The Green Party is really hitting its straps now. On the back of persuading the government to ban oil and gas exploration now is the time to show some real strength and vote aginst this.
They probably did @TC (aka Top Cat). Remind me when that was. Close to a decade ago was it?
On or off; 1 or 0; Jesus! it’s a tough ride when you have to consider anything other than two options.
Mind the bumps TC, your likely to get the shit shaken out of you
Yes, lets watch them support an imperfect method to solve a problem that could potentially lead to more problems and see how well that works out for them.
If they were smart, they’d quickly distance themselves (by speaking out against that part of the plan) from the use of PPPs.
So can we take it you support the Greens levying the masses to subsidise the well to do that can afford to buy a new electric vehicle?
Concern trolling seems to be the go to line when one doesn’t seem to have an argument worthy of putting forward. Here’s your chance to show me you can do better than that.
If the Greens start supporting PPP’s then that is a trap. Maybe part of the problem is I’m not sure how many of these new Green MP’s get outside of central Auckland or Wellington, therefore they think everything can be solved by walking and cycling.
I’m not even sure if they know what suburbs are even in the super city and how far reaching it now is.
The new plans in particular transport may take 5-10 years to start work, but in the mean time people have to survive that decade of hell and many can’t because they way power structures are now working, anyone who is not based in Central Wellington/Auckland or does not belong to some lobby group, seems to be strangely not thought about and even more strangely it’s now believed to be their fault for not having time to lobby/write reports/submissions/meet and greet politicians/go to rallies/pay lawyers/planners to write their submissions….
The Government Policy Statement released by the government was co-written by Associate Minister of Transport Genter. The Green Party don’t need much persuading.
Yes, well they did sign up to the Budget Responsibility Rules, which has resulted in the Government favouring PPPs as a means of keeping debt off their balance sheet.
Nevertheless, it’s disappointing the Greens don’t seem to be concerned about the use of PPPs.
Campbell needs to swallow the cup of proverbial cement and harden up.
The Greens signed up to the budget responsibility rules.
The Greens signed up to the Transport GPS.
The Greens signed up to the Auckland package.
The Greens already manage a set of very close commercial partnerships and concessions through DoC as their Minister.
The Greens have been working assiduously with business on co-funding climate mitigation initiatives. Some of which you will see around Budget in May, and may quack walk fly and lay eggs like ppps do.
Definitely he is already seen as business-friendly.
As the boldest Green Party MP in a long time, as well as one of the lowest profile leaders, he is going for something far harder than singing tenor to his own audience.
He is going for nothing less than uniting business and Government together to fund against climate change. He is using the climate change groups that he has set up, plus the $100m seed money, to pull in their partnership.
Now, that seems like something a centrist would do. But to be honest, it’s the only way to pull the rug out from National. Shaw knows now that he will never get cross-Parliamentary support for his legislation. But he can undercut National’s support from business and co-opt them to the cause.
The two biggest forces in the world right now are climate change and finance. Nothing like an audacious goal, and Shaw is going for it.
Are PPPs a dead rat Labour supporters will willingly swallow?
Probably not.
They’re a bloody stupid idea based upon the failed ideology of the private sector always being better. History shows that PPPs are a waste of public money.
Why do politicians always refuse to believe reality when it comes to this BS?
Ad darling. I’ve heard a number of labels applied to my todger. Dick, penis, John Thomas, shafter, and a raft of others.
As far as I know, it’s basically the same member of my anatomy ‘going forward’.
and it has the same capability it always had darling (allowing for age of course).
here we go @CG and @ Grey
That little panel on the right is quite usefull.
As I made my previous comment, I said to someone that was watching…….Ad will pop up next with some words of wisdom.
Sure enough he has and you can all see for yourselves. Truly fucking inspiring!
But ekshully, as I was writing, I’d forgotten that I was at TS rather than TDB, and there are obviously different “Standards” at play.
I think not so long ago, I came close to a ban for contesting the absolute jewels that a poster such as AD possesses, AND for wondering (i.e. WONDERING) whether he, yes HE might not be a public servant, or some such other political sage that thinks he’s in tune with the peeps)
I still wonder whether TS uses Ad as a contributor in the same way Fox News uses an occasional token black as proof they’re ‘fair and balanced’
Doesn’t a PPP toll road make heavy road users pay the full cost of the externalities of thief behaviour? Or would rather just tax the shit out of all trucks?
An interesting comment in a linked article in yesterday’s Open Mike: re climate change.
“Without hope, goes the truism, we will give up. And yet optimism about the future is wishful thinking, says Hillman. He believes that accepting that our civilisation is doomed could make humanity rather like an individual who recognises he is terminally ill. Such people rarely go on a disastrous binge; instead, they do all they can to prolong their lives.”
I don’t think many people quite realise we, the human race, are entering, or maybe are in the middle of, the fight for our very existence, a struggle which will more than likely end in our defeat.
We still live in that rosy world – the perpetual present.
What we need is radical action, action that almost certainly doesn’t include any sort of accommodation with the present economic system, which got us into this mess in the first place. Yes, some people are going to have to make big sacrifices, but these people should be those who have the most to give up, not the ordinary people.
We’ve got to do all we can to prolong our lives! And ensure there is a future for our grandchildren!
“What we need is radical action, action that almost certainly doesn’t include any sort of accommodation with the present economic system, which got us into this mess in the first place. ”
Further to my post above, what might ‘radical action’ look like in practice?”
Well, first of all, I think we need to set this country on a war footing, very like we did during the Second Wold War. This would entail giving the government rather draconian powers to get things done. For instance, to name just a few:
• Nationalise all the banks. Money must work in the interests of NZ, not foreign owners.
• Stop industrial farming immediately. What good are exports if our environment is ruined.
• Immediately stop all sales of land and buildings to non-citizens. Seize houses which remain unoccupied for more than half the year.
“Nobody should be permitted to own two houses until everyone has one.”
• Stop all immigration immediately. We need to look after the people here already.
• Severely restrict imports to absolutely essentials. Cut the crap importing. Go back to the ‘number eight wire’ days during WWII.
• Government emphasis on essentials such as 100% sustainable energy and public transport for everybody. Turn Auckland Airport into a market garden.
As, no doubt many will point out, such actions, and other similar moves, will result in massive disruption – in the short term, counter this outcome by instituting a UBI, so that everyone has the ability to buy food. Pay for this by stripping the rich of their assets.
None of the above will happen, of course, or not at least until human extinction is slapping us in the face, when it will be far too late.
Massive amount of capital flight would occur and the economy would be ruined within a matter of months as the country’s income tanked, we would have little ability to purchase goods to maintain our health system or infrastructure. With the combined ban on industrial farming there would be widespread malnutrition and starvation.
In short many if not most of your suggestions would lead to very significant harm and hardship to the population apart from that it is a great debate starter.
Not to mention our best and brightest will simply leave the ed Viectchy dystopia ( doctors scientist; engineers. Entrepreneurs teachers etc), nz would just become a basket case
No need to give any government draconian powers over our every day lives.
The government can shoulder barge its way back into the economy if it wants (and should).
It already has an army it can re-purpose for the sake of desperately needed physical works around “known to be imminent” impacts of global warming.
Strict efficiency regulations on cars, appliances etc, that tighten year on year combined with an onerous carbon tariff at the border could work wonders.
The problem is that no-one in parliament is actually facing up to things. “Everyone” keeps on with this line that we can carry on as we are with a few fiddles here and a couple of adjustments there. We can’t. (Well, we can, but there’s an expiry date that’s coming into focus)
I don’t think it’s crazy to ask whether civilisation as we know it will survive into much of the next century. Given the path we’re on, I’d be saying that 2150 is looking like a very long shot.
But in the interim, if we want Auckland airport to be a market garden, then we can shut it down today and get started on it. No government required. Just arses on tarmac and some picks and shovels 🙂
I look forward to you, Ed and Tony trying to get onto the tarmac at Auckland airport with picks and shovels..it might even knock Korea off top spot on the news.
And therein (implied) lies a large part of the problem. Why is it we think our actions need be legitimised through the medium of the state and its institutions?
The day we drop that attitude/belief, is the day we can get started. And unlike as was the case in the USSR when people dumped their believes, there will likely be no external entity in a position to impose any new, restrictive political paradigm on us.
Why do I have the feeling that the particular form of democracy that the likes of yourself, Dtb, Ed and others would be served with a side order of jackboot for those who disagreed with your particular world view ?
With all the faults of our current system of the state and its institutions I’ll take it every time over those that chant ‘vive la revolution’.
The only reason I can think as to why you have that feeling, is that you’re failing to grasp some very basic characteristics and features of democracy.
Unlike with representative parliamentary governance or more authoritarian forms of governance, with democracy there simply can’t be any particular world view being forced on people.
In that case I look forward to the vote on the digging up of the tarmac at Auckland airport pending the planting of a market garden along with the vote on
• Nationalise all the banks.
• Stop industrial farming immediately.
• Immediately stop all sales of land and buildings to non-citizens.
• Stop all immigration immediately.
• Severely restrict imports to absolutely essentials.
• Government emphasis on essentials such as 100% sustainable energy and public transport for everybody.
Although I must admit to suspecting I know the results …
If you had, you’d realise there’s no place for “the market” because it embodies and promotes deeply anti-democratic dynamics. Trade in a democratic setting does not unfold through market mechanisms.
Auckland airport? Any decision would surely be around allowing for the continuation of air travel? And those decisions (and it would be plural) aren’t based on some simple yes/no binary.
As for what might be done with the place should space be freed up due to the demise of air travel, well, I live a long way away and the establishment of market garden or whatever else (and unlike air travel) is very unlikely to have any impact on me. So I wouldn’t be party to that decision or process.
“But in the interim, if we want Auckland airport to be a market garden, then we can shut it down today and get started on it. No government required. Just arses on tarmac and some picks and shovels 🙂”
Direct action in the present isn’t incongruent with democracy. It by-passes undemocratic processes and systems associated with representative forms of governance. (Y’know, the whole “Why is it we think our actions need be legitimised through the medium of the state and its institutions” bit?)
The problem is that no-one in parliament is actually facing up to things.
That is hardly true. The problem is with the voters. The voters are not voting for this level of intervention, otherwise we would have the Greens leading the government.
If the government enacts policies that do not have the general consent of the masses (or at least the majority of those who vote) then that fucking well is giving the “government draconian powers over our every day lives”. The economy is part of our everyday lives.
James Shaw views AGW as a great business opportunity. That’s where the “no-one in parliament” comment comes from – on the assumption that the Green Party represents the edge of the parliamentary envelope on AGW.
This chrematistic economy is part of our every day lives, true. And the government seeks the approval of those already controlling and gaining from that economy – not us, the voting public. Government directed economic development would be bringing economic agency a step closer to us than it is at present. (That said, a quick look to the ME and N. Africa offers instructive examples of what can happen when countries go down that path)
James knows that under our current power structure, combatting AGW requires the consent of the wealthy.
As we are not a democracy, but a rotating dictatorship voters hardly come into it.
It does, obviously. Or Helen Clark would have done it.
Remember the “winter of discontent”.
When big business got all petulant, and “held the country to random”.
The “winter of discontent” was an episode of naked class warfare that the working class lost, and that ushered in a resurgent liberal political/economic agenda.
If we want action on AGW, but also want to mollify the wealthy, then there will be no adequate action taken around AGW.
I think KJT is referring to The NZ “Winter of Discontent” in 2002, whereas I think you are referencing the UK’s 1978-79 Thacherism Winter.
Rod Oram sums up NZ’s WoD here: https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/11/04/58244/rod-oram-another-winter-of-discontent#
Both however do exibit the underlying problem of class warfare, which is a war that the poor are always going to loose within our current system of corporatocracy* – even though they may win some battles on the way.
* I wouldn’t say it’s a dictatorship – we do get to choose whether our government will have a more human face or not.
Plenty of people do not give up, and have no hope.
Nor does that mean they are having a miserable time of it either.
Hope is largely an advertising and marketing construct.
There is however a danger that having no hope will lead to giving up.
It ends up with the philosophy best described by the saying.
“Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die”
Climate breakdown and the erasure of non-human life from the land by farming and the sea by industrial fishing are crises we cannot afford to give up on.
In the current circumstances the most useful thing is to plan and mitigate. Even if that includes our decline.
The foolish and the immature simply reach for the extremes of apocalypse or heaven, because it’s the religious approach to engaging with power.
The problem with even using the trope of crisis is that it’s been played so often by all kinds of leader and all kinds of political persuasion for the last century that it’s lost most of its ability to shock anyone into action.
Pay real close attention to Shaw’s approach to climate change.
He doesn’t have to use any of the feeble old fear routines, and doesn’t need to.
What we need is radical action, action that almost certainly doesn’t include any sort of accommodation with the present economic system, which got us into this mess in the first place.
Conforming to reality really isn’t a radical action. It’s our present socio-economic system that’s radical.
While it was compounded by nine years of mismanagement by National, I think we both know it is the result of neo-liberal changes both National and Labour have implemented over the last few decades.
While Labour are saying some of the right things, they are far from offering what is required and what little they do plan to do is coming in at snail pace.
Seems Labour are trying to stockpile policy deemed to be popular by holding back implementation till after the next election to help counter the unpopular ones and get them over the line.
Don’t you love the leisurely pace of the old cheese ad ‘good things take time’? We lose much in our compulsively accelerating world.
Match highlights? I hate them, – little burst of canned action. All the tension, excitement and build up of atmosphere of each unique encounter are lost.
Surfing clips are shockers, rarely longer than three seconds of a surfer already on the wave. Surfers watch, ponder and judge the oncoming swell before committing to the vigorous paddle. A 6 second sequence would at least capture some of this vital aspect of the sport.
“Hurry while stocks last” has the opposite effect reminding me that good shopping also ‘takes time.’ I like to compare products, research their features and come to a choice with inner conviction.
“It’s easy!” is another overworked assurance in the barrage of commercials rammed at us daily. I suppose in an increasingly complex world ‘easy’ is altogether a relief for some but we run the risk of equating ease of execution with quality of product.
When a movie promises non stop action I’ll certainly avoid it. Endless car chases, cops bursting in on scenes with guns in the ready become ‘non-action’ when grinded out time after time. We run the risk of becoming a species bent on ceaseless stimulation via the hyper-priming of our excitable cognitive natures.
Many are aware of this and turn to holistic pursuits that appeal to our deeper selves and sense of integration. “Inwardness” which probes untapped regions of consciousness reveals areas of quality and quietness as counters to our strident world. Sure meditation, New Agey stuff, incense, mindfulness etc initially overran themselves attracting many in search of cloud nine rather disciplined re-orientation.
But those who persist and take time discover less not more is the way to go and that
there is an element within self that responds favourably, contributing thereby to the lessening of our footprint both carbon and otherwise.
There’s a reason why I don’t watch TV. I get to avoid all the push from advertisers and the MSM about going fast and how they think I should be and thus have time to make up my own mind.
According to John Campbell it has been dubbed the war on the poor (about 4.40 into last nights episode of Checkpoint) and unfortunately for the Greens it is being led by James Shaw.
So the party that was renowned for fighting for the poor is now perceived to be leading the attack on them. Talk about tarnishing your branding, what’s that James Shaw up too? Is it incompetence or intentional?
You are such a penis. Of course it was National who have dubbed it a war on the poor. Hard to know of course when they are being completely divorced from reality or simply bullshitting:
“You would see the poorest of New Zealanders who are purchasing second hand Japanese imports..” (Jami-Lee Ross, National’s Transport spokesperson)
Of course the “poorest New Zealanders” are far more concerned about purchasing their next meal and could only dream about having the many thousands of dollars required to buy a directly imported car.
The imported over a decade ago second hand petrol cars that the next to poorest New Zealanders buy will soon be worthless.
It may have been National that dubbed it but they are right on this occasion. It doesn’t do the poor any favours. Hence, one has to ask what is that James Shaw up too?
Who would have thought National would have to defend the poor from James Shaw? Within seven months the Greens have gone from the party fighting for the poor to leading the attack on them. Seems Shaw is that right within some feared he would be. This will renew calls for him to go.
Of course the “poorest New Zealanders” are far more concerned about purchasing their next meal and could only dream about having the many thousands of dollars required to buy a directly imported car.
solkta, our esteemed but self-titled Chairman is a concern troll who has for ages been masquerading as a true leftie, but who constantly looks for issues which he thinks will make either Labour or the Greens less popular with the general public if he can con other lefties into supporting leftie policies on those issues.. (He does this for Labour as well as the Greens.) He has blown his own cover so often that I have generally given up responding to him. Like rust, he persists, but unlike rust, he achieves little. McFlock is, I think, another who has no confidence in our Chairman. See his response at 5.1.1.2.1.1
It’s Shaw that has made them vulnerable to attack, presenting National with the opportunity. I’m just highlighting how bad it has become that National can now attack the Greens for burdening the poor.
This is all due to the stance the Greens have taken, and I personally had no role in that.
Of course. You don’t think that TC deserves a serious response, do you? That it’s somehow Shaw’s fault that the nats are making up complete bullshit about this government and Greens (National using the expression “war on the poor”, no less, the fucking hypocrites), and that TC is merely reporting their totally genuine concern at this perilous state of affairs? The concept is hilarious!
Following up on the Greens gifting questions away, Shaw has put the Greens in a position where National can now attack the Greens for burdening the poor. And a number of Green supporters I’ve talked to are outraged.
And it’s not bullshit. The Greens publicly announcing they are considering such a move has left them vulnerable to this form of attack.
The Greens existing provides ammunition for the nats to make shit up about them. Same with Labour existing.
National can attack the government for anything. Just as you trawl through the list of labgrn interviews to find something you can invent a concern about, a petrol levy won’t hurt the poor, at absolute worst it’ll shift them onto public transport. But then the nats don’t care about the poor (or truth) any more than you care about the issues you and the imaginary greens you talk to are genuinely concerned about your despondency of the day.
Maybe you’re not really a tory liar. Maybe your concern filter is just broken, and you’re so self important you believe you’re genuinely raising highly important issues that (despite their importance) nobody else has noticed. Either way, you’re a joke.
While the Greens and Labour’s existence provides National with opposition thus makes them a target, their mere existence doesn’t provide ammunition for them. It’s their actions, policy and proposals that can do.
Moreover, it’s not made up shit. The Greens did publicly announce they are considering such a move. And this has made the Greens far more vulnerable to this form of attack.
How National decide to attack the Government is their prerogative. And sure, their concern for the poor may well be disingenuous, but thanks to the Greens considering this proposal (of benefiting the well to do at the expense of the less well off) it has given the Nat’s attack strength.
In many cases, there isn’t sufficient public transport for people to turn too.
The concerns and feedback I present are real, not invented. And as you know, although anecdotal, the feedback has been inline with a number of polls.
How national and you attack the government is indeed your prerogative. You get to choose your concerns of the day.
If the government does something good for the environment or fiscally responsible, your guys suddenly have concern for the poor.
If the government does something good for the poor, you get to worry about efficacy or whether it’s fiscally responsible.
If the government does something that’s good for the environment, the poor, and it’s fiscally responsible, you get concerned about whether taxes are too high, or maybe businesses are feeling a little bit unconfident (the poor dears).
But your concerns are indeed made up, transient conveniences merely invented to attack the government in lieu of any genuine problems to date.
I voted Green due to their dual commitment of social justice and improving the environment.
Hence, when they make a move like this that would not only overlook their commitment of social justice but goes against it, of course I’m going to be critical. I want them to hold true to their commitment.
Whereas, the Nat’s are unlikely to want to genuinely see the Greens uphold their commitment of social justice and are more likely to see a divide being created, thus are utilizing that opportunity to pry the party apart.
We all know that Nats would prefer to see the Greens drop their social justice stance, whereas I’m critical because I want them to uphold it.
And that is the difference between my criticism and the Nats.
Gotcha. You repeat and amplify National party talking points because you really mean it, whereas they develop those talking points because they’re just hypocritical liars.
You honestly “want them to hold true to their commitment.”
The nats “are utilizing that opportunity to pry the party apart.”
And you started this thread with the nat line that the government has launched a “war on the poor”.
So how does that not meet the description “You repeat and amplify National party talking points because you really mean it, whereas they develop those talking points because they’re just hypocritical liars.”?
I started this thread highlighting John Campbell reporting it as being dubbed the war on the poor.
And while the criticism may be similar (which isn’t surprising as National and I are both discussing the flaws of the same issue) the difference is the end goal. I want the Greens to uphold their commitment to social justice, the Nat’s have a different agenda. As explained above.
So while National may be hypocritical, they’re not lying in this instance (dubbing it the war on the poor). But we clearly have different end goals, as explained above.
Placing a levy on all fossil fuel vehicles will have a flow on effect as vehicles are traded on. So those struggling to afford to buy a car now will find it even harder going forward if this proposal is implemented.
Moreover, it’s not just the poorest New Zealanders that will be impacted, this will negatively impact many lower income households looking to buy a vehicle.
You’re right, they didn’t. But I don’t think too many of their supporters were concerned about that.
Whereas, what’s happening here is the Greens have made themselves vulnerable to attack (as a lot of their supporters will be disappointed such as myself) thus National are seizing the opportunity presented.
Yes, and this coalition seems to be carrying on (albeit a bit softer around the edges) where National left off. Soaring food parcel demand, TPP, PPPs, regressive taxes etc…
Its early days the winter heating allowance is a pretty good help for a lot …and I’m certain the government knows a large portion of recipients will use it to simply reduce their suffering. The government avoided an enormous amount of political capital attrition in choosing this method…
Wow what a firebrand and it gets me right where I live. I think another special post needed to discuss this interview on RadioNZ.
It otherwise could overwhelm Open Mike.
8:10 Camille Paglia – Free Women, Free Men
Camille Paglia
Feminist author and academic Camille Paglia joins Kim to talk about her latest book – a collection of her essays on modern feminism called Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism.
Paglia is the University Professor of Humanities and Media Studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She is the author of Glittering Images; Break, Blow, Burn; The Birds; Vamps & Tramps; Sex, Art, and American Culture and Sexual Personae.
Dear Rosemary
Before she can state her opinions she has to give her background, her study, her professional expertise, her research – what she bases her opinions on. This is necessary because they are very different than what is currently being spouted in society and she meets a barrage of negative responses by affronted people who can’t lever their minds open even fractionally.
And, when you are being thoughtful and honest and thinking deeply about this blog, aren’t most of the comments all about one individual’s opinion, which usually is aired as the only reasonable approach and without any attempt at explaining the background and experience and expertise of the person giving that opinion. This is what pisses me off with people at present, too much of TS reads like the understanding of children or cult members spouting what they have been taught to think. So it’s all I, me, first from people here. And mostly just repeated from month to month without any new views being considered.
“… too much of TS reads like the understanding of children or cult members spouting what they have been taught to think.”
I am becoming increasingly frustrated with this too. Ostensibly spontaneous outbursts of flag waving and positivity at the merest hint that the current government are doing just great….
Case in point was the post yesterday about the launch (with much fanfare) of the pilot of the Enabling Good Lives/DSS System Transformation in Palmerston North.
You bet your boots I have strong opinions about disability support issues, but I would not for a second expect anyone to respect or accept merely my word or my experience or my opinion.
When able I’ll provide links to documents that hopefully folk will read if they want the true history behind the headlines.
But, alas, superficiality rules.
Back to Camille….I did find myself agreeing with some of what she was saying…but I also find myself repelled somewhat by rampant egocentrics.
Busy day today….but I will try to listen to the podcast….
A number of sharp insights mixed with complete lunacy such as AGW denial.
All underpinned by massive egotism. Closer inspection by someone brighter than me might bring out the internal inconsistencies in what she is saying – Kim pushed a little way down this line of questioning.
Always a good listen Prof Paglia.
She’s a smart lady with some original ideas – but not all of them are wise. They do tend to be better informed than most academic superstitions though. It really takes a bunch of folk like her with differing views to shake down the failed assumptions of contemporary society and social policy into a new synthesis.
Our homeless community is going to be bigger than ever.
Groups working with homeless people are bracing themselves for another gruelling few months as winter sets in.
The 2013 census showed more than 41,000 people were without homes or living in unsuitable or overcrowded accommodation.
The number of people being supported by the Auckland City Mission has increased so significantly that the mission has almost run out of canned food.
The mission’s team leader for fundraising Alexis Sawyers, said there had been a 25 percent increase in demand for food parcels compared to the same time last year.
“This time last year we were averaging between 750 and 800 food parcels given out each month. This year we’ve given out over 1000 for January, February and March and this last month we gave out 1150.”
A report has been released by the Child and Youth Mortality Review Committee, looking into deaths from 2012 to 2016.
It found vulnerable children living in poverty were three times more likely to die, with possible contributing factors including living in overcrowded houses and the fact their parents could not afford to take them to a doctor.
The report showed there were 483 deaths of children and young people in 2016.
Always a little skeptical of tapes with a looped video in the background. An “independent journalist” wanting a reputation for honesty would look for both sides – there are plenty of North Korean emigres/refugees in South Korea (and China) who could have filled in the gaps in her story.
Sure Kim Jong Un is a lovely fellow – poisoning one’s brother in Macao with VX gas is perfectly consistent with good governance – under his kind of monarchy.
Saw this on Robin Westenra’s excellent blog.
Trouble brewing between Russia and the Ukraine
Russia wants to significantly cut its gas transit through Ukraine and re-direct it through the extension of the existing Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Moscow says Kiev has proved itself an unreliable partner in gas transits over the years. Some of the gas to Europe could also come through the Turkish Stream pipeline, currently under construction.
After Russia builds natural gas pipelines to Europe and Turkey, transit through Ukraine is expected to fall by more than 80 percent, according to Gazprom CEO Aleksey Miller.
A government employee died in a suspected suicide just ten days after complaining to management he was the victim of sustained, unresolved workplace bullying.
However, the Housing New Zealand staff member’s death was not notified to health and safety authorities for six months – despite new regulations requiring agencies to report any death “arising out of the conduct of a business” to WorkSafe immediately.
Concerned colleagues, who claim the man was so stressed he was pulling out his hair, say they fear the death will be “swept under the carpet”.
“I was there when he died, and that’s when I decided to leave too. I didn’t want to become a statistic,” a former co-worker said. “They knew he was unwell. And they should have referred it to WorkSafe to be investigated.”
“Five people gave accounts of the months before the man’s death, saying his decline from a bubbly, confident team member began when a new manager was appointed in late 2016.”
A brave person indeed to link to an article in the Herald when the Peoples’ Front of The Standard have declared a ban on anything from that particular publication.
However this is an article by the very able and capable Kirsty Johnston…a journalist whose fine work will be overlooked by those seemingly unable to sort the wheat from the chaff.
I guarantee Kirsty will continue to write articles that will force light into darkened places.
Maybe because it would mean challenging our best mate, Saudi Arabia.
Some countries get missiles fired at them.
Others not.
Up to 50 killed in Saudi-led air strikes on Yemen wedding – local health officials. Suspected Saudi-led strikes on a wedding ceremony in Yemeni Hajjah province have resulted in multiple casualties, including women and children. The death toll ranges from 20 to 50 people, reports citing local health officials say.
On Sunday, a reported Saudi-led missile strike hit a house where a wedding ceremony was being held, in Yemen’s northwestern province of Hajjah. There are conflicting reports on casualties. Numbers vary from 20, according to AP, to 50 people, according to local Saba News Agency. Meanwhile, Xinhua reports that at least 40 people were killed or wounded, citing a senior health official, Mohammed al-Ashwal.
It is disgusting and meanwhile everyone is wanking on about Syria. The WWE (great friends of Trump) recently held a huge event in Saudi, called “the greatest royal rumble”, as if it is a civilised nation. No women were allowed to participate.
“This time last year we were averaging between 750 and 800 food parcels given out each month. This year we’ve given out over 1000 for January, February and March and this last month we gave out 1150.”
Canned food such as spaghetti, tuna, tomatoes, and vegetables will go a long way to feeding those in need, Ms Sawyers said.
Food can be dropped off at the mission on Hobson street, or at the New World supermarkets at Victoria Park and Devonport.
About time the government declared an emergency.
This country has clearly been allowed to go to rack and ruin by Key’s Vichy regime.
Time to take on the banks, finance institutions and global corporations.
I would highly recommend you read Tony Veitch (not etc)’s policies to solve the world’s most pressing issues.
The bit you should see is this.
Well, first of all, I think we need to set this country on a war footing, very like we did during the Second Wold War. This would entail giving the government rather draconian powers to get things done.
Tony Veitch (not etc) then lists these policies ( all highly sensible given the crises we are facing ) and ends with this…..
None of the above will happen, of course, or not at least until human extinction is slapping us in the face, when it will be far too late.
We are discussing the following ecological crises.
1. Industrial fishing, which, all over the blue planet, is now causing systemic ecological collapse.
2. The erasure of non-human life from the land by farming.
3. Climate breakdown
Would you have called New Zealand or Britain an authoritarian state during World War 2?
I am proposing, like ‘Tony Veitch (not etc)’ that we put the country ( and the world) on a war footing to mitigate the effects of the climate catastrophe coming our way.
Your concerns about your freedom to consume crap comes a poor second to preserving ecosystems on this planet.
When there actually is a war then people are more likely to give general consent to a more authoritarian state, and this is what happened to a large extent during WW2. You keep saying “the government should [insert authoritarian act]” where there is no mandate from the public for this to happen.
If the current government were to implement just one of your ideas they would then have no chance of re-election. What you must be saying then is that the government should suspend democracy and become a dictatorship (how you think they would get the army to cooperate i don’t know).
Yes, and all the rich pricks should give up all their money to this government and give it away to the poorer people.
That will make everyone poorer then and nothing to grizzle about.
Each year the wealthiest 10% of NZers could ‘gift’ 1% of their true wealth for (re)distribution to the least wealthy 40% of NZers.
Given the current magnitude of wealth inequality in NZ, where the top 10% control at least 60% of the total wealth, this redistribution would hugely improve the standard of living of the poorest 40% in just a few years, while having a minimal impact on the top 10% whose wealth would continue to grow, albeit more slowly than before.
The twin strangleholds of neo-liberalism and wealth addiction, however, make meaningful, progressive redistribution all but impossible.
Of course especially Britatin was totalitarian during WW2 (dunno about NZ, but they’d dug air raid trenches in Dunedin’s Octagon, so there was a bit of a worry on here, too).
They locked a woman up for witchcraft, had checkpoints, everyone had to carry their papers, and almost all food was strictly rationed.
But it was a temporary state of affairs, not a permanent one.
It’s only a crisis when the majority thinks and votes that way. That’s a basic problem with all human systems: there are always disenfranchised people, and always externalised (environmental) costs resulting from human activity. I don’t think martial law is gonna solve the inherent flaws of the human condition, that is an ideal offered only by religious faith.
The problem is caused by the structure of our society and the fact that a few people have control over almost all of it and those people aren’t the government.
So, how would fix it given this structural problem?
Raise the minimum wage and benefit levels plus all the work being done on housing. No need for an authoritarian state to do those things.
But Ed likes to conflate every issue and come back to the same solution for everything. And that solution involves ditching our democratic and human rights.
Raise the minimum wage and benefit levels plus all the work being done on housing.
Raise the minimum wage and benefit levels plus all the work being done on housing.
And the rich simply put the prices up and grab all that extra money for themselves.
So, not a fix. Just a papering over the problem of private ownership of the nations wealth.
Because we had governments running a full employment policy?
Because we had compulsory unionism and people actually engaged in the political process?
Because the majority of women spent the majority of their time at home instead of going to work decreasing the workforce? (No, I don’t want to remove women from the workforce).
Because the state actually owned a hell of a lot more instead of selling it off to the rich and foreigners?
Because we didn’t have foreign ownership?
Because of 60% or higher taxes on the well off?
Because we didn’t have GST.
There are many reasons why we were better off then than we are now and there’s been a lot of changes.
The question is which ones do we need to change back and which new ones we need to dump and which ones just need changes? Hell, a sovereign monetary system may be all that’s needed (It’s not – we really do need to get rid of foreign ownership and permanent residents).
Excellent Ed – I am sure you will soon be entering a Higher Plane of consciousness.
I do advise against visiting cafes in the Auckland region where copies of the Herald can be see lying around, looking increasingly dishevelled by mid-afternoon, like a degenerate toff in a smoking jacket who started too early on the port.
I make a point of lifting the offending object from in front of me between thumb and forefinger and dropping it on a vacant table with a loud comment to the family – “just removing this toxic right-wing rag” – and then wiping my hands on a serviette. Great fun.
Sort of sad people get so carried away or fixated on politics they close thier mind to anything perecived to be outside thier world view Even worse when you hear of people ending friendships or relationships simply because a significant other may have a different political view From observation seems to be more of a left wing thing where intersectional politics takes precedent over the right and respect of an individual to hold a different view Becomes even more toxic if you are part of a left appointed victim class, minority,arts or cultural class and you even contemplate sharing a differing non left view ie Kanye West, Shania Twayne been two most recent examples
Agreed it is mostly toxic waste comprising daily regurgitations from Hosking, Hooton, HDPA, Soper, et al.(and the usual endless spruiking of Auckland property) But there are still a few real journalists there so I’ll read it for that.
Yep understand Hoskins Hooton hate club but what about when some one other than a journalist does not tow the leftist line, more so thinking of the viterol that Kanya west and shania Twain got when they did not follow the leftist playbook, ie s black man and an artist broke ranks with identity politics, that’s what I found interesting, Hooton, Hoskin, yep I get it, but what about others,?
Sorry barfly most people have the cognitive ability to pick up a word irrespective of 100pc correct spelling, but especially for you “vitriol” by the way what’s WTF, is it another wrestling federation 😊
How so, I take that you can’t or as you don’t seem to be devoid of thinking there is some truth in what I say and this disturbs you, looking in mirror and all that
Unfortunately, there are so many fragile thin-skinned egos who cannot take a hint or joke and who feel personally insulted at the slightest. We need more satire in NZ MSM.
The power is out AGAIN in West Auckland. Seriously, Vector are a complete bunch of clowns.they don’t have the severity of the storm to hide behind this time. Thousands of Aucklanders can’t cook dinner on a Saturday night because of Vectors spectacular failure to plan or invest. Vector needs to be re-nationalised.
“Govt drops charges against Greenpeace”
Greenpeace Friday, 27 April 2018, 9:16 am
Press Release: Greenpeace
Govt drops charges against Greenpeace following Amazon Warrior action
Source: Greenpeace
Friday, April 27: Today Greenpeace has been advised that the charges laid against the organisation for action last April to stop the Amazon Warrior seismic blasting for oil at sea are to be dropped.
The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will not pursue the hefty charges laid against Greenpeace under the controversial Anadarko Amendment, which means the organisation now avoids up to $200,000 in fines.
Greenpeace Executive Director, Russel Norman, and climate activist, Sara Howell, will still face charges for their part in the action. They have always admitted their conduct but say they should not face conviction.
They will plead guilty and seek a discharge without conviction on the basis that their conduct was justified and necessary to bring about required change to government policy. If the Court agrees, the outcome would be the same as an acquittal.
The news follows the Government’s historic announcement earlier this month of an end to all new offshore oil and gas exploration.
Last April, Norman and Howell swam in front of the Amazon Warrior – the largest oil exploration ship in the world – forcing it to stop its search for oil for the day.
The pair and Greenpeace were subsequently charged for the first time in New Zealand history under a controversial amendment to the Crown Minerals Act made by Simon Bridges in 2013 when he was Minister of Energy, known as the Anadarko Amendment, which outlaws peaceful protest against oil ships at sea.
The Andarko Amendment made it illegal to “protest against oil ships at sea.”
Even Muldoon never went this far….
If Muldoon had made it illegal to protest nuclear ships, or Springbok games, tens of thousands of New Zealanders would have been detained and put on trial.
Dozens of Palestinian and Syrian journalists and figures issue a press release on the events occuring in Yarmouk camp, in which they condemned the military operation launched by the Syrian regime on the camp and the southern region. They stressed that the destruction of Yarmouk camp is considered the murder of a witness of the Nakba and the liquidation of the right of return, holding the Syrian regime accountable for all the destruction, killing and damage in Yarmouk camp, according to the statement, the area has been under military occupation for years and is under siege since late 2012…..
…..The latest military operation launched by the Syrian regime forces on 19/04/2018, caused massive, unprecedented destruction, which is estimated at 40-60% of the camp, and led to the death of at least 18 civilians so far.
We are concerned by some of the discourse that has emerged from progressive circles with regards to the ongoing crisis in Syria. In particular, we are embarrassed by the ways in which some individuals known for their work on Palestine have failed to account for some crucial context in their analysis of Syria.
The Syrian revolution was in fact a natural response to 40 years of authoritarian rule. The Assad regime, with the support of its foreign financial and military backers, is attempting to preserve its power at the expense of the millions of Syrians whom the regime has exiled, imprisoned, and massacred. We believe that minimizing this context in any discussion of Syria dismisses the value of Syrian self-determination and undermines the legitimacy of their uprising.
We also believe that an important consequence of all foreign interventions, including those purportedly done on behalf of the uprising, has been the setback of the original demands of revolution. The revolution is a victim, not a product, of these interventions. It is imperative for any analysis of Syria to recognize this fundamental premise. We cannot erase the agency of Syrians struggling for liberation, no matter how many players are actively working against them.
The Hui I have lived in the King Country and the power bills were shocking expensive the power price in Te tairawhiti are just as bad to $500 a month I want to teach the tangata about how cheap I could build a solar power battery storage system for less than a years power Ka kite ano
The Hui as my eyes widen and I see more of the reality of Maori culture tangata I realise that I have to change my views and now I am backing Te reo to be compulsory for all Maori Mokopunas as OUR culture is being suppress and if we lose Te REO we will lose Maori culture. The Mokopunas needs to learn all the fabulous traditions to. Kia kaha Maori culture tangata. Ka kite ano
Here you go a shonky cover up and what a mess they have left behind in the oyster aquculture.
If the Kiwi fruit industry stuck there head in the sand they would be stuck in a mess because they alerted everyone they are pumping now here’s the link https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/04/25/106218/culture-of-silence-or-a-cover-up Ka kite ano
Is it a coincidence that 3 locations that have the highest prices for power are the 3 places with high Maori populations high unemployment.
The pay 500 a month for power and only have a TV fridge and freezer going thats reduclise.
ECO MAORI does not believe in coincidences Ana to kai Kia kaha Maori culture tangata Ka kite ano
Good evening Newshub I just got back to Rotorua from the farm the sandflys don’t like ECO MAORI education the people about the symptoms of the system in NZ.
Sailing is in the Kiwi DNA Ka pai Lady’s
Jordan is a big guy Ka pai I wish him all the best in his journey up his ladder of life.
That was a big tackle is that Benje Bro he handled THAT. P.S I Hope its fine tomorrow
Ka kite ano
Dancing With The Stars Jesse Quni and Johnny you go for it Ka pai.
Rodger you got more rhythm than me m8 I got no rhythm I will back you Ka pai Ka kite ano
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New Zealand First is pleased to announce Jenny Marcroft as the party’s election 2020 candidate for the Auckland Central electorate. Jenny spent years working in Auckland Central, having spent a vast proportion of her broadcasting career there. She says she, "knows the place and knows the people." Ms Marcroft says ...
New Zealanders deserve healthy rivers and lakes that are safe to swim in - but they have been getting worse for decades. That's why, with our latest announcement, we're investing in projects that will help clean up our rivers and lakes and restore them to health, within a generation. ...
This week we moved into the second half of 2020 - and our Government delivered another week of big changes and major progress for New Zealanders. Read below for a wrap of the key things moments from the week - from extending paid parental leave, to making major investments in ...
The Green Party has opposed the COVID-19 Recovery Fast-track Consenting Bill which shortcuts normal consenting processes under the Resource Management Act (RMA), reduces public participation and narrows environmental considerations. ...
Hon Shane Jones, Minister of Regional Economic Development A regional freight hub for the lower North Island will be built just northeast of Palmerston North, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has announced. The Government is investing $40 million through the Provincial Growth Fund to designate and buy land and design ...
Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson is calling for the introduction of a Guaranteed Minimum Income to lift hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty and prevent more families entering into further debt with the Ministry of Social Development. ...
There has been renewed focus on New Zealand First acting as a handbrake on the Government after our decision to not support Auckland light rail. We are a handbrake for bad ideas, that istrue, but our track record since 2017 has seen New Zealand First constructively also serve as an ...
Mark Patterson MP, New Zealand First List MP New Zealand First’s Fair Residency for Superannuation Bill passed its First Reading in Parliament today. The Bill makes a significant change to NZ Super by raising the minimum residency requirement from 10 to 20 years, after age 20. “Currently, a migrant of ...
Darroch Ball MP, Spokesperson for Law and Order A New Zealand First member’s bill in the name of Darroch Ball introducing a six-month minimum prison sentence for assaults on first responders has passed its second reading in Parliament. The new offence of "injuring a first responder or corrections officer with ...
Fletcher Tabuteau MP, Deputy Leader of New Zealand First New Zealand First welcomes the launch of the new Criminal Cases Review Commission, gifted with the name from Waikato-Tainui - Te Kāhui Tātari Ture, announced in Hamilton today by Justice Minister Andrew Little. “New Zealand First has long believed in and ...
The Green Party is celebrating over $800m in new funding for green projects, which will get people into jobs while solving New Zealand’s long-term challenges. ...
Mark Patterson MP, Spokesperson for Primary Industries New Zealand First is appalled that Meridian seems to have been unnecessarily spilling water from its dams to drive up its profits."While New Zealanders have been coming together in some of our darkest hours, we don’t expect power gentailers to waste water and ...
We wrapped up the first half of 2020 with a busy month, taking additional steps to support New Zealanders as we continue with our economic recovery. We rolled out targeted packages to support key industries like tourism and construction, helped create jobs in the environmental and agriculture sectors, and set ...
Hon Shane Jones, Minister for Infrastructure Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones has welcomed the appointment of Maurice Davis and his deep infrastructure and construction experience to the board of the Infrastructure Commission. Mr Davis (Ngāti Maniapoto), is the seventh and final appointment to the board led by former Reserve Bank Governor ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First New Zealand’s click bait journalism is taking a turn for the worse, with yet another example of sensationalist, wilful-misrepresentation of the facts. “New Zealand First has worked constructively with its Coalition partner on hundreds of pieces of legislation and policy, and ...
The Green Party is today unveiling its Poverty Action Plan, which includes a Guaranteed Minimum Income to ensure people have enough to live with dignity. ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister Fletcher Tabuteau MP, Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development The Rotorua Museum redevelopment and Whakarewarewa and Tokorangi Forest projects will be accelerated thanks to a $2.09 million Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) boost, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher ...
This week, we rolled out the next steps of our recovery plan, with new infrastructure investment, extra support for tourism operators, and a new programme to get Kiwis into agriculture careers. The global economic consequences of COVID-19 will continue to be a challenge, but we have a detailed plan to ...
Jenny Marcroft MP, Spokesperson for Health New Zealand First welcomes the passage of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Bill through its final reading in Parliament today fulfilling a coalition agreement commitment. “This is an important step in saving the lives of New Zealanders and delivers a key coalition commitment ...
Whakatāne has been given a $2.5 million boost to speed up previously funded projects and create more than 450 jobs in the next decade. Of those, the equivalent of 160 full-time jobs could be delivered in the next six weeks. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is in town to make ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister Fletcher Tabuteau MP, Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing $2.5 million to accelerate three infrastructure projects in Whakatāne, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. “This package is about ...
Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones is throwing his weight behind a bid by the Auckland Council to fast-track the more than doubling of the city's water allowance from the Waikato River. And he's coming out strongly against anyone who plans on getting in the way of this campaign. "It is my ...
The Green Party is thrilled to see changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that mean consents for large projects can be declined if they will have significant climate change implications that are inconsistent with the Zero Carbon Act and Aotearoa New Zealand’s Paris Agreement obligations. ...
Hon Ron Mark, Minister of Defence The Royal New Zealand Navy’s new ship, Aotearoa, set sail for New Zealand on 10 June from the Republic of Korea, and is due to arrive in Auckland tomorrow, announced Minister of Defence Ron Mark. “Aotearoa is the Royal New Zealand Navy’s new fleet ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Racing Racing Minister Winston Peters has today welcomed the Racing Industry Bill passing its third reading, creating the legislative framework for revitalising the racing industry while limiting the need for future government intervention. “For too long our domestic racing industry has ...
A package of wellbeing infrastructure investments in Kaipara which focuses on improving the lives of the elderly and upgrading the iconic Kauri Museum has been announced by Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones today. “These shovel-ready projects will have significant benefits for their respective communities and I’m pleased this funding ...
More support is rolling out for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the COVID Response and Recovery Fund, to help them adapt and innovate to deal with the impact of the virus. The Ministers for Economic Development and Small Business have announced a further $40 million for the Regional Business ...
Stephen Clark, Māori Land Court Judge of Hamilton has been appointed as a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to be based in Hamilton, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. Judge Clark graduated with an LLB from Auckland University in 1988 and was admitted to the Bar in the same year. ...
The Crown will provide a loan to Hawke’s Bay Airport to ensure it can trade through COVID-19 economic impacts, support the region’s recovery and protect up to 200 jobs. The Crown has a 50 percent shareholding in Hawke’s Bay Airport Limited (HBAL), with Napier City Council holding 26 percent and ...
Four celebrated Māori and Pasifika events will receive up to $100,000 each in funding from the new Creative and Cultural Events Incubator fund, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford announced today. The four events that were successful in the inaugural funding round are: Kia Mau Festival, Wellington Māoriland Film Festival, Otaki ...
The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio is pleased to announce the inaugural launch of Kiribati Language Week as part of the 2020 Pacific language Weeks programme. “I am so pleased that this year we are able to provide resourcing support to the Kiribati community in Aotearoa which will ...
Wildlife institutions affected by a loss of visitor revenue during the COVID-19 lockdown are set to receive government support with nearly $15 million of funding available announced Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage. “Eco-sanctuaries, zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and wildlife rescue, hospital and rehabilitation facilities provide crucial support for the recovery ...
The Government is expanding and accelerating frontline mental health and wellbeing services at tertiary education institutes (TEI) to help students manage ongoing stresses related to COVID-19. “The lockdown has been hugely disruptive for students. Many of them have had to relocate and move to online learning, isolating them from their ...
The Minister of Police says a major operation against the Mongrel Mob in Waikato will make a big dent in drug harm and violent offending linked to organised crime networks. “Senior leadership of the Waikato Mongrel Mob has been taken out as a result of Operation Kingsville, which resulted in ...
The Government is extending the border exception criteria to enable some offshore victims and support people of the Christchurch mosque attacks to attend the sentencing of the accused beginning on 24 August2020, says Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway. “We want to support our valued Muslim brothers and sisters who were directly ...
A project to support volunteer efforts to look after streams and rivers is getting a boost thanks to support from DOC’s Community Conservation Fund announced Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage today. “The government is backing efforts to look after waterways with $199,400 for the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust from ...
Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter today announced that funding for the COVID-19 Community Fund for women and girls will be doubled, as the first successful funding applications for the initial $1million were revealed. “Women and girls across the country have suffered because of the effects of COVID-19, and I ...
The Government’s books were better than forecast with a higher GST take as the economy got moving again after lockdown, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Crown Accounts for the 11 months to the end of May indicate the year end results for tax revenue will be stronger than forecast. ...
A plan to revitalise New Zealand’s strong wool sector and set it on a new, more sustainable and profitable path was unveiled today by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. The newly-released report - Vision and Action for New Zealand’s Wool Sector - was developed by the Wool Industry Project Action Group ...
Community efforts to create a Predator Free Whangārei will receive a $6 million boost, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today. The new funding, through Government company Predator Free 2050 Ltd, will create around 12 jobs while enabling the complete removal of possums over ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced that the New Zealand Government is reviewing the settings of its relationship with Hong Kong. “China’s decision to pass a new national security law for Hong Kong has fundamentally changed the environment for international engagement there,” Mr Peters said. “New Zealand remains deeply ...
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced details of a multimillion-dollar investment in Whangārei for infrastructure projects that will help it recover from the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 200 jobs are expected to be created through the $26 million investment from the Government’s rejuvenation package ...
Following a second incident in which a person escaped from a managed isolation facility, security is being enhanced, including more police presence onsite, Minister Megan Woods said. “The actions of some individuals who choose to break the very clear rules to stay within the facilities means that more resourcing is ...
Waste reduction and recycling programmes in Kaipara are set to get a boost with Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage today announcing a $361,447 grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) Sustainable Kaipara. “The new funding will allow Sustainable Kaipara to partner with local schools, kura, community ...
The Government will support the Southland economy in the wake of multinational mining company Rio Tinto’s decision to follow through with its long signalled closure of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter. “This day has unfortunately been on the cards for some time now, but nevertheless the final decision is a ...
New tools being developed to help boost Aotearoa’s Predator Free 2050 effort were unveiled today by Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage and Under Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau. A new rat poison, a camera with predator recognition software to detect and report predators, a new predator lure and a ...
The Coalition Government has approved the purchase of a fleet of Bushmaster vehicles to replace the New Zealand Army’s armoured Pinzgauers, Defence Minister Ron Mark has announced today. The new fleet of 43 Australian-designed and built Bushmaster NZ5.5 will provide better protection for personnel and improved carrying capacity. “The age ...
The Government’s three prevention frameworks to reduce family violence in Aotearoa were launched this week by Associate Minister for Social Development Poto Williams. The frameworks were developed in partnership with communities around New Zealand, and build on the work the Government has already begun with its new family violence prevention ...
The Government is pleased to confirm funding for improvements to radiology and surgical services at Hawke's Bay DHB, Health Minister Chris Hipkins says. "The Minister of Finance the Hon Grant Robertson and former Health Minister Dr David Clark approved funding for Hawke's Bay DHB’s redevelopment of their radiology facilities ...
• New funding for four beds at Napier’s Springhill Residential Addiction Centre • A new managed withdrawal home and community service, and peer support before and after residential care at Tairāwhiti DHB • A co-ordinated network of withdrawal management services throughout the South Island • Peer support in Rotorua and ...
Introduction, seafarers and POAL Good morning everyone, I am delighted to be online with you all today. Before I begin, I have to acknowledge that COVID-19 has disrupted the maritime sector on an unprecedented scale. The work of seafarers and the maritime industry is keeping many economies around the world ...
A $13 million investment from Government will create jobs and improve the resilience of the rail connection between Christchurch and the West Coast, Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones and Regional Economic Development Under-Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau say. The funding comes from the tagged contingency set aside in Budget 2020 for infrastructure projects ...
The Government is investing $761 million to assist local government upgrade under-pressure water services across the country, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The announcement was made at the site of the water bore that was found to be the source of the fatal ...
Recognised Seasonal Employers and migrant seasonal workers stranded in New Zealand will be able to continue working and supporting themselves with more flexible hours and roles, says Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway. The time-limited visa changes are: Stranded RSE workers will be able to work part-time (a minimum of 15 hours ...
The Government is making immediate short-term changes to visa settings to support temporary migrants already onshore in New Zealand and their employers, while also ensuring New Zealanders needing work are prioritised, Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway says. We are: Extending temporary work visas due to expire by the end of 2020 ...
Professor Peter Skelton CNZM has been appointed as Chief Freshwater Commissioner and Alternate Environment Court Judge Craig James Thompson as Deputy Chief Freshwater Commissioner for the newly established Freshwater Planning Process (FPP). Environment Minister David Parker today also announced the appointment of Chief Environment Court Judge Laurie Newhook as the ...
Auckland Queen’s Counsel Neil Campbell has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Campbell graduated with a BCom and LLB (Hons) from the University of Auckland in 1992. He spent two years with Bell Gully Buddle Weir in Auckland before travelling to the United ...
The Associate Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Poto Williams, is seeking feedback on a proposal to better enable the development and operation of commercial film and video facilities in Christchurch. The Proposal, developed by Regenerate Christchurch in response to a request from Christchurch City Council, asks that powers under section ...
The Government has launched a bold plan to boost primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade, while protecting the environment and growing jobs. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today released Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential, a 10-year roadmap to unlock greater value ...
A new approach to prevent family harm that encourages greater collaboration across government and community groups is being celebrated at the opening of a new facility in Auckland. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today opened the Multi-Disciplinary Family Harm Prevention Hub Te Taanga Manawa in Lambie Road in Manukau. The facility ...
The Government has released a major new report on the options for relocating the Port of Auckland’s freight operations while deferring any decision on the issue. “That decision needs to be informed by policy analysis that is still to be completed. As a result it will be up to a ...
The history of Rāpaki is being restored through the inclusion of te reo in thirteen official place names on Te Pātaka-o-Rākaihautū / Banks Peninsula and around Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō, the Minister for Land Information, Eugenie Sage, announced today. “I am pleased to approve the proposals from Te Hapū o Ngāti ...
Bookings for seats on Air New Zealand flights into New Zealand will be managed in the short term to ensure the Government is able to safely place New Zealanders arriving home into a managed isolation or quarantine facility, says Housing Minister Megan Woods. “Last week Air Commodore Darryn Webb and I ...
Grant Robertson has today announced the first major release of funding from the $265 million Sport Recovery Package announced at Budget 2020. “Today we’re setting out how $80 million will be invested, with $54 million of that over the 2020/2021 financial year for organisations from community level through to elite ...
The Government is maintaining current levy rates for the next 2 years, as part of a set of changes to help ease the financial pressures of COVID-19 providing certainty for businesses and New Zealanders, ACC Minister Iain Lees-Galloway says. “New Zealanders and businesses are facing unprecedented financial pressures as a ...
Neon’s gender-flipped version of High Fidelity features Zoë Kravitz in the role John Cusack made famous 20 years ago. And it works far better than you might expect, writes Catherine McGregor.By now we’ve all accepted the fact that every last artistic touchstone we hold dear will one day end up ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Australia’s response to the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is rightly considered one of the world’s best. At their best, our federal and state politicians have put aside the ...
Todd Muller’s brief leadership of the National Party ended this morning and his resignation creates opportunities for truly centrist, more stable and independent parties not under investigation by the SFO. Unfortunately this does point to some ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Damien Manuel, Director, Centre for Cyber Security Research & Innovation (CSRI), Deakin University Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed last month Australia is actively being attacked by hostile foreign governments. An advisory note posted on the government’s Australian Cyber Security Centre website said ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ross Tapsell, Senior Lecturer in the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia and the Pacific., Australian National University The recent police interrogations of six Al Jazeera journalists in Malaysia – five of whom are Australian – was not about ...
ANALYSIS:By Liam Hehir The detailed reasons for opposition National Party leader Todd Muller’s shock resignation are something we are not yet given to know. At this point, anything other than the statement made by Muller himself is nothing more than speculation. The announcement was a bolt from the blue ...
The rich become that way because they work hard to provide the everyday things that our nation needs. So runs the story that underpins the economic system we live under. Its something that is so taken for granted, it often goes uncommented upon. It seems ...
In every discussion about who could lead the National Party since John Key resigned in 2016, one name has always figured high in speculation: Judith Collins.The controversial yet popular MP for Papakura has put her name forward twice – losing to Bill English and Simon Bridges. Since then, Collins has ...
Maternal mental health is far more complex than most realise, and for many women,problems start well before the baby is born. Here, four women share their experiences of perinatal distress – and how to get through it. Josie Gritten has three littlies and she is a perpetual motion machine, a superwoman. One ...
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger says the National Party needs to choose a new leader who is bold enough to talk publicly about tax increases and New Zealand's post-Covid economic future. ...
At last Pretty Penny has met its judicial fate and been sent packing from New Zealand. Debtfix co-founder, Christine Liggins says; “Far from ‘helping everyday people’ as their tagline states, Pretty Penny was a thorn in the side of those who deal with ...
Analysis - The National Party has been thrown into utter confusion by Todd Muller's resignation and now the caucus has to find someone prepared to take a hospital pass, writes Peter Wilson. ...
“The Council has been using the water crisis as an excuse to prime Auckland ratepayers for a painful 3.5% increase in rates. Supposedly, the crisis has introduced $239 million in new costs.” “However, the Government has now announced $196 million ...
Todd Muller's resignation now puts Jacinda Ardern in the awkward position of having to say what she really, really wants to do with her second term. Bernard Hickey analyses her choices. Jacinda Ardern is reputed to have played a few Spice Girls tracks as a DJ at the Morrinsville College after-ball ...
Latest from the Beehive – While National’s Todd Muller was thinking hard about his future as leader, the government was getting on with the job of governing and redistributing taxpayers’ money. At least, we presume that’s what Muller was doing . He was also giving a highly instructive lesson in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics, Massey University And then there was none. Early this morning the National Party caucus awoke to a nightmare. Todd Muller, their newly minted leader of some 53 days, had resigned his position. This is not just another ...
After Todd Muller’s shock resignation, a crushing electoral defeat for National looks all but assured. But is a historically weak opposition really something for the left to celebrate, asks Danyl Mclauchlan. It probably doesn’t matter who takes over as leader of the National Party. Todd Muller’s sudden resignation ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Audrey Courty, PhD candidate, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University Amid claims of social media platforms stifling free speech, a new challenger called Parler is drawingattention for its anti-censorship stance. Last week, Harper’s Magazine published an open letter ...
So is the election now a foregone conclusion? With Jacindamania still raging, and the National Party shattered by its own shambolic performance, it looks like a walk in the park for the Labour Party and its coalition partners. Certainly NZ First leader Winston Peters wasn’t slow to rub salt into ...
Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Ben Thomas reel at the announcement that Todd Muller has resigned as leader of the opposition. At 7.30am, just 53 days after he replaced Simon Bridges as leader of the National Party, Todd Muller announced his immediate resignation from the job.How did it come to this, ...
The Minister of Immigration has dropped another bombshell today relating to temporary visa holders and their families, says Ms June Ranson, chair of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment (NZAMI). Having granted an automatic six-month extension ...
A success story of the New Zealand Made Products Facebook page, this Christchurch start-up has grown from a backyard workshop to a centre for sustainable architecture and building all in the space of a few months.Two Christchurch guys needed a table for their flat. So they built one out of ...
Power Play - Who will seize the day now National is a party looking for a leader? RNZ political editor Jane Patterson takes a look at a party that was supposed to be settling in to fight its election campaign. ...
An announcement today that three Police raids of firearm licence holders following the Christchurch Mosque shootings were illegal, raises questions about Police over-reacting to what people say on social media, according to the Council of Licenced Firearms ...
Just over seven weeks after he rolled Simon Bridges to become leader of the opposition, and with under 10 weeks to go to the election, Todd Muller has quit. Here’s a reminder of how it unfurled – and unravelled.May 21A Colmar Brunton poll for TVNZ puts National at 29%. It’s ...
Todd Muller's stint as National leader has been cut short by a commendable decision to put his own wellbeing first - but now the party must try to find a path forward to September 19 For all that National’s critics claimed to predict it, the news was a shock. Just ...
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found three searches conducted by Police following the 15 March Mosque attacks were unlawful. Following the attacks, Police identified people of interest to national security and set up an operation aimed ...
CEAC want Gov’t to protect communities using ‘OECD/WHO/EU standards traffic noise for residential traffic noise Confirmation of reports to urban residents both from NZTA/Transit-NZ acoustical consultants have since 2001 warned residents that ...
“What a mess” said Hannah Tamaki. “Todd Muller’s resignation this morning is a further indication of the insidious problems hidden in the belly of New Zealand politics. With all three major political parties under investigation by the Serious ...
A recent media story highlighting the fact that a convicted paedophile has worked on a popular New Zealand children’s tv show reveals the serious inadequacies of current legislation which is supposed to protect our children, according to Safeguarding ...
The country's electoral donation laws are being questioned with a third major political party now the subject of a Serious Fraud Office investigation. ...
Mistrust in the government and generational trauma mean Māori communities are more at risk of falling victim to conspiracies relating to the 5G spectrum. Alice Webb-Liddall finds out what needs to be done to combat this dangerous misinformation.The real danger of conspiracy theories can sometimes be hard to grasp. When ...
Nearly two months ago Todd Muller stepped up to wrestle the leadership of the National Party from Simon Bridges, he won. But after just 53 days, he has resigned. Here's a quick look at his background. ...
Greenpeace NZ is challenging Coca Cola to face up to its embarrassing contribution to ocean pollution for Plastic Free July. Coca Cola Amatil floods NZ with hundreds of millions of plastic bottles annually - the majority of which end up in landfill ...
With just over two months to go before the election, National suddenly, shockingly finds itself in need of a new leader. Who are the potential candidates?Late leadership changes before an election aren’t unheard of in politics. The current prime minister is living proof of that, taking over from Andrew Little ...
Source: Statement by Todd Muller – New Zealand National Party I have taken time over the weekend to reflect on my experience over the last several weeks as Leader of the Opposition. It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be Leader of the Opposition ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Audrey Courty, PhD candidate, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University Amid claims of social media platforms stifling free speech, a new challenger called Parler is drawingattention for its anti-censorship stance. Last week, Harper’s Magazine published an open letter ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Hocking, Emeritus Professor, Monash University Forty-five years after they were written, hundreds of previously secret letters between the queen and the governor-general of Australia, Sir John Kerr, relating to the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975 will be released in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thea van de Mortel, Professor, Nursing and Deputy Head (Learn & Teaching), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University The recent lockdown of nine social housing towers in Melbourne’s north to contain the spread of COVID-19 led to widespread concerns for residents’ ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francesco Paolucci, Associate Professor of Health Economics, University of Bologna, and Professor of Health Economics, University of Newcastle Australia has fared better than most countries in reducing its COVID-19 cases to very low numbers. However, on June 15, new clusters of infection ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Burke, Associate Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Putting a price on carbon should reduce emissions, because it makes dirty production processes more expensive than clean ones, right? That’s the economic theory. Stated baldly, it’s obvious, but there ...
Politics editor Justin Giovannetti reports from Wellington.National Party leader Todd Muller has resigned citing health reasons, only 53 days after he rolled Simon Bridges to take over the largest party in New Zealand’s parliament. The next general election is in 66 days.Muller’s short leadership was marked by disarray within the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiona David, Visiting Fellow, University of Western Australia In previous recessions in Australia, far larger numbers of men than women lost their jobs. This reflected realities at that time. Men had higher levels of workforce participation than women, and the construction and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon O’Connor, Associate Professor in American Politics at the United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney Curtis Sittenfeld has a knack of putting her readers in uncomfortable places in her fiction. In her short story Gender Studies she puts you in the ...
After just over a month in the job, National leader Todd Muller has stepped aside National leader Todd Muller has resigned from the role a little over a month after deposing Simon Bridges, citing the heavy toll the job has taken on him and his family. In a brief statement, ...
For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. New Zealand is currently in alert level one – read about what that means here. For official government advice, see here.The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is made possible thanks to donations from Spinoff Members. To support this ...
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Serious Fraud Office announces investigation into donations made to Labour, deportations from Australia to resume, and retail businesses up against it on rent.In a short statement released yesterday afternoon, the Serious Fraud Office made it clear that donations to the ...
The 2020 longlist for the APRA Silver Scroll Awards – New Zealand’s premiere songwriting awards – have just been announced. Here’s the full list of the 20 finalists, with the songs themselves to listen to.This morning saw the announcement of the longlist for the APRA Silver Scroll, New Zealand’s most ...
It was claimed as a win but last week’s court decision on tahr control was mostly legal shots thumping harmlessly into a wall. David Williams reports ANALYSIS: Last Friday, hunting groups welcomed a “landmark” High Court decision, “halting” a controversial plan to “exterminate” all tahr in national parks and sharply ...
What New Zealand must do to play virtual host to APEC next year is something perhaps never attempted before. The rewards could be big. Virtual hosting of 2021 APEC: a rewarding challenge for NZ New Zealand’s confirmation that it will proceed with hosting APEC in 2021, using virtual digital platforms, ...
A major infrastructure announcement by the National Party slated to take place today needs to defy stereotypes about what they are all about. COMMENT: It didn't take a genius to realise that a major infrastructure announcement down south by the National Party would turn out to be a road of ...
LISTEN: In our podcast, A Neesh Audience, Black Cap Jimmy Neesham talks to playmakers who'll be part of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in New Zealand. In this episode, he chats with White Ferns captain Sophie Devine. Sophie Devine has been on a roll of late. Whether it be ...
There’s concern the Department of Conservation’s assessment of proposed changes to a yet-to-be-constructed hydro scheme underestimates their potential impact A West Coast small hydro scheme’s proposed new pipeline path could require over 1000 native trees be felled on public conservation land. What was supposed to be a thin pipe lying on top ...
Dr Neal Curtis explains why we shouldn't simply dismiss people trying to resist discrimination by calling them anti-democratic You may have heard a lot about ‘cancel culture’ recently, not least because of the 150 signatories to the Harper’s Magazine letter last week that supposedly cancelled cancel culture. ‘Cancelling’ is a ...
The closure of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter has left the door open for another electricity-intensive project to take its place at the south tip of the South Island. ...
A complaint has been made to the Department of Internal Affairs against a book of short stories How do you know you’ve “made it” as a writer? Is it, as one friend recently commented on a photo of me holding my new book, when Facebook refuses to allow you to ...
Terminally ill man Stuart Armstrong responds to a first-person piece on assisted dying Newsroom ran last week, arguing people should have the option to choose a death that reflects their life and beliefs This week Serena Jones wrote an article describing her position on the upcoming referendum on the End ...
If there’s any time for ambitious, agenda-setting policy ideas, it’s now, write Max Harris and Laura O’Connell Rapira. Here are seven suggestions that might just transform New Zealand for the better.In a pre-budget speech, finance minister Grant Robertson said it was time to “address long-term issues”, but then when the ...
The SpinoffBy Max Harris and Laura O'Connell Rapira
St John Ambulance is paying wages on borrowed money - and that can't keep happening. Most people would say there are three branches of emergency services in New Zealand: police, fire, and ambulance. Police are fully funded by the government. Fire and Emergency New Zealand is funded through an ...
By Jimmy Kalebe in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea police have intercepted and confiscated almost K200,000 (about NZ$90,000) in K2 and K5 notes hidden in a container on a ship which arrived at the Lae wharf in a suspected money laundering case. The cash, packed into three boxes inside the ...
National MP Amy Adams has apologised for wrongly claiming one of her party's candidates is Chinese. Catherine Chu was born and raised in Christchurch and her parents are from South Korea. ...
National MP Amy Adams has apologised for wrongly claiming one of her party's candidates is Chinese. Catherine Chu was born and raised in Christchurch and her parents are from South Korea. ...
Pacific Media Watch Host Oscar Perress talked to contributing editor of Pacific Media Watch Sri Krishnamurthi today about Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s government rejecting a licence for the country’s biggest radio and TV network ABS-CBN. Its 25-year-old franchise expired in May but the majority of legislators refused to renew in ...
Open Mike 28/04/2018 
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Gordon Campbell is calling for Phil Twyford to front up and explain how PPP risks will be managed.
He’s also calling for detailed cost comparisons.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1804/S00095/on-the-perils-of-using-ppps-to-meet-aucklands-roading-needs.htm
Are PPPs a dead rat Labour supporters will willingly swallow?
The Greens should vote against this….a vote winner for them…make it an issue…show what a disaster it has been in the UK.
I agree
The Green Party is really hitting its straps now. On the back of persuading the government to ban oil and gas exploration now is the time to show some real strength and vote aginst this.
They probably can’t vote against it. It probably doesn’t require any new legislation.
Yes, didn’t Labour open the door for PPPs when they were last in power?
They probably did @TC (aka Top Cat). Remind me when that was. Close to a decade ago was it?
On or off; 1 or 0; Jesus! it’s a tough ride when you have to consider anything other than two options.
Mind the bumps TC, your likely to get the shit shaken out of you
“The Green Party is really hitting its straps now. On the back of persuading the government to ban oil and gas exploration”
Without any cost benefit analysis, or indeed analysis if it will achieve the desired results.
Yep – sounds like the greens.
Im with you – I think that the greens should stand up and say PPP’s are bad. I disagree, but would love for them to campaign on it.
That’s because you’re ideologically blind to the results of PPPs.
They are bad, all the evidence proves that.
“The Greens should vote against this”
Don’t count on it.
James Shaw seems to be blinded by the environmental benefits. There is no mention of opposing the PPP’s being used to help secure them.
https://www.greens.org.nz/news/press-release/auckland-transport-plan-huge-win-commuters-buses-trains-and-bikes
Yes that’s right, the Greens should vote against any solution that does not have perfect form, rather than use an imperfect method to solve a problem.
Yes, lets watch them support an imperfect method to solve a problem that could potentially lead to more problems and see how well that works out for them.
If they were smart, they’d quickly distance themselves (by speaking out against that part of the plan) from the use of PPPs.
Your concern trolling, of the Greens, is getting rather tiresome.
So can we take it you support the Greens levying the masses to subsidise the well to do that can afford to buy a new electric vehicle?
Concern trolling seems to be the go to line when one doesn’t seem to have an argument worthy of putting forward. Here’s your chance to show me you can do better than that.
If the Greens start supporting PPP’s then that is a trap. Maybe part of the problem is I’m not sure how many of these new Green MP’s get outside of central Auckland or Wellington, therefore they think everything can be solved by walking and cycling.
I’m not even sure if they know what suburbs are even in the super city and how far reaching it now is.
The new plans in particular transport may take 5-10 years to start work, but in the mean time people have to survive that decade of hell and many can’t because they way power structures are now working, anyone who is not based in Central Wellington/Auckland or does not belong to some lobby group, seems to be strangely not thought about and even more strangely it’s now believed to be their fault for not having time to lobby/write reports/submissions/meet and greet politicians/go to rallies/pay lawyers/planners to write their submissions….
The Government Policy Statement released by the government was co-written by Associate Minister of Transport Genter. The Green Party don’t need much persuading.
Yes, well they did sign up to the Budget Responsibility Rules, which has resulted in the Government favouring PPPs as a means of keeping debt off their balance sheet.
Nevertheless, it’s disappointing the Greens don’t seem to be concerned about the use of PPPs.
Bravo! You managed to get all three of your pet words in one sentence that epitomises your contributions here on TS.
Campbell needs to swallow the cup of proverbial cement and harden up.
The Greens signed up to the budget responsibility rules.
The Greens signed up to the Transport GPS.
The Greens signed up to the Auckland package.
The Greens already manage a set of very close commercial partnerships and concessions through DoC as their Minister.
The Greens have been working assiduously with business on co-funding climate mitigation initiatives. Some of which you will see around Budget in May, and may quack walk fly and lay eggs like ppps do.
Just like the rest of government.
If the Greens associate themselves too closely with PPPs, they’ll find they will fail to bring many of their supporters with them.
Wonder where Shaw will end up once he’s finished destroying them?
Definitely he is already seen as business-friendly.
As the boldest Green Party MP in a long time, as well as one of the lowest profile leaders, he is going for something far harder than singing tenor to his own audience.
He is going for nothing less than uniting business and Government together to fund against climate change. He is using the climate change groups that he has set up, plus the $100m seed money, to pull in their partnership.
Now, that seems like something a centrist would do. But to be honest, it’s the only way to pull the rug out from National. Shaw knows now that he will never get cross-Parliamentary support for his legislation. But he can undercut National’s support from business and co-opt them to the cause.
The two biggest forces in the world right now are climate change and finance. Nothing like an audacious goal, and Shaw is going for it.
These are essential reading links on PPP’s (in UK called PFI’s)
“UK PFI debt now stands at over £300bn for projects with an original capital cost of £55bn”
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/30/pfi-britain-hospital-trust-debt-burden-tax
Probably not.
They’re a bloody stupid idea based upon the failed ideology of the private sector always being better. History shows that PPPs are a waste of public money.
Why do politicians always refuse to believe reality when it comes to this BS?
The slightly less contentious arrangements are called Alliances, and there are going to be a blizzard of those rolling out.
Ad darling. I’ve heard a number of labels applied to my todger. Dick, penis, John Thomas, shafter, and a raft of others.
As far as I know, it’s basically the same member of my anatomy ‘going forward’.
and it has the same capability it always had darling (allowing for age of course).
Call ’em whatever you like
You are not useful to commenting on any arrangement the state has with capital.
here we go @CG and @ Grey
That little panel on the right is quite usefull.
As I made my previous comment, I said to someone that was watching…….Ad will pop up next with some words of wisdom.
Sure enough he has and you can all see for yourselves. Truly fucking inspiring!
But ekshully, as I was writing, I’d forgotten that I was at TS rather than TDB, and there are obviously different “Standards” at play.
I think not so long ago, I came close to a ban for contesting the absolute jewels that a poster such as AD possesses, AND for wondering (i.e. WONDERING) whether he, yes HE might not be a public servant, or some such other political sage that thinks he’s in tune with the peeps)
I still wonder whether TS uses Ad as a contributor in the same way Fox News uses an occasional token black as proof they’re ‘fair and balanced’
Doesn’t a PPP toll road make heavy road users pay the full cost of the externalities of thief behaviour? Or would rather just tax the shit out of all trucks?
No.
The one under construction for SH1 north of Auckland is a simple availability model. No toll. Yes private finance.
Commercial operators will merely pass the cost on.
An interesting comment in a linked article in yesterday’s Open Mike: re climate change.
“Without hope, goes the truism, we will give up. And yet optimism about the future is wishful thinking, says Hillman. He believes that accepting that our civilisation is doomed could make humanity rather like an individual who recognises he is terminally ill. Such people rarely go on a disastrous binge; instead, they do all they can to prolong their lives.”
I don’t think many people quite realise we, the human race, are entering, or maybe are in the middle of, the fight for our very existence, a struggle which will more than likely end in our defeat.
We still live in that rosy world – the perpetual present.
What we need is radical action, action that almost certainly doesn’t include any sort of accommodation with the present economic system, which got us into this mess in the first place. Yes, some people are going to have to make big sacrifices, but these people should be those who have the most to give up, not the ordinary people.
We’ve got to do all we can to prolong our lives! And ensure there is a future for our grandchildren!
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/26/were-doomed-mayer-hillman-on-the-climate-reality-no-one-else-will-dare-mention
“What we need is radical action, action that almost certainly doesn’t include any sort of accommodation with the present economic system, which got us into this mess in the first place. ”
This sentence sums it up.
Further to my post above, what might ‘radical action’ look like in practice?”
Well, first of all, I think we need to set this country on a war footing, very like we did during the Second Wold War. This would entail giving the government rather draconian powers to get things done. For instance, to name just a few:
• Nationalise all the banks. Money must work in the interests of NZ, not foreign owners.
• Stop industrial farming immediately. What good are exports if our environment is ruined.
• Immediately stop all sales of land and buildings to non-citizens. Seize houses which remain unoccupied for more than half the year.
“Nobody should be permitted to own two houses until everyone has one.”
• Stop all immigration immediately. We need to look after the people here already.
• Severely restrict imports to absolutely essentials. Cut the crap importing. Go back to the ‘number eight wire’ days during WWII.
• Government emphasis on essentials such as 100% sustainable energy and public transport for everybody. Turn Auckland Airport into a market garden.
As, no doubt many will point out, such actions, and other similar moves, will result in massive disruption – in the short term, counter this outcome by instituting a UBI, so that everyone has the ability to buy food. Pay for this by stripping the rich of their assets.
None of the above will happen, of course, or not at least until human extinction is slapping us in the face, when it will be far too late.
Excellent ideas.
Your comment / ideas are so stupid I dont know where to begin.
But fair to say that not a single person in government will ever take them up – for reasons that will be obvious to rational thinkers.
An idea may seem silly or stupid, until suddenly it isn’t.
My fear is that we shall be overtaken by events and will react far too late, like now we are reacting too little!
As you said.
George Monbiot is a ray of hope in a bleak world.
Massive amount of capital flight would occur and the economy would be ruined within a matter of months as the country’s income tanked, we would have little ability to purchase goods to maintain our health system or infrastructure. With the combined ban on industrial farming there would be widespread malnutrition and starvation.
In short many if not most of your suggestions would lead to very significant harm and hardship to the population apart from that it is a great debate starter.
Not to mention our best and brightest will simply leave the ed Viectchy dystopia ( doctors scientist; engineers. Entrepreneurs teachers etc), nz would just become a basket case
No need to give any government draconian powers over our every day lives.
The government can shoulder barge its way back into the economy if it wants (and should).
It already has an army it can re-purpose for the sake of desperately needed physical works around “known to be imminent” impacts of global warming.
Strict efficiency regulations on cars, appliances etc, that tighten year on year combined with an onerous carbon tariff at the border could work wonders.
The problem is that no-one in parliament is actually facing up to things. “Everyone” keeps on with this line that we can carry on as we are with a few fiddles here and a couple of adjustments there. We can’t. (Well, we can, but there’s an expiry date that’s coming into focus)
I don’t think it’s crazy to ask whether civilisation as we know it will survive into much of the next century. Given the path we’re on, I’d be saying that 2150 is looking like a very long shot.
But in the interim, if we want Auckland airport to be a market garden, then we can shut it down today and get started on it. No government required. Just arses on tarmac and some picks and shovels 🙂
I look forward to you, Ed and Tony trying to get onto the tarmac at Auckland airport with picks and shovels..it might even knock Korea off top spot on the news.
And therein (implied) lies a large part of the problem. Why is it we think our actions need be legitimised through the medium of the state and its institutions?
The day we drop that attitude/belief, is the day we can get started. And unlike as was the case in the USSR when people dumped their believes, there will likely be no external entity in a position to impose any new, restrictive political paradigm on us.
Yeah cool anarchy..right on man.
meh. You say anarchy, and I say democracy.
If we don’t engage – if we don’t build it and participate fully in our own lives, then we wind up where we are right now, or somewhere worse.
Actually, probably always somewhere worse seeing as how representative parliamentary forms of governance normalise thoughtless abeyance.
Why do I have the feeling that the particular form of democracy that the likes of yourself, Dtb, Ed and others would be served with a side order of jackboot for those who disagreed with your particular world view ?
With all the faults of our current system of the state and its institutions I’ll take it every time over those that chant ‘vive la revolution’.
The only reason I can think as to why you have that feeling, is that you’re failing to grasp some very basic characteristics and features of democracy.
Unlike with representative parliamentary governance or more authoritarian forms of governance, with democracy there simply can’t be any particular world view being forced on people.
Take a moment to think it through for yourself.
In that case I look forward to the vote on the digging up of the tarmac at Auckland airport pending the planting of a market garden along with the vote on
• Nationalise all the banks.
• Stop industrial farming immediately.
• Immediately stop all sales of land and buildings to non-citizens.
• Stop all immigration immediately.
• Severely restrict imports to absolutely essentials.
• Government emphasis on essentials such as 100% sustainable energy and public transport for everybody.
Although I must admit to suspecting I know the results …
You didn’t even try to think it through, did you?
If you had, you’d realise there’s no place for “the market” because it embodies and promotes deeply anti-democratic dynamics. Trade in a democratic setting does not unfold through market mechanisms.
Auckland airport? Any decision would surely be around allowing for the continuation of air travel? And those decisions (and it would be plural) aren’t based on some simple yes/no binary.
As for what might be done with the place should space be freed up due to the demise of air travel, well, I live a long way away and the establishment of market garden or whatever else (and unlike air travel) is very unlikely to have any impact on me. So I wouldn’t be party to that decision or process.
“But in the interim, if we want Auckland airport to be a market garden, then we can shut it down today and get started on it. No government required. Just arses on tarmac and some picks and shovels 🙂”
Is that meant to be highlighting a contradiction?
Direct action in the present isn’t incongruent with democracy. It by-passes undemocratic processes and systems associated with representative forms of governance. (Y’know, the whole “Why is it we think our actions need be legitimised through the medium of the state and its institutions” bit?)
I can’t see the point continuing with this conversation Bill.
The problem is that no-one in parliament is actually facing up to things.
That is hardly true. The problem is with the voters. The voters are not voting for this level of intervention, otherwise we would have the Greens leading the government.
If the government enacts policies that do not have the general consent of the masses (or at least the majority of those who vote) then that fucking well is giving the “government draconian powers over our every day lives”. The economy is part of our everyday lives.
James Shaw views AGW as a great business opportunity. That’s where the “no-one in parliament” comment comes from – on the assumption that the Green Party represents the edge of the parliamentary envelope on AGW.
This chrematistic economy is part of our every day lives, true. And the government seeks the approval of those already controlling and gaining from that economy – not us, the voting public. Government directed economic development would be bringing economic agency a step closer to us than it is at present. (That said, a quick look to the ME and N. Africa offers instructive examples of what can happen when countries go down that path)
James knows that under our current power structure, combatting AGW requires the consent of the wealthy.
As we are not a democracy, but a rotating dictatorship voters hardly come into it.
Yeah, okay. Let’s go with that. So Shaw is stepping up to the plate re AGW, how?
It’s like saying the Fabians are right enough because they ‘understand’ that redistribution requires the “consent” of the wealthy.
It does, obviously. Or Helen Clark would have done it.
Remember the “winter of discontent”.
When big business got all petulant, and “held the country to random”.
You’ve kind of lost me here KJT.
The “winter of discontent” was an episode of naked class warfare that the working class lost, and that ushered in a resurgent liberal political/economic agenda.
If we want action on AGW, but also want to mollify the wealthy, then there will be no adequate action taken around AGW.
Under our current rotating dictatorship any change can onle be made with “the consent of the wealthy”. Which is, of course, the point.
It depends entirely on whether we have any Wilberforce’s or Roosevelt’s amongst them.
I think KJT is referring to The NZ “Winter of Discontent” in 2002, whereas I think you are referencing the UK’s 1978-79 Thacherism Winter.
Rod Oram sums up NZ’s WoD here:
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/11/04/58244/rod-oram-another-winter-of-discontent#
Both however do exibit the underlying problem of class warfare, which is a war that the poor are always going to loose within our current system of corporatocracy* – even though they may win some battles on the way.
* I wouldn’t say it’s a dictatorship – we do get to choose whether our government will have a more human face or not.
Didn’t stop them in the 80’s and 90’s.
“Without hope, goes the truism, we will give up.”
What horseshit.
Why?
Plenty of people do not give up, and have no hope.
Nor does that mean they are having a miserable time of it either.
Hope is largely an advertising and marketing construct.
There is however a danger that having no hope will lead to giving up.
It ends up with the philosophy best described by the saying.
“Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die”
Climate breakdown and the erasure of non-human life from the land by farming and the sea by industrial fishing are crises we cannot afford to give up on.
In the current circumstances the most useful thing is to plan and mitigate. Even if that includes our decline.
The foolish and the immature simply reach for the extremes of apocalypse or heaven, because it’s the religious approach to engaging with power.
The problem with even using the trope of crisis is that it’s been played so often by all kinds of leader and all kinds of political persuasion for the last century that it’s lost most of its ability to shock anyone into action.
Pay real close attention to Shaw’s approach to climate change.
He doesn’t have to use any of the feeble old fear routines, and doesn’t need to.
Agreed.
Conforming to reality really isn’t a radical action. It’s our present socio-economic system that’s radical.
How worse will the Government allow this to get?
Jacinda, this needs fixing now!
That’s the result of nine years of mismanagement by National which is, unfortunately, going to take more than a few months to fix.
While it was compounded by nine years of mismanagement by National, I think we both know it is the result of neo-liberal changes both National and Labour have implemented over the last few decades.
While Labour are saying some of the right things, they are far from offering what is required and what little they do plan to do is coming in at snail pace.
Seems Labour are trying to stockpile policy deemed to be popular by holding back implementation till after the next election to help counter the unpopular ones and get them over the line.
Don’t you love the leisurely pace of the old cheese ad ‘good things take time’? We lose much in our compulsively accelerating world.
Match highlights? I hate them, – little burst of canned action. All the tension, excitement and build up of atmosphere of each unique encounter are lost.
Surfing clips are shockers, rarely longer than three seconds of a surfer already on the wave. Surfers watch, ponder and judge the oncoming swell before committing to the vigorous paddle. A 6 second sequence would at least capture some of this vital aspect of the sport.
“Hurry while stocks last” has the opposite effect reminding me that good shopping also ‘takes time.’ I like to compare products, research their features and come to a choice with inner conviction.
“It’s easy!” is another overworked assurance in the barrage of commercials rammed at us daily. I suppose in an increasingly complex world ‘easy’ is altogether a relief for some but we run the risk of equating ease of execution with quality of product.
When a movie promises non stop action I’ll certainly avoid it. Endless car chases, cops bursting in on scenes with guns in the ready become ‘non-action’ when grinded out time after time. We run the risk of becoming a species bent on ceaseless stimulation via the hyper-priming of our excitable cognitive natures.
Many are aware of this and turn to holistic pursuits that appeal to our deeper selves and sense of integration. “Inwardness” which probes untapped regions of consciousness reveals areas of quality and quietness as counters to our strident world. Sure meditation, New Agey stuff, incense, mindfulness etc initially overran themselves attracting many in search of cloud nine rather disciplined re-orientation.
But those who persist and take time discover less not more is the way to go and that
there is an element within self that responds favourably, contributing thereby to the lessening of our footprint both carbon and otherwise.
Hi, Ant..
That is a very enjoyable commemt…nice to read…
Sounds like you’re on a reflective journey in this life…
Go well…
There’s a reason why I don’t watch TV. I get to avoid all the push from advertisers and the MSM about going fast and how they think I should be and thus have time to make up my own mind.
I don’t watch TV I just get the highlights on YouTube 😂
According to John Campbell it has been dubbed the war on the poor (about 4.40 into last nights episode of Checkpoint) and unfortunately for the Greens it is being led by James Shaw.
So the party that was renowned for fighting for the poor is now perceived to be leading the attack on them. Talk about tarnishing your branding, what’s that James Shaw up too? Is it incompetence or intentional?
You are such a penis. Of course it was National who have dubbed it a war on the poor. Hard to know of course when they are being completely divorced from reality or simply bullshitting:
“You would see the poorest of New Zealanders who are purchasing second hand Japanese imports..” (Jami-Lee Ross, National’s Transport spokesperson)
Of course the “poorest New Zealanders” are far more concerned about purchasing their next meal and could only dream about having the many thousands of dollars required to buy a directly imported car.
The imported over a decade ago second hand petrol cars that the next to poorest New Zealanders buy will soon be worthless.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018642543/nats-petrol-car-levy-will-hurt-the-poor
It may have been National that dubbed it but they are right on this occasion. It doesn’t do the poor any favours. Hence, one has to ask what is that James Shaw up too?
Who would have thought National would have to defend the poor from James Shaw? Within seven months the Greens have gone from the party fighting for the poor to leading the attack on them. Seems Shaw is that right within some feared he would be. This will renew calls for him to go.
Of course the “poorest New Zealanders” are far more concerned about purchasing their next meal and could only dream about having the many thousands of dollars required to buy a directly imported car.
Where have you been? Some of the poorest New Zealanders live in their cars.
“Where have you been? Some of the poorest New Zealanders live in their cars.”
Boom!
I was going to drop the mike, lol.
You’ve really revealed yourself as the troll you are with this one.
Yeah, that’s your form, roll out the old troll line. That will appeal to the ignorant.
It’s James Shaw that is revealing himself.
Your defense of his stance is rather revealing as well. You come across as either a cheerleader or blue/green.
Lol, you called me a blue-green. That’s nearly as funny as when Ed claimed i was a neo-liberal.
solkta, our esteemed but self-titled Chairman is a concern troll who has for ages been masquerading as a true leftie, but who constantly looks for issues which he thinks will make either Labour or the Greens less popular with the general public if he can con other lefties into supporting leftie policies on those issues.. (He does this for Labour as well as the Greens.) He has blown his own cover so often that I have generally given up responding to him. Like rust, he persists, but unlike rust, he achieves little. McFlock is, I think, another who has no confidence in our Chairman. See his response at 5.1.1.2.1.1
Two hundred dollar wrecks. Not new imports.
“Two hundred dollar wrecks.”
Not all of them.
They’re not. They’re trying to make it so that they can get into power and attack the poor again.
And you’re helping them.
Correction, Draco.
It’s Shaw that has made them vulnerable to attack, presenting National with the opportunity. I’m just highlighting how bad it has become that National can now attack the Greens for burdening the poor.
This is all due to the stance the Greens have taken, and I personally had no role in that.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
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hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Butter wouldn’t melt in your pustulent mouth.
derision and insults …as unsurprising as it is tedious
Of course. You don’t think that TC deserves a serious response, do you? That it’s somehow Shaw’s fault that the nats are making up complete bullshit about this government and Greens (National using the expression “war on the poor”, no less, the fucking hypocrites), and that TC is merely reporting their totally genuine concern at this perilous state of affairs? The concept is hilarious!
It’s not hilarious, it’s outrageous.
Following up on the Greens gifting questions away, Shaw has put the Greens in a position where National can now attack the Greens for burdening the poor. And a number of Green supporters I’ve talked to are outraged.
And it’s not bullshit. The Greens publicly announcing they are considering such a move has left them vulnerable to this form of attack.
The Greens existing provides ammunition for the nats to make shit up about them. Same with Labour existing.
National can attack the government for anything. Just as you trawl through the list of labgrn interviews to find something you can invent a concern about, a petrol levy won’t hurt the poor, at absolute worst it’ll shift them onto public transport. But then the nats don’t care about the poor (or truth) any more than you care about the issues you and the imaginary greens you talk to are genuinely concerned about your despondency of the day.
Maybe you’re not really a tory liar. Maybe your concern filter is just broken, and you’re so self important you believe you’re genuinely raising highly important issues that (despite their importance) nobody else has noticed. Either way, you’re a joke.
While the Greens and Labour’s existence provides National with opposition thus makes them a target, their mere existence doesn’t provide ammunition for them. It’s their actions, policy and proposals that can do.
Moreover, it’s not made up shit. The Greens did publicly announce they are considering such a move. And this has made the Greens far more vulnerable to this form of attack.
How National decide to attack the Government is their prerogative. And sure, their concern for the poor may well be disingenuous, but thanks to the Greens considering this proposal (of benefiting the well to do at the expense of the less well off) it has given the Nat’s attack strength.
In many cases, there isn’t sufficient public transport for people to turn too.
The concerns and feedback I present are real, not invented. And as you know, although anecdotal, the feedback has been inline with a number of polls.
How national and you attack the government is indeed your prerogative. You get to choose your concerns of the day.
If the government does something good for the environment or fiscally responsible, your guys suddenly have concern for the poor.
If the government does something good for the poor, you get to worry about efficacy or whether it’s fiscally responsible.
If the government does something that’s good for the environment, the poor, and it’s fiscally responsible, you get concerned about whether taxes are too high, or maybe businesses are feeling a little bit unconfident (the poor dears).
But your concerns are indeed made up, transient conveniences merely invented to attack the government in lieu of any genuine problems to date.
I voted Green due to their dual commitment of social justice and improving the environment.
Hence, when they make a move like this that would not only overlook their commitment of social justice but goes against it, of course I’m going to be critical. I want them to hold true to their commitment.
Whereas, the Nat’s are unlikely to want to genuinely see the Greens uphold their commitment of social justice and are more likely to see a divide being created, thus are utilizing that opportunity to pry the party apart.
We all know that Nats would prefer to see the Greens drop their social justice stance, whereas I’m critical because I want them to uphold it.
And that is the difference between my criticism and the Nats.
Gotcha. You repeat and amplify National party talking points because you really mean it, whereas they develop those talking points because they’re just hypocritical liars.
That’s not what I said. Hence, you got nothing.
Care to try again?
You honestly “want them to hold true to their commitment.”
The nats “are utilizing that opportunity to pry the party apart.”
And you started this thread with the nat line that the government has launched a “war on the poor”.
So how does that not meet the description “You repeat and amplify National party talking points because you really mean it, whereas they develop those talking points because they’re just hypocritical liars.”?
I started this thread highlighting John Campbell reporting it as being dubbed the war on the poor.
And while the criticism may be similar (which isn’t surprising as National and I are both discussing the flaws of the same issue) the difference is the end goal. I want the Greens to uphold their commitment to social justice, the Nat’s have a different agenda. As explained above.
Something for readers to ponder:
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/04/30/106833/help-the-old-bomb-owners-this-time
Who dubbed it so?
That’s what I said. You repeat tory lines, but you really mean it, while they’re just hypocritical liars.
Correction, McFlock.
John Campbell repeated the tory line, I highlighted it.
And as I said to solkta, it may have been National that dubbed it but they are right on this occasion. It doesn’t do the poor any favours. If you haven’t already, see the link: https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/04/30/106833/help-the-old-bomb-owners-this-time
So while National may be hypocritical, they’re not lying in this instance (dubbing it the war on the poor). But we clearly have different end goals, as explained above.
So it was originally a tory line, and you “highlighted” it. But you are genuinely concerned, whereas they are not. Gotcha.
You still haven’t told us how many of the poorest New Zealanders you think purchase newly imported second hand Japanese cars.
You’ve really revealed yourself as the troll you are with this one.
Placing a levy on all fossil fuel vehicles will have a flow on effect as vehicles are traded on. So those struggling to afford to buy a car now will find it even harder going forward if this proposal is implemented.
Moreover, it’s not just the poorest New Zealanders that will be impacted, this will negatively impact many lower income households looking to buy a vehicle.
National didn’t seem too worried about the poor when they decided that their ACC rego levy reductions would be weighted heavily to newer cars.
You’re right, they didn’t. But I don’t think too many of their supporters were concerned about that.
Whereas, what’s happening here is the Greens have made themselves vulnerable to attack (as a lot of their supporters will be disappointed such as myself) thus National are seizing the opportunity presented.
Well I guess it’s true National absolutely love the poor – they must as they spent 9 years creating more of them.
Yes, and this coalition seems to be carrying on (albeit a bit softer around the edges) where National left off. Soaring food parcel demand, TPP, PPPs, regressive taxes etc…
Its early days the winter heating allowance is a pretty good help for a lot …and I’m certain the government knows a large portion of recipients will use it to simply reduce their suffering. The government avoided an enormous amount of political capital attrition in choosing this method…
Think about it!
The winter heating allowance is vastly insufficient. More so when one considers this link below:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/102708888/way-to-be-cleared-for-big-electricity-players-to-prey-on-lowincome-households
So ponder that.
Wow what a firebrand and it gets me right where I live. I think another special post needed to discuss this interview on RadioNZ.
It otherwise could overwhelm Open Mike.
8:10 Camille Paglia – Free Women, Free Men
Camille Paglia
Feminist author and academic Camille Paglia joins Kim to talk about her latest book – a collection of her essays on modern feminism called Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism.
Paglia is the University Professor of Humanities and Media Studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She is the author of Glittering Images; Break, Blow, Burn; The Birds; Vamps & Tramps; Sex, Art, and American Culture and Sexual Personae.
“I,I,I,I,I,I,I,I. Me,me,me,me,me,me,me. First, first, first, first.”
I was running back and forth in my usual morning busy-ness and not giving the interview 100% but did she say very much more than I quoted above?
Audio for Camille Paglia – Free Women
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2018642586/camille-paglia-free-women-free-men
Dear Rosemary
Before she can state her opinions she has to give her background, her study, her professional expertise, her research – what she bases her opinions on. This is necessary because they are very different than what is currently being spouted in society and she meets a barrage of negative responses by affronted people who can’t lever their minds open even fractionally.
And, when you are being thoughtful and honest and thinking deeply about this blog, aren’t most of the comments all about one individual’s opinion, which usually is aired as the only reasonable approach and without any attempt at explaining the background and experience and expertise of the person giving that opinion. This is what pisses me off with people at present, too much of TS reads like the understanding of children or cult members spouting what they have been taught to think. So it’s all I, me, first from people here. And mostly just repeated from month to month without any new views being considered.
“… too much of TS reads like the understanding of children or cult members spouting what they have been taught to think.”
I am becoming increasingly frustrated with this too. Ostensibly spontaneous outbursts of flag waving and positivity at the merest hint that the current government are doing just great….
Case in point was the post yesterday about the launch (with much fanfare) of the pilot of the Enabling Good Lives/DSS System Transformation in Palmerston North.
You bet your boots I have strong opinions about disability support issues, but I would not for a second expect anyone to respect or accept merely my word or my experience or my opinion.
When able I’ll provide links to documents that hopefully folk will read if they want the true history behind the headlines.
But, alas, superficiality rules.
Back to Camille….I did find myself agreeing with some of what she was saying…but I also find myself repelled somewhat by rampant egocentrics.
Busy day today….but I will try to listen to the podcast….
A number of sharp insights mixed with complete lunacy such as AGW denial.
All underpinned by massive egotism. Closer inspection by someone brighter than me might bring out the internal inconsistencies in what she is saying – Kim pushed a little way down this line of questioning.
Always a good listen Prof Paglia.
She’s a smart lady with some original ideas – but not all of them are wise. They do tend to be better informed than most academic superstitions though. It really takes a bunch of folk like her with differing views to shake down the failed assumptions of contemporary society and social policy into a new synthesis.
What a difference a day makes… maybe DPRK isn’t an insane tyranny… the path New Zealand could have taken a socialist green paradise like DPRK.
😆 a socialist green paradise 😆
Yes, because our 1080 riddled, cow shit and nitrate soaked landscape is a much better example of “clean and green” – well said.
And our poor are homeless.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/355962/our-homeless-community-is-going-to-be-bigger-than-ever
And our poor lack food.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/356160/the-auckland-city-mission-has-almost-run-out-of-canned-food
And our poor die young.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/356024/children-in-poorest-areas-three-times-more-likely-to-die
And, despite these ghastly statistics, some New Zealanders don’t care about our poor. Because they themselves are alright.
+1 Ed. NZ can’t exactly point fingers given the shabby truth behind the shiny PR.
According to the interview North Korea has ample free housing. While New Zealand has the worst homeless rate in the developed world (OECD).
Sorry Maui I honestly thought you were taking the Michael with your comment and YouTube post.
Amazing that isnt it – you are happy to see that North Korea has tons of free housing – yet its population is starving to death.
Any idea why they are starving? That would be amazing if you find out and share it with us.
Bit like the wrong side of Chicago, then!
Always a little skeptical of tapes with a looped video in the background. An “independent journalist” wanting a reputation for honesty would look for both sides – there are plenty of North Korean emigres/refugees in South Korea (and China) who could have filled in the gaps in her story.
Sure Kim Jong Un is a lovely fellow – poisoning one’s brother in Macao with VX gas is perfectly consistent with good governance – under his kind of monarchy.
Saw this on Robin Westenra’s excellent blog.
Trouble brewing between Russia and the Ukraine
http://robinwestenra.blogspot.co.nz/2018/04/ukraine-threatens-russia.html
What the hell happened here? This needs exposure so the manager involved can’t continue
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12040773
A government employee died in a suspected suicide just ten days after complaining to management he was the victim of sustained, unresolved workplace bullying.
However, the Housing New Zealand staff member’s death was not notified to health and safety authorities for six months – despite new regulations requiring agencies to report any death “arising out of the conduct of a business” to WorkSafe immediately.
Concerned colleagues, who claim the man was so stressed he was pulling out his hair, say they fear the death will be “swept under the carpet”.
“I was there when he died, and that’s when I decided to leave too. I didn’t want to become a statistic,” a former co-worker said. “They knew he was unwell. And they should have referred it to WorkSafe to be investigated.”
Is that a link to the herild?
Did not click.
Deeply disturbing.
“Five people gave accounts of the months before the man’s death, saying his decline from a bubbly, confident team member began when a new manager was appointed in late 2016.”
Definitely needs to be investigated as that’s indicative of the manager purposefully making life hell for the guy.
A brave person indeed to link to an article in the Herald when the Peoples’ Front of The Standard have declared a ban on anything from that particular publication.
However this is an article by the very able and capable Kirsty Johnston…a journalist whose fine work will be overlooked by those seemingly unable to sort the wheat from the chaff.
I guarantee Kirsty will continue to write articles that will force light into darkened places.
Why is New Zealand’s media ignoring what the UN has described as the “the world’s largest food security emergency” on earth?
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/03/saudi-arabia-no-amount-of-flattering-pr-can-hide-human-rights-crackdown-under-reformer-crown-prince/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/23/world/middleeast/yemen-cholera-humanitarian-crisis.html
https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/04/26/faith-based-groups-say-fighting-created-humanitarian-crisis-in-yemen/
Maybe because it would mean challenging our best mate, Saudi Arabia.
Some countries get missiles fired at them.
Others not.
https://www.rt.com/news/424847-saudis-blamed-yemen-strike/
It is disgusting and meanwhile everyone is wanking on about Syria. The WWE (great friends of Trump) recently held a huge event in Saudi, called “the greatest royal rumble”, as if it is a civilised nation. No women were allowed to participate.
One step forward with the proposal for Grey Lynn cohousing, and one step back in Hastings with neighbours concerns with social cohesion and property values.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/natioanal/356160/the-auckland-city-mission-has-almost-run-out-of-canned-food
“This time last year we were averaging between 750 and 800 food parcels given out each month. This year we’ve given out over 1000 for January, February and March and this last month we gave out 1150.”
Canned food such as spaghetti, tuna, tomatoes, and vegetables will go a long way to feeding those in need, Ms Sawyers said.
Food can be dropped off at the mission on Hobson street, or at the New World supermarkets at Victoria Park and Devonport.
About time the government declared an emergency.
This country has clearly been allowed to go to rack and ruin by Key’s Vichy regime.
Time to take on the banks, finance institutions and global corporations.
Yes, martial law and the Dictatorship of the Greenetariat is now the only solution.
I would highly recommend you read Tony Veitch (not etc)’s policies to solve the world’s most pressing issues.
The bit you should see is this.
Tony Veitch (not etc) then lists these policies ( all highly sensible given the crises we are facing ) and ends with this…..
Ummm, AsleepWhileWalking linked to a radionz article about the demand on foodbanks. That particular problem is really easy to fix.
Yes it is.
But not in a neoliberal straight-jacket.
There are more alternatives than Neo-liberalism and the Dictatorship of the Greenetariat.
‘Greenetariat.’
We are discussing the following ecological crises.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/20/insectageddon-farming-catastrophe-climate-breakdown-insect-populations
And you resort to name calling……
No, i’m describing the type of authoritarian state that you want to create.
Would you have called New Zealand or Britain an authoritarian state during World War 2?
I am proposing, like ‘Tony Veitch (not etc)’ that we put the country ( and the world) on a war footing to mitigate the effects of the climate catastrophe coming our way.
Your concerns about your freedom to consume crap comes a poor second to preserving ecosystems on this planet.
When there actually is a war then people are more likely to give general consent to a more authoritarian state, and this is what happened to a large extent during WW2. You keep saying “the government should [insert authoritarian act]” where there is no mandate from the public for this to happen.
If the current government were to implement just one of your ideas they would then have no chance of re-election. What you must be saying then is that the government should suspend democracy and become a dictatorship (how you think they would get the army to cooperate i don’t know).
Yes, and all the rich pricks should give up all their money to this government and give it away to the poorer people.
That will make everyone poorer then and nothing to grizzle about.
They were made to in China. Now everyone there is richer, according to the right wing comments on here.
NZ is a wealthy country.
Each year the wealthiest 10% of NZers could ‘gift’ 1% of their true wealth for (re)distribution to the least wealthy 40% of NZers.
Given the current magnitude of wealth inequality in NZ, where the top 10% control at least 60% of the total wealth, this redistribution would hugely improve the standard of living of the poorest 40% in just a few years, while having a minimal impact on the top 10% whose wealth would continue to grow, albeit more slowly than before.
The twin strangleholds of neo-liberalism and wealth addiction, however, make meaningful, progressive redistribution all but impossible.
Of course especially Britatin was totalitarian during WW2 (dunno about NZ, but they’d dug air raid trenches in Dunedin’s Octagon, so there was a bit of a worry on here, too).
They locked a woman up for witchcraft, had checkpoints, everyone had to carry their papers, and almost all food was strictly rationed.
But it was a temporary state of affairs, not a permanent one.
It’s only a crisis when the majority thinks and votes that way. That’s a basic problem with all human systems: there are always disenfranchised people, and always externalised (environmental) costs resulting from human activity. I don’t think martial law is gonna solve the inherent flaws of the human condition, that is an ideal offered only by religious faith.
(I’m not saying we should do nothing though)
Is it?
The problem is caused by the structure of our society and the fact that a few people have control over almost all of it and those people aren’t the government.
So, how would fix it given this structural problem?
Raise the minimum wage and benefit levels plus all the work being done on housing. No need for an authoritarian state to do those things.
But Ed likes to conflate every issue and come back to the same solution for everything. And that solution involves ditching our democratic and human rights.
Raise the minimum wage and benefit levels plus all the work being done on housing.
And the rich simply put the prices up and grab all that extra money for themselves.
So, not a fix. Just a papering over the problem of private ownership of the nations wealth.
So why then did we not have such a need for foodbanks in the 1950/60/70s?
60% top income tax rate and child support.
We weren’t competing in a global economy
Wasn’t that supposed to make us more prosperous?
Because we had governments running a full employment policy?
Because we had compulsory unionism and people actually engaged in the political process?
Because the majority of women spent the majority of their time at home instead of going to work decreasing the workforce? (No, I don’t want to remove women from the workforce).
Because the state actually owned a hell of a lot more instead of selling it off to the rich and foreigners?
Because we didn’t have foreign ownership?
Because of 60% or higher taxes on the well off?
Because we didn’t have GST.
There are many reasons why we were better off then than we are now and there’s been a lot of changes.
The question is which ones do we need to change back and which new ones we need to dump and which ones just need changes? Hell, a sovereign monetary system may be all that’s needed (It’s not – we really do need to get rid of foreign ownership and permanent residents).
Change has to be structural and radical .
Change the economic model – from one that prioritises people, not business and the rich.
Adopt policies that are socialist and ecological.
Stop the growth model.
Build local trade networks. Stop import of all unnecessary goods. Learn to live on our land base.
Change the business model ( ban corporations and set up cooperatives And other democratic workplace arrangements )
Change the tax structure so the rich cannot evade or avoid tax. Introduce a distributive tax system.
Warning: Auckland people, more outages are happening with this storm. Stay warm, and safe, stay off the roads if you can.
4 days without the Herald.
Feeling happier,calmer and more peaceful without its pollution in my life.
Excellent Ed – I am sure you will soon be entering a Higher Plane of consciousness.
I do advise against visiting cafes in the Auckland region where copies of the Herald can be see lying around, looking increasingly dishevelled by mid-afternoon, like a degenerate toff in a smoking jacket who started too early on the port.
I make a point of lifting the offending object from in front of me between thumb and forefinger and dropping it on a vacant table with a loud comment to the family – “just removing this toxic right-wing rag” – and then wiping my hands on a serviette. Great fun.
Sort of sad people get so carried away or fixated on politics they close thier mind to anything perecived to be outside thier world view Even worse when you hear of people ending friendships or relationships simply because a significant other may have a different political view From observation seems to be more of a left wing thing where intersectional politics takes precedent over the right and respect of an individual to hold a different view Becomes even more toxic if you are part of a left appointed victim class, minority,arts or cultural class and you even contemplate sharing a differing non left view ie Kanye West, Shania Twayne been two most recent examples
If you think it is a left wing thing ,you have never been to a Chamber of Commerce or Federated Farmers, meeting.
Agreed it is mostly toxic waste comprising daily regurgitations from Hosking, Hooton, HDPA, Soper, et al.(and the usual endless spruiking of Auckland property) But there are still a few real journalists there so I’ll read it for that.
Yep understand Hoskins Hooton hate club but what about when some one other than a journalist does not tow the leftist line, more so thinking of the viterol that Kanya west and shania Twain got when they did not follow the leftist playbook, ie s black man and an artist broke ranks with identity politics, that’s what I found interesting, Hooton, Hoskin, yep I get it, but what about others,?
The Herald: a general rule of thumb is that it’s pro Establishment propaganda
I don’t go for that, no nooo, no can do
viterol WTF is that?
Sorry barfly most people have the cognitive ability to pick up a word irrespective of 100pc correct spelling, but especially for you “vitriol” by the way what’s WTF, is it another wrestling federation 😊
Glad to see you are thinking you are 100% politically correct but unfortunately your comment is still nonsense.
How so, I take that you can’t or as you don’t seem to be devoid of thinking there is some truth in what I say and this disturbs you, looking in mirror and all that
I do advise against visiting cafes in the Auckland region where copies of the Herald can be see lying around…
😳
An amused and gentle piss-take is much more civilised than just insulting someone.
Unfortunately, there are so many fragile thin-skinned egos who cannot take a hint or joke and who feel personally insulted at the slightest. We need more satire in NZ MSM.
I will have you know I have not bought a NZ Herald in years. Must go, its time for my daily trim flat white fix from the local cafe. 😉
Edit: oh, and a savoury muffin.
Yet Another story about a lack of workers for a particular industy, that does not include a single mention of the pay and conditions on offer.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/2018642486/perfect-storm-hits-nz-fruit-industry
The power is out AGAIN in West Auckland. Seriously, Vector are a complete bunch of clowns.they don’t have the severity of the storm to hide behind this time. Thousands of Aucklanders can’t cook dinner on a Saturday night because of Vectors spectacular failure to plan or invest. Vector needs to be re-nationalised.
It was never “Nationalised” previously. True?
I heard James said he would put on a barbeque for anyone without power in remmers or had kids at a decile 10 school…
Vector is an SOE.
“Run like a business, of course”!
Wasn’t that supposed to make power cheaper and stop all those power cuts we had under State control. When Engineers, not accountants, were in charge.
Repeal the Andarko Amendment
“Govt drops charges against Greenpeace”
Greenpeace Friday, 27 April 2018, 9:16 am
Press Release: Greenpeace
Govt drops charges against Greenpeace following Amazon Warrior action
Source: Greenpeace
The Andarko Amendment made it illegal to “protest against oil ships at sea.”
Even Muldoon never went this far….
If Muldoon had made it illegal to protest nuclear ships, or Springbok games, tens of thousands of New Zealanders would have been detained and put on trial.
This law cannot, and must not stand.
It is an affront to our democracy.
Related Posts and comments:
Defeat the Andarko Ammendment, and build the protests on the water against deep sea oil drilling.
Greenpeace v Simon Bridges
This is not what democracy looks like.
This is not what democracy looks like. II
Demand the Acquittal of the Andarko Two
If democracy means anything at all, it means more than having the right to vote, it means having the right right to speak out, it means having the right to protest.
That right is only afforded to farmers. With tractors.
Because it’s Saturday night.
The apologists for the Assad regime, are no friend of the Palestinians.
http://www.actionpal.org.uk/en/post/7019
The destruction of Yarmouk Palestininian refugee camp, repeats the destruction of The Palestinian refugee camp in Latakia, A place I know well.
http://www.actionpal.org.uk/en/post/7007/news-and-reports/palestinian-and-syrian-journalists-and-figures-the-destruction-of-yarmouk-camp-has-killed-a-witness-of-the-nakba-and-is-the-liquidation-of-the-right-of-return
“On The Allies We’re Not Proud Of: A Palestinian Response to Troubling Discourse on Syria
Joey Ayoub
The Hui I have lived in the King Country and the power bills were shocking expensive the power price in Te tairawhiti are just as bad to $500 a month I want to teach the tangata about how cheap I could build a solar power battery storage system for less than a years power Ka kite ano
The Hui as my eyes widen and I see more of the reality of Maori culture tangata I realise that I have to change my views and now I am backing Te reo to be compulsory for all Maori Mokopunas as OUR culture is being suppress and if we lose Te REO we will lose Maori culture. The Mokopunas needs to learn all the fabulous traditions to. Kia kaha Maori culture tangata. Ka kite ano
Here you go a shonky cover up and what a mess they have left behind in the oyster aquculture.
If the Kiwi fruit industry stuck there head in the sand they would be stuck in a mess because they alerted everyone they are pumping now here’s the link
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/04/25/106218/culture-of-silence-or-a-cover-up Ka kite ano
Is it a coincidence that 3 locations that have the highest prices for power are the 3 places with high Maori populations high unemployment.
The pay 500 a month for power and only have a TV fridge and freezer going thats reduclise.
ECO MAORI does not believe in coincidences Ana to kai Kia kaha Maori culture tangata Ka kite ano
Tairawhiti North land and Te kuiti
Good evening Newshub I just got back to Rotorua from the farm the sandflys don’t like ECO MAORI education the people about the symptoms of the system in NZ.
Sailing is in the Kiwi DNA Ka pai Lady’s
Jordan is a big guy Ka pai I wish him all the best in his journey up his ladder of life.
That was a big tackle is that Benje Bro he handled THAT. P.S I Hope its fine tomorrow
Ka kite ano
Dancing With The Stars Jesse Quni and Johnny you go for it Ka pai.
Rodger you got more rhythm than me m8 I got no rhythm I will back you Ka pai Ka kite ano
Sharon is Bryce baby sitting you should have got him to dance Ka kite ano