Iâm about to give the nicest man on Earth another chance. Counting down â 25 minutes to Mora
He wasn’t too nice this afternoon. He repeated the most flippant putdowns of Edward Snowdon, very like a loyal and dependable Soviet commissar deriding one of those dastardly Jewish doctors in the late 1930s.
Yep – I had to give up M. I tried – even got past some reasonable music (disappointed tho’ – I was hoping for a bit of Sympathy for the Devil).
The guy would be the best advertisement for whoever manufactures Valium I’ve ever come across.
The (70’s drugged up housewife’s) choice, and definitely the nicest man on Earth.
I think I can safely give the guy a miss for another few months.
Really? Peter Dunne is in private discussions with just a political party over questions of security?
Surely every word that man is saying about security “negotiations” should be on the public record.
This issue is not about doing deals.
As for Key’s pushing another TINA*, he just happens to be a party leader who is in the position of Prime Minister at a given moment in time. What makes him think he is the authority?
And trust him? He couldn’t even remember how many Tranzrail shares he had.
This is not a party political issue that is being discussed. The security services belong to all Enzeders.
* (TINA was Thatcher’s name – There Is No Alternative.)
I agree, Logie97, that the security services – and their rights or not to spy on NZers – are, or should be, of interest to all NZers.
I find Dunne now being in private discussions with Key etc over his position on the GCSB Bill incongruous with his stated position just a few days ago. Do they have more that they are holding over Dunne – or is he just out to preserve his job regardless of principles etc? Both are also possible.
Thanks to NRT*, I have also just read this Stuff article re Henry having access to Vance’s movements in and out of Parliament from her security card records the day before her article.
“The journalist who was leaked a sensitive report on the nation’s foreign spy network had her movements tracked by a government inquiry.
The MP forced to resign over the leak, Peter Dunne, said inquiry head David Henry detailed to him the movements of Fairfax journalist Andrea Vance in and out of the parliamentary precinct. …”
All very confusing – this issue is not over yet. The dots are just not connecting …
the turning worm.
Watched Dunne trying to get his points across in the debate on the Psychoactive Substances Bill, while being baited by Banks. When did Banks become a friend to man’s best friend? A Beagle Boy indeed. Did you know SAFE were denied the opportunity to make submissions, and the committee is unlikely to adopt Mathers’ SOP, which Banks supports; LDSO tests are obviously not excluded under the legal regimes in South East Asian countries where these substances are likely to be tested.
Just a prediction:
That bastion of the 4th Estate (‘Stuff’ – an appropriate name if ever there was) reports the media is being drawn into David Bain blame game http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8851997/Media-drawn-into-Bain-blame-game.
I’m now even more uncertain as to his guilt, and I’m not even sure that is the point. I’m waiting for this to become even more politicised to the extent that various counsel and supporters will soon find they are denigrated publicly – probably even including by the junta.
Yes, “the media are being played”.
According to Asst. Police Commissioner Malcolm Burgess, this new theory is only one in “isolation from a vast body of evidence”,” which one piece of circumstantial evidence does not outweigh”.
Unfortunate the entire matter sadly.
Robertson is half the problem. He backed and supported Shearer so that Cunliffe would not become leader. It was clear from the start that Shearer was a lame duck and not up to the job. As soon as Farrar and Hooton and Slater started supporting Shearer the alarm bells should have gone off.
Robertson played the factional game at the time even though he knew that Shearer would fail. Besides do you think that he has what it takes to win an election? He lost the party vote to the Greens in his electorate ffs.
For his careerism and because of his inability to do the job he should never be leader.
Time to start afresh. Cunliffe is the only one who can do the job. If MPs are going to stand in the way they should have their career path drastically altered. Anyone, repeat anyone, who makes a decision based on personal interest should go.
Totally agree Mr Burns Robertson and those who actively supported Shearer in my view.
Firstly if they backed Shearer because they thought Shearer was going to be an amazing leader they clearly have no idea what qualities a leader should have and two after being given a chance Shearer has failed to connect with voters and thats his job.
Thirdly by voting for Shearer over Cunliffe, Shearers voters totally disregarded grass roots members opinions during the membership contest.That being the case those Mp’s who voted against their LECs wishes and those who bullied members need to go. Those MPs have no credibility to work in the best interest of the Party or to represent its members.
Its time for a big clean out in Labour and sorry wont cut it.
Who is the most gifted member of caucus and who is the best match for Key. There is only one answer. There only ever was one answer. That is why Farrar, Slater, Hooton and Boag were running up flags for Shearer in such an overt way. They had their own ABC club.
They threw Shearer in at the deep end on his back story and it was never going to be enough. To expect someone to walk in to that job with virtually no apprenticeship was crazy. It would be like arranging for a builder to build your house without any proper training and experience. To my way of thinking they did Shearer as much a dis-service as they did Cunliffe. Shows they weren’t really thinking of either the party or the country.
What it really shows, if your theory is right, is that the decision makers in labour are completely dim, and can be outwitted by Nat spin doctors. Why would anyone want to put such numpties in charge of a country?
If cunliffe had won, they’d still be concern-tr0lling about challenges from shearer or robertson or mallard. And Key would still be saying cunliffe is in trouble and might be facing a challenge before the end of the year.
McFlock, the difference would be that Cunliffe would accept that the blogosphere is a legitimate part of the Labour consensus. He is an inclusive person. Perhaps that comes from his upbringing in vicarages around the country.
Imagine! A Labour leader in the 21st Century who actually recognises that the blogs are part of the wider democratic process and who does not fear their power!
I look forward to a Labour leader and a Labour Prime Minister who can look both the membership and the public in the eye comfortably, whether in TV debate or on The Standard. Cunliffe has the balls and the ability to argue, (and/or charm), with whomsoever. Cunliffe will move us to a plane higher and firmer than the current swamp.
Unfortunately the member for Wellington Central, (3rd to the Greens), has driven in the wedges that divide the Labour Party. He’s pulling Shearer’s strings like something from Machievelli’s ‘The Prince”, but unfortunately for the Party he has only read the Reader’s Digest version. He lacks the skill and subtlety of a real player and cannot help but reveal his control freak behaviour in the clumsy way he operates. We only have to look at the failure of Red Alert to see that in action.
This is the sort of messianic drivel that just sets âthe faithfulâ up for more heartbreak.
Rubbish. You have taken a quote out of context to the rest of the comment and tried to set it up as some sort of religious revival claptrap. Because Just do it’s views don’t fit in with yours… you discredit and belittle them. It’s a trait of yours and it’s not smart. Grow up!
My wariness at such imagery is from hearing people say similar things about Jim Anderton (among others). The person never matches the unreal expectations. If people don’t like me calling them on it, they can get stuffed.
You are right, CGV.
Cunliffe will unite the party again. Cunliffe has a majority in the Caucus, when you remove the four imbiciles who took graft from Skycity. Those four are politically dead. And Cunliffe always had the most members and Unions.
We can have a leader who never sold out and who talks properly to your mother or to your companys managing director. That should be the basic standard for a Leader. We should not be entertaining a fellow that asks us to pay for hs elecution seasons.
Why thank you. Beneath the surface of every cantankerous cynical Nuclear Power Station owner lies the heart of a leftie environmentalist just dying for Labour to get its stuff together.
But it could be one hell of a sabotage job. Started by the ABC faction and Paddy Gower, and kept up by Hooten Farrar and Slater. Labour ended up with a lame duck and has LOST a year due to this distraction. One can only imagine what could have happened if the ABC faction were shown he door after the last debacle of an election. But they weren’t they just stayed on sucking the life out of the Labour Party. The treatment of Cunliffe was despicable and it drove me from being a life time Labour supporter, to voting Green, and unless something radical is done to A: Get some good policy out that they will support. I was dismayed when Robertson said they were only going to do the power company and everyone else was safe to continue the pillaging. Chris Trotter said it better.
“Grant Robertsonâs statement of 24 April made everything much clearer. According to Grant the energy policy was a one-off, and the business community could rest easy that far from being the harbinger of Labourâs wholesale repudiation of neoliberal ideology, the energy policy was an aberration. No other deviations from the norm were planned, purred Robertson:” http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/26/okay-okay-im-un-surrendering-replace-shearer/
B: Listen to the membership they paid their fees, they walk, hammer, post,phone, etc etc every election. Yet they are still being treated like shit, and they are leaving too.
C: Get some new blood Labour is supposed to be a left party, but it is being ruin by dinosaurs with out dated thinking and even more out dated fuckups, I mean if you wanted to go to the Rugby. Well you are paid enough, (so as you don’t need to visit the ‘Enemies’ box.) Buy your own Tickets.
D: Just show some common sense. Shearer is not working, and Labour is on track for a bigger beating than last time. And NZ cannot afford 3 more years of Keys megalomania, and sell it all attitude. And I notice they are after the councils to start selling their assets like the port and Airport shares to pay for covered stadiums and the rail loop. That tells me they must have people just slavering at the thought of all these shares being gifted to them by a compliant government.
TV3’s Paddy Gower was explicitly clear that the detailed notes he took from a Labour caucus member were well outside the “Cunliffe camp” as he put it.
Despite the constitutional rule changes, the membership do not count. Either the media or the caucus need to call clearly for change of leaderhship. Hasn’t happened yet.
In fact caucus show all the signs of just doing another Goff and simply strapping themselves to ride the bomb straight into the ground. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-Haaaa!
robertson..?..really..?..you reckon he is the best hope that labour has got..?
..(as noted above..)..did you miss his craven promise to the elites/current-power-paradigm that ‘electricity’ would be the only reform that a labour govt would do..?
..f.f.s..!..isn’t just that a neon-sign/loudhailer telling you that robertson is part of the problem..?
..and i hafta say..having done commentaries on q-time @ parliament for some years now..
..i have probably seen more of robertson in action than most..
..and in that forum..he has generally not impressed..
..(up against ryall in health he was particularly hapless/ineffectual..)
..and using impressions taken from that same window into parliament..
..the only one from labour that makes national/the right sit up straight and pay attention..
..is cunnliffe..
..they are particularly nervous about his follow-up questions..and his ability to instantly pounce on any contradictions in their answers to his interrogations..
..because ‘interrogations’ are what they are..
..and this is a skill that cunnliffe has..
..and that neither shearer nor robertson have..
(n.b..i have never met cunnliffe..and have been snarky about him in the past @ whoar..and i have not voted for labour since the rightwing revolution..
..so i have no party-faction-agenda/barrow..tho’ i do yearn for a labour that returns to its’ roots..
..and does what it was set up originally to do..eh..?)
..robertson is just a leader of those in labour who have still lost their way…
..and making him shearers’ successor will likely guarantee a defeat for the left in just over one year from now..
..much as continuing to cling to the wreck that is shearer will do…
..a labour party/govt led by the nose by the rightwing faction in labour..(who ‘nudge-nudge’/wink!-wink!’ robertson leads)..
..will be as big a disaster for those suffering the most..
..as was the last clark/labour-led govt..
..that bow/promise to the elites to do nothing to rock their boats from robertson –
+2 three meke.
I’ve never really understood why Helen decided to have a cuppa and a lay down in the third term and do absolutely sfa – when there was a golden opportunity to further roll back a bit more of the damage that the Nats had done during the 90s.
Yep – you’re probably correct DtB. I must have been blinded by devotion and admiration of her intellect not to have realised earlier.
That last (3rd) term was a shocker – in terms of laziness, stagnation, complacency and unwillingness to seize the opportunity to reverse the effects of that Ruthenasia era. Seems to me the current Labour scene queens are still in that mode.
I think Peters would have supported a large nation building infrastructure and public transport building programme. He would have supported enhanced healthcare for the elderly and for children. He certainly would have supported massive additions to trade training and skills for young people. And improvements to state provided low cost pensioner housing – a no brainer for Winston to claim credit for.
Just what I was thinking, David H. As a longtime Labour activist I’ve just about given up !
Hate what Key is doing to our country, but cannot bear the thought of voting Labour to get those old hack neo-libs back into power. What’s the alternative ? Greens perhaps !
That tells me they must have people just slavering at the thought of all these shares being gifted to them by a compliant government.
Yep, National are determined to turn us back into a rentier society where most of the people are dependent upon the rich for their well being, i.e, if you don’t please a rich person then your life will be a life of poverty. We saw this in the 19th century but the time most applicable is the time of feudalism.
National are busy taking us backwards several centuries.
Are you all still happy with the new leader election rules of Labour?
Not so much for the process of electing a new leader, rather the unintended consequence of the reluctance to dump an incompetent leader (aka Shearer) due to the uncertainty of who will replace him?
Does this turn the Labour caucus into a bunch of cowards?
Do the rules need to be modified so that the party membership and affiliates can initiate a leadership challenge?
Because from how I see it from the outside, Shearer is an incompetent leader who has very little support apart from the ABC crowd in caucus who are just enough in number to block a leadership challenge.
So you have the membership & unions and reasonable chunk of caucus who want a change but it can’t happen because of a sizable minority of has beens holding up the renewal process and no automatic leadership vote until after 2014?
But I thought that all righties all agreed that Shearer would be a wonderful leader. After all he did give a mango skin to some poor kids once and he did think that it was unfair that a guy painting his roof was receiving ACC. I mean even if the guy did not actually exist being willing to bash an imaginary benefit bludger would be the sort of thing the right would really approve of.
443,000 more people voted for National than Labour at the last election. Who are these people? The rich, some middle classes and aspiring blue collar workers. I wonder how many enrolled non-voters there were at the 2011 election.
That’s a lot of people. I wish they would start to feel angry rather than disinterested in what is happening. If they think not voting is a protest then I wish we could send them the message that voting is a more powerful protest.
“I wish they would start to feel angry rather than disinterested in what is happening.”
You make it sound like they woke up one morning a couple of years ago and decided not to care about politics any more. They didn’t.
They were taught, meticulously and repetitively, by several generations of politicians, that no-one in a position of power, whether left or right wing, gives a stuff about them.
And btw they’re not going to wake up tomorrow morning and unlearn it just because Labour’s middle-of-the-road fan club have decided they like John Key better.
You make it sound like they woke up one morning a couple of years ago and decided not to care about politics any more. They didnât.
They were taught, meticulously and repetitively, by several generations of politicians, that no-one in a position of power, whether left or right wing, gives a stuff about them.
and a clearer demonstration of that indifference/neglect from labour had to be their promise at the last election to bring sole-parents into the families tax-break/subsidy working parents get..
..(and here is the kicker/nose-grind..)..by 2018..
..(i kid you not..this was their election promise to those they have ignored for so long..and who now ignore them..this was the lure to get them back..what were they thinking..?
..and here is the bit to make you sob/despair..shearer/robertson dominated labour have since ditched this policy – as being ‘too radical’..
..’we are still a long way from home will..a long way from home..’.)
..so really..rolling shearer has to be a package-deal..
..make it a twofer…
..bundle up robertson at the same time..
..he also has had long enough to prove he isn’t growing into the job..
From the very moment he was appointed I knew that David Shearer lacked the qualities needed by a political leader. David Cunliffe has some of those qualities but if his colleagues don’t like or trust him, how can he be leader? At the moment anyway.
What about David Parker or Andrew Little?
And Shearer seems to be confident about only one thing: that he will lead the party into the 2014 election. Does he know something Patrick Gower doesn’t or is that pure spindoctoring?
BTW, for a fabulous insight into the nature of leadership and the skulduggery of politics I recommend the Danish TV series Borgen, available on DVD. It’s very relevant to Australian and New Zealand politics.
On TV 3 tonight, Gower cited Cunliffe, Robertson and Little as the ones to watch. Nothing he said indicated whether he was speculating or repeating what he was told, but it left me thinking that if a leadership challenge really is in the pipeline, Robertson might well try to persuade more than one left wing favourite to put their name forward, with a view to splitting the vote.
She may be considered a bit young to bear that level of authority. As CV said of Little, you can wreck people’s future careers by overburdening them too soon – some people think that is the case with Shearer, with regard to parliamentary experience.
Hi Maureen, it has nothing to do with liking and trust. It has everything to do with job security. If you look at who supported Shearer they are all people who had never won a seat properly. They had been given list positions or been given easy seats like mount Albert. Cunliffe has the mana of taking a seat from the Natz.
Cunliffe is respected and a real Trust comes put of that. Parker is not a winner ever. Little has not won a seat. They have not earned a possie on the stage.
Fracking ? See http://www.thedailyshow.com for extended interview with documentary maker Josh Fox on his “Gasland Part Two” for HBO. See people being able to ignite the water coming from their wells in USA heartland …
Thousands gathered to support Wendy Davis in Austin on Thursday night’s filibuster — this marvelous coverage warmed my heart, reminding me of how we used to be willing to do battle here .. the Repubs are such bullies; their skulduggery has to be seen to be believed, even to changing the electronic clock … wonderful reporting by the great Rachel Maddow … prepare to be ready to cheer for these brave and determined ones…. democracy alive in Texas …
But Rick Perry will be back again in a few weeks to try again … watch the interview that follows on the above report and believe the possibility of sea-change in Texas.
Because of yesterday’s day of jubilee, the other, less evolved primates in the Texas legislature are now free to redistrict an end to Davis’s meddlesome political career.
Thx for link Joe90 — they will get this strong woman to run for governor on the back of all this .. did you read the comments section ? Let’s see .. the people are awake and sea change can follow … ripples are the promises the waves make to the flood, and all that ! Wishful thinking ? nah.
Would there actually be any point changing leadership now?
We’re still a far way out, but I think you’d end up like Labour in aussie at the moment. Might as well ride it out with Shearer, wreak him, change leaders?
Yes, there has to be a point to it. Labour will lose under Shearer, almost no doubt about it. He can’t cut it. Cunliffe would be fresh, extremely capable and a brilliant and articulate communicator, likely the best in the House. The diff ‘twixt here and Oz ? We would not be re-selecting a previously-used leader. I dread the future for us all if Gnats get a third term; I seriously doubt we could ever recover from their massive harms.
Bugger the Labour Party… there will be significantly more munted and irrelevant people in NZ if we have another 3 years of Pinokeyo, the fat controller et al.
Would Cunliffe improve Labour’s prospects next year? Possibly. But the heart of the problem is that the Labour Party as a caucus and as an organisation, remains too far away from understanding what NZ needs. Which IMO I will put this way: 12 strong years which will rework the entire economy and set NZ right on track for thriving through peak oil and climate change.
Ride it out….like we did under Goff
Ride it out and let Nats in for another Term.
Ride it out and see our supporters go to e Greens and Mana and even NZ First.
Ride it out is not an option
Ride it out is not an option
Ride it out is not an option
Yeah, let us repeat the same mistakes.
Go Infusion. You are INSPIRED
Am I to understand from that link that they took thousands of reels of acetate and nitrate old films on a plane?
One reel in a car (or your house) would be highly dangerous.
The Nats Auckland Transport announcement; http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893553
-CRL
-AMETI (east-west link)
-another harbour crossing- twin tunnels; 2025-2030
Despite pressure coming on from the council, and the Greens, total rail trips have to increase from 11M currently, to 20M per annum to have CRL brought forward from 2020 considered.
Along with the proposed double harbour tunnel. Key said that the Christchurch spend was all signed and sealed – unbreakable, but note nothing has been written in concrete about the CRL or the tunnel.
“An amateur litigant who has a court case against MP John Banks under way and plans one against MP Peter Dunne is now advancing the process against Prime Minister John Key.”
(Only found about this today).
It’s potentially quite a big deal.
I mean – whoever expected the DEFENDANT John Banks to end up in the dock, at the Auckland District Court?
A sitting MP, being held accountable in a Court of LAW, to the RULE OF LAW?
Far out!
Whoever may be next………………?
GREAT work Private Prosecutor Graham McCready!
______________________________________________________________________________
An amateur litigant who has a court case against MP John Banks under way and plans one against MP Peter Dunne is now advancing the process against Prime Minister John Key.
Graham McCready, a retired accountant, of Wellington, has filed informations with the Wellington District Court against Key alleging that he broke the Crimes Act by using or authorising illegal surveillance on internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom.
He has submitted the same informations against Government Communications Security Bureau head Ian Fletcher.
Deputy registrar Kevin Conroy has acknowledged the informations.
“I now have to consider the matter of the issue of summonses under the provisions of the Summary Procedures Act 1957,” he said.
He said he must be satisfied that the informations and summons disclosed an offence and there was sufficient information to fairly inform the defendants.
McCready is asked to provide a full written summary of the facts.
His case involves a section of the Crimes Act that prohibits the use of interception devices and says “everyone is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years who intentionally intercepts any private communication by means of an interception device”.
Key’s office had no comment.
McCready has previously taken private prosecutions against MPs Trevor Mallard and Banks. The prosecution against Mallard alleged assault, but the Labour MP later pleaded guilty to fighting in a public place in 2007.
In May, Banks pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging he filed a false electoral return in the Auckland mayoralty race three years ago. ”
______________________________________________________________________________
More information (copies of the actual ‘informations’) will be available soon – so you can read them for yourselves.
And as Judge Mills pointed out in the Wellington District Court at law, allegations stand or fall on their own merit, not on the character of the person making the allegations. An upstanding person may totally believe a wrong allegation Burglars don’t not necessarily commit treason.
Why is the system leaving it to a private individual to get John Banks into the dock?
This must leave you with a problem WRT John Key. Does he have an upstanding character with dreadful actions or vice versa.
“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! He’s living in Limbo!”
Another depraved few minutes on the Panel preshow.
Radio NZ National, Friday 28 June 2013
Jim Mora, Duncan Webb, Sally Wenley
If Red China during the very worst excesses of its crackdowns against “rightists”, “revisionists” and “capitalist running dogs” had had talk radio, this is what it would have sounded likeâŠ.
JIM MORA: It’s a quarter to four, and it’s time for Susan Baldacci and what the wooooooooorld’s talking about! SUSAN BALDACCI: Well today the world is talking about Las Vegas, Nevada, which is getting ready for the hottest temperature ever recorded in the world. MORA: What, on Planet Earth? SUSAN BALDACCI: They are expecting a temperature of— MORA: The hottest temperature on Planet Earth? SUSAN BALDACCI: Yep. It’s 142 Fahrenheit, or 56.7 celsius. MORA: We were talking about the Indian floods but this is a real crisis too isn’t it. SUSAN BALDACCI: It certainly is. The big worry would be if the power went out! MORA:Where was the previous highest temperature? SUSAN BALDACCI: In Australia, I think. MORA: Was it in Australia? SUSAN BALDACCI: Y-y-y-y-yes. MORA: I’ve been in 42 degrees once. But fifty-SIX degrees. That’s amazing! SALLY WENLEY: Oh yes. Amazing!
âŠ.[Long, vacuous pause]âŠ.
MORA: What’s Mr Snowden been up to? SUSAN BALDACCI: Arrrrrggghhhh. He’s not going anywhere! MORA Ha ha ha! SUSAN BALDACCI: He’s still in that transit lounge in Russia! MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! He’s living in Limbo! SALLY WENLEY: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! SUSAN BALDACCI: It looks like he could be going to Ecuador. MORA: Hmmmmm. Ecuador is being extremely aggressive, isn’t it! SUSAN BALDACCI: Yes, they are threatening to CANCEL the trade agreement they have with the United States! MORA: Why? SUSAN BALDACCI: Well, they are going to preemptively reject millions in trade benefits that it could lose by taking in this guy from his limbo in the Moscow airport. They say they are not going to be “blackmailed” by the United States. They want to show their “independence”. MORA: Huh! SALLY WENLEY: Huh! SUSAN BALDACCI: But President Obama has said they are not going to beg anyone to help them get this guy. MORA: Yeah, exactly. SALLY WENLEY: Exactly. MORA: And they said something about how they are offering to give the United States $23 million a year for “human rights training”. SUSAN BALDACCI: Yep, a government spokesman said :”Ecuador will not accept pressures or threats from anyone, and it does not traffic in its values or allow them to be subjugated to mercantile interests.” MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha! Good Lord! Ha ha ha! SALLY WENLEY: Ha ha ha ha ha!
See alsoâŠ.
No. 23 Jay Carney: “…expel Mr Snowden back to the U.S. to face justice…”
No. 22 Mike Bush: âBruce Hutton had integrity beyond reproach.â
No. 21 Tim Groser: âI think the relationship is genuinely in outstanding form.â
No. 20 John Key: âBut if the question is do we use the United States or one of our other partners to circumvent New Zealand law then the answer is categorically no.â
No. 19 Matthew Hooton: âIt is ridiculous to say that unions deliver higher wages! They DONâT!â
No. 18 Ant Strachan: âThe All Blacks won the RWC 2011 because of outstanding defence!â
No. 17 Stephen Franks: âPeter has been such a level-headed, safe pair of hands.â
No. 16 Phil Kafcaloudes: âTony AbbottâŠhasnât made any mistakes over the past eighteen months.â
No. 15 Donald Rumsfeld: âI did not lie⊠Colin Powell did not lie.â
No. 14 Colin Powell: âa post-9/11 nexus between Iraq and terrorist organizationsâŠconnections are now emergingâŠâ
No.13 Barack Obama: âSimply put, these strikes have saved lives.â http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-27052013/#comment-638881
No. 12 U.K. Ministry of Defence: âProtecting the Afghan civilian population is one of ISAF and the UKâs top priorities.â
No. 11 Brendan OâConnor: âAustraliaâs approach to refugees is compassionate and generous.â
No. 10 Boris Johnson: âLondoners have⊠the best police in the world to look after us and keep us safe.â
No. 9 NewstalkZB PR dept: âNews you NEED! Fast, fair, accurate!â
No. 8 Simon Bridges: âI donât mean to duck the questionâŠ.â
No. 7 Nigel Morrison: âQuite frankly, theyâve been VERY tough.â
âšhttp://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-15052013/#comment-633295
âšNo. 6 NZ Herald PR dept: âCongratulationsâyouâre reading New Zealandâs best newspaper.ââš
âšNo. 5 Rawdon Christie: ââŠa FORMIDABLE replacement, it seems, is Claudette Hauiti.ââšhttp://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-13052013/#comment-632594âš
No. 4 Willie and J.T.: âThe X-Factor. Nah, nah, thereâs some GREAT talent there!ââš
No. 3 John Key: âYeah we hold MPs to a higher standard.â
âšNo. 2 Colin Craig: âOh, I have a GREAT sense of humour.â
âšNo. 1 Barack Obama: âMargaret Thatcher was one of the great champions of freedom and liberty.â
—John Key, Radio NZ National Checkpoint, 5:20p.m., Friday 28 June 2013. Host Mary Wilson let him get away with that unchallenged as usual.
Humbug Corner is dedicated to gathering, and highlighting, the most striking examples of faux solicitude, insincere apologies, and particularly stupid recycling of official canards. It is produced by the Insincerity ProjectÂź, a division of Daisycutter Sports Inc.
More appalling humbugâŠ.
No. 4 Mike Bush: “Bruce Hutton’s⊠integrity beyond reproachâŠsuch great character⊔
âšNo. 3 Dean Lonergan: âYâ know what? The only people who will mock them are people who are dwarfists.ââš
No. 2 Peter Dunne: âWhat a load of drivel and sanctimonious humbugâŠââš
âšNo.1 Dominic Bowden: âItâs okay to be speechless.â
Given the embargo on promoting any candidate on election day, please do NOT make any comments relating to the by election anywhere on The Standard from midnight until after 7pm on Saturday. ThanksâŠ
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that âNew Zealandâs economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerfulâ. They also believe that âNew Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerfulâ. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
âYou talking about me?âThe neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hallâs âGlide Timeâ caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund â When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayersâ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund â and ...
Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 âredesign of the welfare stateâ â which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty â various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being âWorking for Familiesâ, introduced in 2005. ...
Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing âon why Melissa is muteâ. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Leeâs ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from âserious populist discontentâ. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring âhard-working peopleâ. ...
Chris Trotter writes –Â MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling â or non-handling â of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealandâs two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
New Zealand is said to be suffering from âserious populist discontentâ. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring âhard-working peopleâ. The data is from February this ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications:Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to âdefend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.â To achieve this, they have pledged they âwill not advance ...
Chris Trotter writes –Â The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workersâ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three. ...
Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
Itâs a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blogIn 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealandâs good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National governmentâs lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for TÄmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Governmentâs democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Governmentâs proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change thatâs great for the planet and great for consumers after her memberâs bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the countryâs books after Teanau Tuionoâs membersâ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his memberâs bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Todayâs advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Governmentâs newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealandâs urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
MÄori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, MÄori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...
The Coalition Governmentâs refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. âRecently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachersâ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.  âThe Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. âScience, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During todayâs meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. âThe Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in TaupĆ as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the TaupĆ International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. âAnticipation for the ITM TaupĆ Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. âThe coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. âThis project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sectorâs productivity,â Mr Jones says. âThe project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Governmentâs plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. âBenefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Governmentâs commitment to doubling New Zealandâs renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealandâs latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. âOur Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. âNew Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Governmentâs intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. âThe introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Todayâs announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Governmentâs plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. âInflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sectorâs role in the export-led recovery of the economy. âI am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Governmentâs support for the revitalisation the sector.  "New Zealandâs wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. âThe inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. âMy meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singaporeâs outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.  Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpartâs almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During todayâs meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. âI am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. âPets are important members of many Kiwi families. Itâs estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iranâs shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.  âThese attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.  "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand â Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.  âDame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,â says Dr Reti. âI have asked her to ...
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Governmentâs 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âBoosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Governmentâs plan to ...
New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  âOur country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,â Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.  âWe cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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7.20 and all quiet on Open Mike, has everyone slept in? đ
Have cold, couldn’t get to sleep, watched tennis in the early hours, finally got a few hours sleep…. now…. blurgh!
….and 0820, and there’s hardly any traffic on the road in wgtn city
I was up at 5:01am but decided the shorter daylight hours justified my going back to bed.
Jenny copped a one week ban, and PG has been sulking for months.
Morrissey then?
Still undertaking the eenie meenie miney mo to ascertain todays “lairs of our time”.
catch a tiger by the toe
…when it bites ya head off… you’re bound to let go…
all good things must come to an end, and start all over again.(carry on stringing along fender, had Insomnia and only half-way through today’s shift).
I’m about to give the nicest man on Earth another chance. Counting down – 25 minutes to Mora
Iâm about to give the nicest man on Earth another chance. Counting down â 25 minutes to Mora
He wasn’t too nice this afternoon. He repeated the most flippant putdowns of Edward Snowdon, very like a loyal and dependable Soviet commissar deriding one of those dastardly Jewish doctors in the late 1930s.
Yep – I had to give up M. I tried – even got past some reasonable music (disappointed tho’ – I was hoping for a bit of Sympathy for the Devil).
The guy would be the best advertisement for whoever manufactures Valium I’ve ever come across.
The (70’s drugged up housewife’s) choice, and definitely the nicest man on Earth.
I think I can safely give the guy a miss for another few months.
LAIRS OF OUR TIME
No. 1: Dr. Evilâs Secret Underground Lair
http://i26.tinypic.com/32zq4i0.jpg
lol excellent
Really? Peter Dunne is in private discussions with just a political party over questions of security?
Surely every word that man is saying about security “negotiations” should be on the public record.
This issue is not about doing deals.
As for Key’s pushing another TINA*, he just happens to be a party leader who is in the position of Prime Minister at a given moment in time. What makes him think he is the authority?
And trust him? He couldn’t even remember how many Tranzrail shares he had.
This is not a party political issue that is being discussed. The security services belong to all Enzeders.
* (TINA was Thatcher’s name – There Is No Alternative.)
I agree, Logie97, that the security services – and their rights or not to spy on NZers – are, or should be, of interest to all NZers.
I find Dunne now being in private discussions with Key etc over his position on the GCSB Bill incongruous with his stated position just a few days ago. Do they have more that they are holding over Dunne – or is he just out to preserve his job regardless of principles etc? Both are also possible.
Thanks to NRT*, I have also just read this Stuff article re Henry having access to Vance’s movements in and out of Parliament from her security card records the day before her article.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8853155/Journalists-movements-tracked-by-leak-inquiry
“The journalist who was leaked a sensitive report on the nation’s foreign spy network had her movements tracked by a government inquiry.
The MP forced to resign over the leak, Peter Dunne, said inquiry head David Henry detailed to him the movements of Fairfax journalist Andrea Vance in and out of the parliamentary precinct. …”
All very confusing – this issue is not over yet. The dots are just not connecting …
*http://norightturn.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/spying-on-journalists.html
the turning worm.
Watched Dunne trying to get his points across in the debate on the Psychoactive Substances Bill, while being baited by Banks. When did Banks become a friend to man’s best friend? A Beagle Boy indeed. Did you know SAFE were denied the opportunity to make submissions, and the committee is unlikely to adopt Mathers’ SOP, which Banks supports; LDSO tests are obviously not excluded under the legal regimes in South East Asian countries where these substances are likely to be tested.
All the political parties seem to forget that the entire political system belongs to all NZers and not to the political parties.
David Shearer = No Good Whatsoever
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10893243
Shouldn’t really find amusement in Labours woes…but its just so funny
Just a prediction:
That bastion of the 4th Estate (‘Stuff’ – an appropriate name if ever there was) reports the media is being drawn into David Bain blame game http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8851997/Media-drawn-into-Bain-blame-game.
I’m now even more uncertain as to his guilt, and I’m not even sure that is the point. I’m waiting for this to become even more politicised to the extent that various counsel and supporters will soon find they are denigrated publicly – probably even including by the junta.
Yes, “the media are being played”.
According to Asst. Police Commissioner Malcolm Burgess, this new theory is only one in “isolation from a vast body of evidence”,” which one piece of circumstantial evidence does not outweigh”.
Unfortunate the entire matter sadly.
Looks like Shearer’s heading for the knackers: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8851945/Shearer-in-trouble-Key
Yes, the Shearer installation has been playing well for John Key and Nats.
Moving into the next phase now where Shearer The Awful can occupy the news for another two months.
What a bloody waste of all these months (plus another two months) with the majority of Labour caucus farking around with a hopeless seat warmer.
Arise, Mr Robertson. Pause no longer. Seek thy prize that now lies within thy grasp.
Robertson is half the problem. He backed and supported Shearer so that Cunliffe would not become leader. It was clear from the start that Shearer was a lame duck and not up to the job. As soon as Farrar and Hooton and Slater started supporting Shearer the alarm bells should have gone off.
Robertson played the factional game at the time even though he knew that Shearer would fail. Besides do you think that he has what it takes to win an election? He lost the party vote to the Greens in his electorate ffs.
For his careerism and because of his inability to do the job he should never be leader.
Time to start afresh. Cunliffe is the only one who can do the job. If MPs are going to stand in the way they should have their career path drastically altered. Anyone, repeat anyone, who makes a decision based on personal interest should go.
+1
+1
Totally agree Mr Burns Robertson and those who actively supported Shearer in my view.
Firstly if they backed Shearer because they thought Shearer was going to be an amazing leader they clearly have no idea what qualities a leader should have and two after being given a chance Shearer has failed to connect with voters and thats his job.
Thirdly by voting for Shearer over Cunliffe, Shearers voters totally disregarded grass roots members opinions during the membership contest.That being the case those Mp’s who voted against their LECs wishes and those who bullied members need to go. Those MPs have no credibility to work in the best interest of the Party or to represent its members.
Its time for a big clean out in Labour and sorry wont cut it.
The over-riding factor should be:
Who is the most gifted member of caucus and who is the best match for Key. There is only one answer. There only ever was one answer. That is why Farrar, Slater, Hooton and Boag were running up flags for Shearer in such an overt way. They had their own ABC club.
They threw Shearer in at the deep end on his back story and it was never going to be enough. To expect someone to walk in to that job with virtually no apprenticeship was crazy. It would be like arranging for a builder to build your house without any proper training and experience. To my way of thinking they did Shearer as much a dis-service as they did Cunliffe. Shows they weren’t really thinking of either the party or the country.
What it really shows, if your theory is right, is that the decision makers in labour are completely dim, and can be outwitted by Nat spin doctors. Why would anyone want to put such numpties in charge of a country?
Yes insider, that’s exactly the point. It’s exactly what many of us have been saying all along.
lol
If cunliffe had won, they’d still be concern-tr0lling about challenges from shearer or robertson or mallard. And Key would still be saying cunliffe is in trouble and might be facing a challenge before the end of the year.
McFlock, the difference would be that Cunliffe would accept that the blogosphere is a legitimate part of the Labour consensus. He is an inclusive person. Perhaps that comes from his upbringing in vicarages around the country.
Imagine! A Labour leader in the 21st Century who actually recognises that the blogs are part of the wider democratic process and who does not fear their power!
I look forward to a Labour leader and a Labour Prime Minister who can look both the membership and the public in the eye comfortably, whether in TV debate or on The Standard. Cunliffe has the balls and the ability to argue, (and/or charm), with whomsoever. Cunliffe will move us to a plane higher and firmer than the current swamp.
Unfortunately the member for Wellington Central, (3rd to the Greens), has driven in the wedges that divide the Labour Party. He’s pulling Shearer’s strings like something from Machievelli’s ‘The Prince”, but unfortunately for the Party he has only read the Reader’s Digest version. He lacks the skill and subtlety of a real player and cannot help but reveal his control freak behaviour in the clumsy way he operates. We only have to look at the failure of Red Alert to see that in action.
Cunliffe is not the man you think he is:
Cunliffe will move us to a plane higher and firmer than the current swamp
What rot. This is the sort of messianic drivel that just sets “the faithful” up for more heartbreak.
Rubbish. You have taken a quote out of context to the rest of the comment and tried to set it up as some sort of religious revival claptrap. Because Just do it’s views don’t fit in with yours… you discredit and belittle them. It’s a trait of yours and it’s not smart. Grow up!
My wariness at such imagery is from hearing people say similar things about Jim Anderton (among others). The person never matches the unreal expectations. If people don’t like me calling them on it, they can get stuffed.
You are right, CGV.
Cunliffe will unite the party again. Cunliffe has a majority in the Caucus, when you remove the four imbiciles who took graft from Skycity. Those four are politically dead. And Cunliffe always had the most members and Unions.
We can have a leader who never sold out and who talks properly to your mother or to your companys managing director. That should be the basic standard for a Leader. We should not be entertaining a fellow that asks us to pay for hs elecution seasons.
I totally agree with your summation Mr Burns.
When Shearer got the job as leader he promised to stand aside if he didn’t make a go of it… now’s the time for him to honour that promise.
Mr Burns – you seem to have had a personality change. No sarcasm, no support for the right. For once I agree with you.
Why thank you. Beneath the surface of every cantankerous cynical Nuclear Power Station owner lies the heart of a leftie environmentalist just dying for Labour to get its stuff together.
I think it’s just another side to his very complex personality, which has been hinting through in his past posts as well.
But it could be one hell of a sabotage job. Started by the ABC faction and Paddy Gower, and kept up by Hooten Farrar and Slater. Labour ended up with a lame duck and has LOST a year due to this distraction. One can only imagine what could have happened if the ABC faction were shown he door after the last debacle of an election. But they weren’t they just stayed on sucking the life out of the Labour Party. The treatment of Cunliffe was despicable and it drove me from being a life time Labour supporter, to voting Green, and unless something radical is done to A: Get some good policy out that they will support. I was dismayed when Robertson said they were only going to do the power company and everyone else was safe to continue the pillaging. Chris Trotter said it better.
“Grant Robertsonâs statement of 24 April made everything much clearer. According to Grant the energy policy was a one-off, and the business community could rest easy that far from being the harbinger of Labourâs wholesale repudiation of neoliberal ideology, the energy policy was an aberration. No other deviations from the norm were planned, purred Robertson:”
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/26/okay-okay-im-un-surrendering-replace-shearer/
B: Listen to the membership they paid their fees, they walk, hammer, post,phone, etc etc every election. Yet they are still being treated like shit, and they are leaving too.
C: Get some new blood Labour is supposed to be a left party, but it is being ruin by dinosaurs with out dated thinking and even more out dated fuckups, I mean if you wanted to go to the Rugby. Well you are paid enough, (so as you don’t need to visit the ‘Enemies’ box.) Buy your own Tickets.
D: Just show some common sense. Shearer is not working, and Labour is on track for a bigger beating than last time. And NZ cannot afford 3 more years of Keys megalomania, and sell it all attitude. And I notice they are after the councils to start selling their assets like the port and Airport shares to pay for covered stadiums and the rail loop. That tells me they must have people just slavering at the thought of all these shares being gifted to them by a compliant government.
TV3’s Paddy Gower was explicitly clear that the detailed notes he took from a Labour caucus member were well outside the “Cunliffe camp” as he put it.
Despite the constitutional rule changes, the membership do not count. Either the media or the caucus need to call clearly for change of leaderhship. Hasn’t happened yet.
In fact caucus show all the signs of just doing another Goff and simply strapping themselves to ride the bomb straight into the ground. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-Haaaa!
Spring is not far away.
robertson..?..really..?..you reckon he is the best hope that labour has got..?
..(as noted above..)..did you miss his craven promise to the elites/current-power-paradigm that ‘electricity’ would be the only reform that a labour govt would do..?
..f.f.s..!..isn’t just that a neon-sign/loudhailer telling you that robertson is part of the problem..?
..and i hafta say..having done commentaries on q-time @ parliament for some years now..
..i have probably seen more of robertson in action than most..
..and in that forum..he has generally not impressed..
..(up against ryall in health he was particularly hapless/ineffectual..)
..and using impressions taken from that same window into parliament..
..the only one from labour that makes national/the right sit up straight and pay attention..
..is cunnliffe..
..they are particularly nervous about his follow-up questions..and his ability to instantly pounce on any contradictions in their answers to his interrogations..
..because ‘interrogations’ are what they are..
..and this is a skill that cunnliffe has..
..and that neither shearer nor robertson have..
(n.b..i have never met cunnliffe..and have been snarky about him in the past @ whoar..and i have not voted for labour since the rightwing revolution..
..so i have no party-faction-agenda/barrow..tho’ i do yearn for a labour that returns to its’ roots..
..and does what it was set up originally to do..eh..?)
..robertson is just a leader of those in labour who have still lost their way…
..and making him shearers’ successor will likely guarantee a defeat for the left in just over one year from now..
..much as continuing to cling to the wreck that is shearer will do…
..a labour party/govt led by the nose by the rightwing faction in labour..(who ‘nudge-nudge’/wink!-wink!’ robertson leads)..
..will be as big a disaster for those suffering the most..
..as was the last clark/labour-led govt..
..that bow/promise to the elites to do nothing to rock their boats from robertson –
– was the magazine loading marks on his thumb..
..(is it too soon..?..)
phillip ure..
+2 three meke.
I’ve never really understood why Helen decided to have a cuppa and a lay down in the third term and do absolutely sfa – when there was a golden opportunity to further roll back a bit more of the damage that the Nats had done during the 90s.
’cause she wanted a 4th, obviously.
Would have been better if she’d gone all out but I don’t think she would have done so – still too tied to the neo-liberal dogma.
Yep – you’re probably correct DtB. I must have been blinded by devotion and admiration of her intellect not to have realised earlier.
That last (3rd) term was a shocker – in terms of laziness, stagnation, complacency and unwillingness to seize the opportunity to reverse the effects of that Ruthenasia era. Seems to me the current Labour scene queens are still in that mode.
It is what happens when you rely on Winston Peters for confidence. You can’t do left wing stuff any more.
Do you reckon MS?
I think Peters would have supported a large nation building infrastructure and public transport building programme. He would have supported enhanced healthcare for the elderly and for children. He certainly would have supported massive additions to trade training and skills for young people. And improvements to state provided low cost pensioner housing – a no brainer for Winston to claim credit for.
Just what I was thinking, David H. As a longtime Labour activist I’ve just about given up !
Hate what Key is doing to our country, but cannot bear the thought of voting Labour to get those old hack neo-libs back into power. What’s the alternative ? Greens perhaps !
Yep, National are determined to turn us back into a rentier society where most of the people are dependent upon the rich for their well being, i.e, if you don’t please a rich person then your life will be a life of poverty. We saw this in the 19th century but the time most applicable is the time of feudalism.
National are busy taking us backwards several centuries.
+1 too.
YES!
So, the journos wrote and published an entire story about one party leader on what an opposing party leader thinks is going to happen to the other?
Because key says so? Just before a by-election?
I mean, come on.
I have to ask Labourites a question.
Are you all still happy with the new leader election rules of Labour?
Not so much for the process of electing a new leader, rather the unintended consequence of the reluctance to dump an incompetent leader (aka Shearer) due to the uncertainty of who will replace him?
Does this turn the Labour caucus into a bunch of cowards?
Do the rules need to be modified so that the party membership and affiliates can initiate a leadership challenge?
Because from how I see it from the outside, Shearer is an incompetent leader who has very little support apart from the ABC crowd in caucus who are just enough in number to block a leadership challenge.
So you have the membership & unions and reasonable chunk of caucus who want a change but it can’t happen because of a sizable minority of has beens holding up the renewal process and no automatic leadership vote until after 2014?
But I thought that all righties all agreed that Shearer would be a wonderful leader. After all he did give a mango skin to some poor kids once and he did think that it was unfair that a guy painting his roof was receiving ACC. I mean even if the guy did not actually exist being willing to bash an imaginary benefit bludger would be the sort of thing the right would really approve of.
Shearer is a wonderful leader of labour :), don’t even think of replacing him
Why is it that righties are suddenly so interested in Labour’s leadership? From the PM down it seems.
because its funny.
I think D. Shearer is the right man for Labour. Keep him, please.
Just give your party back to the workers. All will come right after that.
How do they do that?
Nope, it’s for the members to take their party back off the caucus.
443,000 more people voted for National than Labour at the last election. Who are these people? The rich, some middle classes and aspiring blue collar workers. I wonder how many enrolled non-voters there were at the 2011 election.
~800,000
That’s a lot of people. I wish they would start to feel angry rather than disinterested in what is happening. If they think not voting is a protest then I wish we could send them the message that voting is a more powerful protest.
“I wish they would start to feel angry rather than disinterested in what is happening.”
You make it sound like they woke up one morning a couple of years ago and decided not to care about politics any more. They didn’t.
They were taught, meticulously and repetitively, by several generations of politicians, that no-one in a position of power, whether left or right wing, gives a stuff about them.
And btw they’re not going to wake up tomorrow morning and unlearn it just because Labour’s middle-of-the-road fan club have decided they like John Key better.
+1
+1
We need a party that gives them a reason to vote and we just don’t have one of those.
You make it sound like they woke up one morning a couple of years ago and decided not to care about politics any more. They didnât.
They were taught, meticulously and repetitively, by several generations of politicians, that no-one in a position of power, whether left or right wing, gives a stuff about them.
Hear, hear!
and a clearer demonstration of that indifference/neglect from labour had to be their promise at the last election to bring sole-parents into the families tax-break/subsidy working parents get..
..(and here is the kicker/nose-grind..)..by 2018..
..(i kid you not..this was their election promise to those they have ignored for so long..and who now ignore them..this was the lure to get them back..what were they thinking..?
..and here is the bit to make you sob/despair..shearer/robertson dominated labour have since ditched this policy – as being ‘too radical’..
..’we are still a long way from home will..a long way from home..’.)
..so really..rolling shearer has to be a package-deal..
..make it a twofer…
..bundle up robertson at the same time..
..he also has had long enough to prove he isn’t growing into the job..
..phillip ure..
This.
http://annesummers.com.au/2013/06/bullying-and-outright-treachery-are-the-new-normal-in-australia/
“truth, like decency, is no longer part of our political currency it seems”.-Anne Summers.
(Greens support for the ALP expires in September anyway).
âtruth, like decency, is no longer part of our political currency it seemsâ.-Anne Summers.
… nor, it seems is it a part of the Police agenda, or the judicial process (in relation to our Bain thoughts above)
From the very moment he was appointed I knew that David Shearer lacked the qualities needed by a political leader. David Cunliffe has some of those qualities but if his colleagues don’t like or trust him, how can he be leader? At the moment anyway.
What about David Parker or Andrew Little?
And Shearer seems to be confident about only one thing: that he will lead the party into the 2014 election. Does he know something Patrick Gower doesn’t or is that pure spindoctoring?
BTW, for a fabulous insight into the nature of leadership and the skulduggery of politics I recommend the Danish TV series Borgen, available on DVD. It’s very relevant to Australian and New Zealand politics.
Little maybe, but probably too soon. Parker no. Robertson no.
If you put Little up now, before he is properly blooded, you’ll be wasting what could be an awesome future talent.
On TV 3 tonight, Gower cited Cunliffe, Robertson and Little as the ones to watch. Nothing he said indicated whether he was speculating or repeating what he was told, but it left me thinking that if a leadership challenge really is in the pipeline, Robertson might well try to persuade more than one left wing favourite to put their name forward, with a view to splitting the vote.
The 3 Gower mentioned, had me musing on who the “anonymous” source of the “flat” caucus might be.
I’d have thought Jacinda Ardern would be in the frame as much as Little?
She may be considered a bit young to bear that level of authority. As CV said of Little, you can wreck people’s future careers by overburdening them too soon – some people think that is the case with Shearer, with regard to parliamentary experience.
Hi Maureen, it has nothing to do with liking and trust. It has everything to do with job security. If you look at who supported Shearer they are all people who had never won a seat properly. They had been given list positions or been given easy seats like mount Albert. Cunliffe has the mana of taking a seat from the Natz.
Cunliffe is respected and a real Trust comes put of that. Parker is not a winner ever. Little has not won a seat. They have not earned a possie on the stage.
test
Fracking ? See http://www.thedailyshow.com for extended interview with documentary maker Josh Fox on his “Gasland Part Two” for HBO. See people being able to ignite the water coming from their wells in USA heartland …
the contamination of the aquifiers in HB is a very real concern from this process.
Here.
So, today’s the day (tonight’s the night) when Christchurch City Council learn whether IANZ remove their permitting accreditation.
And the RB fear that the raising of interest rates will damage the ‘economic recovery’; what fragile coffers they must see.
Please watch this and be energised.
Thousands gathered to support Wendy Davis in Austin on Thursday night’s filibuster — this marvelous coverage warmed my heart, reminding me of how we used to be willing to do battle here .. the Repubs are such bullies; their skulduggery has to be seen to be believed, even to changing the electronic clock … wonderful reporting by the great Rachel Maddow … prepare to be ready to cheer for these brave and determined ones…. democracy alive in Texas …
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26315908/#52324859
But Rick Perry will be back again in a few weeks to try again … watch the interview that follows on the above report and believe the possibility of sea-change in Texas.
Democracy, sea-change, nah, wishful thinking.
Because of yesterday’s day of jubilee, the other, less evolved primates in the Texas legislature are now free to redistrict an end to Davis’s meddlesome political career.
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/All_Things_Are_Connected
Thx for link Joe90 — they will get this strong woman to run for governor on the back of all this .. did you read the comments section ? Let’s see .. the people are awake and sea change can follow … ripples are the promises the waves make to the flood, and all that ! Wishful thinking ? nah.
Would there actually be any point changing leadership now?
We’re still a far way out, but I think you’d end up like Labour in aussie at the moment. Might as well ride it out with Shearer, wreak him, change leaders?
Yes, there has to be a point to it. Labour will lose under Shearer, almost no doubt about it. He can’t cut it. Cunliffe would be fresh, extremely capable and a brilliant and articulate communicator, likely the best in the House. The diff ‘twixt here and Oz ? We would not be re-selecting a previously-used leader. I dread the future for us all if Gnats get a third term; I seriously doubt we could ever recover from their massive harms.
I have to agree with you yeshe – if Labour do not win the next election, I fear it’ll be one seriously munted and irrelevant political party.
Bugger the Labour Party… there will be significantly more munted and irrelevant people in NZ if we have another 3 years of Pinokeyo, the fat controller et al.
Don’t worry yeshe, infused is getting a bit worried Cunliffe might become leader and biff it to his/her beloved NActs.
Would Cunliffe improve Labour’s prospects next year? Possibly. But the heart of the problem is that the Labour Party as a caucus and as an organisation, remains too far away from understanding what NZ needs. Which IMO I will put this way: 12 strong years which will rework the entire economy and set NZ right on track for thriving through peak oil and climate change.
Ride it out….like we did under Goff
Ride it out and let Nats in for another Term.
Ride it out and see our supporters go to e Greens and Mana and even NZ First.
Ride it out is not an option
Ride it out is not an option
Ride it out is not an option
Yeah, let us repeat the same mistakes.
Go Infusion. You are INSPIRED
Something good to report today.
Old films in NZ to be archived and cared for.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8851761/Lab-deal-gives-rare-Kiwi-films-new-life
Am I to understand from that link that they took thousands of reels of acetate and nitrate old films on a plane?
One reel in a car (or your house) would be highly dangerous.
Holy crap…you might as well carry 100kg of incendiaries onboard.
Coleman shines a lamp on the poor record of safety in the NZDF and launches a “wide-ranging enquiry”.
Risk to the financial system, general price stability, due to the housing market may be greater than in the lead-up to the GFC
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10893435
“significant financial and economic damage could result”.
Auckland housing sprawls across prime, productive agricultural land http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10893444. sigh.
Had to happen.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/06/wikileaks-mole/
all for 5 Grand
The Nats Auckland Transport announcement;
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893553
-CRL
-AMETI (east-west link)
-another harbour crossing- twin tunnels; 2025-2030
Despite pressure coming on from the council, and the Greens, total rail trips have to increase from 11M currently, to 20M per annum to have CRL brought forward from 2020 considered.
Not surprised the CRL announcement from National turns out to be a trojan horse.
Did anyone really expect much more?
Along with the proposed double harbour tunnel. Key said that the Christchurch spend was all signed and sealed – unbreakable, but note nothing has been written in concrete about the CRL or the tunnel.
Don’t know about a horse. I hoped santa would bring us a bridge – isn’t a tunnel in the shaky isles a bit of a pipedream?
Off topic I guess, but well done to steven adams for getting pick by the thunder at no12 in the draft.
Piñera, an intergenerational clan of thugs.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/27/chilean-protesters-street-battles-police
FYI
“An amateur litigant who has a court case against MP John Banks under way and plans one against MP Peter Dunne is now advancing the process against Prime Minister John Key.”
(Only found about this today).
It’s potentially quite a big deal.
I mean – whoever expected the DEFENDANT John Banks to end up in the dock, at the Auckland District Court?
A sitting MP, being held accountable in a Court of LAW, to the RULE OF LAW?
Far out!
Whoever may be next………………?
GREAT work Private Prosecutor Graham McCready!
______________________________________________________________________________
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8845031/Litigant-launches-more-cases
” Litigant launches more cases
MICHAEL FIELD
Last updated 17:08 26/06/2013
An amateur litigant who has a court case against MP John Banks under way and plans one against MP Peter Dunne is now advancing the process against Prime Minister John Key.
Graham McCready, a retired accountant, of Wellington, has filed informations with the Wellington District Court against Key alleging that he broke the Crimes Act by using or authorising illegal surveillance on internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom.
He has submitted the same informations against Government Communications Security Bureau head Ian Fletcher.
Deputy registrar Kevin Conroy has acknowledged the informations.
“I now have to consider the matter of the issue of summonses under the provisions of the Summary Procedures Act 1957,” he said.
He said he must be satisfied that the informations and summons disclosed an offence and there was sufficient information to fairly inform the defendants.
McCready is asked to provide a full written summary of the facts.
His case involves a section of the Crimes Act that prohibits the use of interception devices and says “everyone is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years who intentionally intercepts any private communication by means of an interception device”.
Key’s office had no comment.
McCready has previously taken private prosecutions against MPs Trevor Mallard and Banks. The prosecution against Mallard alleged assault, but the Labour MP later pleaded guilty to fighting in a public place in 2007.
In May, Banks pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging he filed a false electoral return in the Auckland mayoralty race three years ago. ”
______________________________________________________________________________
More information (copies of the actual ‘informations’) will be available soon – so you can read them for yourselves.
Kind regards,
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation’ campaigner
2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate
Heavens to Murgatroyd!
Graham McCready: Convicted tax fraudster and blackmailer
Yes. Invaluable qualifications for spotting others who also have corrupted characters.
And as Judge Mills pointed out in the Wellington District Court at law, allegations stand or fall on their own merit, not on the character of the person making the allegations. An upstanding person may totally believe a wrong allegation Burglars don’t not necessarily commit treason.
Why is the system leaving it to a private individual to get John Banks into the dock?
This must leave you with a problem WRT John Key. Does he have an upstanding character with dreadful actions or vice versa.
“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! He’s living in Limbo!”
Another depraved few minutes on the Panel preshow.
Radio NZ National, Friday 28 June 2013
Jim Mora, Duncan Webb, Sally Wenley
If Red China during the very worst excesses of its crackdowns against “rightists”, “revisionists” and “capitalist running dogs” had had talk radio, this is what it would have sounded likeâŠ.
JIM MORA: It’s a quarter to four, and it’s time for Susan Baldacci and what the wooooooooorld’s talking about!
SUSAN BALDACCI: Well today the world is talking about Las Vegas, Nevada, which is getting ready for the hottest temperature ever recorded in the world.
MORA: What, on Planet Earth?
SUSAN BALDACCI: They are expecting a temperature of—
MORA: The hottest temperature on Planet Earth?
SUSAN BALDACCI: Yep. It’s 142 Fahrenheit, or 56.7 celsius.
MORA: We were talking about the Indian floods but this is a real crisis too isn’t it.
SUSAN BALDACCI: It certainly is. The big worry would be if the power went out!
MORA:Where was the previous highest temperature?
SUSAN BALDACCI: In Australia, I think.
MORA: Was it in Australia?
SUSAN BALDACCI: Y-y-y-y-yes.
MORA: I’ve been in 42 degrees once. But fifty-SIX degrees. That’s amazing!
SALLY WENLEY: Oh yes. Amazing!
âŠ.[Long, vacuous pause]âŠ.
MORA: What’s Mr Snowden been up to?
SUSAN BALDACCI: Arrrrrggghhhh. He’s not going anywhere!
MORA Ha ha ha!
SUSAN BALDACCI: He’s still in that transit lounge in Russia!
MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! He’s living in Limbo!
SALLY WENLEY: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
SUSAN BALDACCI: It looks like he could be going to Ecuador.
MORA: Hmmmmm. Ecuador is being extremely aggressive, isn’t it!
SUSAN BALDACCI: Yes, they are threatening to CANCEL the trade agreement they have with the United States!
MORA: Why?
SUSAN BALDACCI: Well, they are going to preemptively reject millions in trade benefits that it could lose by taking in this guy from his limbo in the Moscow airport. They say they are not going to be “blackmailed” by the United States. They want to show their “independence”.
MORA: Huh!
SALLY WENLEY: Huh!
SUSAN BALDACCI: But President Obama has said they are not going to beg anyone to help them get this guy.
MORA: Yeah, exactly.
SALLY WENLEY: Exactly.
MORA: And they said something about how they are offering to give the United States $23 million a year for “human rights training”.
SUSAN BALDACCI: Yep, a government spokesman said :”Ecuador will not accept pressures or threats from anyone, and it does not traffic in its values or allow them to be subjugated to mercantile interests.”
MORA: Ha ha ha ha ha! Good Lord! Ha ha ha!
SALLY WENLEY: Ha ha ha ha ha!
…et cetera, et cetera, ad absurdum, ad nauseamâŠ
LIARS OF OUR TIME
No. 24: John Key
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“…at the end of the day I, like most New Zealanders, value the role of the fourth estate…”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
—New Zealand prime minister John Key, pretending to be “disappointed” that parliamentary staff passed on information about a journalist’s movements as part of an inquiry into the leak of sensitive information.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8853155/Journalists-movements-tracked-by-leak-inquiry
See alsoâŠ.
No. 23 Jay Carney: “…expel Mr Snowden back to the U.S. to face justice…”
No. 22 Mike Bush: âBruce Hutton had integrity beyond reproach.â
No. 21 Tim Groser: âI think the relationship is genuinely in outstanding form.â
No. 20 John Key: âBut if the question is do we use the United States or one of our other partners to circumvent New Zealand law then the answer is categorically no.â
No. 19 Matthew Hooton: âIt is ridiculous to say that unions deliver higher wages! They DONâT!â
No. 18 Ant Strachan: âThe All Blacks won the RWC 2011 because of outstanding defence!â
No. 17 Stephen Franks: âPeter has been such a level-headed, safe pair of hands.â
No. 16 Phil Kafcaloudes: âTony AbbottâŠhasnât made any mistakes over the past eighteen months.â
No. 15 Donald Rumsfeld: âI did not lie⊠Colin Powell did not lie.â
No. 14 Colin Powell: âa post-9/11 nexus between Iraq and terrorist organizationsâŠconnections are now emergingâŠâ
No.13 Barack Obama: âSimply put, these strikes have saved lives.â
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-27052013/#comment-638881
No. 12 U.K. Ministry of Defence: âProtecting the Afghan civilian population is one of ISAF and the UKâs top priorities.â
No. 11 Brendan OâConnor: âAustraliaâs approach to refugees is compassionate and generous.â
No. 10 Boris Johnson: âLondoners have⊠the best police in the world to look after us and keep us safe.â
No. 9 NewstalkZB PR dept: âNews you NEED! Fast, fair, accurate!â
No. 8 Simon Bridges: âI donât mean to duck the questionâŠ.â
No. 7 Nigel Morrison: âQuite frankly, theyâve been VERY tough.â
âšhttp://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-15052013/#comment-633295
âšNo. 6 NZ Herald PR dept: âCongratulationsâyouâre reading New Zealandâs best newspaper.ââš
âšNo. 5 Rawdon Christie: ââŠa FORMIDABLE replacement, it seems, is Claudette Hauiti.ââšhttp://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-13052013/#comment-632594âš
No. 4 Willie and J.T.: âThe X-Factor. Nah, nah, thereâs some GREAT talent there!ââš
No. 3 John Key: âYeah we hold MPs to a higher standard.â
âšNo. 2 Colin Craig: âOh, I have a GREAT sense of humour.â
âšNo. 1 Barack Obama: âMargaret Thatcher was one of the great champions of freedom and liberty.â
Humbug Cornerâš
No. 5: JOHN KEY
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Yeah well the Greens’ answer to everything is rail, isn’t it.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
—John Key, Radio NZ National Checkpoint, 5:20p.m., Friday 28 June 2013. Host Mary Wilson let him get away with that unchallenged as usual.
Humbug Corner is dedicated to gathering, and highlighting, the most striking examples of faux solicitude, insincere apologies, and particularly stupid recycling of official canards. It is produced by the Insincerity ProjectÂź, a division of Daisycutter Sports Inc.
More appalling humbugâŠ.
No. 4 Mike Bush: “Bruce Hutton’s⊠integrity beyond reproachâŠsuch great character⊔
âšNo. 3 Dean Lonergan: âYâ know what? The only people who will mock them are people who are dwarfists.ââš
No. 2 Peter Dunne: âWhat a load of drivel and sanctimonious humbugâŠââš
âšNo.1 Dominic Bowden: âItâs okay to be speechless.â
The Black Hole, of Kolkata
http://www.ibtimes.com/india-set-surpass-china-worlds-largest-coal-importer-use-power-plants-1327117 :India to surpass China importing coal to meet energy shortages.
IMF (Lagarde) on “Green Economies that respond to Climate Change will create jobs”
http://www.ibtimes.com/imf-director-says-green-economies-respond-climate-change-will-create-jobs-1326579
France officially in recession and heading towards 11% jobless rate
http://www.ibtimes.com/france-officially-recession-headed-jobless-rate-over-11-1324355
The sound of the other shoe dropping . . .
How much are the NSA and the CIA front running markets?
http://m.nakedcapitalism.com/nakedcapitalism/#!/entry/how-much-are-the-nsa-and-cia-front-running-markets,51cd441687443d6c8e580489/1
Given the embargo on promoting any candidate on election day, please do NOT make any comments relating to the by election anywhere on The Standard from midnight until after 7pm on Saturday. ThanksâŠ