Open mike 27/08/2014

Written By: - Date published: 6:20 am, August 27th, 2014 - 251 comments
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openmikeOpen mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

251 comments on “Open mike 27/08/2014 ”

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  1. Awww 1
    27 August 2014 at 6:47 am

    Have payments to Slater been reported as income to the IRD?

    • Rosie 1.1
      27 August 2014 at 8:55 am

      Lol, exactly what I was wondering as I was reading about the invoices he issued to Facilitate. Easy grubby money, plenty of it to.

    • Lanthanide 1.2
      27 August 2014 at 10:04 am

      Hopefully the IRD will do an investigation. But I doubt we’ll find out publicly as it’s not really in the public interest.

      • Draco T Bastard 1.2.1
        27 August 2014 at 10:58 am

        Oh, I think at this point in time it is in the public interest. Dirty Politics has thrown it in there.

        • Lanthanide 1.2.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 1:03 pm

          If there was wrongdoing found, then I’m sure that would be reported, as such tax evasion cases generally are. But up until then, it’s not really the public’s business.

          • Rodel 1.2.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 9:01 pm

            So suddenly Paula Bennet & Company views on benefit frauds and others view on tax evasion..is no longer a matter of public interest or public business? funny how things change.

    • NickS 1.3
      27 August 2014 at 2:16 pm

      What’s to bet the slug was also pulling a benefit at the same time…

  2. Raa 2
    27 August 2014 at 6:54 am

    Re. ‘Kill the PM’ song not worth a response – Key
    https://tvnz.co.nz/vote-2014-news/kill-pm-song-not-worth-response-key-6064653

    .. do we have a Luskian agent provocateur in our midst ?

    It would not be the first time.

    • tricledrown 2.1
      27 August 2014 at 7:49 am

      We need a hacker to look into Lusk and his continuing dirty tricks

      • disturbed 2.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 9:23 am

        +++++100% someone’s still an operative, seems like to me.

        • yeshe 2.1.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 9:31 am

          watch clutha/southland I reckon, and is it Hutt ? … big tobacco’s Nat boys …. they are Lusk’s future. God forbid they should be ours.

          • McFlock 2.1.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 1:35 pm

            trouble is that even despite that cluthasouthland is a safe seat. But hopefully liz craig will get enough to put some worries in the minds of nat powerbrokers.

    • emergency mike 2.2
      27 August 2014 at 11:42 am

      Weird tho, David Farrar reckons that ‘the left’ has to ‘respond’ to it pronto.

  3. Paul 3
    27 August 2014 at 7:00 am

    Biased media reporting with the usual personality driven comments (as opposed to the issues discussed) by Fairfax Media.
    I guess that’s what you get if you’re owned by a large overseas mining corporation.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/10427022/The-slick-and-the-dead-calm

    • Hanswurst 3.1
      27 August 2014 at 7:08 am

      It’s particularly interesting in light of the article “Mine blast rings on in PM’s ears” in the Herald, which makes a day in Key’s campaign sound like a fairly poorly organised and fruitless affair. The difference is, of course, that it doesn’t imply that that sort of thing would never happen to Cunliffe.

      • Bob 3.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 2:14 pm

        “it doesn’t imply that that sort of thing would never happen to Cunliffe” As shown by his omnishambles of a housing policy re-release today!
        http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10430104/Homes-still-out-of-reach-under-Labour

        “Twyford could not point out one of the properties he was talking about, saying they were scattered through the development.

        The party could also not say how many $360,000 homes would be built.

        Cunliffe and Twyford brought Auckland couple Jordy Leigh, 20 and Harrison Smith, 20, to support their policy.

        With a joint income of $75,000, under Labour’s plan their mortgage repayments would be $577 a week, compared with $777 under National. If interest rates remained at 8 per cent, they would save nearly $150,000 in interest and more than $110,000 on their mortgage principal.

        However, Leigh, an EPMU union member, said their first home would still be out of reach even under Labour.”

  4. phillip ure 4
    27 August 2014 at 7:19 am

    http://whoar.co.nz/2014/legalizing-weed-is-%E2%80%98a-security-issue-says-uruguayan-president-comment-the-cheapest-weed-in-the-world/

    (ed:..a fascinating aspect of what has been done in uruguay..

    ..is that to ensure the removal of criminal-elements entirely from the market..

    ..mujica has mandated that the govt-grown/supplied cannabis in uruguay –

    • will be sold at a fixed price of $2 per gram…)

    (if you wd rather not read my comment on this..you can go directly to source..

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/21/mujica-weed-security-_n_5698413.html?utm_hp_ref=latino-voices )

    • adam 4.1
      27 August 2014 at 10:15 am

      And Phillip – Colorado is still there right? It hasn’t blown up or anything? The world is still turning? Indeed society has not collapsed, while the world slowly brings back weed to normality.

      But no – lets keep it in the hands of gangs – then introduce more law and order policies which undermine civil rights.

      • phillip ure 4.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 1:01 pm

        then there is that latest herald digi-poll..

        ..showing that only just under 20% want things to continue as they are..

        ..but the politicians still all run from it..

        ..is 80% not enough of a mandate for them..?

        ..are they hanging tough for 100%..?

        • adam 4.1.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 6:28 pm

          But, then they can’t have their racist laws Philip.

          Or help out their mates who own the private prisons.

  5. Ad 5
    27 August 2014 at 7:29 am

    The electricity policy re-launch was helpful, but what Labour really needs this week is a faster response to Key’s election-launch housing initiative. Housing policy needs to be matched in the media against housing policy.

    • Wreckingball 5.1
      27 August 2014 at 10:51 am

      Possibly the worst of Labour’s policies. What was funny was at the retirement function of a particular electricity boss the other day, he spent 5 minutes plastering Labour’s policy with Parker in the room. You should have seen his face. Absolute gold.

      • Ad 5.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 3:06 pm

        And now right on cue Cunliffe gets back into the game with housing.
        $360,000 for your first house, humble though it may be.
        100,000 new homes for New Zealand.

        This is the closest to middle class aspirational policy.
        Go you good things.

  6. Ad 6
    27 August 2014 at 7:30 am

    Anyone detect a winner out of last nights Queenstown Radio Live economic debate?

  7. Belladonna 7
    27 August 2014 at 7:40 am

    Russel Norman impressed me the most. He came across as convincing and went a long way to showing the Greens to be a responsible party and not ‘loonies’ when it comes to finance as the nats and the media love to portray them.

    • tc 7.1
      27 August 2014 at 7:44 am

      Yes and the MSM regurgitate the instability themes around that bad bad ‘left’ when greens/labour were a very stable coalition in their own right last time out. More inconveniently ignored facts.

    • ScottGN 7.2
      27 August 2014 at 8:53 am

      I just bumped into Russel Norman in Queenstown. It was a pleasure to shake his hand and wish him and the Greens well for the election.

    • yeshe 7.3
      27 August 2014 at 9:33 am

      @belladonna .. did you see the offers yesterday to loan you Dirty Politics ? fyi .. go back to your library reference ..

      • Belladonna 7.3.1
        27 August 2014 at 3:19 pm

        @ yeshe
        I have decided after watching The Hollow Men and the Frost/Nixon dvds my blood pressure mightn’t be up to more Dirty Politics just now. I will read it, probably after the election, by which time I will either be in a told you so/smug frame of mind or very depressed. Appreciated your suggestions though.

        • yeshe 7.3.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 3:51 pm

          that’s a heavy diet of filthy you’ve been on, I understand. take best care down there .. the offers are always there if you want …

    • Bearded Git 7.4
      27 August 2014 at 9:52 am

      Russel talked to a packed meeting in Wanaka yesterday. The Force is with the Greens; not putting a foot wrong.

      Watch for increasing attacks on them from the Nats. Oops I forgot, their attack dogs have been muzzled.

      • ScottGN 7.4.1
        27 August 2014 at 12:40 pm

        I reckon National’s election campaign is really starting to unravel. They are playing defence on a lot of fronts now and attack is looking less likely as we head into the last bit of the campaign.

  8. Saarbo 8
    27 August 2014 at 7:49 am

    Have heard from a very good source that if the Fonterra auction stays where it is, then the Fonterra payout will be around $5 per KGMS, perhaps under, which would mean many farmers would be forced off their farms. Most farmers would be losing money. Its a drop of just under $6b in export receipts…our so called “Rock Star” economy has gone, big time.

    This doesn’t seem to be making much noise in the media, although Bernard hickey did mention on RNZ The Panel last Friday.

    • disturbed 8.1
      27 August 2014 at 9:37 am

      ++++++100%

    • felix 8.2
      27 August 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Funny isn’t it? The govt that owns the companies that essentially determine the price of milk powder is the same govt that owns the companies that buy up the farms when the price of milk powder drops.

      Sure, they overpay for a few years but considering most of it went into improving the farms they end up owning, I’d say it was money well spent.

  9. Penny Bright 9
    27 August 2014 at 7:55 am

    Had GREAT day yesterday out in the Helensville electorate.

    Got an overwhelmingly positive response from shop keepers in Kumeu / Huapai and have posters up all over the place.

    They’re advertising the Public Meeting I’ve called for Saturday 30 August in the Helensville War Memorial Hall (49 Commercial Rd) from 2pm – 5pm.

    ‘Stop corruption and dirty politics!’

    Myself and fellow anti- corruption ‘Public Watchdog / whistleblower’ Grace Haden will be exposing corruption at local and central government level which has NOT (yet) had mainstream media coverage and – more importantly – be putting forward simple, straightforward policies to STOP ‘white collar’ crime, corruption, ‘corporate welfare’ and ‘dirty politics’.

    This Public Meeting is being organised mainly for the benefit of the voting public residing in the Helensville electorate.

    Unfortunately, the timing does clash with the march being organised in Auckland starting at 1pm.

    My fault – when checking the availability of this Helensville Hall – only Friday night and Saturday were free, and I chose Saturday without double- checking other events.

    However, in my view, what’s being discussed in Helensville at this meeting will complement concerns that will be expressed in marches in main centres all over New Zealand this Saturday.

    What’s making this Public Meeting somewhat different is that I have invited all political parties who were represented at the Helensville candidates meeting held at the Kumeu Baptist Church on 11 August 2014, to have 5 minutes each to put forward their policies on these issues.

    Representatives of all political parties who chose to attend are welcome to bring their political advertising material with them.

    Local papers are/ have advertised this meeting.

    It should be FUN!

    Cheers

    Penny Bright

  10. wyndham 10
    27 August 2014 at 7:55 am

    Is Judith Collins living in some fantasy denial world ?

    Today she is claiming that the Privacy Commissioner has completely exonerated her from guilt in revealing Mr. Pleasant’s personal contact details to Slater. In fact she claimed this more than once.

  11. North 11
    27 August 2014 at 8:14 am

    Judith Collins – liar. Unrepentant liar. Demonstrably unfit to be a member of parliament even, let alone a minister.

  12. yeshe 12
    27 August 2014 at 8:35 am

    morning laugh .. Paula Benefit, fighting back some years earlier … really Paula ?

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152379599371219&set=a.10151581684666219.1073741825.647256218&type=1&theater

    and if you don’t already visit this website, you are missing some fine humour …

    https://www.facebook.com/StandDownJohnKey

  13. Rodel 13
    27 August 2014 at 8:47 am

    New Zealand’s own Cirque du Soleil -or is it Disney Land?

    Slater-Lusk-Williams- Farrar-Key-Collins-Rankin-Jamiwhite-Colin( aka Sue) Craig and now good old Tama Iti.The list goes on.

    David Cunliffe and his colleagues seem awfully normal and genuine in comparison.Even Winston (nearly).

    • nadis 13.1
      27 August 2014 at 9:24 am

      Tame Iti

      Shame he only has a relatively low list ranking. I would love to see him in parliament.

  14. phillip ure 14
    27 August 2014 at 8:56 am

    aucklanders interested shd note that nicky hager is giving a public talk @ the hall on the cnr dominion rd and balmoral rd @ 7.30 2nite..

    ..and real political junkies can do a twofer..

    ..’cos you can have face-to-face questioning of green mp’s from 5 pm – 6.30 @ the alleluya cafe in st kevins arcade on k rd…

    ..and then you can pop down the road for hager..

    ..(..mmm!!..politics-o.d..!..)

    ..i have some questions for hague re pot..

    ..and for mathers re the vivisectors..

  15. phillip ure 15
    27 August 2014 at 9:06 am

    i just tried something i had only read about before..

    ..(xtra-crunchy) peanut butter and banana on toast..(connons wholemeal..aficianados will nod in agreement..)

    ..and i hafta say..

    ..i’ll be going back there again..

    ..the lingering aftertaste is particularly piquant..

    • yeshe 15.1
      27 August 2014 at 9:11 am

      ’bout time Phillip ! 😀

      • phillip ure 15.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 9:21 am

        that’s what i’m feeling about the matter too..

        ..i am being quite harsh on myself here..for my laggardness on such an important/life-affirming experience..

    • tricledrown 15.2
      27 August 2014 at 9:23 am

      Philip your liver kidneys heart arteries veins duodenum will be wishing you had rejected the high fat high salt peanut butter !
      + your cannabis intake being as “high” as you claim your kidneys will be over loaded and your liver will be getting scared!
      Everything in moderation just. Because you are vegan it doesn’t mean your any healthier!
      Avocada and banana would be healthier and much nicer tasting do try.
      You have given up other addictions your physiological addiction to Dope seem’s not to bother you no drug is completely safe!

      • phillip ure 15.2.1
        27 August 2014 at 9:38 am

        but tricle..!..it’s one of the few vices i have left..!

        ..leave me be with my pot and my peanut butter..!

        ..and on the plus side for all those organs you cited..

        ..t don’t eat meat/animal-fats/cheese..

        ..i don’t drink alcohol..i exercise..

        ..so..y’know..!

        ..(and i agree..avo/banana is up there..)

        ..and something that may have purists screaming:..have you tried hummus on tomato-based pasta dishes yet..?

        ..oohh!!!…that lifts them to a whole new level..

      • phillip ure 15.2.2
        27 August 2014 at 9:45 am

        “.. your cannabis intake being as “high” as you claim..”

        sheesh..!..i wish…!

        ..compared to packing multi-layers grass/hashish chillums of days of yore..

        ..my consumption now is almost homeopathic-dose sized..

        • left for dead 15.2.2.1
          27 August 2014 at 11:13 am

          hashish chillums ,… Hav’nt heard that word in a while,oh the memorys.

          • phillip ure 15.2.2.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 11:17 am

            a good/well-packed/layered-one shd last 30-40 mins..

            ..and should be able to floor a room full of people…

            ..to have most of them all feet-up…

            ..and only the real drug-pigs left still battling on..(ahem..!..)

            ..the young folks now with their..’but it’s hydroponic!’..?

            ..meh..!..they don’t know what a good toasting is..

    • Puckish Rogue 15.3
      27 August 2014 at 9:32 am

      I had bacon and eggs on toast last night, quite delicious so you should try it

      • phillip ure 15.3.1
        27 August 2014 at 9:41 am

        there you see on display..the wit/innovation of those on the right..

        ..i wonder how p.r.s’ organs are holding up..?..under onslaughts like that..?

        ..whoar..!

        ..’holy pig-fat-denialist..!..batman..!’..

        • Puckish Rogue 15.3.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 10:08 am

          Well according to the bloods I had done recently I’m in fine fettle (well everything they tested is in the right range) but if it helps both the bacon and eggs were free-range and the bread was brown

          • phillip ure 15.3.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 10:25 am

            y’know what the marker is for high-quality bread..?

            ..how long it takes to toast..

            ..connons wholemeal has to be as long as possible on my toaster..

            ..and then some more..a 12 out of ten..

            ..whereas brown supermarket -bread is nearing burnt with one sixth of that toasting-time..

            ..a 2/10..

            ..that’s ‘cos there is so much air in it..

            ..and air doesn’t take long to toast..

            • Rosie 15.3.1.1.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 11:08 am

              It’s Breadman Bakery organic rye sourdough from chch for me. All the way!

            • Pukish Rogue 15.3.1.1.1.2
              27 August 2014 at 12:35 pm

              You really think I buy cheap bread?

              • phillip ure …
                27 August 2014 at 12:41 pm

                as you are a rightwing/neo-lib-ratbag..

                ..one for whom the current system runs..

                ..probably not..

                ..that’s only for the poor-folks..eh..?

                ..the ‘losers’..in yr paradigm of choice..

                • Pukish Rogue …
                  27 August 2014 at 12:56 pm

                  Wow assumption much?

                  • phillip ure …
                    27 August 2014 at 1:12 pm

                    oh no..!..are you like one of those sad cases you wd see clustering around rich actites..like flies around shit..?

                    ..that most tragic of individuals..the ‘poor’-rightie..?

                    ..dear me..!..what a life of dislocation/serial-humiliations that must be..

                    ..you wd need good quality bread..

            • ScottGN 15.3.1.1.1.3
              27 August 2014 at 12:46 pm

              I thought it was all the sugar they stick in the cheap stuff that makes it toast quick? Vogel’s is my pick of the commercial loaves but mostly I buy European Bakery here in Queenstown. A very good sourdough and at $4.60 a loaf it’s a bargain too.

              • phillip ure …
                27 August 2014 at 1:17 pm

                sugar + air..?

                ..and it’s interesting how over the last 5-6 yrs most breads have gone vegan…

                (..and ya/we didn’t even notice..didya/we..?..)

                ..vogels is notable for being such a hold-out on that..

                ..one of the few still using dairy in their bread….

                .

          • yeshe 15.3.1.1.2
            27 August 2014 at 2:01 pm

            yes it all ‘helps’, but nothing helps the pig who was dead. I’ve always pondered the missing moment I cannot find anywhere in the universe where ‘dead body’ suddenly becomes ‘fresh meat’.

  16. yeshe 16
    27 August 2014 at 9:09 am

    Can some journalist out there please ask the National Party if Jason Ede remains on their payroll ?

    How very black ops is his disappearance. Someone must be paying him a veritable fortune to remain completely hidden until well after the election.

    His absence seems the biggest proof of all.

    • Chooky 16.1
      27 August 2014 at 9:14 am

      +100…would love to see a profile on him….is he working for an agency/govt outside New Zealand?

      • bad politics 16.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 9:55 am

        I re watched The Hollowmen last night, & Ede is in the footage talking to Richard Long, so he has been on the payroll for a while it seems.

        • Chooky 16.1.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 10:13 am

          thanks…had better watch that…he is the invisible man in this whole recent saga…so the man to watch for

  17. Chooky 17
    27 August 2014 at 9:15 am

    ‘Cunliffe vs Key – first leaders debate: what does winning & losing look like?’

    By Martyn Bradbury / August 27, 2014

    “The first leaders debate happens this Thursday, 7pm on TV One. I have been invited to be part of the Green Party’s ‘Green Room’ to commentate on the debate as it happens so I will be live tweeting my thoughts during that, but before we get to there, let’s look at what winning and losing looks like for Key and Cunliffe…

  18. Rosie 18
    27 August 2014 at 9:23 am

    Maori TV kicked off with it’s Maori electorate candidates debates on Monday night. First up was Te Tai Tonga. It was a little lacklustre with the exception of the most fine, sharp and fabulous Georgina Beyer (IMP).

    What stood out was the polls, and how opposite the results were for Maori TV compared to the poll results we hear about all the time. 43% of Te Tai Tonga voters would give their party vote to Labour while 17% would give their party vote to National:

    https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/politics/kowhiri-14-labour-ahead-polls-te-tai-tonga

    Throughout the programme street interviews were conducted. Overwhelmingly people wanted this government out. There was one man supportive of the Key Government but even then he didn’t sound he was that convinced of what he was saying.

    Not for the first time I thought about how overlooked the Maori view and experience is in our mainstream media. After watching Maori TV for a bit and switching back to TV1 and 3 you get the feeling that those chanels are aiming their programmes at a mono culture, and what a dull pasty culture it is they promote.

    • phillip ure 18.1
      27 August 2014 at 10:03 am

      @ rosie..

      ..aye..!

      ..the docos they show are invariably of a very high quality..(tues nites..whoar..!)..

      ..and so so much more..

      ..if i was told i cd only have one channel..i’d pick maori tv..

      ..and pakeha that don’t dip into maori tv..

      ..really are restricting their vision..

      • phillip ure 18.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 10:14 am

        the difference in styles of the political shows are stark too..

        ..native affairs is a reasoned dialogue..

        ..where guests are allowed to say their piece..

        ..as opposed to the sneering/combative/cynical/gotcha!-bullshit routinely served up by the usual suspects on pakeha tv..

        ..native affairs seems to believe in letting the audience make their own minds up..

        ..as opposed to having some clown going in there primed to trip-up the guests..and to drive the agenda/content of any interview..(you know who you are..)

        ..and thus showing total disrespect to those they are meant to be there to serve..

        ..the audience..

        ..in the main the audience leaves those mainstream encounters..none the wiser..

        ..which behooves who..exactly..?

      • Rosie 18.1.2
        27 August 2014 at 10:23 am

        Maori TV is always a breath of fresh air compared to the other channels. Yes, great doco’s! High standards all round, and brought to the viewer with heart, flair and integrity.

        The other channels are really lacking by comparison.

        During the last election I abandoned TV 1 and 3 for election coverage all together in favour of the down to earth feisty debates and discourse on Maori. Putting the “reality” into TV!

        This election campaign is different from 2011 however and I will give the leaders debate on TV 1 a go on Thursday. Hoping that DC will own it 🙂 (Thanks for the heads up Chooky)

    • Chooky 18.2
      27 August 2014 at 10:05 am

      +100 Rosie …agree!…”After watching Maori TV for a bit and switching back to TV1 and 3 you get the feeling that those chanels are aiming their programmes at a mono culture, and what a dull pasty culture it is they promote.”

      and the “fine, sharp and fabulous Georgina Beyer”….I have always been a fan of hers too

    • yeshe 18.3
      27 August 2014 at 10:13 am

      +100% Rosie. I love Maori TV and most especially Mihingarangi Forbes … she does to political TV what Nigella does to chocolate — with an incisive intellect. Always watch it, and it seems it is the last media spot with any integrity. No wonder some pollies want it excised from our screens.

      And Marae is always worth a look on TV1 .. some fine reporting on issues that don’t make the front page of MSM .. but they should.

      And good luck tonight with your meeting … Duplicitous Dunne — Done and Dusted !

      • Chooky 18.3.1
        27 August 2014 at 10:21 am

        “Duplicitous Dunne — Done and Dusted !”…i am drinking a glass of champagne on the night on that!

        • Rosie 18.3.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 10:32 am

          Me too Chooky! I’m sure there will be glasses raised all over the country if Dunne goes!

      • Rosie 18.3.2
        27 August 2014 at 10:31 am

        Hi yeshe. Do you mean the ‘future of the public service’ talk that Virginia Andersen is hosting? I won’t be in attendance at that one but will be at the first of the candidates meeting next Monday night.

        Dunne and dusted indeed! I’m getting anxious and impatient for this election to be over.

        And yes, Jamie Whyte is one of those pollies who would like to see Maori TV gone. Remember that painful interview…….. Oh my goodness. +1 to your words on Mihingarangi Forbes.

        • adam 18.3.2.1
          27 August 2014 at 10:49 am

          I got my partner to watch that Jamie Whyte interview over the weekend Rosie, and it was worse watching him on a third viewing. He not only looked like a fish out of water, but you have to wonder if he was on something. The glossy eyes, the slightly slurred speech, the inability to put logical connections together. And the slow, very slow reactions to Ms Forbes questions was just odd.

          I’m all for the legalisation of weed, but man, hitting that stuff before being interviewed by the consummate professional Mihingarangi Forbes, would just be foolish.

          • Rosie 18.3.2.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 11:15 am

            Lols. I put his strange performance down to nerves and discomfort at being in the presence of a woman who is capable of exposing his faulty logic for all it’s worth.

            Your suggestion is much more interesting though. Could be something in mind alts theory. When John Campbell went to the home of him and his wife the other day they were drinking bubbly in the middle of the day. Probably not just “sparkling wine” either probably the real deal champagne.

          • left for dead 18.3.2.1.2
            27 August 2014 at 11:58 am

            That happens to anyone who drinks though the day,whats his policy on pot.?

        • yeshe 18.3.2.2
          27 August 2014 at 2:02 pm

          @rosie .. oops, made a mistake about the meeting … here’s to next week then !

    • Draco T Bastard 18.4
      27 August 2014 at 3:08 pm

      After watching Maori TV for a bit and switching back to TV1 and 3 you get the feeling that those chanels are aiming their programmes at a mono culture, and what a dull pasty culture it is they promote.

      IMO, it’s closer to a lack of culture that they promote. Everything’s the same and everything’s Americanised.

  19. nadis 19
    27 August 2014 at 9:35 am

    The lack of traction by Mana is interesting. 6%?

    Is there any poll data for Te Tai Tokerau?

    • marty mars 19.1
      27 August 2014 at 10:01 am

      6% is not a lack of traction it is a demonstration of traction.

      • Chooky 19.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 10:09 am

        +100 Marty Mars….seems like a good traction result to me

        …and apparently a high proportion of Maori also support Winston Peters… so I heard I think on Morning Report yesterday…although I cant find the statistics

        maybe there needs to be an analysis Post on the Maori vote ?

    • Rosie 19.2
      27 August 2014 at 10:34 am

      Thats over double the other polls nadis! Don’t know about poll data for Te Tai Tokerau. I imagine that will be available on the night they cover that electorate. I’m really interested to see what in happening in Waiariki…………….

      • nadis 19.2.1
        27 August 2014 at 11:04 am

        6% in a Maori seat? About a third of National support? Underwhelming………

        3% support for IMP in the general electorate is orders of magnitude more impressive than 6% in a Maori seat.

        Does Tame Iti throwing in with Maori change the outlook for Mana? I guess it would in BOP/East coast, what about in the other regions?

        • Rosie 19.2.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 11:29 am

          That poll result was just for starters for one electorate. On completion of the debates there may be a more comprehensive result. As for the IMP polling at 3%, yes I agree that has more of an impact in the general seats than 6% in the Maori, but it IS interesting……….And how realistic is that 3% ish polling in the general seats anyway? Could be much higher in reality for all we know.

          I’m going to wait till I hear more about Tame Iti’s joining the Maori Party list before I speculate too much. I am a bit worried though – he carries much mana and influence, and yes in those regions you mention, in particular.

          The polls on last nights Te Tai Tonga election coverage showed that the vast majority don’t support the Maori party in a coalition with National. This is of no comfort though. If the Maori Party do retain their seats they will just go with the Nats again, if the Nats have the numbers. As Tame said last night on 3 News “best to be at the table” which is the philosophy of the party. Could be a spanner in the works………….

          • weka 19.2.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 1:02 pm

            Very disappointing about Iti. Still, it’s a timely reminder that Māori have their own politics and they don’t match Pākehā ones, or even make sense to the mainstream.

        • McFlock 19.2.1.2
          27 August 2014 at 1:42 pm

          Given that Mana’s centre of support is at the other end of the country, it’s not so bad as all that.

  20. adam 20
    27 August 2014 at 10:07 am

    I think it’s come to a point that any Christian who votes for national is no longer in touch with what it means to be a Christian. The hate and conceit that national now attack the poor is more than unseemly, it is an attack at core Christian beliefs.

    Thomas Aquinas wrote “Greed is a sin against God, just as all mortal sins, in as much as man condemns things eternal for the sake of temporal things.”

    “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” – Luke 4:18–19

    For any Christians who want to take a look further at this, please read these wonderful papers. From the Gospel Manifesto 2014.

    http://presbyterian.org.nz/speaking-out/resources-for-speaking-out/discussion-papers/gospel-manifesto-2014

    • Chooky 20.1
      27 August 2014 at 10:19 am

      +100…yes agree adam…no REAL CHRISTIAN would vote NACTIONAL!

      • Pukish Rogue 20.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 12:39 pm

        You’ve highlighted the major failing of the left, the belief that people can be pigeon-holed into groups and those groups must vote a certain way therefore you get amazement when people designated into a group go against what they’re “supposed” to do

        • NickS 20.1.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 2:26 pm

          🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄

          Yes, because that’s so totes not a general failing of most people 🙄

          • Puckish Rogue 20.1.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 3:09 pm

            Not really, the left believe Maori, Polynesians, the working class must all vote for the left and if they dare say otherwise the left act like they’ve committed an act of betrayal

            • The Mad Butchers probably the best example

            Rather then accept that people have individual views and act accordingly…

            • NickS 20.1.1.1.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 3:31 pm

              🙄

              Yes, because you don’t get multiple cases of people on the right saying the same thing, assuming that people similar to “them” must vote the way they do. Albeit I’m more versed in US examples, but it’s fucking universal human behaviour stemming from ye olde tribalism. I see it every time I bother going through the forums on steam for games, or any cultural stuff such as movies and music, the assumption that just because “I” like/dislike it and “I” maps to all these other people, they should like/dislike it as well.

              But hey, why bother dealing with reality when you can slag off the left and try and score points oh brainless one?

              • adam …
                27 August 2014 at 6:38 pm

                NickS, PR lives in the world of assumption. He can’t tell the difference between a theological argument and political one. He thinks his propaganda infused thoughts are of his own free will. For PR the world is best defined by, the left is always wrong.

                But worst of all, PR is an broken record of sad one liners from the 80’s.

            • Rodel 20.1.1.1.1.2
              27 August 2014 at 10:20 pm

              PR
              In the party votes of the last election 31323 or 84% of Maori votes went to Labour and a mere 5894 or 16% wanted National. More than five times as many voted for Labour.

              The ‘act of betrayal’ you mention was committed by the rightfully elected Maori Party members who wrongfully went against the wishes of their own people and colluded with National and ACT.

              It’s nothing to do with what the left believe- It’s what the voters believe- or should have faith that when they cast their vote it will be taken seriously.

    • Ad 20.2
      27 August 2014 at 3:09 pm

      Lovely resource; thank you from my Christian soul.

  21. Puckish Rogue 21
    27 August 2014 at 10:13 am

    I don’t suppose anyones interested in knowing about Hagers lies but if you are:

    http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/08/exclusive-another-hager-fisher-lie-exposed/

    You lot might be interested

    • Chooky 21.1
      27 August 2014 at 10:17 am

      God NO!….who would go looking on whaleoil?….the oil contamination is toxic and awful!

      • Puckish Rogue 21.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 10:23 am

        Also helps when you only want one side of the story as well eh you should look though its full OIA documents and stuff

      • Rosie 21.1.2
        27 August 2014 at 10:37 am

        Exactly Chooky. What an absurd suggestion by Pukey. As if anyone wants to hear what that lying, toxic, evil, scheming bag of slime has to say. How Pukey can support Slater is beyond me.

        • Chooky 21.1.2.1
          27 August 2014 at 10:45 am

          Pukey needs to get off the cooking sherry ….drink some fine single malt whiskey and VOTE CUNLIFFE!

        • Pukish Rogue 21.1.2.2
          27 August 2014 at 12:13 pm

          I know its a forlorn hope but why not see what hes put up and make up your own mind rather then take as gospel what Hager says (the reason being of course that it suits the lefts narrative to believe what Hager says and to disregard anything Slater says)

          • Chooky 21.1.2.2.1
            27 August 2014 at 12:43 pm

            Pukey you really are getting desperate if you want me to read what is on THAT site!

            • Pukish Rogue 21.1.2.2.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 1:02 pm

              Getting the other side of the story? Yeah crazy though huh

              • McFlock …
                27 August 2014 at 2:57 pm

                why bother seeing what a degenerate, compulsive liar-for hire has to say? It’s worthless – any similarity with reality can only be purely coincidental.

              • Chooky …
                27 August 2014 at 3:01 pm

                Pukey once I went there half by mistake to check something out….and guess what? ….i was repelled 10 feet backwards across the room….such was my horror at what i saw !

                ….I dont want to go there again!…it is not good for the health or the spirit…or the soul !

                …LIFE is BEAUTIFUL ( but not on Whaleoil)

          • McFlock 21.1.2.2.2
            27 August 2014 at 1:45 pm

            puckish,

            If you need to whine and beg, you’re a fucking useless linkwhore.

            • weka 21.1.2.2.2.1
              27 August 2014 at 4:43 pm

              “If you need to whine and beg, you’re a fucking useless linkwhore.”

              But if he gets paid it’s probably still worth it 🙂

          • Draco T Bastard 21.1.2.2.3
            27 August 2014 at 3:26 pm

            The person at the centre of National’s Dirty Tricks and Lies campaign puts up a post exclaiming that the person who caught him in his lies with evidence is lying?

            Yeah, I think you’re the one with a problem – pure gullibility.

            • blue leopard 21.1.2.2.3.1
              27 August 2014 at 5:12 pm

              +1 DTB

              It is on a par with the media going to ask the PM about a book that posits National are conducting dirty politics in a manner that allows the PM to retain a ‘nice-guy’ persona -that it deliberately separates him from the dirt – allows for ‘plausible deniability’.

              ….Then, when the PM predictably responds ‘no nuffink to do with me, I am not connected in any way. I am not responsible, I am merely the Prime Minister of this country – the head of the GCSB I might add…. it was my office, those who work under me….my office that is…not me… or someone else……Labour…I mean the left, yes it was the left’s fault. Nope, not me. I wasn’t there, I don’t remember, I didn’t read it, I didn’t, see, hear or say nuffink, in fact… I know nothing. I am Mr Nice Guy….remember….Wanna beer?…. and palease can-we-move-right-along-to-some-real-issues-now…like singing my praises, discussing how fractured the Labour party is and how they need a new leader, like we used to (oh those where the days my friend) and what a great and united team I lead ….cough….nixt quistion please?”

              Why does it still astonish me?

      • Naki man 21.1.3
        27 August 2014 at 11:44 am

        That comment from someone who visits toxic Bummer Bradburys frothing sewer,
        you have to be joking.

        • Chooky 21.1.3.1
          27 August 2014 at 12:36 pm

          Martyn is a lovely boy …I know his Mother

          ( you dont know what you are talking about Naki man !…I bet you are a friend of Judith’s)

          ‘Crusher Collins caught out lying about Privacy Commissioner – is this her last, last, last chance again?’

          By Martyn Bradbury / August 27, 2014

          “Is Judith lying about being cleared by the Privacy Commissioner to denigrate a public servant part of her last, last, last chance or is this a new last, last, last chance?…

          • Naki man 21.1.3.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 5:08 pm

            Cooky you need to stop drinking from Bummers frothing sewer it has poisoned your mind.
            I don’t know Crusher and Bummers mother might be a nice lady but that doesn’t stop her son from being a toxic twat.

            • Chooky 21.1.3.1.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 5:24 pm

              lol…Naki man …this is why i go over to Martyn Bradbury’s the other side….for up to date considered political analysis ( you should try it)

              ‘A Matter of Whether John Key is Credible’

              By Selwyn Manning / August 23, 2014

              In reality, John Key is the last man standing, he speaks directly to the reasonably minded New Zealand voter. From this platform they will be asked to judge for themselves whether their Prime Minister is credible… or not. Game on, or game over, they will be the judge.

              [deleted]

              [lprent: Copyright violation and just bad manners choking the comments feed with someone elses thoughts..

              Next time I see one of these I will just coin toss twice to see how long your ban will be. 1 day, 1 week, 6 months or a year? While I am sure that they probably won’t mind at TDB, it is bad practise and bad manners to dump whole posts on another site. A para on why you think it is important. A few quoted teaser paras. A link. That is what the net is for,

              This is your only warning. ]

              • Chooky …
                27 August 2014 at 7:34 pm

                derrrh…i thought that had gone into a black hole…now it has reappeared with a dire warning!

                …note I always reference anything I put here very carefully …so i very much doubt “copyright violation”…as you say over on TDB they “probably won’t mind” their post came in this direction

                but “bad practice and bad manners”…well I guess I will take a break

                • lprent …
                  27 August 2014 at 7:52 pm

                  If you link to it and sell it,then people will click the link.

                  This site is for your thoughts, not somewhere else.

                • karol …
                  27 August 2014 at 9:20 pm

                  Actually, I understood that it is a copyright violation to post the whole of someone’s article somewhere else, even if referenced. That’s why in our posts we only use extracts from news articles and other blogs. Posting the whole thing can mean people not going to the other sites to read it.

                  I did point out the usual practice to you a couple of days ago when you posted another whole TDB post.

                  Apart from anything else, I’d already read the whole of that post on TDB a couple of days previously. Posting the whole post just disrupts the flow of discussion. I’d have been more interested in reading your response to the post, and why it was relevant to the TS discussion.

                  Edit: NZ yahoo answers. Best answer:

                  Is is copyright infringement to copy & paste a news article on facebook?
                  Even if you give the link to the place you got it from, and you clearly state that you didn’t write it yourself?
                  […]
                  the owner of the article MUST give you permission, not the persons company they work for, not there boss, the person that wrote it must give you consent.

                  • Chooky …
                    28 August 2014 at 8:35 am

                    …actually I was going to edit it…cut it back and make a comment.

                    ( I often edit and make comments right up until the last minute…sometimes i even delete the whole contribution all together, which was quite a possablity in this case because i was reacting to provocation )

                    i hadnt finished with it!….but before i could do anything more it disappeared into a black hole…much to my surprise!…I presumed I had been edited off the board!..,Surveilled….Censored

                    Interesting….such sensitivity

                    …and as regarding “violating copyright”….I am sure Selwyn Manning would like the widest possible dissemination…it may even encourage people to check out the website he contributes to…this can only be a good thing imo

        • Rodel 21.1.3.2
          30 August 2014 at 10:02 am

          NM
          “toxic Bummer Bradburys frothing sewer,”
          Boy you must have salivated when you invented that charming and oh so clever phrase.(needs an apostrophe though).

    • Weepus beard 21.2
      27 August 2014 at 10:21 am

      Another OIA out to Slater in record time. Looks like he’s still being looked after by Judith Collins.

    • Lanthanide 21.3
      27 August 2014 at 10:29 am

      Very first comment points out that the whole thing is a diversion by Slater. Poor showing.

    • Tony's ego 21.4
      27 August 2014 at 10:52 am

      …

      Ah, Puckish Rogue. Living proof that you really can fool some of the people all of the time.

    • NickS 21.5
      27 August 2014 at 2:31 pm

      🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄

      Posts link from known scumbag and lair for hire, who despite claiming Hager is lying still hasn’t filed a defamation suit in light of the negative impact of Hager’s Dirty Politics on Slater’s [insert correct word here, ‘Nick can’t recall the right word :herpderp:].

      • Puckish Rogue 21.5.1
        27 August 2014 at 3:10 pm

        Yeah who needs the other side of the story when you can just have Hagers opinion

        • RedLogix 21.5.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 3:14 pm

          … and a pile of documents from the National Party itself.

          (Besides Slater has terminally disqualified himself from having an opinion.)

        • karol 21.5.1.2
          27 August 2014 at 3:20 pm

          Hager’s book is the other side of the story to the one that has been dished up to us regularly in the MSM for the last few years.

        • NickS 21.5.1.3
          27 August 2014 at 3:22 pm

          Which so far hasn’t been refuted my any reliable source.

          And again, if Hager was lying, why hasn’t Slater et al filed for defamation of character? NZ defamation law, while not perfect, is still quite clear in such a case as this and yet Slater hasn’t bothered with it despite protesting that Hager is lying.

          Of course, given you history, evidently such a point is far too hard for you :smug:

          • Naki man 21.5.1.3.1
            27 August 2014 at 5:14 pm

            Hager was careful to says things like “in my opinion” rather than state something as fact so he could cover his arse and not get sued

            • NickS 21.5.1.3.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 5:33 pm

              🙄

              It doesn’t work that way numpty, you can still get sued for putting forth an opinion if can be shown to false and cause damage.

              I can haz non-idiot right wingers for once?

            • McFlock 21.5.1.3.1.2
              27 August 2014 at 5:33 pm

              what about all the emails he quoted?
              Were those faked?

            • North 21.5.1.3.1.3
              28 August 2014 at 7:07 am

              If you had half a brain NakiMoan you’d know that perfunctorily prefacing an actionable defamation with the words “in my opinion” is on its own meaningless as a defence.

              When will you absorb that the words Hager published are not his words ? They are the words of your fellow foul old ‘masters of the universe’.

    • Murray Olsen 21.6
      27 August 2014 at 9:11 pm

      What a load of shit. He is lying about what Hager wrote, and the Whalespew Army, who hang like ticks from his scrotum, are lapping it up. Hager has made it clear that Gusher did not arrange for the prisoner transfer. It was someone else, probably high up in Corrections. In itself this is very worrying.

      I cannot get over how thick and deluded the Whalespew army actually are. How do they remember to breathe?

  22. joe90 22
    27 August 2014 at 11:04 am

    Well said Mr Bennett.

    .

    .
    OPINION: The National Party advertisement shows a sleek, expensive, racing hull manned by a team of handsome heroes, in smart, expensive, blue uniforms.

    The opposition are seen as dumpy persons clad in motley red or green, muddling about in an unseaworthy little tub.

    Good, clean, pre-election fun- poking perhaps, but sadly it betrays a condescending attitude much more divisive and scornful of New Zealand society than the presumed bickering in the opposition’s boat.

    There is no excuse for such class arrogance. Success, we are persuaded, lies with the golden youth of our nation, the sort of affluent young athletes who row as a hobby.

    Proud as we are of our Olympic champions, they are not the average Kiwi.

    A better nautical image for Aotea-Roa might be a double- hulled Polynesian canoe, a waka hourua, each hull separate but bound together, ensuring stability and a shared destination through negotiation and collaboration.

    Crew could wear red and green in puerile political symbolism, but I would much prefer to show distinctive Maori, Samoan, Indian, European and Asian faces to truly represent our multicultural society. Rite, ko te rite! Rite, ko te rite! Tiaia, a tiaia. Toki hika toki! Altogether, altogether now.

    ARTHUR BENNETT

    Hastings

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/letters-to-the-editor/10427870/Better-nautical-imagery-available

    • nadis 22.1
      27 August 2014 at 11:08 am

      Except its not about a “better nautical image for Aotea-Roa”. It’s actually called political advertising for the National Party. Next thing Arthur will be criticising Weet-bix and Gillette commercials.

      • joe90 22.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 11:25 am

        (︶︹︺)

        • vto 22.1.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 11:32 am

          I agree with that letter writer joe90. The ad inadvertently reinforces all that is wrong with the current government and the attitudes of its people.

          It suggests that you need to be one of them to be a “winner” and that if you are not one of them then you are a “loser”. It splits the population. It is not inclusive. It is negative. It is spiteful.

          It is nasty.

          It is Dirty politics writ large.

          The National Party type people will still not be able to see this – they have become soaked in their own indoctrination. No wonder they are surprised by the hatred being shown towards them right now – they are blinkered fools suffering under the obesity of their greed and selfishness.

          • Weepus beard 22.1.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 11:47 am

            Agree that it splits the population. This has crept into NZ society since the National party took office. and is the reason for the bitterness in this campaign.

            John Key constantly reinforces this with policy: assets sales taking something once owned by everyone and selling it cheap to “winners”. He also does it with comments such as calling a 93% rejection by the primary teachers union as a “stunt” intimating they are “losers”.

            • vto 22.1.1.1.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 11:52 am

              Yep, absolutely…

              … and reinforced by Key’s outrageous refusal to condemn Slater.

              Key exemplifies all that is wrong with this portion of the New Zealand population and the attitude it leads. Key is 100% Pure Toxicity.

        • nadis 22.1.1.2
          27 August 2014 at 12:15 pm

          looks like a sumo wrestler having a nap…..

    • tricledrown 22.2
      27 August 2014 at 10:48 pm

      Nationals ad =Skullduggery

  23. Te Reo Putake 23
    27 August 2014 at 11:05 am

    Trelise Cooper does the right thing:

    APOLOGY

    I unreservedly apologise and regret any offence I have caused through using Native American Head Dress in my catwalk show.

    I genuinely respect and honour all cultures, races and religions.
    It was never my intention to disrespect another culture.

    It is my hope that through my mistake and ignorance, like me, people now know and are aware of the Sacredness of the head dress to Native Americans.

    To those who I have offended, I sincerely apologise.

    Dame Trelise Cooper

    • yeshe 23.1
      27 August 2014 at 11:16 am

      The right thing to apologise, yes. But what a surprising shame she didn’t know enough not to do it in the first place.

      • Lanthanide 23.1.1
        27 August 2014 at 1:09 pm

        It basically would have been something along the lines of “Look at those headdresses! They’re great! I’ve never seen them in fashion before so this would be a new innovative thing I could do!”.

        Of course she didn’t stop to find out why they hadn’t been in fashion before.

        • weka 23.1.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 1:30 pm

          They have been used in fashion before, and other designers have been slammed for it. It’s hard to believe that Trelise Cooper was unaware of this. Her apology seems genuine enough albeit pretty white priviliged, although as someone on twitter pointed out, even the apologies are recycled.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 23.1.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 2:41 pm

            Her “apology” isn’t an apology, it’s an insult to anyone who thinks Cooper’s actions are unwise. I’m not offended by her actions, they just lower my opinion of her, such as it is. The faux apology lowers it further.

            If she were sincere she’d apologise for something she did (‘I’m sorry I employed a crass racist stereotype’, for example), not the imagined pain in other people’s minds.

          • Chooky 23.1.1.1.2
            27 August 2014 at 2:43 pm

            well I guess it is similar to the French using the moko and Maori tattoos as a fashion statement…not necessarily inherently racist or to give offense…in fact a mark of admiration and fascination for an ethnic and exotic art form…but ignorance shown of the real proscribed spiritual and cultural significance

            imo ….where it is used with a full understanding and in defiance of the proscribed cultural specialness… then it becomes lack of respect, insulting and appropriation….and possibly racist

            …what about Maori design?…is it legitimate for non Maori to use this ?…koru, Hei matua, tiki,manaia, toki, roimata, kowhaiwhai?…..or swamp kauri treasured by the Maori for Maori sculpture?…or pounamu?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 23.2
      27 August 2014 at 12:55 pm

      It isn’t an apology.

      She isn’t responsible for the thoughts, feelings nor the “offence” of others, she’s responsible for her own behaviour.

      • crocodill 23.2.1
        27 August 2014 at 1:25 pm

        As with all things internet, the answer is yes, no, and maybe.

        “”This is appalling offensive cultural appropriation,” said Morgan Ashworth.”

        I agree, except not with the appalling, or the necessarily offensive, as OAB points out.

        “”Utterly shameful, racist and ignorant,” commented Lisa Cullimore Ryder.”

        Not shameful or racist, but somewhat ignorant.

        “People were similarly outraged on Twitter, brandishing Ms Cooper as ‘offensive’ and ‘racist’.”

        Not definitively, I would guess her not to be racist at all, but to prove it would require testing not often done on victims of the Online Politically Correct crowd. How would we prove that the electrical impulses of Trelise Cooper’s brain would light up in the same places when shown a small mouse or insect, for example, or the picture of a Native American? Not the kind of testing that can be done from a seat in front of a PC monitor.

        Prejudice is alive and well though, and malice, and ignorance, and ignorance mixed with privilege, social status or celebrity worship, and that will find targets of convenience as required and cause horrific damage to people. She may not be entirely responsible for the feelings of others, but offense is triggered by external factors, so she’s not entirely blameless either. More a case of stepping in a turd and unwittingly walking it into a neighbour’s house because she didn’t know about what’s in farm paddocks, than purposely scooping it up and wiping it on their face with glee.

        If she was American (Native or not) there would be contexts where it could be neither racism or appropriation. Since she is Kiwi, she has learned the hard way to be a bit more mindful.

        • weka 23.2.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 1:34 pm

          There are different kinds of racism. That she was unaware of what she was doing doesn’t stop her from being racist. It’s pretty simple – appropriating culture applies across the board. If you don’t get that then that’s racist.

          • tinfoilhat 23.2.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 3:34 pm

            I think you’re applying the wrong terminology, what she did may certainly have been unthinking and culturally insensitive, I disagree that is was racist according to what I understand is the meaning of the word.

            ‘The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.’

            • weka 23.2.1.1.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 4:53 pm

              That’s one definition, there are others too.

              • tinfoilhat …
                27 August 2014 at 5:51 pm

                Can you enlighten me, I’m always interested in how the use and meaning of language evolves over time.

                • weka …
                  27 August 2014 at 8:31 pm

                  google ‘institutional racism’, that will give an overview of how racism plays out within structures that is different from the personal belief racism you referred to. You could try googling something like ‘racism 101’ or ‘anti-racism’ too, probably will take you to US discussion on racism, but you could try ‘anti-racism’ +nz. Reading writing on decolonisation in NZ is pretty enlightening as well. Sorry, am a bit brain fried tonight to dig up some direct links.

                  In the case of Cooper, I think her white privilege prevents her from making a proper apology. It’s likely she doesn’t get the depth of her ignorance yet. She most likely doesn’t hold thoughts of white people are superior to Indians, but her world view will be supporting idea about race and ethnicity that are deeply entrenched in society and have huge negative impacts on people of ethnicities that aren’t the dominant culture. We can call the cultural insensitivity, but I think it goes far beyond a personal failing to understand a mistake.

                  I was heartened by the overwhelming number of people that took her to task on twitter compared to those that couldn’t see what the fuss was about. The cynic in my wonders how much of her apology was generated by fear of negative feedback. She needs to go steps further.

      • weka 23.2.2
        27 August 2014 at 1:32 pm

        “It isn’t an apology.

        She isn’t responsible for the thoughts, feelings nor the “offence” of others, she’s responsible for her own behaviour.”

        I cringe whenever I read statements like “I genuinely respect and honour all cultures, races and religions.”

        Obviously not.

        • Chooky 23.2.2.1
          27 August 2014 at 3:12 pm

          she should have put her models in the Pope’s head gear…and in the Pope’s dress and jewellery ….until that old Queen changes Vatican contraceptive law and Vatican sexist law against women ….a fashion statement should be made ….imo

          • tinfoilhat 23.2.2.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 3:30 pm

            How about in a muslim or hindu religious garb ?

            …… or does your righteous bigotry stop at the catholic church ?

            • Chooky 23.2.2.1.1.1
              27 August 2014 at 4:16 pm

              it stops where religious institutionalised sexism and racism and bigotry stops…generally found in patriarchal monotheism ( i am with Richard Dawkins on this)

              • tinfoilhat …
                27 August 2014 at 5:52 pm

                OK, it just seems strange that you always seem to target christianity (most often Catholicism with your diatribes.

                • Chooky …
                  27 August 2014 at 6:06 pm

                  i dont target Christianity as such …only where it involves institutionalised and systemmatic sexism , racism and abuse

  24. Naki man 24
    27 August 2014 at 11:53 am

    I see that bottom feeding scum Tom Scott is doing his best to promote a rape culture in our country
    I hope is charged and convicted.

    • vto 24.1
      27 August 2014 at 11:55 am

      And then along comes Naki man highlighting all that is muddleheaded….

      Scott does not promote a culture, he reflects a culture. A culture generated and fostered by the likes of you and your politics.

  25. Naki man 25
    27 August 2014 at 12:47 pm

    VTO You are an apologist for scum. You know nothing about my politics, Scott is promoting rape culture and threatening to kill. This type of behaviour would only be acceptable to a mutton head like yourself.

    [RL: Take it up with Mr Scott. You are in completely the wrong place.]

    • vto 25.1
      27 August 2014 at 4:40 pm

      John Key is scum.

      John Key stands beside Cameron Slater.

      John Key is scum.

      Think fool think

  26. mickysavage 26
    27 August 2014 at 1:20 pm

    There is a Reid Research poll out tonight. The Conservatives appear to have breached the embargo by claiming they are at 4.6%. If this is the result it will be very interesting to see who has seeped support. My pick is National, some right wingers with morals have fled elsewhere.

    If this was the result on election night and they do not win a seat I would be very pleased.

    National must be scratching its head right now …

    • Tracey 26.1
      27 August 2014 at 1:42 pm

      Explains why until today Colin Craig has remained silent… he wanted to wait to see if he became a contender for national to throw him a seat…

    • Karen 26.2
      27 August 2014 at 1:58 pm

      Over at Pundit Tim Watkins is hinting that there may be a smallish decline for National but nothing dramatic:
      http://pundit.co.nz/content/if-this-was-labour-wed-be-calling-it-a-mess

      My hope is that both NZ First and the Conservatives get 4.9%. I am not convinced that Winston won’t go with National to “clean them up.” If Te Ururoa Flavell and David Seymour win their seats, that will just make things more difficult for National to work with NZ First however.

      • nadis 26.2.1
        27 August 2014 at 5:42 pm

        Karen – you need to understand how MMP works. NZF and Conservatives getting 4.9% is actually a fantastic outcome for National. Assume the following vote:

        Nats 46%
        Lab 30%
        Greens 10%
        IMP 4% (but win 1 an electorate seat)
        United Future 0% (but win 1 electorate seat)
        Maori Party 1% (but win one elctorate seat)
        ACT 0% (but win one electorte seat)
        NZF and UF get 4.5% each and no electorate seat

        On that vote, there would be 123 seats in parliament.

        Of the 120 electorate seats National would have 61.
        Labour: 40
        greens 13
        imp 6

        plus 3 overhang seats for ACT, UF and MP.

        You need 62 seats to govern, Nats + Act + UF = 63.

        The short version is this:

        Overhang seats will likely only occur on the right.
        Overhang seats on the right obviously favour national.
        Wasted vote (ie NZF and CP in my example) favour National as long as their vote is greater than Lab+ Greens.
        Low voter turn out favours national.

        I don’t have a really strong political axe to grind either way and you can make valid arguments for different outcomes than I suggest above, but fundamentally, if you want a left government the only high percentage way to make that happen is to have Labour + Greens > say 48% and even then it isnt assured due to at least 3 maybe as many as 4 or 5 overhang seats on the right. I sense that the higher IMP get in the polls, the more middle voters will leak away from Labour and the Greens. To the right, IMP fulfills the same role as ACT does for the left. A bogeyman that hurts the centre right or centre left respectively. Act drives soft nats away while the left prospers, IMP drives soft centre left voters away while the right prospers.

        • Karen 26.2.1.1
          27 August 2014 at 6:27 pm

          Ah, but if the Conservatives get 4.9% and NZFirst the same the National Party will not be getting 46% – more likely it will be around 40%

          • nadis 26.2.1.1.1
            27 August 2014 at 8:53 pm

            not based on the TV3 poll tonight which is very similar to the example I used. NZF and CP get 10.9% and Nats still 45% not the 40 % you suggest.. An alternative headline for the poll would be “Labour support decimated.”

            Decimated in the true sense of the word – 1 in 10 labour voters has left the building on this poll. While the headlines focus on the drop in Nat support and the close balance on seats, Labour support was down more in absolute terms (-2.6 vs 2.5) and in relative terms almost twice the loss of support.

    • ScottGN 26.3
      27 August 2014 at 4:32 pm

      Gower confirms this on TV3’s news page. He also says the Hager book has given the election campaign “a good shake” whatever that means.

    • weka 26.4
      27 August 2014 at 4:39 pm

      Bomber has a post up about Craig and Peters cannabilising each others votes and both failing to make the threshold 😀

  27. Tracey 27
    27 August 2014 at 1:27 pm

    Some stuff NOT included in Hager’s book, relating to Carrick Graham

    “he material Rawshark supplied to this paper supports Hager’s conclusions Whale Oil was paid by Facilitate Communications boss Carrick Graham to run disguised attacks against the rivals of Facilitate clients. But Slater denied he provided cash for comment.

    “I’m not being paid to write blog posts about people. I’ve done nothing wrong or illegal and somehow I’m the enemy and the crook who breached everyone’s privacy is a hero?”

    Graham, a long-term friend of Slater who has attracted controversy for his work for the tobacco industry, this week refused to discuss “that particular book”. “I don’t talk about who I work with, who my clients are or what I do with them. I run a private company and that’s what it is,” he said.

    Although some of the material has been covered in Dirty Politics, significant chunks refer to matters yet to be reported. Hager concluded a nexus existed between Slater, Graham and Food and Grocery Council chief executive Katherine Rich, that was used to surreptitiously attack opponents of corporate members of the council. New evidence shows:

    An email from Slater in January 2014 in which the blogger wrote “December hits coin” and invoiced Facilitate Communication $6555.

    A series of emails the same month from Graham to Slater, headed “Hit” and sometimes including “KR,” including draft posts savagely critical of council members’ commercial rivals or political opponents. Shortly afterwards Slater posted articles – nearly identical to Graham’s draft – on Whale Oil.

    An unreported email exchange between Graham, Slater and Rich discussing the political leanings of the Generation Zero climate-change lobby group, concluding with Graham saying: “That’s our job. They’re on the target list.”
    Scoop.co.nz

    • Flipnz 27.2
      28 August 2014 at 5:26 am

      “I don’t talk about who I work with, who my clients are or what I do with them. I run a private company and that’s what it is,” he said.

      A private company messing in public affairs.

      • Tracey 27.2.1
        28 August 2014 at 7:16 am

        Of course, just like the right squeal about government staying out of business… and Key talked sternly to AIrNZ over domestic airfares at election time letting people think he was trying to get them lowered when he was shaking their hands on a profit well got and hopefully his blind trust has shares…

        Government out of business is never followed by business out of government.

        • dv 27.2.1.1
          28 August 2014 at 7:32 am

          AND what about the Power prices!!!!

        • Flipnz 27.2.1.2
          28 August 2014 at 7:43 am

          The reality is that they are inseparable. Though that was probably once thought about church and state.

          In a democracy government has to govern business.

          Ideally business should be kept out of government though the opposite seems to be the trend.

  28. Minarch 28
    27 August 2014 at 2:06 pm

    Will ‘Dirty Politics’ Bring Down New Zealand’s Prime Minister? VICE NEWS

    Just one month until the New Zealand election and the country’s ruling party is feeling nuclear-level media fallout from a book written using hacked information. Political parties are trying to get policies out amid a media storm caused by ugly revelations in Dirty Politics, authored by internationally renowned investigative journalist Nicky Hager. The 138-page book was released almost two weeks ago and focusses around the long-armed attack strategies used by the National party to belittle their political opponents while retaining a smiling facade

    http://www.vice.com/en_au/read/the-new-zealand-hacker-who-may-bring-down-the-prime-minister

  29. the voter 29
    27 August 2014 at 2:11 pm

    ISNT the history of NZ just great the biggest fishery in the world and we fuck our country with Dairying cause the Asians and the Russians have stolen OUR FISH and now the Asians want to own us completely Fuck em
    REALITY CHECK GIVE US BACK OUR COUNTRY

  30. aerobubble 30
    27 August 2014 at 2:56 pm

    Three strikes binds the hands of Judges. A libertarian however wants to be able to put their case before the judge, influence them. So the howler that ACT are libertarian is a joke. Three strikes is automatic state interference in the courts. Its wrong, its authoritarianism.

  31. Puckish Rogue 31
    27 August 2014 at 3:12 pm

    http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2014/08/labours_latest_billboard.html

    • Its rare when a politician says the truth but its maybe a tad too honest for an election campaign…
    • ScottGN 33.1
      27 August 2014 at 5:07 pm

      I always like it when you feel it necessary to repost the link PR. It’s means everybody sensibly decided to ignore the crap you put up in the first place.

  34. Puckish Rogue 34
    27 August 2014 at 3:42 pm

    http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/08/labour-cutting-jobs-next-wait/

    • Its rare to have a politician be honest and truthful, he should be applauded 😉
  35. Rosie 35
    27 August 2014 at 3:55 pm

    Right! Fess up thieves!

    Who nicked our fabulous “Hey Peter! We don’t want a ‘willing seller’ MP for Ohariu” sign we had up at the intersection of Perth St and Ngaio Gorge Road in Ngaio?

    Looks like this one but with the above wording on it:

    http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=61648

    Show some respect and leave our signs where they are. We don’t go around pulling down Nat and UF signs and expect others to play fair too. Like you thief, we have a right to express our political voice, and you try to deny us that voice.

    Those signs are a labour of love, taking about 3 hours each to make. We are a community based group and don’t have wads of $$$ to get sign writers to provide a limitless supply of billboards. If you care about people having a right to express their collective views do the decent thing and return our sign to where it was.

  36. Gosman 36
    27 August 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Went to a NZEI organised event for Hutt South last night. Almost got Trevor to admit that Labour agrees with the Greens 40% proposed top tax rate. That should please some of you guys ;-).

    • Enough is Enough 36.1
      27 August 2014 at 4:49 pm

      The only way to push Labour where they wants to go is return a strong Green party.

  37. Paul 37
    27 August 2014 at 5:16 pm

    The National Party running polls through its friends in the media at Fairfax
    Are you in favour of tax cuts?
    65% say no.

  38. weka 38
    27 August 2014 at 5:56 pm

    GP encouraging people to early vote. Political strategy or getting people out to vote?

    https://twitter.com/NZGreens/status/504460011737583616

  39. Guesting 39
    27 August 2014 at 8:52 pm

    On page 25 of Dirty Politics. Feeling retrospectively trolled by monikers Mr_Blobby, Cullen’s Sidekick, etc, and anyone who used the hyperbole from Whale Oil site.

    Is there a glossary of the hyperbole from WO I can refer to, so I can spend my time ignoring such sock puppet trolls?

  40. Ad 40
    27 August 2014 at 9:05 pm

    Easily 200 people in central Auckland at a transport debate with Brownlee, Twyford, Genter, Act, NZFirst.

    Very civil and respectful.

    Organised by Campaign For Better Transport and TransportBlog so not a huge number of votes to be changed here.

    Brownlee says next harbour crossing starts 2025.

    • Tracey 40.1
      28 August 2014 at 7:18 am

      Thanks Ad

      Any discussion of backtracking by Govt on date for contribution to rail loop?

  41. RedBaronCV 41
    27 August 2014 at 9:08 pm

    Meet the candidate evenings. Where abouts are the wellington ones advertised?

  42. greywarbler 42
    27 August 2014 at 9:12 pm

    @ Rich
    Connecting to a previous comment on the advantages of small states forming associations, started off with mention of Scotland.
    http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-24082014/#comment-872495

    There was an interesting talk on Luxembourg and how it keeps its position although such a small state. It was in a talk by Jules Older a Yankiwi based in California.
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights
    Little Luxembourg ( 20′ 38″ )
    19:12 ‘Dr Digital’ a.k.a Jules Older on how Luxembourg has not let it’s relative smallness be a disadvantage in becoming a successful nation (and what New Zealand could learn from this).

  43. Rich 43
    27 August 2014 at 9:22 pm

    This is interesting;

    If you start at 3:00 and take special notice of 3:09-3:13, Collins and Key.

    (why could I not post this on the Collins thread?)

  44. Rich 44
    27 August 2014 at 9:25 pm

    I’ve tried to post up a link to a you tube video about 3 times. It won’t post, but if I post the same post again it says that I’ve already posted it.

    Is there a problem with you tube links?

  45. disturbed 45
    27 August 2014 at 9:31 pm

    Nadis the Nat’s spinner buggered up his/her crappy poll predictions again, why do we even read that shit.

    Paddy has left taking the power 20th at this rate, so go cry in your martini Nadis.

    Winston’s back, and wont go with you evil mate Gonekey.

  46. nadis 46
    27 August 2014 at 10:23 pm

    Grey warbler. If we wanted to be successful like Luxembourg we would need to set up a banking sector that circumvented anti money laundering laws laws.

  47. nadis 47
    27 August 2014 at 10:23 pm

    Grey warbler. If we wanted to be successful like Luxembourg we would need to set up a banking sector that circumvented anti money laundering laws laws.

    • greywarbler 47.1
      28 August 2014 at 3:31 pm

      @nadis
      There was more to Luxembourg’s success as a country than money laundering, though that has been important, and possibly still is though lessening. Did you listen to the whole radio interview? I put up the link so that we could find out things that we didn’t know, or think we know, already.

  48. nadis 48
    27 August 2014 at 10:27 pm

    Disturbed. Apt name given your obvious lack of mental ability. I’m hardly a Nat spinner and wasn’t making poll predictions. I was merely illustrating how the vagaries of mmp van throw up some counterintuitive effects that can be helpful to either side, but given where overhang seats are likely to be will generally favourite the right. If that’s too intellectual for you I apologize.

  49. millsy 49
    27 August 2014 at 11:16 pm

    Well, that went well didnt it?

    We now are now a few redneck votes away from Garth McVicar being in Parliament.

    • Tracey 49.1
      28 August 2014 at 7:20 am

      I KNOW!

      BUT Colin wont go into government with people who lie and cheat like Key and Collins, will he?

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    Brrr, the first cold snap of the year. Hope you’re rugged up nice and warm. Here are some stories that caught our eye this week… This Week on Greater Auckland On Monday, we had a post from a new contributor, Connor Sharp, who dug into the public feedback ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago

  • The Hoon around the week to May 10
    Almost all of the Wellington City Council’s recommended zoning changes to allow many more apartments and townhouses in its inner-suburbs have been approved.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guest on geopolitics, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #19 2024
    Open access notables A Global Increase in Nearshore Tropical Cyclone Intensification, Balaguru et al., Earth's Future: Tropical Cyclones (TCs) inflict substantial coastal damages, making it pertinent to understand changing storm characteristics in the important nearshore region. Past work examined several aspects of TCs relevant for impacts in coastal regions. However, ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Losing confidence in the integrity of NZ elections
    Do you believe New Zealand runs its general elections fairly and competently? As a voter, can you be confident that the votes on your ballot will be counted towards the final result? As a political scientist, I’ve been asked these questions many times and always answered “yes”, with very few ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • The Song of Saqua: Volume VIII
    Thus far May has followed on from a quiet April in the blogging department, but in fairness, it has been another case of doing what I am supposed to be doing, namely writing original fiction. Plus reading. So don’t worry – I have been productive. But in order to reassure ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago

  • Pretending to talk other people’s languages
    Fakes can come in many forms.A Rolex, for instance.A tan can be fake. Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • What’s new? A social agency with an emphasis on “investment” instead of “wellbeing” – b...
    Buzz from the Beehive A new government agency will open for business on July 1 – the Social Investment Agency. As a new standalone central agency effective from 1 July, it will lead the development of social investment across Government, helping ministers understand who they need to invest in, what ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • Following the political money
    Bryce Edwards writes –    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Hipkins would rather no one remember that he was Minister of Education
    Alwyn Poole writes –  After being elected to Parliament in 2008 the maiden speech of Hipkins was substantially around education policy. He was Labour’s spokesperson for education 2011 – 2017. He was Minister for Education from 2017 until February 2023. This is approximately 88% of the time Labour ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Fashionable follies
    Eric Crampton writes –  A fashion industry group is lobbying for protections. They make the usual arguments and a newer one. None of it makes sense. An industry group says it pumped $7.8 billion into the economy last year – that’s 1.9 percent of New Zealand’s GDP. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Justice for Bainimarama!
    In December 2006, Fiji's military leader Voreqe Bainimarama overthrew the elected government in a coup. He ruled Fiji for the next 16 years, first as dictator, then as "elected" Prime Minister. But now, he's finally been sent to jail where he belongs. Sadly, this isn't for his real crime of ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • March for Nature in June
    Don't like National's corrupt Muldoonist "fast-track" law? Aotearoa's environmental NGO's - Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, WWF, Coromandel Watchdog, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, and others - have announced a joint march against it in Auckland in June: When: 13:00, 8 June, 2024 Where: Aotea Square, Auckland You ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Thursday May 9
    Seymour describes sushi as too woke for school meals. There are no fish sushi meals recommended by the School Lunches programme. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Government will swap out hot meals for packaged sandwiches to save $107 million on school lunches for poor kids. MSD has pulled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • The non-woke $3 Lunch.
    I don't mind stealin' bread from the mouths of decadenceBut I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled, yeahBut it's on the table, the fire's cookin'And they're farmin' babies, while slaves are workin'The blood is on the table and the mouths are chokin'But I'm goin' hungry, yeahSome ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Labour’s chickens come home to roost
    The Ardern Government’s chickens came home to roost yesterday with the news that the country is short of natural gas. In 2018, Labour banned offshore petroleum exploration, and industry executives say that the attendant loss of confidence by the industry impacted overall investment in onshore gas fields. Energy Resources Minister ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • Calvin Reviews Lord of The Rings
    Hi,If you’ve been digging through the newly launched Webworm store (orders are being dispatched worldwide as I type!) you’ll have noticed the best model we had was Calvin.This is Calvin.Calvin.Calvin is 7, and is the son of my producer over on Flightless Bird, Rob — aka “Wobby Wob”. Rob also ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

  • Climate Adam: How to visualise Climate Change (ft. Katharine Hayhoe)
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Climate change is everywhere. And when something's everywhere it can feel like it's nowhere. So how do we get our heads ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • The wrong direction
    Some good news on climate change today: the energy transition away from fossil fuels is picking up speed, and renewables now make up 30% of global electricity supply. Meanwhile, in Aotearoa, we're moving in the opposite direction, with Genesis Energy announcing that it will resume importing Indonesian coal. Their official ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • National hates democracy
    Its a law like gravity: whenever a right-wing government is elected, they start attacking democracy. And now, after talking to their Republican and Tory and Fidesz chums at the International Democracy Union forum in Wellington, National is doing it here, announcing plans to remove election-day enrolment. Or, to put it ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • No Tikanga Please, We're Lawyers.
    Yesterday Winston Peters focussed his attention on the important matter at hand. Tweeting. Like the former, and quite possibly next, orange POTUS, from whom he takes much of his political strategy, Winston is an avid X’er.His message didn’t resemble an historic address this time. In fact it was more reminiscent ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Member’s Day
    Today is a Member's Day, and it seems we've entered the slowdown as things emerge from select committee. First up is the committee stage of Greg O'Connor's Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (Overseas Travel Reporting) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the second readings of Stuart ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Hurrah for coal – Shane Jones welcomes Genesis Energy’s import plans as natural gas production s...
    Buzz from the Beehive A significant decline in natural gas production has given Resources Minister Shane Jones an opportunity to reiterate his enthusiasm for the mining and burning of coal. For good measure, he has praised an announcement from Genesis Energy that it will resume importing coal. He and Energy ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Following the political money
    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The political parties are legally obliged to make ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • A Left-Right ranking of universities in NZ: a practical guide for students and parents
    Rob MacCullough writes – Here is my subjective ranking on a “most-left” to “most-right” scale of most of our major NZ Universities, with some anecdotal (and at times amusing) evidence to back up the claim. Extreme Left   Auckland University of Technology Evidence The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  •  Inflation and GST thresholds
    Eric Crampton writes –  I hadn’t thought about this one until a helpful email showed up in my inbox.It’s pretty obvious that income tax thresholds should automatically index with inflation – whether to anchor the thresholds in percentiles of the income distribution, or to anchor against a real ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Jacqui Van Der Kaay writes –  Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • A law school to be avoided – Auckland University of Technology
    Gary Judd writes – The Dean of the law school at the Auckland University of Technology is someone called Khylee Quince. I have been sent her social media posting in which she has, over the LawNews headline “Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Maori studies for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 17 people in Malaita stand in way of China’s takeover of the Solomons
    Cleo Paskal writes – WASHINGTON, D.C.: ‘Many of us have received phone calls from [the opposing camp] telling them if they join the camp they will be given projects for their wards and $300,000 [around US$35,000] each’, says former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani. The elections in Solomon Islands aren’t ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the Hamas Ceasefire Offer, and Mark Mitchell’s Incompetence
    With hindsight, it was inevitable that (a) Hamas would agree to the ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar and that ( b) Israel would then immediately launch attacks on Rafah, regardless. We might have hoped the concessions made by Hamas would cause Israel to desist from slaughtering thousands more ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    6 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Wednesday May 8
    Placards and mourners outside the Kilbirnie Mosque following the Christchurch terror attack: MSD has terminated the Kaiwhakaoranga service, which has been used by 415 families since the attacks. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The Government’s pledge to only cut ‘back office’ staff rather than ‘frontline’ services is on increasingly shaky ground, with ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • A few PT announcements
    There’s been a few smaller public transport announcements over the last week or so that I thought I’d cover in a single post. Fareshare I’ve long called for Auckland Transport to offer a way to enable employer-subsidised public transport options. The need for this took on even more importance ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago

  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National Minister Matt Doocey, reflects poorly on Genter and ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • At a glance – Tree ring proxies and the divergence problem
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Nothing to sneer at
    Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • Still on their bullshit
    When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • Drawn
    A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • A nod and a wink that will unnecessarily cost Aucklanders tens of millions per year
    Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Correcting the Corrections announcement – a fiscal farce that should bother the OECD
     Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  •  Like it or not, the Kiwis are either going into ‘Pillar 2’ – or they are going to China
    Chris Trotter writes –  Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 week ago

  • A balanced and an unbalanced article
    David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 week ago

  • Deeply unserious country
    Every bit of this seems insane. And people wonder why productivity is falling through the floor. Energy News reports that the Environment Court finally threw out Allan Crafar’s appeal against a solar farm. From the story: Consent was granted in 2022. Crafar appealed November 2022. On what grounds? That ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 week ago

  • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
    Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    46 mins ago

  • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
    Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago

  • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
    The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago

  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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