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. ……………
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.
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.
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.
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.
An “expert” commentator on breakfast television this morning said that Corbyn was “not popular”, except with the overwhelming majority of Labour Party members.
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. 😡
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.
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?
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.
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
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
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”
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.
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?
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…
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.
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 🙂
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.
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,
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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…
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,
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.
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.
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
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,
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
“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,”.
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,
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,
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
Also, consider that Ihumatao is undergoing significant development, both commercial and industrial – and one of the stations was planned for this location.
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.
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).
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.
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.
“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?
@ 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 …
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?
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
“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.”
“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.”
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The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
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Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
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TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
Holding On To The Present:The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
Stuck In The Middle With You:As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
Buzz from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example. This shows National down ...
It Takes A Train To Cry:Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
Chris Trotter writes – New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy.Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8. The universe was ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
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. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
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 Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I 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 Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s 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. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s 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 Ngā 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 ...
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The Government’s spending cuts are again targeting support for Māori with proposed reform of the agency charged with advising on Māori wellbeing and development. ...
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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.
https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/manurewa-marae-step-closer-opening-doors-homeless
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/81234898/west-coast-couple-owing-grey-district-council-81000-must-pay-interest–council
Quote and run is weak Paul.
Step it up.
Well done again Paul ………. bear witness.
I often click through on the links ………….
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.
“The People’s Liberation Front of Palestine!”
Someone find me the Monty Python clip pleeeeeease.
Much obliged there Anne.
Seemed rather urgent. 😯
Ad, I think we are seeing why the regions and industrial/post industrial areas of England have turned against pro-EU parties like Labour.
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.
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.
An “expert” commentator on breakfast television this morning said that Corbyn was “not popular”, except with the overwhelming majority of Labour Party members.
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. 😡
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.
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.
Looks like Churchill errrr??? looks more like Trump to my ancient eyes.
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.
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?
They should join their natural home – the Tories.
Maybe they will have a quiet chat with the ‘top brass’.
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.
That is really interesting – did not know that. Will be interesting to watch it play out.
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
Possibly a bit early to say it’s all fine. Good data not around for a few months.
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
It will take months to have trackable data.
But go ahead Mr Rocket Scientist. Show us your trading trends.
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
Interestingly the UK equivalent of the EFTPOS network provider could tell you all these things, day by day.
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.
Why would it reduce? There have been plenty claims on that, but no explanation as to why ….
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?
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…
“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.
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?
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 🙂
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.
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,
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
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.
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.
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.
Auckland Coal Action activists wrap a large digger used to clear the overburden to get at the coal, in Climate Crime Scene tape.
,
https://aucklandcoalaction.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/2c8a5419.jpg
https://aucklandcoalaction.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/2c8a53911.jpg
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.
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!
Key’s last employer said he was a great smoocher, superficially charming for sure,
but a snake in the grass.
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
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?
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.
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.
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
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
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]
The Left is fractured but not by Feminism.
And that’s a load of bollocks. Feminism is about treating everyone with respect and equality.
WTF that got to do with the price of fish?
Your points are generally wrong and you’re just stupid.
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
Dude’s ghow.
/
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…
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,
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
“Your points are generally wrong and you’re just stupid.”
+1 on the burn.
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 🙂
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,
The grapes are sour.
lol
I think Mrs Pankhurst spoke out pretty strongly against WW1 and terrible loss of lives that that entailed.
Did she do jail time, and its just one then…
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.
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
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.
You can lease Te Anau … (lol, old conservatives know the old tricks to longevity ..)
I humbly propose myself for the position of El Presidente
Lolz, that explains so much, you see yourself as Mike.
🙂
“it was bound to happen, sooner or later”
😉
Ha, missed both my legs!
VIVA EL PRESIDENTE!
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.
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
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
Seems they receive around $1.30 for every dollar paid in federal tax.
http://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/media/img/posts/2014/05/Slide3/966724856.jpg
details details
pesky stupid details.
Well that may be true but it dosnt support their “Leave” argument so must be ignored.
A “we are subsidising Washington” story get way more “leave” votes.
And if its on the internet, its must be true, and if Washington denies it, then its double true.
Texas can issue its own currency thanks.
It doesn’t have to rely on the run-for-private-interests Federal Reserve for USDs.
Yes, but will Mexico annex Texas when the red back collapses?.
It will never collapse, they will just issue more ……. or something.
No doubt Scotland will claim ownership of Stewart Island, thinking it must have belonged to the former Kings of Scotland.
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.
Perhaps if half the people on each side changed their vote it would make the result more acceptable.
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.
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.
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
“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,”.
I read that, wondering why no reasons given, must have been a good golden handshake.
Managing Management rule 101
dont embarrass the management,
maybe it was teh feminism that got him in the end? (massive stonking sarc tag there)
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,
that one sailed clean over your head didnt it
Er no, dee fems rule, especially after years of a ‘happy’ marriage,
its going to be a cold wet winter in kiwiland,
that plane just get higher and higher – hope the pilots got O2
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,
you do get im laughing at your sad sexist rants right?
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,
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
I hope they didn’t apply some ugly leverage on that guy
Haha, if only walls could talk. But sometimes, the writing appears on them for rulers.
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin
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.
If the Nats can silence an ex principal court judge then we are in very big trouble.
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.
Dont forget rewriting history to reframe it, and disappearing two words Key doesnt want to hear, like with official treasury reports and tax havens.
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.
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.
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?
3 Year thinking, election cycle. All that matters to the National Party is staying in power no matter what,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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).
There is no such thing as ‘commercial sensitivity’ when you’re dealing with the public.
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.
Yeah. Doesn’t surprise me either. NZ keeps going for the far more expensive ‘cheap’ option.
shuttling a few million tourists between the airport and Central Auckland,
=$$$
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
!!!
well I hope he doesn’t just go in silence…I hope he speaks up about it!
What has the EU ever done for us? Thanks to Monty Python
“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?
out in less than 10, you can bet he wasnt their only victim,
shameful,
@ 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 …
plenty of gangster buds inside,
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
Thanks for the reminder ianmac all signed up.
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
Stuff has this story tucked away in Business News.
The Herald also has this story tucked away in Business News.
Mmm?
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,
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
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.”
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/