigh.

                    • McFlock …
                      28 June 2016 at 11:54 am

                      It’s a pretty screwed up way to look at relationships.

                      Still, I didn’t know I was such a romantic at heart, so there’s that I guess.

      • Richardrawshark 9.1.3
        27 June 2016 at 12:05 pm

        “Your points are generally wrong and you’re just stupid.”

        +1 on the burn.

        • Greg 9.1.3.1
          27 June 2016 at 2:34 pm

          er premises, not points, The Canadian PM is a feminist, he isnt a leftist,
          so that does prove my premise he has been assimilated by feminism.
          If you want to argue that he isnt a self declared feminist, take it up with him

          and resistance is futile;

          -1 back to zero 🙂

      • Greg 9.1.4
        27 June 2016 at 2:27 pm

        Really, your talking about egalitarianism,

        Feminism has won what for equality, nothing is equal in the justice system
        and certainly not within Labour,

        and workers economics has declined since Kiwisaver and working for families was introduced, both are employer levee’s on workers to keep wage growth below inflation =inequality has increased, not decreased.

        but hey, we might get there in another 50 years,

        fyi, yous are all entertaining, until i get some beer,

    • McFlock 9.2
      27 June 2016 at 11:30 am

      lol

    • mikesh 9.3
      27 June 2016 at 2:16 pm

      I think Mrs Pankhurst spoke out pretty strongly against WW1 and terrible loss of lives that that entailed.

  10. The Lone Haranguer 10
    27 June 2016 at 8:57 am

    Well that was a wild weekend for sure. Only the rugby in Dunedin helped steer it back towards normality.

    So the Poms are out of Europe, but the Scots want to stay, but a year or so back, the Scots wanted to stay British, so now the Scots want to have another vote on whether they really really want to be British.

    Meanwhile the Remain folk want a re-vote because the other guys won. In a worse case scenario, the Scots may re-vote to leave Britain, and then the British may re-vote to stay in Europe. And somebody else started an online petition to for the London separatists to cede and join Europe

    John Cleese for PM of Britain or England or London,

    And Corbyn looks like hes toast in the UKLP.

    Meanwhile we are on the outside looking in, missing out and looking bewildered.

    For the sake of inclusiveness, I propose that the South Island (except Gore) go for independence from the North Island. You can have Gore, we are nice like that.

    • vto 10.1
      27 June 2016 at 9:26 am

      Your last paragraph is almost correct and has been apparent for quite some time amongst those in the know…….

      namely, that Southland cedes and becomes its own nation, with Gore as the capital.

      the place would fly, unencumbered by the deadweight of Wellington or Auckland.. and with fully one quarter of primary produce

      Southland, the world’s newest nation

      • The Lone Haranguer 10.1.1
        27 June 2016 at 9:31 am

        I guess President Shadbolt has a nice ring to it.

        We of the South Island except Gore movement, would like to know if we can have Te Anau and a free trade agreement too.

      • The Lone Haranguer 10.1.2
        27 June 2016 at 9:52 am

        Texans like the way you think. (Texit for the win)

        They too, arent keen on paying the big money to Head Office (Washington) to fund non-Texans to tell them what to do.

        They wish to compete with you Southlanders for “worlds newest nation” status also.

        • joe90 10.1.2.1
          27 June 2016 at 10:49 am

          (Texit for the win)

          Last time they wanted out Texans whinged about their peculiar institution so what’s it to be this time around – taxes?.

          They have refused to vote appropriations for protecting Texas against ruthless savages, for the sole reason that she is a slave-holding State.

          https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ref/abouttx/secession/2feb1861.html

          • The Lone Haranguer 10.1.2.1.1
            27 June 2016 at 11:03 am

            From what I read, they arent keen on being told what to do by non-Texans in Washington, and they claim they pay about $3-4b to Washington and only get about half of that back.

            They figure they can use that extra couple of billion to sort out Texan issues, rather than the admin costs of Washington.

            Really it may not be that different an argument from that used by the “Leave” folk

      • mikesh 10.1.3
        27 June 2016 at 2:25 pm

        No doubt Scotland will claim ownership of Stewart Island, thinking it must have belonged to the former Kings of Scotland.

  11. mpledger 11
    27 June 2016 at 9:42 am

    I don’t know whether being in or out of the EU is good for the UK but the way it’s come about it really terrible politics as
    1) having a near 50/50 split in the country is not a good thing,
    2) England is going to be investing a lot of time and money in new process building that is going to divert resources away from future planning – just like Auckland going to a super city and
    3) the Conservative are likely to do a half-arsed job because they never wanted to be in this position anyway.

    • mikesh 11.1
      27 June 2016 at 2:33 pm

      Perhaps if half the people on each side changed their vote it would make the result more acceptable.

  12. Southern Man 12
    27 June 2016 at 11:48 am

    Two weeks ago, Ombudsman Ron Patterson released his report critical of the Government. Today he ‘resigns’, two years before the end of his term. I’m sure it is a total coincidence /sarc.

    • I Feel Love 12.1
      27 June 2016 at 11:58 am

      Yeah very strange, the guy had another 2 or so years to go? My understanding the Office needs all the hands it can get clearing the backlog, what else is lurking in there.

    • Muttonbird 12.2
      27 June 2016 at 12:00 pm

      I laughed, hard, when I saw another ‘read more’ headline in the article I linked to below. This one…

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/76038765/New-chief-ombudsman-promises-to-be-a-fearless-operator

      • I Feel Love 12.2.1
        27 June 2016 at 12:08 pm

        “If people want to retain credibility, transparency is the way to go”. -Good, maybe he can tell us why he has left early as he’s “not going to resile from saying things publicly in a considered, measured way when I think that’s justified. That’s what I did as the principal court judge and that’s what I’ll bring to this job,”.

    • Greg 12.3
      27 June 2016 at 2:37 pm

      I read that, wondering why no reasons given, must have been a good golden handshake.

      Managing Management rule 101

      dont embarrass the management,

      • framu 12.3.1
        27 June 2016 at 3:10 pm

        maybe it was teh feminism that got him in the end? (massive stonking sarc tag there)

        • Greg 12.3.1.1
          27 June 2016 at 3:31 pm

          it could well be,
          his wife saying, why are you talking this sh/t from Pony tail puller Key, we are not being paid enough, take the golden handshake,
          and we can spend the winter in Fiji,

          • framu 12.3.1.1.1
            27 June 2016 at 4:12 pm

            that one sailed clean over your head didnt it

            • Greg 12.3.1.1.1.1
              27 June 2016 at 9:48 pm

              Er no, dee fems rule, especially after years of a ‘happy’ marriage,

              its going to be a cold wet winter in kiwiland,

              • framu …
                28 June 2016 at 8:03 am

                that plane just get higher and higher – hope the pilots got O2

                • Greg …
                  28 June 2016 at 8:46 am

                  Sure does bud, i was told yesterday by a guy that he hadnt survived 40 years of a happy marriage by ignoring his wife when she called him,
                  dinners ready,

                  • framu …
                    28 June 2016 at 12:33 pm

                    you do get im laughing at your sad sexist rants right?

                    • Greg …
                      28 June 2016 at 3:28 pm

                      What sexist rants, i said feminism has liberated me,
                      and that the left is just a bunch of old men.
                      have yougot a problem that feminism has taken the place of the left,

                      then why dont you send a letter to the PM of Canada, he has seen the light and converted.

                      ps,and didnt the bachelor show teach you what its all about,

                      even playboy has given up on nudes now, though Hugh Hefner may just be getting a tad tired of hypergamy female with big breasts wanting a rich husband,

  13. Muttonbird 13
    27 June 2016 at 11:48 am

    Hang on a sec.

    The Ombudsman who released a damning report into the Government’s handling of an inquiry into leaks from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has suddenly resigned.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/81480414/ombudsman-ron-paterson-cuts-short-fiveyear-term-as-office-deals-with-investigations-backlog

    Is this yet another chapter in the National Government’s handbook on suppressing criticism?

    Snap: Southern Man

    • Colonial Viper 13.1
      27 June 2016 at 11:51 am

      I hope they didn’t apply some ugly leverage on that guy

      • Kiwiri 13.1.1
        27 June 2016 at 11:57 am

        Haha, if only walls could talk. But sometimes, the writing appears on them for rulers.

        Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin

    • Richardrawshark 13.2
      27 June 2016 at 12:09 pm

      jeez, this stinks, badly.

      concerning, frightening, worrying!!!!

      I think if he’s going to leave like this, he should front on TV to explain. I want to see his body language.

      • I Feel Love 13.2.1
        27 June 2016 at 12:13 pm

        If the Nats can silence an ex principal court judge then we are in very big trouble.

        • North 13.2.1.1
          27 June 2016 at 1:28 pm

          I think we may be confusing individuals here. Ron Patterson the author of this report is/was an ombudsman.
          Peter Boshier, former Chief Family Court Judge, is the recently appointed Chief Ombudsman. It is he whom signalled an intention to speed up Ombudsman responses and it is he whom found no justified privacy attaching to Rachel Glucina’s texts with Key. Once the former set about deceiving Amanda Bailey in the aftermath of Key’s assaults upon Amanda Bailey.

          I may have it wrong but this is as per my recollection of people and events.

        • Greg 13.2.1.2
          28 June 2016 at 8:48 am

          Dont forget rewriting history to reframe it, and disappearing two words Key doesnt want to hear, like with official treasury reports and tax havens.

  14. Muttonbird 14
    27 June 2016 at 12:07 pm

    From the benighted, cowardly, backward thinking experts at NZTA and AT. Rail from the country’s international gateway to its largest city and economic hub is scrapped.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11663865

    I weep for my children’s future because of the blindness of decision makers today.

    • I Feel Love 14.1
      27 June 2016 at 12:11 pm

      The Brisbane train from the airport is amazingly wonderful, for a stranger to the city all I had to do was jump on a train, so easy & convenient. As a stranger to AK flying into the city & trying to find buses it’s very confusing & dumb.

      • Muttonbird 14.1.1
        27 June 2016 at 12:28 pm

        This is the thing. We are determined to have tourism as a major plank in our economy and I don’t have a problem with that but we are woefully bad at putting in infrastructure to support that tourism.

        This is a continuation of 25 year thinking instead of 125 year thinking which has held this country back for so long.

        As for who is going to pay for it. Tourists will pay for it, FFS! It’s a no-brainer, surely?

        • Stephen 14.1.1.1
          27 June 2016 at 12:54 pm

          3 Year thinking, election cycle. All that matters to the National Party is staying in power no matter what,

        • Draco T Bastard 14.1.1.2
          27 June 2016 at 1:03 pm

          We are determined to have tourism as a major plank in our economy and I don’t have a problem with that but we are woefully bad at putting in infrastructure to support that tourism.

          We’re woefully bad at putting any of the infrastructure to do pretty much anything. We always seem to want to do things the cheap and easy way. Things that we don’t think needs spending on infrastructure and then we get bitten on the arse when we find out it does. This is the problem of doing things competitively and without a fucken overall plan.

          As for who is going to pay for it. Tourists will pay for it, FFS! It’s a no-brainer, surely?

          But that would require taxes in specific places that are earmarked for that specific purpose. In other words, the government stepping in building up our economy which is fully against everything that our governments have believed about economics for the last 30+ years.

          • Muttonbird 14.1.1.2.1
            27 June 2016 at 1:11 pm

            Yep. All very well waiting for private enterprise to do it but what I’m hearing is that as this drags on, the corridor is closing all the time making the venture less achievable and more expensive but the day.

          • Greg 14.1.1.2.2
            27 June 2016 at 2:49 pm

            Adds to the economy?
            According to SEEKS latest average wage statistic rises,
            its a wonderful 0.6% thats right 0.6%, the workers sure aint creaming it.

            How much of the tourist industry is owned offshore:
            http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=228378&cat=1005&fm=newsmain%2Cnarts

            I read somewhere 80% of the wine industry is owned offshore.

    • John shears 14.2
      27 June 2016 at 1:00 pm

      Another case of Wellington Public Servants deciding how Auckland will be managed, they know best they think.

      Same old Same old, Robbies Rail dream, Auckland Harbour Bridge just to name two cases of their inept decision making , not to mention the last minute agreement to help with dollars for the inner city loop.
      Time for an AUXIT referendum methinks.

      • Colonial Viper 14.2.1
        27 June 2016 at 1:07 pm

        Time for an AUXIT referendum methinks.

        Fuck yeah. And do you know how to guarantee that an AUXIT referendum goes through?

        Give everyone else in the country a vote in it.

      • Muttonbird 14.2.2
        27 June 2016 at 1:07 pm

        Given, I don’t know, 50% of the revenue gathered by a rail link between AKL International and the city with be from foreign travellers using foreign currency, surely a business case for a significant central govt input could be made.

        Imagine the dividends on $20 plus per trip before concessions!

        • Molly 14.2.2.1
          27 June 2016 at 1:50 pm

          Also, consider that Ihumatao is undergoing significant development, both commercial and industrial – and one of the stations was planned for this location.

          Also, protestors have been highlighting the fact that Fletcher’s have been given an SHA in this area – despite the unique history of the land.

          If this goes the way I think is likely, the SHA will stay and the opportunity for considered infrastructure – not only for tourists but for local residents and workers will be lost.

          • Muttonbird 14.2.2.1.1
            27 June 2016 at 2:05 pm

            Unbelievable. That’s an archeological site of huge significance, not to mention a beautiful place.

            They want to put houses for the elite on top of it.

            • Molly 14.2.2.1.1.1
              27 June 2016 at 2:24 pm

              Yes. The SHA process meant that all the usual considerations for a Private Plan Change – environmental, archaelogical, and consultation with all members of the local iwi (including the talking heads), and public consultation did not have to happen before the decision was made. So it didn’t, and it was presented as a fait accompli.

              It’s a beautiful site, worth the visit if you are out that way and of great significance to those interested in NZ’s full history.

              (As a rail supporter, I would want the station there regardless. AT often ignores South Auckland, and justifies this by saying that no-one uses PT. My response is that they need to spend some of their budget on changing behaviours and facilitation. This would go some way to address the decades of bad development and transport planning).

    • Draco T Bastard 14.3
      27 June 2016 at 1:17 pm

      The same report is to be presented to the AT board today in a session closed to the public. The meeting’s agenda lists the reason for privacy as commercial sensitivity.

      There is no such thing as ‘commercial sensitivity’ when you’re dealing with the public.

      Agency regional director Ernst Zollner confirmed further investigations for rapid transit connecting the city to Mangere would be limited to light rail or a busway.

      “This is based on evidence from Auckland Transport that a heavy rail option to the airport would present poor value for money.”

      Because goods just aren’t carted to and from the airport.
      /sarc
      /facepalm

      I think it’s because they’ve spent too much on roads over the decades and now they’re seeing the benefits of rail they’re having to keep justifying what’s already been spent on roads. In other words, they’re using the previous spend on roads to justify not putting in place the best option now.

      Today Prime Minister John Key said he was not surprised at the decision to favour a different – and cheaper – form of mass transit to and from the city’s airport.

      Yeah. Doesn’t surprise me either. NZ keeps going for the far more expensive ‘cheap’ option.

      • Greg 14.3.1
        27 June 2016 at 2:45 pm

        shuttling a few million tourists between the airport and Central Auckland,
        =$$$

  15. Anne 15
    27 June 2016 at 12:31 pm

    Looks like Ombusdman, Professor Ron Paterson has been given the heave-ho for daring to produce a well deserved damming indictment of Paula Rebstock and the government? He has suddenly announced his resignation with affect from Thursday.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11664063

  16. esoteric pineapples 16
    27 June 2016 at 12:48 pm

    What has the EU ever done for us? Thanks to Monty Python

  17. ianmac 17
    27 June 2016 at 1:31 pm

    “Tania Shailer and David Haerewa have been sentenced to 17 years’ jail each. Justice Sarah Katz said this was the highest sentence imposed in New Zealand for manslaughter against a child.” Moko.
    About the same sentence had they been charged with murder?

    • Greg 17.1
      27 June 2016 at 2:39 pm

      out in less than 10, you can bet he wasnt their only victim,
      shameful,

    • mary_a 17.2
      27 June 2016 at 2:50 pm

      @ ianmac (17) … and I hope they are not segregated or isolated either for their own protection, away from mainstream prisoners! I don’t advocate violence or thuggery in any shape or form, but considering inoffensive, vulnerable little Moko suffered the most horrendous violence imaginable …

  18. ianmac 18
    27 June 2016 at 1:54 pm

    A message from Idiot Savant. Any others wanting to help?

    “Thank you for signing the petition Withdraw the financial veto certificate against the paid parental leave bill. I’m planning to submit the petition to Bill English on Wednesday morning. It would be useful to have a few more signatures on it, so can you help spread the word by forwarding the link below to your friends?

    https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/withdraw-the-financial-veto-certificate-against-the-paid-parental-leave-bill

    Thanks

    Idiot Savant

  19. ianmac 19
    27 June 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Wonder how Key will respond to his previous confidence in the system. Labour’s fault?
    Report: Inquiry into Foreign Trust Disclosure Rules
    Conclusions (first two)

    1.2 The Inquiry concludes that the existing foreign trust disclosure rules are inadequate. The rules are not fit for purpose in the context of preserving New Zealand’s reputation as a country that cooperates with other jurisdictions to counter money laundering and aggressive tax practices.

    1.3 The Inquiry considers that a significant increase in information disclosed when a foreign trust sets up, annual reporting and increased enforcement, will satisfactorily address the issues identified. Banning foreign trusts or removing the current tax exemption is not considered to be necessary or justified.
    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1606/S00318/report-inquiry-into-foreign-trust-disclosure-rules.htm

    • ianmac 19.1
      27 June 2016 at 4:16 pm

      Stuff has this story tucked away in Business News.
      The Herald also has this story tucked away in Business News.
      Mmm?

    • Greg 19.2
      27 June 2016 at 9:52 pm

      but no mention of tax haven, this is the message he is sending out to the EU and America,

      compliance rules have already been prepared,
      is also known as covering ones arse,

  20. Chooky 20
    27 June 2016 at 9:14 pm

    John Pilger on Brexit

    ‘A Blow for Peace and Democracy: Why the British Said No to Europe’

    by John Pilger

    http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/06/24/a-blow-for-peace-and-democracy-why-the-british-said-no-to-europe/

    “The majority vote by Britons to leave the European Union was an act of raw democracy. Millions of ordinary people refused to be bullied, intimidated and dismissed with open contempt by their presumed betters in the major parties, the leaders of the business and banking oligarchy and the media.

    This was, in great part, a vote by those angered and demoralised by the sheer arrogance of the apologists for the “Remain” campaign and the dismemberment of a socially just civil life in Britain. The last bastion of the historic reforms of 1945, the National Health Service, has been so subverted by Tory and Labour-supported privateers it is fighting for its life.”

    Cited by JAY1

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/06/27/guest-blog-david-cunliffe-brexit-what-why-and-what-next/#comment-343228

  21. Chooky 21
    27 June 2016 at 9:22 pm

    Ken Livingstone: Brexit fallout may tear both UK and EU apart

    (Published time: 24 Jun, 2016 13:26)

    https://www.rt.com/shows/sophieco/348208-brexit-fallout-uk-eu/

    “The UK vote to leave the European Union came as a shocking surprise to the British establishment, with Prime Minister Cameron announcing he’ll step down from his post. Meanwhile the UK decision is emboldening continental Euroskeptics to demand similar referendums from their governments. How will London go about parting ways with the EU? Who will reap the benefits of that decision – and are there any to reap? Sophie Shevardnadze asks former mayor of London and Labour party veteran Ken Livingstone.”

  22. Chooky 22
    27 June 2016 at 9:25 pm

    and…more on history behind Brexit

    EU REFERENDUM- The Real Face of the European Union

    Cited by CLEANGREEN

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/06/27/the-daily-blog-open-mic-monday-27th-june-2016/

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