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Open mike 28/10/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, October 28th, 2019 - 82 comments
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Open mike is your post.

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Step up to the mike …

82 comments on “Open mike 28/10/2019”

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  1. Ad 1
    28 October 2019 at 7:17 am

    Anyone else doing a Labour Day LEC picnic?

    • Blazer 2.1
      28 October 2019 at 9:08 am

      Al-Baghdadi "died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way," Trump later said at the White House news conference, calling him a "gutless animal".

      Another coward just like that dope smoking,porno watching,degenerate Osama Bin Laden.

      All these cowards trying to disrupt the spread of freedom and democracy ibn America's backyard is enough to make you…sick.

       

      • greywarshark 2.1.1
        28 October 2019 at 9:52 am

        Imagine the USA chasing a protest leader here like that.   It isn't impossible to think of as annually or more often, there are Defence Force maneouvres with the USA and other countries and they have a game plan and often it is about a group rising up against the government.   Turning language, 'weaponising' naming of protests to calling them 'terrorists' is a move towards turning the facts so they present a different picture.   And even people minding their own affairs may be attacked; Why?  Because we can!

        Think about the Marshall Islands where the USA let off a giant atomic blast, and lots of other blasts too.

        https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/401921/marshalls-endorses-nuclear-commission-strategy

        The commission's chair, [National Nuclear Commission] Rhea Moss-Christian, said the NNC Strategy is a tool for all Marshallese, whether living in the islands or overseas, to use in their individual and collective efforts to respond to the devastation resulting from the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program in the Marshall Islands.

        "It is also a resource for our partners and friends outside the Marshall Islands to understand the nuclear testing impacts that persist today and how they can support the Marshallese people," Rhea Moss-Christian said.

        (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2tXEoqUT0
        (refers to the 1953 blast)


        (refers to 30 June 1946 and USA used the place for 12 years to test bombs and weapons)

        This is what the USA is prepared to do to small islands that pose no threat to their might. They may choose to hold military exercises and then start testing weapons. We have new business here in NZ – setting off rockets, more dangerous an activity than on November 5th.

         

      • Anne 2.1.2
        28 October 2019 at 10:07 am

        I don't know whether your comment is meant to be satire Blazer but the world's liar-in-chief will be lying. Sure, the terrorist leader was probably running away but the "gutless animal" bit is a perfect description of Trump himself. In fact if Trump ever found himself cornered , its how he would behave –  "like a coward to the end."

        Malignant narcissists have a habit of projecting their own dysfunctional personalities onto other individuals.

        No, I'm not defending the ISIS leader who deserved extermination.

        • marty mars 2.1.2.1
          28 October 2019 at 10:20 am

          Yep good points Anne – only an idiot would trust or believe anything turnip.rump says but some people also don't believe in the climate crisis we are in – they make a sack of spanners look smart.

          I wish we could stop the cycle of violence that causes so many innocent deaths and devastation.

        • joe90 2.1.2.2
          28 October 2019 at 10:31 am

          His gleeful description of ghastly violence was particularly vile.

          • Anne 2.1.2.2.1
            28 October 2019 at 11:04 am

            What's with all the unconnected cables floating around?  Didn't they have time to plug em in somewhere. Make it look authentic.

            It beggars sane belief!

            • Sacha 2.1.2.2.1.1
              28 October 2019 at 1:32 pm

              They had already unplugged the secure gear by the time Chump demanded his photo op.

              EDIT: or the photo was taken *beforehand* according to the story below (/open-mike-28-10-2019/#comment-1663649). Others I saw said the raid was at 3pm but maybe that was PST not EST?

              • Anne …
                28 October 2019 at 2:51 pm

                From Andre's link:

                Update: A previous version of this article said the raid reportedly took place at 3:30 p.m. According to more recent reporting, it took place at approximately 6:10 p.m.
                 

                Based on past practice, I'm inclined to suspect Trump had the time of the raid changed so it looked like the photo was taken after the raid instead of beforehand.  Whatever… why is it that everything he's involved in always has marked discrepancies attached?  I mean, top level professionals don't get the times wrong.

                Remember this?

                https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/map-flap-trump-displays-altered-weather-map-showing/story?id=65384094

                I love all the pretty pictures on his desk. Donald likes pretty pictures. 😡

                • Sacha …
                  28 October 2019 at 3:00 pm

                  Ah, did not see that note. No conspiracy required – it's just the difference between the Pacific (PST) and Eastern (EST) timezones of the US coasts where its media organisations are based.

            • OnceWasTim 2.1.2.2.1.2
              28 October 2019 at 6:52 pm

              Possibly WiFi is not considered secure enough for all their little treats and trinkets connecting to an intra/internet

          • francesca 2.1.2.2.2
            28 October 2019 at 11:25 am

            Then again, Obama didnt have a fucking clue what he was looking at , there was a video blackout during the raid

            But good to look all presidential and deadly serious, even if the promised snuff movie turns out to be a blank screen

            https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/8493391/Osama-bin-Laden-dead-Blackout-during-raid-on-bin-Laden-compound.html

            • marty mars 2.1.2.2.2.1
              28 October 2019 at 11:35 am

              wtf – defending t.rump by deflection – how sad lol

              • Francesca …
                28 October 2019 at 12:10 pm

                Not a defense of Trump

                Marty

                I despise all warmongers .

                Photos of Obama and Clinton in the situation room were widely dispersed in the media as depicting the pres. and his crew watching the raid on the compound as it happened

                American imperialism at its finest,don't let anyone criticise it

                Two situation rooms,Dem and Republican presidents, both full of shit,both murderers

                 

                • marty mars …
                  28 October 2019 at 12:16 pm

                  Yeah nah you just defended t.rump by deflecting

                  • francesca …
                    28 October 2019 at 12:37 pm

                    By that token, you're defending American imperialism and its endless murders, by isolating and targeting Trump , as if all this mayhem and bullshit in the ME started with him 

                    I suspect I'm a few decades older than you, I have a long memory, seen all this bullshit a thousand times before

                    Of course Trump is a total dickhead, I find it hard to come up with an American pres. who wasn't 

                    He's just the latest clueless American exceptionalist incarnation, who doesn't have the social graces or political nous to clothe it all in fine language.

                    • marty mars …
                      28 October 2019 at 12:43 pm

                      you may well be 80 or so but it is irrelevant to me

                      I read what you write and respond to that – sorry if you don't like it

                    • Andre …
                      28 October 2019 at 4:58 pm

                      If your starting point is all American presidents are total dickheads, you will always find find plenty of ammunition for that view point. The job involves balancing competing demands that are fundamentally incompatible, and I find it simply inconceivable that anyone could resolve those issues without the outcomes being pretty shitty for some people most of the time.

                      But that's not a useful position if you're actually looking for a path to a better world.

                      There will always be a president of the US, and some of them are 'less crap' than others.The ones that actually are going to be less crap are worth trying to identify and support, and the 'more crap' ones need to be called out and resisted more strongly. Rather than just taking the facile path of throwing a tantrum at all of them, in the hopes of achieving – what exactly, getting to watch it all burn?

                    • In Vino …
                      28 October 2019 at 7:23 pm

                      Marty – wait until you are 80 before you write silly, disrespectful stuff like that. By then you may have learnt that you actually know less than you are currently so certain about.

                      I normally agree with you, but at times you come across as highly over-confident.

                      I agree fully with Francesca that she was not trying to deflect anything.

                    • marty mars …
                      28 October 2019 at 8:01 pm

                      in vino – talk to her and her disrespectful try to shut the discussion down put down regarding what she thought my age was and then come back and I'll give you the time of day – I don't care about the age of people – you or her – I take what they write as what they write and if you think that she didn't deflect then good for you mate 

                    • aj …
                      28 October 2019 at 10:27 pm

                      My 10:15pm directed to support francesca

            • Andre 2.1.2.2.2.2
              28 October 2019 at 11:53 am

              That's looks like an awful lot of attempted misinformation and smearing on the back of "video blackout".

              Quite likely there would have been a lot of other information coming through at the time, as the entire team would have been sweating bullets about the risk of another debacle like the failed Iran hostage rescue in 1980.

              Nice smear by implying that people were there to watch a snuff film, when the situation involved an awful lot of personal risk to the personnel involved that carried enormous international and domestic political implications. Those watching would want to have the best information they possibly could in real time in case they were called on to respond to things going bad.

              • francesca …
                28 October 2019 at 12:45 pm

                Well if they were called upon , they were shit out of luck .The Seals, those brave heroes, America's finest, made the final decision to kill , in haste even though Bin Laden was unarmed.

                Nice try as you would say Andre, but Obama was a  killer too, just like all American presidents, but with a prettier face, better speech writers, and a better handle on the political game.

                "America remains the one indispensable nation "

                 

            • joe90 2.1.2.2.3.1
              28 October 2019 at 12:10 pm

               tRump was handed a chance to present himself as a sober and serious leader. But no, the idiot just can't resist an opportunity to aggrandise himself.

        • Jimmy 2.1.2.3
          29 October 2019 at 9:05 am

          I don't like the way Trump tells the story. You can tell he is loving being in the limelight describing how the guy was killed and able to say anything he likes about it as non of it can be dis-proved.

    • Peter 2.2
      28 October 2019 at 9:39 am

      I was disappointed in the the President's speech about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi death. Given the same circumstances I'm sure George Washington and Abe Lincoln would've been a tad more eloquent. No doubt when Trump reflects he will rue a chance he could have made more of. Maybe some wimpy adviser limited him

      "Died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way"? A "gutless animal" who "died like a dog, he died like a coward."

      Surely a half-hearted effort. The real Trump supporters would have relished some description of the brain tissue of Baghdadi's kids dripping off the ceiling, pieces of their limbs sliding down the walls the odd eyeball still looking at them. 

      When it comes to emulating his historic heroes he has a way to go but a touch such as naming American victims of executions by the Islamic State was nice. 
      Quite a peachy performance by the ringmaster in the Big Top.

      What chance the author of the demise of Otto Warmbier receiving equally eloquent salutations?

    • Brigid 2.3
      28 October 2019 at 11:04 am

      Total load of typical Murican bullshit

      "There’s no credible data to prove a successful American raid took place against Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. The US coalition didn’t even carry out any airstrikes in Idlib recently.

      Moscow pointed out that it recorded no US coalition airstrikes in the Idlib area in northwest Syria on Saturday when the raid was held.

      It also rejected Trump’s claims that Russian forces opened up the airspace under its control in Syria to American planes to facilitate the operation against the IS leader.

      The ministry questioned the very possibility of al-Baghdadi’s presence in Idlib as the area is held by Al-Qaeda offshoot, Jabhat al-Nusra, who have always been mortal enemies of Islamic State."

      https://www.rt.com/russia/471984-trump-russia-baghdadi-killed-syria/

    • Andre 2.4
      28 October 2019 at 12:11 pm

      Unpacking Generalissimo Bonespurs' statement about the raid …

      https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/27/politics/donald-trump-baghdadi-death-isis/index.html

  3. greywarshark 3
    28 October 2019 at 9:16 am

    This seems a very good innovation for boaties.   I think by the Grey in the West Coast SI would be another place for them.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/401907/cameras-to-help-boaties-over-dangerous-bar-crossings

  4. Ad 4
    28 October 2019 at 9:18 am

    Not that I could ever see NZTA taking out a judicial review of a decision from its own Minister, but Chris Bishop may well have a point here on light rail; from today's NZHerald:

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12280093

    From NZInfra: "Prior to submitting our proposal, we discussed it with Sir Brian Roche and Sir Michael Cullen and, together with them, corresponded with and sought meetings with Ministers to explain the concept and our investment.

    "There was no invitation from the Government to submit such a proposal nor any pressure to do so."

    Cullen said that the Super Fund had initiated the approach.

    "The purpose of the January meeting was to try to ensure that the Government was aware that the Super Fund was interested in putting forward a proposal and that space was made to listen to that proposal."

    Twyford has subsequently appointed Roche to chair NZTA, but Twyford said there was no conflict of interest "because Sir Brian is not a decision-maker on the light rail project".

    National Party transport spokesman Chris Bishop has criticised the process.

    "Two years after the Prime Minister made this flagship promise, we have no business case, we have no costings, we have no route map, we don't even have an identification of the objectives of why they're doing it in the first place.

    "If the Prime Minister had the courage of her convictions, she would remove Phil Twyford from the portfolio."

    • Peter 4.1
      28 October 2019 at 9:51 am

      Yeah, yeah, Chris Bishop, no business case, no costings, no route map, no budget, big deal.

      You've got slimy National bullshit artists saying the current Government killed massive improvements to the highway to Northland which National was implementing.

      National election promises became reality and your desperate, sycophantic supporters have ridden a highway of lies since.

      So Chris, if business cases, costings, route maps and trivialities like budgeting are a big deal, 1) get your sad mob to shut up and 2) since you're so good at getting headlines, grab some to tell the truth about Warkworth to Whangarei roading.

      • Ad 4.1.1
        28 October 2019 at 10:12 am

        Plenty more scrutiny to come on this one, even if we don't like where it comes from. 

        Twyford will now need Cabinet help landing this plane.

         

  5. greywarshark 5
    28 October 2019 at 10:01 am

    Hong Kong – what is happening there and why?

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/16/china-hong-kong-xi-jinping

    The problem of open-ended civil unrest in Hong Kong, which has been punctuated by rising acts of violence and vandalism carried out by a distinct but hardline minority, is a reflection of China’s new assertiveness under Xi – an assertiveness that marks a break with the caution of the post-Mao era. It can be seen in Xi’s signature undertaking, the Belt and Road Initiative – an infrastructure building project with global ambitions. Or, most recently, the flaunting of new weapons systems during the military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Communist party rule – a declaration of China’s intention to rival American military power more openly than at any time in the recent past.

    Under Xi, China has been intervening much more directly in the governance of Hong Kong. The most notable example of this was the abduction to China of Hong Kong booksellers who traded in titles critical of Beijing or historical accounts that undermined Chinese orthodoxy.

  6. greywarshark 6
    28 October 2019 at 10:32 am

    Ihumatao – what gives.  Had a look and managed to get on a site with a pouting curvy woman with big boobies.   It's hard to get through the barriers to real information these days!

    17/10/2019 https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018718179/ihumatao-occupiers-shut-out-of-talks-no-word-from-govt

    17/10/2019 https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/116676277/ihumtao-protesters-shut-out-of-government-talks

    6/10/2019  https://teaomaori.news/know-were-not-alone-indigenous-canadian-filmmaker-visits-ihumatao

    2/10/2019  https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2019/10/02/much-to-learn-from-ah-kaa-ihumatao.html

    .
    But NZ Initiative are showing how they have joined the list of continuing earthquakes rumbling away, making our lives more uneasy and falling into an irreparable condition. 

    https://nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/opinion/property-rights-and-ihumatao-blues/
    Property rights and Ihumatao blues:  Dr Bryce Wilkinson  Insights Newsletter  27 September, 2019
    The apparently successful illegal occupation of private property in Auckland’s Ihumātao is potentially a serious setback for the rule of law, and thereby New Zealanders’ wellbeing. Also disturbing are the more immediate implications for Auckland housing and the Treaty of Waitangi claims process.
    .

    Some points about not rubbishing people when argument and race combine.  Another RW from Tauranga totally disparaging about reasonable Maori protests and giving that as a reason why we should be come a Republic (like the great 'America' no doubt).
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/116870443/extreme-positions-on-race-relations-push-common-ground-out-of-reach

    • Brigid 6.1
      28 October 2019 at 11:23 am

      What the actual fuck, in your opinion, that she is a  "pouting curvy woman with big boobies" have to do with anything?

      Jezuz

    • Ad 6.2
      28 October 2019 at 12:17 pm

      Just a land deal jacked up with guilt cash.

      Government pays, Tainui Holdings buys it, and then the protesters can ague with Tainui if any family will get housed there. 

      • Dukeofurl 6.2.1
        28 October 2019 at 12:57 pm

        I dont see that . The claim is now that its  not part of Kawerau a Maki at all but another iwi that hasnt done a treaty settlement.

        Which conflicts with this

        https://protectingihumatao.nz/

         

        "Ōruarangi will be home to a new neighbourhood that will provide a range of affordable housing for our whanau and new families. The developer Fletcher Building plans to build 480 homes. Around 40 of these will be affordable housing for our people.

        Te Kawerau ā Maki has played a key part in the design of the new development. It will reflect our heritage, including walkways that mirror the movements of our tupuna Hape, and parks that resemble our maunga.

        KAM acknowlege other iwi and hapū have whakapapa to this whenua .

        This could be the loophole  to get around  the 'settled claim issue' although even the SOUL group when opposing the the Fletcher development  in legal proceedings were as Kawerau a Maki.

         

         

        • Ad 6.2.1.1
          28 October 2019 at 1:06 pm

          There will be claim and counter-claim for a while. Then a cash deal.

          Sure at a good point before the election, they'll come out singing and Prime Minister Ardern will wrap it up in her most polished of televisual emotions. Singing and orchestrated weeping covers everything.  

          I see a very high chance of judicial review of any decision  – barring some little legislative carve-out – because one Maori group or other will feel slighted. 

          Ain't no stable truth emerging out of this for a long time.

        • Sacha 6.2.1.2
          28 October 2019 at 2:01 pm

          There are complex relationships with that place. No gain from us talking about it here without the neccessary background understanding, and certainly not with the views of the right-wing Business Roundtable NZ Initiative added to the bonfire.

          • marty mars 6.2.1.2.1
            28 October 2019 at 5:30 pm

            you forget that those two know next to nothing about it so they must have a say and put their opinions across 

  7. joe90 7
    28 October 2019 at 10:48 am

    Hoo boy, the end of the video.

  8. phantom snowflake 8
    28 October 2019 at 11:00 am

    For anyone with a taste for homegrown and politically-flavoured Hip Hop; "Bunga" by SWIDT is a must:

    The story behind "Bunga":

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/26-10-2019/swidt-the-most-electrifying-rap-group-in-new-zealand-is-now-the-most-political/

  9. marty mars 9
    28 October 2019 at 11:38 am

    Just give the kids the bloody beads you wankers

    'Courage beads' are given out to children going through cancer treatment. Some families say they've become much more difficult to get out of the Child Cancer Foundation since the charity changed the way it operates.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/116766769/cancer-families-say-they-had-to-fight-to-get-beads-of-courage

    • OnceWasTim 9.1
      28 October 2019 at 9:30 pm

      Abso-fucking-lutely.  The more I take a look at those involved in the provision of public services, the more control-freakery and utter muppetry I seem to encounter.

  10. joe90 10
    28 October 2019 at 11:47 am

      I guess the 16 year old should gave respected what the police were doing. Eh, Bern.

    /

     

    Newly released video shows a Fresno, California, police officer shooting a fleeing, unarmed 16-year-old in the back of the head and then handcuffing the boy as he lies motionless on the ground.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/25/police-shooting-video-isiah-murrietta-golding-fresno-california

    • Andre 10.1
      28 October 2019 at 11:57 am

      I really really hope this shit gets sorted out before my black nephew (currently living in St Louis MO) reaches his teens.

  11. Dukeofurl 11
    28 October 2019 at 12:16 pm

    Who would guessed, from NY Times

    "1.5 Million Packages a Day: The Internet Brings Chaos to N.Y. Streets"

    'The push for convenience is having a stark impact on gridlock, roadway safety and pollution in New York City and urban areas around the world.

    One of the issues is they use the public space- streets and footpaths- as sort of warehouse. And apartment buildings which were designed for letters now have an avalanche of packages every day.

    "About 15 percent of New York City households receive a package every day, according to the Sustainable Urban Freight Systems center 

     

    Where I live  with a group of 20 houses , some days I see Uber Eats deliveries multiple times. Even though its  about 1 km from  2 supermarkets , a Countdown  truck drops off a delivery at least once a week. A neighbour uses Uber for getting to and from work  even though a good bus service is 50m away

    • SPC 11.1
      28 October 2019 at 2:31 pm

      10 people drive to and from supermarket to shop or one truck delivers, which is more like a bus service …

  12. joe90 12
    28 October 2019 at 2:12 pm

    Thread.

    https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1188514608056811530.html

    • SPC 12.1
      28 October 2019 at 2:32 pm

      They needed Turkey and Russia and Syria to guarantee air movement in and out. 

      A pay off for handing Turkey, Russia and Syria the territory held by the Kurds? 

      • joe90 12.1.1
        28 October 2019 at 2:41 pm

          Speculation that the whole thing was a stitch-up.

         

        In retrospect, it is striking how well Turkish, Russian, American, and Syrian actions fit together, effectively shaping an outcome in concert instead of bouncing off each other and breaking down in chaos.

        […]

        Nevertheless, the idea that the carve-up of Syria was the result of sheer improvisation and happenstance is so far-fetched that if you believe it—well, I’ve got a pontoon bridge over the Euphrates to sell you.

         

        https://tcf.org/content/commentary/theres-method-syrias-madness/

      • francesca 12.1.2
        28 October 2019 at 4:25 pm

        I think that is the kind of stuff that goes on behind closed doors.Give me this propaganda coup to offset the Kurd issue.The promise of a homeland for the Kurds was never going to be kept .How could it? Without endless aid and military protection.

        And a 10 Kurd minority in control of the richest part of the country in terms of oil fields was never going to sit well with the rest of the population
        The Rojava experiment might have sounded cute, so did the kibbutzim for socialist hippies .Didnt turn out so well

        Trump gave plenty of warnings he wanted to pull out.Each time he was over ridden

        Who knows whos calling the shots on the American side, with the President saying one thing, the CIA another and the Pentagon going its own way .

        Now it seems the Americans are going for the oil again. Out and out theft

  13. joe90 13
    28 October 2019 at 2:26 pm

    Only Repugs can fuck around and keep their jobs.

     

    The fall came just as quickly.

    Last weekend, the conservative website RedState published a series of articles alleging that Hill had engaged in relationships with a member of her campaign staff and the House staffer. Hill denied the relationship with the House employee, which would be a violation of House rules, but did not deny the relationship with the campaign staff member.

    The release of the story, complete with intimate photos of Hill, sparked debate about a double standard in the male-dominated world of political sex scandals, particularly because Hill has blamed Heslep for releasing the photos. Hill’s resignation is likely to bring those questions further out into the open.

    On Wednesday, in a letter to constituents, Hill again denied the alleged relationship with the House staff member but acknowledged she was involved in a separate relationship with a member of her campaign staff “during the final tumultuous years of my abusive marriage.”

    “I know that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen despite my better judgment,” the letter read.

    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-27/rep-katie-hill-resigns-amid-scandal

  14. Anne 14
    28 October 2019 at 3:19 pm

    He is welcome to come and live in NZ but I hope for his sake and the rest of the US he doesn't have to:

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12280210

    • Andre 14.1
      28 October 2019 at 5:01 pm

      … not to mention for the sake of the rest of world.

    • greywarshark 14.2
      28 October 2019 at 9:03 pm

      Perhaps Comey could take dual citizenship and become our next National Party leader.   If we don't allow duality now we can soon change our laws to enable it, flexibility is our name.     It would be a fun feather in his cap which Key has shown how to stick in behind the Right band.

      • Anne 14.2.1
        28 October 2019 at 10:47 pm

        Becoming a politician – anywhere – I think would be the last thing James Comey would have in mind.  He does not strike me as a political animal. Yes, I think he is probably a conservative thinker but that does not mean he is National Party material. 

        He comes across to me as a man of integrity who nevertheless, like all of us, is not immune to making mistakes. 

  15. Andre 15
    28 October 2019 at 5:12 pm

    Heh.

    Seems the Criminal-in-Chief went to a ball game. First they booed him. Then they chanted "lock him up".

    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-boos-world-series-nationals_n_5db64153e4b05df62ec1940f

  16. heather Grimwood 16
    28 October 2019 at 8:53 pm

    bit  late  as  been  busy,  but  to  joe90  at  2.1.2.2  :  I  agree  with  you  absolutely  about  Trump's  obscene  joy  in  killing  another (  and  probably  several),  whoever  it  be.  His  attitude  and  the  proof  again  of  his  infantile  stage  of  development   is  frightening.  I  turned  off  all  TV  and  radio  today   when  found  the  event  such a  big  deal  to them  too…..also  concerning/frightening.  I  write  in  sincerity.

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    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is accusing Gerry Brownlee of "politicising" a Holocaust memorial event after the National MP questioned the lack of Kiwi representation there. The Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, Israel, is holding the World Holocaust Forum on January 23 to mark 75 years since ...
    NZ First News
    2 days ago

  • Provincial Growth Fund to help Waipukurau Pā sites attract thousands of tourists
    The Ngā Ara Tipuna - Waipukurau Pā Site Interpretation project is receiving $2.798 million from the Provincial Growth Fund. It is is expected to boost the town's employment and tourism, creating sixteen new jobs once completed and attract up to 15,000 visitors a year. Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development ...
    NZ First News
    3 days ago

  • “Common sense will prevail, not extremism” Winston Peters backs Shane Jones’ pro-meat stance
    New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is backing his MPs who have spoken out against a new climate change teaching resource that advises students to eat less meat to save the planet. The new teaching resource, announced by Education Minister Chris Hipkins and Climate Change Minister James Shaw, tells students ...
    NZ First News
    4 days ago

  • Violent assault on paramedic highlights need for law change
    Darroch Ball MP, Spokesperson for Justice Today’s horrific violent assault of an on-duty female paramedic which rendered her unconscious is truly unsettling. “Our thoughts are with the paramedic, her loved ones and the St John’s team at Warkworth Station,” says New Zealand First Justice Spokesperson Darroch Ball. “Harsher penalties for perpetrators ...
    NZ First Press Release
    5 days ago

  • Acting PM Winston Peters confirms NZDF troops in Iraq not hit by Iranian attacks
    Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters called for calm and diplomacy following Iranian missile strikes on bases housing United States troops in Iraq, but confirmed New Zealand's base in the country was not hit. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was earlier today investigating claims New Zealand's base in Iraq had ...
    NZ First News
    5 days ago

  • Kaikōura $10.88 million boost in tourism & business
    Fletcher Tabuteau MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary for Regional Economic Development The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing $10.88 million to boost business and tourism opportunities in Kaikōura, Parliamentary Undersecretary for Regional Economic Development, Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. As part of the Kaikōura Marina Development Programme, the following two projects will receive ...
    NZ First Press Release
    1 week ago

  • Delivering a stable water supply to Wairarapa
    Hon. Ron Mark, New Zealand First List MP based in Wairarapa The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing $7.11 million to create a sustainable water supply for the Wairarapa. The PGF will provide a $7 million investment to Wairarapa Water Limited to progress the Wairarapa Water Storage Scheme towards procurement, consenting, ...
    NZ First Press Release
    1 week ago

  • Housing consents hit highest level since 1974
    Housing consents have hit a 45-year high, as Statistics NZ data shows a total of 37,010 residential consents were issued in the year to November --- the first time they have breached the 37,000 mark since the mid-1970s. Statistics NZ said the trend had been rising since late 2011, when ...
    NZ First News
    1 week ago

  • Darroch Ball MP: “Violence against first responders is a problem on the rise”
    New Zealand First MP Darroch Ball says that a paramedic being kicked unconscious last night in an attempted burglary in Warkworth, north of Auckland, is a symptom of a larger problem. "Incidents like this are becoming more and more frequent...and it’s getting worse," Mr Ball said. The MP is pushing for ...
    NZ First News
    2 weeks ago

  • Minister Ron Mark asks NZDF to conduct fire risk assessment from defence point of view
    Defence Minister Ron Mark said there was nothing to prevent similar large-scale bushfires seen in Australia from also happening in New Zealand, and has asked the New Zealand Defence Force to conduct a nfire risk assessment from a defence point of view. The defence assessment would help prevent a disaster ...
    NZ First News
    2 weeks ago

  • Defence Minister Mark expresses “absolute confidence” in NZDF forces stationed in Iraq
    While feeling worried about increased Middle East tensions, Defence Minister Ron Mark said he had "absolute confidence" in New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) leadership. His statements come as the fate of Kiwi troops stationed in Iraq comes under intense scrutiny. Forty-five Defence Force personnel were thought to be in the ...
    NZ First News
    2 weeks ago

  • ‘No Body, No Parole’ Bill is pointless dog-whistling
    Darroch Ball MP, Spokesperson for Law and Order National MP Tim Macindoe Member’s Bill, Concealment of Location of Victim Remains Bill does not do what he claims. The Bill specifies a requirement for the Parole Board to only “consider” denying parole if an offender refuses to disclose the location of the body. ...
    NZ First Press Release
    3 weeks ago

  • Defence Minister Ron Mark: “NZDF focused on protecting troops in Iraq from retaliation”
    As tensions in the Middle East continue to grow after the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, the New Zealand Defence Force is focusing on the protection of Kiwi troops deployed in Iraq. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says that "recent attacks on coalition bases and embassies constitute unacceptable ...
    NZ First News
    3 weeks ago

  • Log trains to begin on Wairoa-Napier line
    Log trains are about to start running between Wairoa and Napier following Provincial Growth Fund investment to reopen the rail line, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Government invested $6.2 million to reopen the mothballed rail line which was closed after significant storm damage in 2012. “With PGF ...
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    2 hours ago

  • New Zealand acknowledges ICJ decision on Myanmar
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today acknowledged the ruling of the International Court of Justice in relation to the Rohingya people in Myanmar. The ruling ordered the Government of Myanmar to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of acts of genocide in relation to members of the ...
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    18 hours ago

  • NZ’s trade aims advanced at Davos meetings
    A proposal to cut “trade and production-distorting subsidies” in the agricultural sector by 2030 has set out important measures to ensure a fair agricultural trading system.  Speaking after attending meetings of trade ministers in Davos, Switzerland, Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker welcomed the joint proposal from the ...
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    22 hours ago

  • Great news for New Zealanders with cystic fibrosis
    Health Minister Dr David Clark says he is delighted that PHARMAC has struck a provisional deal to fund Kalydeco – a medicine which is set to improve the quality of life for about 30 New Zealand children and adults with cystic fibrosis. “While rare, cystic fibrosis is an awful inherited ...
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    22 hours ago

  • New Zealand least corrupt country in the world
    New Zealand has regained its position as the least corrupt country in the world for the second time under this Coalition Government, says Justice Minister Andrew Little. “New Zealanders can be proud that our reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world has been restored,” says Andrew ...
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    2 days ago

  • Boost for Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands Community Conservation
    Community conservation in Rēkohu/Wharekauri/the Chatham Islands is receiving a boost, with grants to support local projects announced today by Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage. “Rēkohu/Wharekauri/ the Chatham Islands are home to 20 per cent of New Zealand’s threatened bird species and 11 per cent of New Zealand’s threatened plant species. ...
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    2 days ago

  • Rātana Pā goes high-tech with UFB
    Iwi, hapu and visitors to Rātana Pā near Whanganui now have access to ultra-fast broadband following its connection, completed in time for annual Rātana celebrations, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says. The connection and associated hardware were funded from the Provincial Growth Fund’s $21 million Marae Digital Connectivity programme, ...
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    2 days ago

  • Govt’s strong financial management acknowledged
    The Government’s strong financial management and plan to future proof the economy with new infrastructure investment has gained further recognition from an international ratings agency. Credit rating agency Fitch has upgraded one of its main metrics assessing the Government’s books, lifting its foreign currency AA rating outlook to ‘positive’ from ...
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    2 days ago

  • Boost in Whānau Ora funding to keep changing lives
    Whānau throughout New Zealand are set to benefit from an extra three million dollars that will go directly to Whānau Ora Commissioning Agencies, the Minister for Whānau Ora Peeni Henare announced today.  Including previous funding boosts, the Agencies will now receive $87 million this year between them.  In Budget 2019 ...
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    2 days ago

  • More people getting into work
    The December quarter benefit numbers released today show the Government’s plan to get people off the benefit and into work is starting to pay off,” Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said.   “Nearly 19,000 people cancelled their benefit and went into work in the last few months of the year – ...
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    2 days ago

  • Wairoa gets up to $6.1m to rebuild heart of CBD
    The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing up to $6.1 million to revitalise business and tourism opportunities in Wairoa, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. The PGF is funding: Up to $4.8 million for the Wairoa Integrated Business and Tourism Facility Up to $960,000 for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Major Events support for creative and cultural events
    Creative and cultural events that highlight New Zealand’s diverse culture and build national pride are set to get a funding boost through the Major Events Fund, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford said today. The new Creative and Cultural Events Incubator, which is funded through the Major Events Fund, will open ...
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    3 days ago

  • Classroom internet in hundreds of schools to get a boost
    The Government has begun a massive IT upgrade to provide more seamless internet access to 200 schools around the country. Te Mana Tūhono – Technology in Schools work programme will launch with a pilot of 10 smaller state schools early this year. IT equipment that gives students access to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Construction workforce, apprenticeships hit record highs
    Working with industry and committing to rebuild New Zealand’s infrastructure has produced a record high number of Kiwis working in the construction industry and learning trades, says Minister for Building and Construction Jenny Salesa. New figures available today from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Tertiary Education ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZ concludes digital economy trade talks with Singapore and Chile
    A new trade agreement concluded today helps New Zealand exporters and consumers take advantage of opportunities from digital trade.    Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker together with Chile’s Vice Minister of Trade Rodrigo Yañez and Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, have announced conclusion of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Provincial Growth Fund to fund Waipukurau cultural development and tourism
    The Ngā Ara Tipuna -  Waipukurau Pā Site Interpretation project will receive $2.798 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to create an authentic cultural tourism experience, Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today “The project will inform visitors about the history of six pā sites in Waipukurau with a combination ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • 21 new judges boost diversity, improve access to justice
    Twenty-one new District Court judges have been appointed in a move that will improve access to justice and boost diversity on the bench. The new judges include replacements for retirements and 10 new positions. Attorney-General David Parker today announced the 14 judges who can immediately be named, with the remainder ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Puhinui to Auckland Airport in 10 minutes
    Aucklanders are another step closer to getting rapid transit to the airport, with the start of construction to upgrade State Highway 20B to the airport, Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced today. SH20B will be upgraded with additional lanes in each direction, dedicated to bus and high-occupancy vehicles between Pukaki Creek ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Advancing New Zealand’s trade agenda focus of Europe meetings
    World Trade Organisation reform, agricultural trade and a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom will be the focus of Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker’s visit to Europe this week. David Parker leaves on Tuesday for a series of meetings in the UK and Switzerland that aim ...
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    5 days ago

  • Minister of Defence to visit counterparts in US and Canada
    The Minister of Defence, Ron Mark, departed today for the United States and Canada where he will meet with his counterparts.  While in Canada Minister Mark will meet with his counterpart, Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan.  “New Zealand and Canada are close friends, and share an instinctive like-mindedness on ...
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    5 days ago

  • Government to deliver family carers $2000 pay rise, expand scheme to spouses this year
    The Coalition Government is delivering this year the changes to Funded Family Care the disability sector has long-asked for, says Associate Minister of Health Jenny Salesa. “Today we are announcing the details of our big changes to Funded Family Care, including an annual average pay boost of $2,246.40 for funded ...
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    6 days ago

  • Ko te reo kua mū: Piri Sciascia
    Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta joins te ao Māori in their sorrow as they learn of the loss of one of the great orators and spokespersons of a generation – Piri Sciascia.  “The son of Pōrangahau was a staunch advocate for Māori development and served his people for over ...
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    7 days ago

  • Minister opens new ecosanctuary at Cape Farewell
    A new ecosanctuary with a predator proof fence on Golden Bay’s Cape Farewell, which will restore a safe home for sea birds, rare native plants, giant snails, and geckos, was officially opened today by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage. “There has been a fantastic community effort supported by the ...
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    7 days ago

  • Pacific partners work together to provide additional support to Australia
    The NZDF continues to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it battles fires in Victoria and New South Wales, including by transporting Republic of Fiji Military engineers from Nadi to Australia, announced Defence Minister Ron Mark. On Saturday morning a NZDF Boeing 757 will depart New Zealand to uplift ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Kaikōura $10.88 million boost in tourism & business
    The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing $10.88 million to boost business and tourism opportunities in Kaikōura, Parliamentary Undersecretary for Regional Economic Development, Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. As part of the Kaikōura Marina Development Programme, the following two projects will receive PGF funding: A $9.88 million investment to begin the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Govt accounts in surplus, debt remains low
    The Government’s books are in good shape with the accounts in surplus and expenses close to forecast, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Treasury today released the Crown accounts for the five months to November. The operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) was above forecast by $0.7 billion resulting ...
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    1 week ago

  • Auckland focus for first Police graduation of 2020
    The number of Police on the Auckland frontline is increasing with the graduation today of a special locally-trained wing of new constables. Police Minister Stuart Nash says the graduation of eighteen officers from Recruit Wing 333-5 means that more than 1900 new Police have been deployed since the Coalition Government ...
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    1 week ago

  • Wairarapa gets $7.11m PGF water boost
    The Provincial Growth Fund is putting $7.11 million into creating a sustainable water supply for Wairarapa, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. The following two projects will receive Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funding: A $7 million investment in Wairarapa Water Limited for the pre-construction development of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Progress with new Police station in Mahia
    Community safety and crime prevention in the East Coast community of Mahia has moved forward with the opening of a new Police station to serve the growing coastal settlement. Police Minister Stuart Nash has officially opened the new station, which was relocated almost 20 kilometres along the coast from the nearby ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Plans to protect the future of whitebaiting announced
    With several native whitebait species in decline the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage has today released proposals to standardise and improve management of whitebait across New Zealand. “The need for action for a healthy whitebait fishery has never been greater,” Eugenie Sage said.  “Four of the six whitebait species are ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • New resource for schools to increase awareness and understanding of climate change
    A new Ministry of Education resource available for schools in 2020 will increase awareness and understanding of climate change, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “The resource, Climate Change – prepare today, live well tomorrow, will help students understand the effects of climate change at a local, national and global ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Getting more out of our most productive firms
    Finance Minister Grant Robertson has approved the terms of reference for an Inquiry into the economic contribution of New Zealand's frontier firms. Frontier firms are the most productive firms in the domestic economy within their own industry. “These firms are important as they diffuse new technologies and business practices into ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • NZDF sends more support to Australia
    The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is sending an Environmental Health Team, a Primary Health Care Team and a Chaplain to Australia, boosting New Zealand support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it battles bush fires in Victoria and New South Wales, Defence Minister Ron Mark announced today. The ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • New Zealand joins partners in calling for full investigation into air crash in Iran
    Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters says that developments suggesting a surface-to-air missile is responsible for the downing of the Ukrainian International Airlines flight in Iran is disastrous news. “New Zealand offers its deepest sympathies to the families of the 176 victims. It is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Staying connected to Australian agriculture
    Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor, says the Ministry for Primary Industries is continuing to stay connected to federal authorities in Australia as devastating fires affect the country.  “The Ministry is using an existing trans-Tasman forum for discussions on the agricultural impact of the fires and the future recovery phase,” says Damien ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Investment in schools – a commitment to communities
    Thousands of school-age children, their teachers and wider communities are benefiting from the Government’s multi-million dollar investment upgrading and renewing schools, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “We want New Zealand to be the best place to be a child and that means learning in warm, comfortable and modern classrooms,” ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • New Zealand Defence Force sends support to Australia
    Minister of Defence Ron Mark today announced New Zealand is sending three Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters and crew, and two NZ Army Combat Engineer Sections as well as a command element to support the Australian Defence Force efforts in tackling the Australian fires.  The New Zealand Defence Force ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago

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