Open Mike 28/05/2018

160 comments on “Open Mike 28/05/2018 ”

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1. Ffloyd 1

   28 May 2018 at 6:51 am

   Why in the hell is Nathan Guy on rnz being interviewed for his opinion on what the Govt might be going to do regarding Mycoplasma bovis. WHY!!!
   • patricia bremner 1.1

     28 May 2018 at 11:43 am

     The distraction from the fact it was here in 2015 or even earlier seems to be the MO.
   • Gabby 1.2

     28 May 2018 at 1:14 pm

     Good way to encourage the minister to front up.
2. tc 2

   28 May 2018 at 7:17 am

   Reply to Floyd at 1.
   Because the current govt lacks the bollocks and ability (Curran isn’t it ?) to sort out the national party shillfest that RNZ has become.

   By all means have the former minister on, but he doesn’t get to comment or blame an administration that followed the one that brought this disease into NZ I.e his.

   He should be grilled, flipped, charred to a crisp then tossed aside like the carbonised waste of space he is. Any half decent journo would viscerate him with the available evidence over his inaction confine it to that as that’s actually the story here mr guy….your dereliction of duties as a minister of the crown, not nationals mates.
   • John up North 2.1

     28 May 2018 at 9:20 am

     Yep, the ineptitude of current journalist (or is this by design) in putting to previous ministers the questions that really dig into their poor performance whilst in government is as blatant as dogs bollocks.

     The line being played by both media and Nats is plain for all to see, there’s no questioning how we got here…………. it’s just “you’re the government now, what you gonna do about it”

     This to me has got to be constantly countered and unpacked as the distraction it is, because if people buy into it they are not truly being made aware of/ nor able to understand the real problem……………… the underlying ideology that got us to this point.

     It wouldn’t take too much for an intelligent interviewer to show N. Guy as a big part of the reason Mblovis is about to cost a huge amount of public money to combat.

     Privatise profit, socialise cost……….. hip hip hooray go the shareholders.
   • cleangreen 2.2

     28 May 2018 at 11:21 am

     RNZ is the national party channel tc.

     Jacinda needs to sack Clare Curran as she supports national not labour.
     • tc 2.2.1

       28 May 2018 at 11:47 am

       ha ha ha….such a toothless bunch so far.

       They can afford a few free swings yet they appoint a dull edged luddite like Curran to faff about like an amateur.
3. Sanctuary 3

   28 May 2018 at 7:44 am

   Today Susan Devoy quit the Human Rights Commission and goes out with a blast at some of the managers.

   She was a typically John Key inappropriate political appointment. Her job was to be an ineffective Commissioner and to neuter the voice of the HRC. As such, her appointment copped a lot of criticism from practically everyone on the left (including me) but IMHO she worked hard to grasp the job and IMHO has done an excellent job.
   • Anne 3.1

     28 May 2018 at 9:39 am

     Yes. I was one of those who expressed my disappointment in no uncertain terms when Susan Devoy was appointed. I now express my disappointment she is leaving. She was a breath of fresh air.

     Dr Jackie Blue who is also an Human Rights Commissioner is leaving too. Both women have made a positive contribution to human rights in NZ and are deserving of the utmost praise.

     And much as it pains me to say so… I think it was Judith Collins who appointed them. Well, I guess even rottweilers can get it right sometimes.
     • Puckish Rogue 3.1.1

       28 May 2018 at 9:42 am

       Jude is a fine example of an exemplary MP and she’ll be an even better PM, someone for girls and boys to look up to

       #Judecrush
       • Anne 3.1.1.1

         28 May 2018 at 9:55 am

         No more poems please. 🙁
         • Rosemary McDonald 3.1.1.1.1

           28 May 2018 at 10:01 am

           Aw, come on, we all love a bit of poetry….

           https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxPeIiU2kx4
         • Puckish Rogue 3.1.1.1.2

           28 May 2018 at 10:15 am

           I was lying in bed last night, lying awake and staring up at the ceiling and I started to think about Jude and something then rose within me that could not be contained, that demanded attention and would not stop until I released it into the world and here it is, for you and everyone

           My latest poem

           I call it…I’m in love with Judith Collins

           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love …with Judy C
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love …with Judy C

           Oh Judith Collins is so sexy
           She’s the girl for you and me
           I go red when she’s on the telly
           ‘Cos I think she fancies me

           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love …with Judy C
           I’m in love with Judith Collins Collins
           I’m in love a’ love a’ love a’ Judith Collins Collins
           I’m in love with Judy C

           Oh Judith Collins is so sexy
           She’s the girl for you and me
           I go red when she’s on the telly
           ‘Cos I think she fancies me

           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love …with Judy C
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love …with Judy C
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love …with Judy C
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love with Judith Collins
           I’m in love …with Judy C
           • Robert Guyton 3.1.1.1.2.1

             28 May 2018 at 11:39 am

             Your best work, ever , Pucky. I’ve sent Judith a copy, but am now realising, you’ll have already done that! She’ll probably send something similar back to you, scratched into flint with her fingernail.
             • Puckish Rogue …

               28 May 2018 at 11:43 am

               I’m glad you liked it, I thought it was one of my better efforts
               • Anne …

                 28 May 2018 at 12:52 pm

                 I think your effort the other day is better.

                 https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-25-05-2018/#comment-1487300

                 More substance to it. 😡
                 • Puckish Rogue …

                   28 May 2018 at 1:00 pm

                   Alas I fear that my genius will only become apparent after my demise

                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q0CkeuSqxk
               • One Anonymous Bloke …

                 28 May 2018 at 1:14 pm

                 Plagiarist.

                 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnToK3kSKKg
                 • DB …

                   28 May 2018 at 1:29 pm

                   Well spotted. Word for word.

                   “My latest poem”. Hahaha.

                   Here’s how you do a love poem PR you bloody shipwreck.

                   Oh, what subtle art is she
                   So fine of form it could not be
                   that one as I could steal a kiss
                   and not be captured whole by this.

                   Class, not horses ass. 😀
                 • Puckish Rogue …

                   28 May 2018 at 2:12 pm

                   Mines better 🙂
                   • alwyn …

                     28 May 2018 at 3:21 pm

                     I’ll bet you wrote this one as well.
                     If not I suggest you copy it out in your neatest handwriting and send it off to Judith.
                     https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/there-is-a-lady-sweet-and-kind/
                   • Puckish Rogue …

                     28 May 2018 at 3:40 pm

                     Heres a little something I’ve been working on, its a work in progress but I think it could be something special

                     Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
                     Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
                     Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
                     And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
                   • alwyn …

                     28 May 2018 at 3:52 pm

                     I saw Judith writing this one the other day. I think you would agree she knows the effect she has on you.
                     “I walk into a room
                     Just as cool as you please,
                     And to a man,
                     The fellows stand or
                     Fall down on their knees.
                     Then they swarm around me,
                     A hive of honey bees.
                     I say,
                     It’s the fire in my eyes,
                     And the flash of my teeth,
                     The swing in my waist,
                     And the joy in my feet.
                     I’m a woman
                     Phenomenally.
                     Phenomenal woman,
                     That’s me.”
                     I think the two of you are going to be so happy, curled up on the sofa on these cold nights and reciting these epistles to each other.
                   • Puckish Rogue …

                     28 May 2018 at 4:01 pm

                     Not a bad effort but this is probably more accurate:

                     I can feel a new expression on my face
                     I can feel a glowing sensation taking place
                     I can hear the guitars playin’ lovely tunes
                     Every time that you walk in the room

                     I close my eyes for a second and pretend it’s me you want
                     Meanwhile I try to act so nonchalant
                     I feel a summer’s night with a magic moon
                     Every time that you walk in the room

                     Baby it’s a dream come true
                     Standin’ right along side of you
                     Wish I could show you how much I care
                     But I only have the nerve to stare

                     I can feel a something pounding in my brain
                     Just any time that someone speaks your name
                     Trumpets sound I hear thunder boom
                     Every time that you walk in the room
               • rod …

                 28 May 2018 at 4:54 pm

                 A couple of years ago pucky you were in love with John Key. Who’s next when jude goes to the pack?
             • greywarshark …

               28 May 2018 at 11:51 am

               Robert G and PR
               You two do bring some enjoyment and amusement to the daily grind of political discussion. I’ll give you a big red tick – meaning good one.
               • Robert Guyton …

                 28 May 2018 at 11:53 am

                 Pucky! I’ll go halves with you on greywarshark’s big red tick.
                 • Puckish Rogue …

                   28 May 2018 at 12:14 pm

                   With a great deal of humbleness and due modesty I accept half of the big red tick
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     28 May 2018 at 12:19 pm

                     Don’t forward it to Judith! Greywarshark would be appalled!
           • patricia bremner 3.1.1.1.2.2

             28 May 2018 at 11:49 am

             LOL LOL Words fail me!!
             • alwyn …

               28 May 2018 at 1:31 pm

               “Words fail me”.
               I can only suggest that I wish words had failed Puckish Rogue BEFORE he had started composing, or should that be composting?
               • Puckish Rogue …

                 28 May 2018 at 2:18 pm

                 Philistine 🙂
               • One Anonymous Bloke …

                 28 May 2018 at 2:24 pm

                 BEFORE he had started copy-pasting… FIFY
                 • Robert Guyton …

                   28 May 2018 at 2:28 pm

                   Judith will be gutted !! Pucky’s poem was second hand, used that is, shop-soiled and falsely-presented.
                   Oh dear.
                   Judith doesn’t suffer fools gladly. I’m afraid Pucky’s buggered.
                   Oh well. There’s always Paula. Always.
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     28 May 2018 at 2:30 pm

                     And there’s the matter of returning the half-tick, Pucky.
                     Sad day.
                   • Puckish Rogue …

                     28 May 2018 at 2:32 pm

                     Is someone suggesting that I couldn’t possibly whip up some of the finest poetry every committed while sitting in my office and doing work at the same time

                     I shall never give up half of the big red tick!
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     28 May 2018 at 2:36 pm

                     I feel I’ve lost a friend…you’re still there, Pucky, I know, but it’s not the same somehow…a plagiarist !! And I’ve been talking with him…
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     28 May 2018 at 2:38 pm

                     Still, Cam’ll be happy – the way is clear…
                   • Puckish Rogue …

                     28 May 2018 at 2:44 pm

                     The way is not clear…

                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2KWTEhyVX8
                   • One Anonymous Bloke …

                     28 May 2018 at 2:44 pm

                     “Mediocre artists copy. Great artists steal.”

                     Pablo Picasso Banksy 😉
                   • alwyn …

                     28 May 2018 at 2:58 pm

                     Second-Hand?
                     She may not be too unhappy.
                     A second hand, rather grubby, painting sold late last year at Sotheby’s. There is even some doubt about the whether the real artist was Leonardo and whether it was falsely-presented.
                     However somebody thought it probably was a da Vinci as claimed and paid $450 million US dollars for it.
                     I’ll take that over a new one as a gift and so, I imagine, would almost anyone else.
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     28 May 2018 at 3:31 pm

                     Picturing Slater in tights here…
                     uuuuuugggh !!
                     You “sluggishly” built, Pucky, like your mate?
                     Would sticky-buns serve better than swords, d’ya think?
                     Safer for everyone and you can lick yourselves clean afterwards.
                   • Puckish Rogue …

                     28 May 2018 at 3:43 pm

                     Probably more closer to this (I’m the Man in Black)

                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lISBP_fPg1s
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     28 May 2018 at 3:55 pm

                     “You are using Bonetti’s defense against me, ah!”
                     Sacriledge! Don’t despoil a man’s childhood gods, Pucky! Equating Slater with Fezzik is just… sick and you couldn’t hold a candle, let alone a sword, to Westley! Mind you, that’s a clip from the film which doesn’t come close to the book, read cover to cover in one sitting. I remember ignoring the call to dinner because I was dueling atop the Cliffs of Insanity …rarely had I been so engrossed and thrilled by any book.
                 • Puckish Rogue …

                   28 May 2018 at 4:03 pm

                   They made a book adaptation of the movie? 🙂
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     28 May 2018 at 4:17 pm

                     It’s far more complex and far funnier, Pucky, so much of it will fly over you head; stick with the movie. Did you know The Lord of the Rings was originally in book form??? This’ll be a shock, but it’s a day for surprises; the Government’s chosen eradication! Wahoo!
                   • Puckish Rogue …

                     28 May 2018 at 4:24 pm

                     I’ve actually read the trilogy a few times because I’ve found it to be quite…wait for it…are you ready…you’re going to like this…hobbit-forming 🙂
             • Patricia …

               28 May 2018 at 8:04 pm

               Big full moon due on Wednesday hence the poems of love an devotion.
           • Cinny 3.1.1.1.2.3

             28 May 2018 at 1:13 pm

             Lolz PR, whatever turns your tyres when you are lying in bed dude. Very brave of you to share 🙂
           • AB 3.1.1.1.2.4

             28 May 2018 at 4:08 pm

             A little more appropriate for Jude would be this from King Lear – Albany speaking to the horrifying Goneril, Lear’s oldest daughter:

             “See thyself, devil!
             Proper deformity seems not in the fiend
             So horrid as in woman”
           • OncewasTim 3.1.1.1.2.5

             28 May 2018 at 4:28 pm

             She’s a pretty little fascist eh? But don’t waste your time @PR. She’s taken
       • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.2

         28 May 2018 at 12:04 pm

         She’s going to be cursed throughout the rest of history for the damage that she’s done and will continue to do in her capacity as an MP and as a selfish capitalist.
     • tracey 3.1.2

       28 May 2018 at 5:20 pm

       I agree with all your points. Pity Collins doesnt have tge same ability to step aside when caught behaving poorly
   • McFlock 3.2

     28 May 2018 at 9:55 am

     yeah, it’s nice to have pessimism proved wrong sometimes.
4. saveNZ 4

   28 May 2018 at 8:06 am

   Beautifully and candidly written

   The Western Elite from a Chinese Perspective
   https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2017/11/western-elite-chinese-perspective/
   • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1

     28 May 2018 at 8:37 am

     It’s interesting that Puzhong’s talking about the overwhelming importance of chance, whereas the article is presented as a perspective on the ‘elites’. Or as they are more accurately described, ‘the lucky ones’.

     Furious denial from a ‘self-made man’ in 3,2,1..
   • DH 4.2

     28 May 2018 at 9:43 am

     It is a good read although I do wonder at the heading. He ends with this;

     “In Communist China, I was taught that hard work would bring success. In the land of the American dream, I learned that success comes through good luck, the right slogans, and monitoring your own—and others’—emotions.”

     His closing statement is obviously intended to be a bit flippant but I am curious as to what message he’s trying to convey. He doesn’t delve into how success in China is actually won, he only mentions what he was taught. I daresay success in China comes through similar means to the US, indeed I’m sure luck would play an even larger role.

     His comments about economists strikes a chord. They do live for formulas, from my very first introduction to economics I thought they reminded me of the old alchemists searching for the magic formula that turned lead into gold. It’s what makes them both boring and dangerous.
     • greywarshark 4.2.1

       28 May 2018 at 11:54 am

       DH
       You have turned that lead into a nail and pinned economists down accurately. That sentence is like gold!
     • DB 4.2.2

       28 May 2018 at 12:31 pm

       For a more in-depth look into the Asian (business) mind, you can’t go past ‘Thick Face Black Heart’ by Chin-Ning Chu. Mandatory reading for diplomats imo.
     • Draco T Bastard 4.2.3

       28 May 2018 at 12:39 pm

       He doesn’t delve into how success in China is actually won, he only mentions what he was taught.

       Considering that he left when he was 16 I doubt if he knows.

       I daresay success in China comes through similar means to the US, indeed I’m sure luck would play an even larger role.

       IMO, I think you’ll find that it’s based upon knowing the right people which itself is probably based upon luck – the family and area you were born into. Properties that very much exist within the Western system. Donald Trump would never have been rich if he’d been born poor.
     • One Anonymous Bloke 4.2.4

       28 May 2018 at 2:18 pm

       …luck would play an even larger role.

       It would have to be larger than 100% then.
5. Pete 5

   28 May 2018 at 8:44 am

   I see a headline about Mike Hosking reckoning that Auckland International Airport is the pits.

   I’d read somewhere that he was going to England to cover a royal wedding. I guess the headline means he came back. And that New Zealand didn’t give him as a precious koha as a wedding gift.

   Here’s the thing, all money set aside and planned for public transport in Auckland should be re-directed to making the airport the flashest one in the world. Some should be kept though and added to money for planned cycleways to ensure the road between the airport and wherever Hosking lives is brilliant so that all of his travels are happy, easy ones.

   Or realistically, when you look at it, maybe he’s in a bitchy mood because the football team he ardently follows lost in the weekend.
   • DH 5.1

     28 May 2018 at 10:09 am

     I sometimes wonder if Hosking was taught the old story about Peter and the Wolf. If he was he didn’t learn from it. He sometimes makes a good point but he’s such a tosser with an opinion on everything his occasional wise observations get as much notice as a fart in a thunderstorm

     Ak airport is the pits, it’s a corporate milk cow.
     • greywarshark 5.1.1

       28 May 2018 at 11:55 am

       Hosking was the koha. But they thanked us politely and sent him back. No wonder he was aggrieved.
       • greywarshark 5.1.1.1

         28 May 2018 at 12:29 pm

         But the Hosking did come up with a good point. Auckland airport spent a lot of money on alterations, modernising? that will have to be recovered from something, and a lot of it seems to have been spent on providing space for duty free shops in the passenger concourse which cause passengers to walk further around to avoid. Instead of going from A to B you now have to walk much further as you wind or zigzag around these impediments to access of gates, services and seating.

         https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12059947
         • tracey 5.1.1.1.1

           28 May 2018 at 5:21 pm

           He adopted an opinion of others published a few days ago
6. One Anonymous Bloke 6

   28 May 2018 at 9:04 am

   Re: interview with ex-CIA guy on Morning Report. Imagine the cognitive dissonance of those simultaneously irate at Beijing influence in the Beehive, and in denial of Moscow influence in the Oval Office.

   (but but but her emails!)
   • Pete 6.1

     28 May 2018 at 9:31 am

     I heard that. Dr Jian Yang wasn’t mentioned once.
     • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1

       28 May 2018 at 9:40 am

       Yes, it’s a very selective reading of Mr. Mattis’ Congressional testimony that only reports his remarks about the NZLP. Here’s what he had to say about National (pdf):

       …anything on China that was briefed to Bill English was briefed to Mr. Yang Jian…
       • Anne 6.1.1.1

         28 May 2018 at 10:46 am

         I’ve read Peter Mattis’ “Opening statement” but that is all. Not inclined to wade through the rest of it.

         It strikes me as a one eyed analysis but I guess that is what one would expect from a former CIA employee. I couldn’t help noticing the pregnant pauses after each question from Espinor. It was as if he was weighing up each answer to ensure it complied with an accepted CIA meme before responding. Either that… or he was eating his cereal at the same time as the interview.

         As for the allegations he is making about the CCP’s modus operandi… I’m sure its true but where did they learn it? The USA of course who have been operating in the same way for umpteen decades.

         I also find it remarkable that the most notable “manifestation” of Chinese influence – the hundreds upon thousands of dollars donated to the National Party in the years leading up to the 2017 election and the equally notable absence of any meaningful donations (if any) to the Labour Party during the same period – was ignored. That suggests the influence was far greater under National than it is under Labour. Sheesh….
         • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1.1.1

           28 May 2018 at 11:32 am

           He cheerfully admits that his sources for the testimony are the media reports of Anne-Marie Brady’s findings, although he goes on to say that he’s verified some of her claims with third parties.

           Espiner’s questions concentrated solely on allegations against the NZLP.

           As for the pauses, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a considered response.
   • Rosemary McDonald 6.2

     28 May 2018 at 9:44 am

     Here you go OAB….the links to those interviews.

     The mumbling, stumbling Mattis sounding like someone exposing political dodgy- doing with extreme reluctance….

     https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018646774/ex-cia-analyst-admits-trump-irony-in-china-influence-warning

     And Nigel Haworth’s mumbling response….https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018646779/labour-responds-to-accusations-of-chinese-influence

     I don’t trust any of them…and to my jaded ear they all sound like they’re making shit up.

     We need a system where political parties are entirely state funded.
   • Exkiwiforces 6.3

     28 May 2018 at 12:48 pm

     Seen this on Richard Harman’s website today,

     http://politik.co.nz/en/content/foreignaffairs/1350/English-denies-China-security-breach-as-Washington-criticises-and-Peters-goes-to-Beijing-US-China-Review-Commission-Peter-Mattis-Amy-Searight-China-New-Zealand-foreign-policy-Bill-English-Winston-Peters.htm
     • One Anonymous Bloke 6.3.1

       28 May 2018 at 12:56 pm

       There is no way he (the witness, Peter Mattis) could have known how I interacted with the intelligence agencies as Prime Minister.

       Simon William English.

       Meanwhile, on Earth, Mattis’ allegation relates to English’s interactions with Yang #clayton’sdenial
     • Anne 6.3.2

       28 May 2018 at 1:20 pm

       The most important sentence in that summary by Richard Harman:

       What is changing though, as evidenced by the Washington hearing, is that the United States is becoming much more hawkish on China as is Australia.

       And that is the bottom line. China is a rapidly emerging super power and the USA under the current administration is feeling very threatened. They are scared of losing their power and influence which they believe is their God-given destiny. As for the current Australian government… they are nothing but mindless puppets in the scheme of things.

       The longer the crazy Trump regime is in power, the less the chance the world’s trouble spots will be resolved and the greater the chance of a nuclear confrontation. Trump’s likely ultimate gift to mankind.
7. Ffloyd 7

   28 May 2018 at 9:08 am

   On listening to rnz this morning I don’t believe that they got the memo that National is no longer our Government.
   • james 7.1

     28 May 2018 at 9:47 am

     “On listening to rnz this morning I don’t believe that they got the memo that National is no longer our Government.”

     They didnt send out a memo – Curran told them in little secret meetings.
     • cleangreen 7.1.1

       28 May 2018 at 11:33 am

       Ha ha at least I agree James;

       That Clare Curran is as useless as “Tits on a bull” to labour and they need to remove her from being a shil for; “Minister for National Party” and use someone who will finally gert our “independant TV channel up and running Curran promised to do as she failed at doing.

       https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102750720/Broadcasting-Minister-Clare-Curran-stands-by-RNZ-plan-in-wake-of-Hirschfeld-controversy

       “Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran stands by RNZ+ plan in wake of Hirschfeld controversy”
       Tracy Watkins
       13:01, Apr 01 2018

       “Labour’s election platform promised to throw $38 million at RNZ in an ambitious plan to turn the state broadcaster into a “fully multiplatform non commercial entity including a free to air television service”.

       That would pit it against TVNZ, Newshub and other media players for audience share in an increasingly fragmented and competitive media market.

       But Curran rejected suggestions it would be competition to other news and current affairs providers because RNZ + would not get advertising revenue.

       Final funding for RNZ+ is subject to the budget round, which is currently underway.

       Budget sensitivity meant she was unable to discuss whether the full amount of $38 million was still on the table, Curran said.

       Hirschfeld was forced to resign after misleading her RNZ bosses over the nature of a coffee meeting with Curran last December. The RNZ executive told her bosses it was an accidental meeting, but texts showed it had been planned for weeks.”
8. Ffloyd 8

   28 May 2018 at 10:09 am

   Ummm James. ?????? Does that even mean anything?
9. Sanctuary 9

   28 May 2018 at 10:12 am

   Well I see Dick Quax died today. A lovely middle distance runner whose latter years were somewhat spoiled by a near evangelical embracing of far-right free market dogma.
   • Sacha 9.1

     28 May 2018 at 10:48 am

     Politically repugnant, yes, though he did give us #quaxing in his latter years: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/104258283/New-Zealand-running-great-Dick-Quax-dies-aged-70-after-long-battle-with-cancer
     • Herodotus 9.1.1

       28 May 2018 at 11:48 am

       Sad to hear about his death, a great servant to the sport and to the community.
       You may not agree with his political positions , but at least he was putting an alternative view out there and good on him for that, and being out there, same for anyone else on the political spectrum. RIP
       • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1.1

         28 May 2018 at 12:55 pm

         Sad to hear about his death

         Why? People die – it’s in the nature of life.

         You may not agree with his political positions , but at least he was putting an alternative view out there and good on him for that

         Reality didn’t agree with his political position which makes his political position outright dangerous.
         • Herodotus 9.1.1.1.1

           28 May 2018 at 1:06 pm

           Reality also that NZ cannot cope with 60-70k increase in pop. 70%+ residing in Auckland. Yet All our political parties/govts. continue with this policy, so apply your thinking ….
           People die, we can still convey our compassion and sympathy.
       • Sacha 9.1.1.2

         28 May 2018 at 1:15 pm

         “at least he was putting an alternative view out there”

         As is any flat earther or fascist. Need to do more than that to earn my gratitude.
         • Herodotus 9.1.1.2.1

           28 May 2018 at 3:09 pm

           I don’t remember Dick Quax ever being quoted believing that the world was flat.
           So how do you feel about Labour, NZ1 and The Greens regarding that “Waka Jumping Bill” and IT’S attack on democracy ? Even The Nats & Sue Bradford (Unusual bed fellows) can see the danger of this bill. So there cannot be many, if any that earn your gratitude.
           Sometimes when someone dies we can show a little consideration of what they achieved, even if not entiely palatable to us.
10. Woody 10

    28 May 2018 at 10:32 am

    Monday started surprisingly well with Gyon Espinar interview with a ex CIA analyst regarding alleged collusion between NZ Labour government and Chinese government. The suggestion was NZ should be excluded from the 5eyes network.
    It was to say the least a car crash of an interview for the ex CIA analyst topped by Gyon suggesting the irony seeing as the US President being investigated for collusion with Russia.
    I not however that all morning report interviews show up on their Web site except this one which I find very odd.
    • One Anonymous Bloke 10.1

      28 May 2018 at 10:35 am

      Look again: it’s there. Stories don’t appear on the website as soon as they air.

      Interesting point Mattis made about ‘announcing the presence of the party’.
    • SPC 10.2

      28 May 2018 at 1:00 pm

      Once we sort out free trade with the EU/UK and RCEP would be the time to initiate any move to withdraw from Five Eyes (and close down their spy bases). By this time the US economy will have been superseded by China, the period of the American dollar as a reserve currency would be coming to an end and with it the affordability of their imperial military capability. Their leadership could be more unstable then, than under Trump now. A declining imperial regime bullies those closest to it – let’s leave that burden to those of the Americas.

      However if they ask us to leave Five Eyes now, we should do so and close down the bases.
    • Cinny 10.3

      28 May 2018 at 1:16 pm

      ROFL…. the ex CIA agent giving their angle, text book manipulation right there 🙂

      Pro-war pundits on US airwaves

      “During the run-up to the Iraq War in 2003, false intelligence reports and a compliant US news media helped sell the invasion to Americans.

      Five years later, the New York Times revealed that part of that media sales pitch had been scripted by the Pentagon itself, in the person of retired generals it had trained to deliver talking points through the news media.

      Have the US media learned from the Iraq experience? It doesn’t look that way.

      Cable news coverage of US involvement in Syria features a phalanx of former military and intelligence officials: among them, some of the same faces that helped pave the warpath to Iraq, and others who have proven to have a casual relationship with facts.

      Not that that seems to bother the news producers who keep calling them up and providing them with on-air platforms.”

      https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/2018/05/israel-palestine-split-screens-dissonant-narratives-180519062314386.html
    • veutoviper 10.4

      28 May 2018 at 3:13 pm

      That was indeed a car crash of an interview, Woody, and I am pleased Guyon bringing up the irony of proposing that NZ should be excluded from 5eyes for alleged collusion with the Chinese government when POTUS is being investigated for alleged collusion with Russia.

      I kept looking for the link which took a much longer time than normal to come up on the RNZ website but I suspect that the delay may have been to seek legal advice and clearance to put it up. But here it is for anyone who wants to hear it:

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018646779/labour-responds-to-accusations-of-chinese-influence
      • Anne 10.4.1

        28 May 2018 at 4:30 pm

        Thanks for that link veutoviper. Nigel Hawthorne’s response fits in quite well with my response @ 6.1.1.1 to the ex-CIA interview.

        If there was any significant influence being applied by the Chinese it was during the time of the Nats not the current govt. It seems to me that this fellow, Peter Mattis is exhibiting pre-determined prejudice against the election of a Labour-led coalition govt. in NZ. Not at all surprised.
        • Anne 10.4.1.1

          28 May 2018 at 4:58 pm

          Oops.. Nigel Haworth – not Hawthorne.
          • In Vino 10.4.1.1.1

            28 May 2018 at 11:11 pm

            Oh dear, I thought it was a clever joke.
      • NZJester 10.4.2

        29 May 2018 at 4:26 pm

        What about the POTUS collusion with the Chinese as well?
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljtMji-ddps
11. Jilly Bee 11

    28 May 2018 at 10:54 am

    An interesting and even inspired choice of people to the panel to advise the Government on overhauling the sad state of welfare in New Zealand. It will be interesting to read what they come up with and whether the Government will act on any recommendations. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059902
    • patricia bremner 11.1

      28 May 2018 at 12:57 pm

      Thanks Jilly Bee. I wonder what Rosemary thinks of the group. Phil O’Reilly? He gets too many chances to push his barrow IMO. Great Carmel wants “lived experience.”
12. Ad 12

    28 May 2018 at 11:01 am

    Auckland Councillor Quax dies.

    Anyone keen to contest?
13. bwaghorn 13

    28 May 2018 at 11:42 am

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12059839
    We are not alone
14. Venezia 14

    28 May 2018 at 11:44 am

    I agree Jilly Bee. The Welfare Expert advisory group has included people with a wealth of experience in their fields. I couldn’t have chosen better myself. Lets just hope their recommendations are accepted by government.

    The members:
    Professor Cindy Kiro (chairwoman) – responsible for Māori/indigenous education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Auckland

    Professor Innes Asher – paediatrician and health spokeswoman for the Child Poverty Action Group

    Kay Brereton – Welfare advocate and co-convenor of the National Beneficiary Advocates Consultative Group

    Dr Huhana Hickey – Member of the NZ Human Rights Review Tribunal and chairwoman of the Auckland Council Disability Strategic Advisory Panel

    Professor Tracey McIntosh – head of department for Sociology at the University of Auckland

    Dr Ganesh Nana – Chief economist at BERL

    Phil O’Reilly – Former chief executive of BusinessNZ and current managing director at Iron Duke Partners

    Robert Reid – President of First Union

    Trevor McGlinchey – Executive officer of New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services

    Latayvia Tualasea Tautai – Young Pacific leader from Auckland and university student

    Charles Waldegrave – Founder of the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit 1991 and co-lead of the New Zealand Poverty Measurement Project
    • Rosemary McDonald 14.1

      28 May 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Which one is currently having to survive on a WINZ benefit?

      Perhaps a solo mum under a section 70A sanction?

      Someone barely surviving on the Supported Living Payment?

      Someone who is only a beneficiary courtesy of this….https://www.pundit.co.nz/category/tags/public-health-and-disability-amendment-act-2013 ?

      Hmmm…didn’t think so.
      • Kay 14.1.1

        28 May 2018 at 12:05 pm

        Oh come on Rosemary, that would be too reasonable and sensible. We can’t have politicians exposed to reality now, can we?
      • mikes 14.1.2

        28 May 2018 at 1:24 pm

        Yeah I totally agree. They should have at least 2 or more actual beneficiaries or maybe advocates on the team. I hope they at least get round to talking with or interviewing actual beneficiaries.

        also, I hope there’s going to be the ability for the public to have some input, even if it’s like what they did with the tax working group. I for one would like to make a few suggestions in regards to how the government interacts with beneficiaries.
      • Venezia 14.1.3

        28 May 2018 at 3:17 pm

        Rosemary… I am familiar with the work and research over many years of both Charles Waldegrave and Innes Asher. Through my own work I have met both of them, and heard them speak in the public domain on many occasions. Both are strong advocates for the poor, dispossessed and disabled. So they bring to the expert group evidence based information as well as ongoing contact with the people in our society for whom they are advocating.
        I think this group brings varied expertise to the work – a real change from the one sided, rigged attempts by the last government over nine years.
        • Rosemary McDonald 14.1.3.1

          28 May 2018 at 4:42 pm

          Well, whew! That’s all good then. I’m sure they’re all worthy.

          But, I’d like to see actual, real life “poor, dispossessed and disabled” sitting on the panel as equals. Speaking for themselves. With their own voices.

          Government chosen experts have spoken on our behalf for too long.

          This could very well be yet another pantomime consultation.

          SSDD.
          • mary_a 14.1.3.1.1

            28 May 2018 at 8:33 pm

            Rosemary McDonald @ (14.1.3.1) … wholeheartedly agree with you here.

            Definitely lacking from the panel are the voices of those living the rawness of deprivation and poverty. They after all are the unfortunate victims who can speak of the harsh reality of their circumstances with any conviction!

            However, acknowledging the core truth from those who do not have a voice, is not palatable for some, politicians in particular!

            Without those voices, the panel means nothing IMO.
    • Kay 14.2

      28 May 2018 at 12:03 pm

      I realise I’m extremely bias, but what on earth could Phil O’Reily bring to the table? Isn’t he part of the business crowd who “encourage” governments to keep benefit rates down as a reason not to increase the minimum wage (Happy to be corrected) Does he provide some legitimate input or there for “balance”?
      • McFlock 14.2.1

        28 May 2018 at 12:20 pm

        Seems to be a pretty wide net they’d pulled – he’d be there to ‘balance’ First Union and so the the tories can’t claim it’s stacked solely with lefty advocates.
      • Jilly Bee 14.2.2

        28 May 2018 at 12:24 pm

        I agree with you Kay about Phil O’Reilly being part of that panel. I took a sharp intake of breath when I scrolled through the names. I reckon he’ll be a lone voice (hopefully). Charles Waldegrave is and has been a strong voice for the homeless and dispossessed for many years now working at the coalface.
        • greywarshark 14.2.2.1

          28 May 2018 at 12:37 pm

          Some good thinking going on about the Welfare Advisory Group.

          The Public Service Association said frontline Work and Income staff should be asked for their perspectives in the review.

          “They will have their own perspectives on where the stresses are in the system and how they can be remedied,” PSA national secretary Glenn Barclay said.
          “We are proposing mechanisms by which employees can feed their knowledge and concerns to the Welfare Expert Advisory Group, not just in the form of submissions but throughout the process.”

          The expert group will report back to the Government with its recommendations in February 2019.

          (And other matters of interest and exact reading time for those who have it allocated in 2 minute slots:)

          Related articles:
          NEW ZEALAND
          Terminally ill man gets extra Govt funding
          25 May, 2018 9:57am
          2 minutes to read
          WANGANUI CHRONICLE
          Your Views: Why no report on the living wage? And more …
          24 May, 2018 2:00pm
          7 minutes to read
          NEW ZEALAND
          The most fascinating findings about NZ children
          20 May, 2018 5:00am
          7 minutes to read
          NEW ZEALAND
          Government injects $1.9m into longitudinal child study
          15 May, 2018 8:30am
          3 minutes to read
          • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.2.1.1

            28 May 2018 at 12:42 pm

            “The Public Service Association said frontline Work and Income staff should be asked for their perspectives in the review.”

            These would be the same front-line Work and Income staff, members of the PSA, who failed to stand up to two successive governments with an agenda to make the lives of beneficiaries unbearable?

            I could be wrong…but I don’t recall ever reading any PSA statement challenging any government on their punitive welfare policies.
          • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.2.1.2

            28 May 2018 at 12:47 pm

            “Related articles:
            NEW ZEALAND
            Terminally ill man gets extra Govt funding
            25 May, 2018 9:57am
            2 minutes to read”

            Is this the article? https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12058474

            I can’t see where it says the Lovetts are going to get extra Govt. funding.
            • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.2.1.2.1

              28 May 2018 at 1:05 pm

              “I can’t see where it says the Lovetts are going to get extra Govt. funding.”

              Amendment….it is very difficult to assess if the Lovetts are going to get extra Government funding because there is an unfortunate lack of clarity about how much exactly they were receiving at the time of the first article…

              https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12050788

              Before we graduated to the lusher pastures of National Super, Peter and I lived the high life on the SLP…so this is familiar territory.
      • Rosemary McDonald 14.2.3

        28 May 2018 at 12:37 pm

        I guess there would be howls of protest were there no representatives of the status quo.

        One group of workers who are not represented on this panel are those employed under the Funded Family Care Notice. https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2013-go6248

        The rules around Funded Family Care are set in concrete. Regardless of how many hours of hands on care or support the family carer provides they can only be paid for a maximum of forty hours per week at the minimum wage.

        https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/funded-family-care-operational-policy-mar16.pdf

        Those being paid for forty hours per week at the minimum wage are not allowed, by law, to have any other paid employment.

        Someone, very possibly a sociopath, decreed that a family carer of someone with very high disability support needs deserves only a minimum wage existence. Forever.

        A living wage would be nice.
        Equity with other disability support workers would be better.
        But no….

        Labour and the Greens both had this issue as part of their election campaigns…yet have failed as yet to repeal the Part 4 amendment or revise Funded Family Care.

        No doubt, if enough shit is kicked up, they will set up an Advisory Panel…such as this one for WINZ…and I look forward to seeing who they consider qualified to advise them on this issue.
      • mikes 14.2.4

        28 May 2018 at 1:29 pm

        Probably for balance but also it is good to get business input surrounding certain areas. For instance what are the best ways to help unemployed and disabled beneficiaries into work and how can business make things easier or provide training, etc.

        It’s also good to have diversity of opinion.
        • Sacha 14.2.4.1

          28 May 2018 at 7:51 pm

          The biggest barrier for disabled people getting and keeping employment is ignorant stereotyping by employers – so no, let’s not ask them for their reckons about that. Have them at the table by all means.
15. greywarshark 15

    28 May 2018 at 12:16 pm

    Something that should be thought about was on Radionz this morning. There is a trend from government that bothers me greatly and that is the wish to not only have smaller government, but to have less interaction people-to-people government and citizens. The trend under way already is for government to be like a machine, and interaction to be through a machine, with automated machine-set responses with little opportunity to deal with questions beyond those set by the machine. We probably all have noticed how hard it is to get an answer to some personal or local problem or question through FAQ when dealing with large organisations on-line.

    Now it is the IRD. They are going direct to taxpayers and wanting them to deal directly through a system called AIM and cutting out tax accountants, agents and book-keepers telling the businesses they approach that it will be cheaper. It seems dangerously heavy-handed to me.

    There was a good interview about it and worth a listen for businesses wanting to stay ahead and alert and government watchers. And one should always remember that cheerful slogans about a change being better, are unlikely to mention what will not be better, and will have paid little attention to thinking about the unintended, unforeseen consequences.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018646789/ird-changes-cause-more-issues-for-tax-agents
    business
    9:22 am today
    IRD changes cause more issues for tax agents
    From Nine To Noon, 9:22 am today
    Listen duration 26′ :36″

    Tax agents say they’ve been left frustrated again by the latest round of updates and changes to the Inland Revenue’s systems and website. This is the latest rollout of the IRD’s 1.7 billion dollar Business Transformation programme which has been going live in stages. To discuss how these changes are affecting taxpayers and tax agents, Kathryn is joined by Richard Abel, chair of ATAINZ (Accountant and Tax Agent Institute), Di Crawford-Errington from the BookKeepers Association and Terry Baucher, an Independent Tax Agent.
    • SPC 15.1

      28 May 2018 at 1:05 pm

      Turning government into a gated community, access via invitation (net ID) and for a range of services reached via a standard format. The AI system will take bureaucratic barriers to a whole new level.

      A bit like voter ID in Missouri …
    • Draco T Bastard 15.2

      28 May 2018 at 1:06 pm

      Tax agents say they’ve been left frustrated again by the latest round of updates and changes to the Inland Revenue’s systems and website.

      Sounds like tax agents are upset that their rort is coming to an end.
      • greywarshark 15.2.1

        28 May 2018 at 1:25 pm

        The tax agents are mainly employed by small business people I understand.
        It is reasonable for them to need guidance on how to deal with the tax laws as the costs of not doing so are high. Being in business makes a business for someone else and so on. That’s how the economy works DTB don’t you think. And without this economy where would we be?
        • mikes 15.2.1.1

          28 May 2018 at 1:45 pm

          In my experience Draco is correct. Accountants are a rip off for small businesses. They’re probably frustrated because they might have to get off their arses and actually do a bit of hard work for a change..

          I got so sick of teaching our accountant about tax (I know right) that I started doing our returns myself. It’s actually really quite easy to do say GST returns or tax returns for a small business and IRD are helpful you just need to be honest and upfront with them. (In my experience)
        • Draco T Bastard 15.2.1.2

          28 May 2018 at 2:45 pm

          It is reasonable for them to need guidance on how to deal with the tax laws as the costs of not doing so are high.

          Tax agents are the ones that you hear advertised on radio and TV that say that they’ll get you a return from IRD for free. They fill out tax returns for individuals and charge them for it. Thing is, the individuals can go online and fill them out themselves for free. The tax agents aren’t a benefit in this case.

          And someone running a business should know the taxes that they need to pay. If they don’t then they’re not actually doing their job.

          And then there’s software like MYOB and Xero that do it all as well. All the business needs to do in fill in the numbers.

          Tax agents are becoming obsolete – just like many other jobs throughout history.
          • humma 15.2.1.2.1

            28 May 2018 at 3:04 pm

            The thing is with MYOB and Xero is that it is costly for small businesses too. They have a minimum per month that is more than the fee that my tax agency charges for small clients. Many of my clients have bills in the range from $250-$500 (for an annual report and IR filing) and the Xero minimum is $50 per month and on top of that you still need an accountant to do the final bits. So you are a bit off the mark there Draco. Granted there are a lot of accountants (tax agents) that do charge far too much for what they do.
            • tracey 15.2.1.2.1.1

              28 May 2018 at 5:31 pm

              Agree
            • Draco T Bastard 15.2.1.2.1.2

              28 May 2018 at 5:35 pm

              The thing is with MYOB and Xero is that it is costly for small businesses too.

              And there’s stand alone examples as well. My point being that with a modicum of intelligence and actually knows what they need to do don’t need a tax accountant.

              Now, what happens if the IRD made their own online software available free along with the free advice that they already provide?

              To me it makes sense but I can already hear the whinging from the private sector.
            • KJT 15.2.1.2.1.3

              28 May 2018 at 6:13 pm

              IRD requiring businesses to use costly private tax software to, supposedly, make it easier, sticks in my craw.

              At present we use an easy to use, intuitive and cheap software, which does all a small business requires for a one off purchase cost around $500.

              I do not want to pay the excessive monthly fees for MYOB, Xero, or whatever, to use AIM..
16. SPC 16

    28 May 2018 at 12:37 pm

    An entrapment piece in the Dominion Post.

    Someone seeking evidence that Pakeha are a little bit racist/racist as fxxk.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104216640/joel-maxwell-thieving-pkeh-neighbours-have-been-stealing-our-stuff-for-years

    There is a clearly an abundant need to preach the fake news gospel of there being people here before the Maori, to deny them indigenous people status and infer they deserved what they got (and what iwi were trying to do to each other). Which is the closest some will get to admitting the metaphor used in this story is quite accurate.  

    The black mirror reveals a truth they cannot handle and want to suppress. Colonialism is stealing the stuff of indigenous peoples and the consequence is being fearful of them wanting it back.
17. DB 17

    28 May 2018 at 1:44 pm

    I reckon content like Professor Margaret Mutu’s course Te Ao Maori should be compulsory for all NZ’ers. Especially white ones like me. Such an eye opener.
18. DB 18

    28 May 2018 at 1:52 pm

    So, Elon Musk tweets that he’s to start a company/website to spotlight the MSM and how much they talk shite. Over time a reporters or publications veracity will be uncovered as information from the reporter/publication is verified for accuracy and bias.

    LEGEND!
    • One Anonymous Bloke 18.1

      28 May 2018 at 2:11 pm

      Translation: “I don’t like media reports that my company is haemorrhaging money and may not survive”.
      • Puckish Rogue 18.1.1

        28 May 2018 at 2:56 pm

        Or “I don’t like how the media keep on reporting about how many subsidies I get from the government and how much those subsidies are worth”

        http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-musk-subsidies-20150531-story.html

        https://www.weeklystandard.com/jared-whitley/elon-musk-wants-to-end-government-subsidies
        • DB 18.1.1.1

          28 May 2018 at 3:52 pm

          Oh yes. I did not say the intentions were entirely altruistic, but the concept is brilliant it is obvious much of media have devolved considerably. It’ll be nice to have a shit-o-meter.

          Though the Herald might break it.
    • millsy 18.2

      28 May 2018 at 4:36 pm

      He’s going to busy with all these promises that he has made to everyone. Shiny hyperloops, missions to Mars. Etc.
    • Gabby 18.3

      28 May 2018 at 5:46 pm

      He’ll be after a federal subsidy for that, just you wait.
19. Philip Ferguson 19

    28 May 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Interview with veteran working class activist Cat Inglis on Ireland abortion referendum:

    https://rdln.wordpress.com/2018/05/22/irelands-abortion-referendum-interview-with-eirigi-activist-cat-inglis/
20. Ad 20

    28 May 2018 at 3:55 pm

    A curious lack of confidence expressed by media release from the Salvation Army about lack of confidence in KiwiBuild to deliver on its promises.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1805/S00415/stop-kiwibuild-uncertainty.htm

    Does this programme need more than “build more houses fast as possible”?
21. Robert Guyton 21

    28 May 2018 at 4:07 pm

    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

    The Government will attempt to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis (M Bovis).
    This will involve the culling of around 126,000 cattle over the next 1-2 years. Around 26,000 are already in the process of being culled.
    Farmers will be compensated, with the Government picking up just over two thirds of the cost.
    It’s still not clear how the disease came to NZ.
    No other country has managed to eradicate M Bovis.
    Mycoplasma bovis (M bovis) is a bacterium that causes illness in cattle including udder infections (mastitis), abortion, pneumonia and arthritis. It does not infect humans and presents no food safety risk.
    The full cost of the eradication will be around $886m, compared to a cost of around $1.2b to manage the disease.
    There is no cast-iron guarantee that this will work but MPI director Geoff Gwyn said they had a good shot at it given they had detected the disease quite early.
    • Puckish Rogue 21.1

      28 May 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Is it possible, in your opinion, to eradicate this from NZ?
      • Robert Guyton 21.1.1

        28 May 2018 at 5:12 pm

        I think it’s possible, but I think the attempt will fail; another threat will appear and complicate the issue to the point that everyone will throw their hands up in despair 🙂 It’s what happens with near-as monocultures mixed with capitalism.
      • Exkiwiforces 21.1.2

        28 May 2018 at 6:43 pm

        Yes, it would’ve a lot easier if they had enforced the movement ban in Sth Island and no moo moo’s crossing the strait then we might have a chance at eradicating this from NZ, but I think the horse has bolted from the starters gate already.

        Any half decent reporter that’s left in NZ should be asking the last Mo-MPI why he sat on hands and did SFA about M Bovis as it appears to me it should’ve not to this stage if the movement ban was in place.

        There is a lot of questions that need to be answered starting with last MoMPI especially if they saying the first infection was back in 2014…….
    • Ad 21.2

      28 May 2018 at 4:43 pm

      Not a great country in which to be a cow.

      Sure hope Ardern hands out not a single cent until every farmer signs up to compulsory movement tracking.
    • adam 21.3

      28 May 2018 at 4:46 pm

      Begs the question, why are farmers being paid out if some sort of criminal behaviour is involved here?

      From what I have seen, at least some farmers were selling stock without tags, and moving stock to avoid tax. I’m not convinced this is only one or two people, it is systemic.
      • Cinny 21.3.1

        28 May 2018 at 5:16 pm

        + 100% Adam
22. Robert Guyton 22

    28 May 2018 at 4:13 pm

    “Q: What have farmers done wrong?

    A: Many have not complied with a system introduced in 2012 called National Animal Identification Tracing (Nait). When cattle or deer are born, they are meant to be tagged and registered and their movements around the country have to be recorded. That is what has made it so tough for MPI to track stock.

    But MPI has also been guilty of being too soft on non-compliant farmers. In the six years since Nait was introduced, only one infringement fine of $150 has been handed out. The maximum fine is $10,000.

    Q: How about the “cash for calves” business?

    A: Some farmers have not registered calves and then sold them off for cash. This has not only made it more difficult for MPI to track the calves; it’s also attracted the attention of the taxman.”
    • adam 22.1

      28 May 2018 at 4:43 pm

      I’m not comfortable paying out farmers if this is proven to be a common practice.
      • Cinny 22.1.1

        28 May 2018 at 5:22 pm

        Listening to radiolive and they are doing a poll on that very topic.
        Adam, your feelings are shared with the majority of responders to said poll.
        • greywarshark 22.1.1.1

          28 May 2018 at 6:13 pm

          Let’s not say farmers as if they are all at fault. Please let us stop throwing that blame around, bwaghorn notices this as he is in the farming sector and rightly points out the error. It is no good dividing off into town good, farming bad. Reminds of Animal Farm doesn’t it! The animals didn’t know who to trust, thought they were all working together. We have to work together but understand the sly ones who squirm out of their responsibilities, who aren’t on the good side. Let’s be aware of the dark force.

          I have been reading about the Romans round about Cicero’s time. Stabbing in the back, grabbing power, holding deep grudges unto death. Can we do better today!! (Oh and by the way, one photograph of a bust of Cicero looks very like our own John Clarke aka Fred Dagg.)

          Fighting the Dark Side Mark Hamill updates:
          (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Niggo6MHG9M

          KJT
          Have to pay them something, definitely less, but give them some help otherwise they will get all bitter and twisted, subvert the system for coping, and their families will suffer, and don’t remember they are not good at complying, following the law and good practice, as they didn’t with NAIT. This is at the same time that our farming promotion is going on about how good we are at keeping up with international requirements like the field to the table idea. Many farmers, in general, have a slogan ‘Being a farmer is never having to say you’re sorry.’
          • adam 22.1.1.1.1

            28 May 2018 at 6:26 pm

            So what are they if they are not farmers?

            I’m not saying farmers bad. I’m saying I don’t think there can be blanket pay out, if the disease was spread and embedded becasue of willing criminal behaviour. The fact they happen to be farmers, is just a reality you have to face.
            • greywarshark 22.1.1.1.1.1

              28 May 2018 at 9:03 pm

              Why the question? I made the point that often ‘farmers’ are talked about as if they are all the same, and they don’t like this blanket description, which is a reasonable response.

              I quite agree that there should not be a blanket payout. However I also don’t think it wise to choose not to assist some who have not followed the requirements of the NAIT system. They should get far less than those who have tried to conform with the NAIT requirements. If they can be charged on a criminal basis then do that. But then government will need to step in and ensure their animals and properties are controlled to ensure they comply with the remedial actions. This is separate from any money they may be paid or be fined.
              • adam …

                29 May 2018 at 3:17 pm

                But what are they if they are not farmers? Is it a use of language thing here? Have property, farm it, hence a farmer.

                From webster.

                Definition of farmer
                1 : a person who pays a fixed sum for some privilege or source of income
                2 : a person who cultivates land or crops or raises animals (such as livestock or fish)
                3 : yokel, bumpkin
                • greywarshark …

                  29 May 2018 at 3:37 pm

                  You are too literal I think Adam – you lack nuance. I won’t comment further on this.
    • tracey 22.2

      28 May 2018 at 5:29 pm

      Too soft means Nats didnt want to upset its rural voters by asking them to partake in this. Finally something the media should ask Nats opinion of
    • KJT 22.3

      28 May 2018 at 6:07 pm

      Pay out farmers who have followed the rules, for all of their costs.

      Those that did not. Pay them nothing!

      Dodging taxes, then expecting tax payers to bail them out?
23. tracey 23

    28 May 2018 at 5:26 pm

    I went to Reid Research site but coukdnt find a link to the latest poll methodology and questions. Anyone got the link?
24. eco maori 24

    29 May 2018 at 7:13 am

    Good morning The AM Show those were nice gifts for Jacinda and Clarke baby I like Amanda one Daddy’s from Gissy.
    With the eradication of the bovine virus you see Jacinda is making a brave call to eradicate the virus instead of flickering the buck to someone else to make the call I believe it will work the eradication of this virus.
    Its good that the nurses are reaching a settlement with the DHBs.
    Yes Duncan Nathan Guy dropped the ball on the dairy farming well he dropped the ball on all farmers.
    Ka kite ano P.S what a mess national have left for The Labour Lead coalition government
25. eco maori 25

    29 May 2018 at 7:40 am

    This music is for the national party and you know who link.

    https://youtu.be/6ad4MH7fMLs
26. eco maori 26

    29 May 2018 at 8:12 am

    This is a good article by Jole Maxwell this it OUR European nabours our other country culture should be working with Maori culture people so we can leave the mokos a better future. Not just grab the bits of OUR culture like the Haka and discard the rest Maori we just want to be treated with respect and have Equality is that such a big ask isn’t that what the book says link below.
    https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/104216640/joel-maxwell-thieving-pkeh-neighbours-have-been-stealing-our-stuff-for-years

    Ka kite ano
27. eco maori 27

    29 May 2018 at 7:32 pm

    Some ECO MAORI music been busy link is Below.

    https://youtu.be/fKopy74weus

    https://youtu.be/CevxZvSJLk8

    Ka kite ano
    • eco maori 27.1

      29 May 2018 at 9:32 pm

      The sandflys in Tauranga and Hamilton behave them selves they were still escorting me and the Auckland ones did to they will learn not to – – – – – – with ECO MAORI I see Hamilton had a bit of flooding. I seen a glider in Tauranga last week to?????????. One idiot actor asked if was scared and I should run from the sandflys I said – – – no not with the kohas my tipunas gave me he turn tail and crept back into his whare.
      Ka kite ano
28. eco maori 28

    29 May 2018 at 9:43 pm

    P.S ECO MAORI does not miss much

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