it is a wee bit confusing in the job market, – from a job vacancy ad on trademe jobs:
“We do not accept online applications if you wish to apply please email mxxxxxxd @ xxxx.net.nz.” (address edited for anonymity)
The breakdown by party support is interesting/amusing, with National Party supporters being the most “trusting” – or stupid, immoral, cognitively dissonant or whatever.
from Sunday on cycling;
two reporters left Te Atatu for TVNZ in the city, 13kms distance. With the motorist having to wait at the on-ramp for 20minutes and travel at approx 40km/h in traffic, find a park and walk the remainder, the cyclist arrived first travelling by cycle-way.
Aucklands transport problems according to Len Brown on Firstline require 60B investment, (under-investment for decades), with a 12B shortfall to be met by tolls, fuel tax proposals etc.
Although 600M could be invested in cycle-ways for Auckland, there would be a 20-1 long-term cost benefit according to cycle-safety specialist Glen Koorey.
from a cyclist-accident victim on the same article; “We have become such a mean-spirited nation…people used to say about Kiwis…” (encouraging things I imagine).
ahhh, missed it; what I haven’t missed are observations of the attitudes and emotions held by many motorists questioned by the media on their approach towards cyclists. freakin’ hicks.
The results of the Brain fade poll , reads as if the question asked was more like,
“Do you think John Key is a liar?”
That would explain the party split , nicely.
I recall somebody here , in the last week or so , saying their partner had been polled by Reids,
and one the questions was pretty much “do you think Key is a liar”
Reids wouldn’t change the question , after the poll result, would they? Na
Wouldn’t it be great if when publishing/referencing a poll the media had to supply the actual poll data, including the questions. Even better than that would be a declaration of whomever had commissioned the poll in the first place.
yes lanthanide, i should have added that the noted article did include the reference to it being a TV3 poll but as a general rule we both know the identity of those commissioning polls is largely anonymous.
“I recall somebody here , in the last week or so , saying their partner had been polled by Reids,
and one the questions was pretty much “do you think Key is a liar””
That is what they said, but they came back and corrected that the question asked of their partner was the polling question we are shown.
The dishonest and irresponsible work of Andrew Wakefield has claimed a victim
Wales has had low Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccination rates for some time … since about 1998, in fact, when Andrew Wakefield published his bogus study in the Lancet falsely linking the MMR vaccine to autism.
So what are you going to say when it comes out that the chronically sick 25 year old in question had already been immunised against measles?
By the way, according to the schedule the dead man should have been vaccinated years before the Wakefield study came out, as an infant, so I think its more likely that he had been immunised. Yet was so sick.
The point of vaccination is not just to protect yourself, but also to protect others.
How he contracted it in the first place is the real issue, not whether his particular jab didn’t work, or whether due to allergies he couldn’t get vaccinated, or whether his parents were nutty even before Wakefield’s fraud.
Bit of a climb down though innit joe, from has, to may! You get some credit, for the climb down, but its been sloppy from you lately, aer you ok?
No matter how hard McFlock tries to spin it, then pulls out the , * you should be guilty*, for not protecting others, what a legend you are McFlock /sarc!
What other illness did this unfortunate individual suffer from?
Article title:Measles Epidemic in Wales Has Roots in Antivax Movement.
Opening line of article: The measles outbreak in Wales may have claimed its first victim..
I never said “you should be guilty”.
I just think that people who refuse to vaccinate for no clear medical reason (e.g. egg allergy) are selfish idiots.
Population perspective: clear link.
Individual case perspective: who knows? There’s always the slim possibility he had some measles-like condition.
When attributing primary cause of mortality in individual cases there’s always oodles of theoretical wriggle room (from poor nutrition to undiagnosed heart problems), and you look set to use every inch of it. A bit like 50 years of tobacco industry wriggling – but then they were intentionally duplicitous, rather than wildly delusional, so I guess you’re not quite in their league.
Each year around Anzac Day, my electorate hosts a social event, the highlight of which is a lecture in memory of a popular former Labour MP who was killed in Crete in 1942. This year’s lecture was given by Nicky Hagar. The basis of the lecture was his latest book “Other People’s Wars”. It was gob-smacking stuff!
There were a number of former and even current senior military personnel – plus senior public servants – who were apparently only too willing to apprise Nicky of the behind the scenes activity particularly in relation to the war in Afghanistan. This was a measure of their profound concern for what they saw… and the blatant lies that we in New Zealand have been told about our involvement in that war. Politicians – on both sides of the fence and including Helen Clark – were tricked into believing we were there as peace keepers. The peace keeping played a role, but from all accounts it turned out not to be their primary function.
Add to that an over-all appraisal by Nicky about what he perceives is happening behind the political front, and I think there would be many here interested in what he had to say.
I know the lecture was recorded (sound-wise at least) and I think it might be possible for the Standard to seek to post that recording here. Labour MP, Phil Twyford would be the person to approach in the first instance, because he initiated the annual lectures and is still heavily involved.
Further to the above are two quotes from the book:
It would be nice for someone to pause and say, “Hell, we’re coming up to the 10th anniversary [Sept.11 attacks], are we better or are we worse?. I think the answer is we’re worse. How stupid are we to have allowed a reaction led by the United States that has actually made it worse for the world? – senior defence official.
People assume that politicians make decisions, but often they are busy, ill informed or actively excluded… The worst decisions were made by senior officials and military officers, often without [the ministers’] knowledge. – senior NZ government official.
People assume that politicians make decisions, but often they are busy, ill informed or
excluded… The worst decisions were made by senior officials and military officers, often without [the ministers’] knowledge. – senior NZ government official.
I think that is a salient point Anne and I’ve repeated it for me and any others who have had naive ideas about politicians and what they are doing with their time and influence while in the House and having some power.
In the USA it may be that the control of the country has largely passed out of the hands of those elected representatives who take their role for the people seriously. Where there is money there is power, which does seem to be a correct saying, and the budget of the Defence there is astro-astronomical. Scary stuff for sincere democracy believers.
I’d recommend anyone (everyone) read the book even though it is a big read.
It makes it pretty clear that senior defence people were determined to go against explicit government foreign policy (and directives) in order to preserve – or resurrect – their contact and ‘relationships’ with the US, UK and Australia. Ever since the nuclear ship ban and the suspension of ANZUS, parts of the defence leadership ran a de facto military foreign policy at odds with government policy, especially in the 2000s.
There’s a word for that, and when you need to apply it to the defence forces it is particularly concerning.
I am shocked that Hager’s book has received so little journalistic follow-through. There are stories in there that I would have thought any journalist worth their salt would have given an arm and a leg to have the opportunity to run with (if that isn’t mixing too many metaphors).
I am shocked that Hager’s book has received so little journalistic follow-through.
A bit of jealousy mixed with narrow, establishment thinking and a naive desire to be part of the American military scenario? Most of the MSM seem happy to go along with the authoritarian and anti-democratic flow if they think that is where their best interests may lie…
But it is heartening to know there were military and public service personnel who were willing to spill the beans in the interest of integrity and transparency.
“But it is heartening to know there were military and public service personnel who were willing to spill the beans in the interest of integrity and transparency.”
It certainly is – but no matter how heartening, I don’t think that’s the point. After all, the military went its own way despite the integrity of these people and their desire for transparency. The lack of ‘follow through’ reinforces that fact.
As with so many issues, the point is not about individuals and their motives (for good or ill). It’s about structures and institutional processes that bias against (or for) certain kinds of behaviours and, therefore, in favour of certain kinds of people with certain kinds of views.
The historical interweaving of the NZ military with the UK and then US military (training, experience under command, etc.) I imagine meant (and still means) that those with pro-UK/US leanings will have formed the useful overseas connections and ‘upward’ connections within the already established hierarchy that ensure they rise through the ranks and assume positions of power.
That process is common to all institutions – those who align themselves with powerful interests within and around the ‘system’ do better in the ‘system’. It’s Chomsky and Hermann’s point about the media and who ends up being an editor – the very people who agree with the direction.
The older I get the more I think that the interesting questions are hardly ever about motives, character, personal integrity, etc.. They are about the uses that structures make of people.
I’d love to hear the speech on audio or video.
Tried to go to the speech but it was sold out days early. I think you’ll find there is a keen interest for independent voices like Nicky Hager and, if it’s possible, maybe book a larger venue next time.
Thank for your efforts Anne in getting people like Nicky H to speak.
Thanks Paul. The effort was really put in by others including Phil Twyford. Yes, we are going to have to find a bigger venue. We have been fortunate thus far in attracting excellent speakers and the word has got around. So much so, people who are not associated with the Labour Party also want to attend. I think the recording was audio only but still well worth listening to. I will try and contact Phil Twyford and see if it’s possible to have it posted here.
Also from he Sunday Star Times http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8605428/Talking-about-a-New-Zealand-constitution
You should have a look at their poll and see what you think about it. It seems to be quite balanced and requires a bit of thought. They have a space for 130 words about your ideas for NZ which they may tweet.
I went to a meeting in the weekend hosted by a Nelson group. My feelings are that the appointed commissioners seem to be standing aside and leaving the bringing information and discussion to each region which has to find people with something to say and who can project their ideas. The visiting commissioners seem more like window dressing, and there does not seem to be a plan for a tour of the country by informative speakers, the appointees just attend the arranged meeting and give a quick run down of their instructions. Then at our meeting the speakers were invited to make their individual points.
There was a speaker from the country’s numerous old, white anti-Maori bigots, who also were a vocal group in the audience. Overturning agreements already reached, limiting the Treaty to a historical document with narrow meanings, and overturning decisions made already by eminent people in favour of Maori seemed to be their unswerving and bigoted goal. There was the usual white patronising and demeaning attitude to Maori heard from such people, mainly white-haired and probably old age beneficiaries, and I am one of this age so I can be reasonably objective. (Their thinking at base being – Maori are undeserving, they haven’t a case for consideration of their rights and wrongs, and that the decisions made by eminent people in favour of Maori stand for nothing)
Unfortunately for me, the bigot was the second speaker not the last. The first was a criminal lawyer who does good work and is aware of the need of the law to serve the citizens, poor and rich, and I am asking for the right to be able to access his submission paper for The Standard readers. (I now have that okay but have to speak to my advisor on how to go about putting it up tonight.)
But when the second speaker began and started with what to me is poisonous, backward diatribe that would have an acidic effect on good relations between Maori and pakeha and our moves forward to a better future, I had to leave. This man Bruce Moon was a co-author with John Robinson, David Round, Mike Butler, Hugh Barr, Peter Cresswell of a book called Twisting the Treaty – A Tribal Grap for Wealth and Power with a related web page headed Treatygate – The Conning of a Country which pitches it against one called Healing our History by Robert and Joanna Consedine. The large number of biased authors writing for the Twisting book make for a whiteout on the subject, one whole page of google is taken up with headings from their individual comments and initiatives.
Some people who are focussed on one approach with a tunnel vision that pours all their energy on their chosen mission, are a horrible obstacle to gathering wide information and take up the precious time set aside for that purpose. I had better things to do. But I want to see healthy discussion on a good constitution. I don’t trust National to do anything good, they are increasingly adopting fascist, and anti-democratic policies.
My point that NZ government doesn’t care about families much and won’t support them is backed up by the Super Grans business. These people in power are self absorbed social climbers and wealthy isolated types. They could care about a fine racehorse with good breeding but ordinary people – no.
And budget advisory, that would admit there is a necessity, a demand for this, and in a climate where people have to apply for five jobs a day in a recession well there is a certain coherence if they just keep on denying reality.
Following on from some comments concerning the state of private aged care in NZ the other day, this article from ‘The Independent’ on the unfolding crisis in England, Wales and Northern Ireland might be of interest to some – particularly if there are jots to be joined or comparisons made with any debt burden among NZ’s private providers.
“part of a wider collapse in social care driven by spending cuts”. (sound familiar)
“solving the inevitably rocketing (fixed) costs of social care for the elderly and disabled is an issue expected to dog governments for decades to come”. (energy, food, wages, oh wait Ryman et al; will be able to pay lower wages).
Well, NZ Government is already working on the Euthanasia bill…… it will be introduced under the umbrella that there is too much suffering. Watch this space.
Canadian foreign minister John Baird is now a human rights champion!
April 29, 2013
Liberals and human rights activists will welcome the news that the formerly hard right Canadian foreign minister John Baird has made a spectacular and sudden conversion to being a champion of human rights.
After a Canadian friend of mine yesterday damned Mr Baird as “a disgusting piece of sh!t”, and urged me to “Google the useless f+ck” I decided to follow his advice and do a little bit of research on him. What I have found tends to reinforce my friend’s observation.
John Baird has developed a reputation as an hysterical opponent of the Kyoto Protocols, and he has been roundly denounced by virtually everybody who has come into contact with him. After observing Baird’s irresponsible conservation policies, Al Gore called them “a complete and total fraud” and accused him of trying to “mislead the Canadian people”. Baird’s conservation policies have been damned by David Suzuki as a “sham”. Activists at the Cancun climate conference in 2010 were scathing of his environmental policies and awarded Canada three “Fossil” awards for disrupting and undermining U.N. climate talks.
When he is not trashing the environment, John Baird likes to hang out with soldiers. He spent Christmas 2006 in Afghanistan with Canadian occupation troops.
Baird is an aggressive and shameless supporter of the Likud party in Israel, and last year he made a widely condemned statement that Iran was “the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today.”
Wow. He was a really cool guy. The nats gave him a hard time because he did not accord to their concepts of a parliamentarian but he was a very gracious person. On a marae he could not be matched and when talking to kiwis his ability to relate to them was phenomenal.
I had the pleasure of being at the Avondale Markets with him campaigning and I can honestly say that he was without his peers. Even though he was 400 kilometers from home it seemed he knew half the people. I was really, really impressed with his ability to relate to ordinary kiwis.
Labour MP and former Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has died from health complications at his home in Tolaga Bay.
The 62-year-old, who is survived by three sons and one grandchild, was surrounded by family, friends and Parliamentary colleagues when he passed away a short time ago.
His condition deteriorated rapidly since his health problems were made public this morning.
The cause of his death has not been confirmed and his family has requested privacy.
RIP Parekura. Few would have a bad word to say about him. Shocking news.
Meanwhile, this piece of sh*t works for Auckland radio stations. I’ll be writing to them telling them what I think, and why I’ll be boycotting them and their ads – you may want to as well …
So Labour MP Parekura Horomia has passed away aged 62.
In unrelated news KFC's share price has dropped 20 points #toosoon
Jim Mora poses the Ironic Question of the Month
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Monday 29 April 2013
Jim Mora, Jonathan Krebs, Tim Watkin
Today, due to unforeseen circumstances, host Jim Mora found himself in the position of having ten minutes at the end of the program to fill up somehow. Being an experienced and competent operator, this was no problem for him. “We have a spare ten minutes,” he told his two guests, “so we’ll just have a chat about various issues that have come up lately.”
First up, he read out an exceptionally foolish statement by an English chemical analysis, who after she had debunked the false claims that Syria has used chemical weapons, had gone on to claim that even if the “evidence” was entirely false, the “rebels” had done it because they were “desperate”.
The Panelists, including Mora, actually did a good job here, discussing the Syrian question with intelligence and a degree of responsibility—thank God that Panel regulars Dr Michael Bassett or Barry Corbett or Garth “Gaga” George were not on today—and mentioned that the “rebels” were largely Al Qaeda terrorists.
Then, in a deadly serious tone, Jim Mora asked the following question: “Is there a tendency in our society for people to voice their opinion on subjects that they know nothing about?”
To their credit, both Jonathan Krebs and Tim Watkin stifled the guffaws and pretended to ignore the screaming irony of that screamingly funny question.
DISCUSS:
Is Jim Mora the world’s most brilliant deadpan comic? Or did he simply forget, for a brief time this afternoon, that the guest Panelists on his show have included such Ignorami for the Ages as John Barnett, Graham Bell, Barry Corbett, Garth “Gaga” George, Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, Nevil “Breivik” Gibson, Claudette Hauiti, and Jordan Williams?
Here it is, one more time. Enjoy…
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * “Is there a tendency in our society for people to voice their opinion on subjects that they know nothing about?”
Hah1. The ‘voice of the people’, the everyman’s best, bester, bestest EVER friend Jum’, the wordsmuth, the intellect…… it’s just so overwhelming.
Save yourself the stress Morissey. Best policy is to just ignore the gittus.
I had some conversation with the guy a few years ago. Back then he promised how he was going to rejuvinate things.
Instead ….. same old shit, same old hacks, same old yearning to be liked, same old kaka to be perceived as the voice of reason…..
(Same shit – different stink).
Not sure why the Slacks et al bother these days – perhaps they just like the same brand of CHardonnay.
IF RNZ ever consider its time for a shapkeup – it’s be Mora in the afternoon, closely followed by Kethluk Guuuuurl in the mourn
Yes Tim I agree. The Mora Borer Show has become almost unlistenable. Coast, Breeze, whatever, at least they deliver what they promise. Often in my car 4-5 pm weekdays. As a consciously careful and attentive driver over the 33 km to home Radio Live and other talkback is just too dangerous. Mora seemed the safe bet.
Unfortunately it’s now just Aunty Affable and his unconscionable gushing over a series of wankers (in the main) who fancy themselves “celebs”. Thus emboldening them in the ignorant mouthing off of which Morrissey complains. I think the name’s Chris Wikaira, an aggressive wahanui on everything who brews yuppie fucking beer for God’s Sake. He’s one of the worst. If that’s not him I apologise to the less offensive Chris Wikaira. Not to overlook Mrs Brassy Voyeur Private Investigator………forget her name, Julia double barrelled something. David Slack is one of the few exceptions. He’s genuinely wry as well.
I think the obnoxious brewer you are thinking of is actually Neil Miller. Your concerns about him are entirely justified.
Chris Wikaira is a National Party-sympathizing dope that manages to say nothing serious or interesting whenever he is on the programme. Last time he was on, his Soapbox contribution consisted of a rant about what he reckons is the poor quality of contributions to the Minecraft discussion boards.
Publicly funded radio fulfills a very important role in our society, but “Afternoons with Jim Mora” always leaves me wondering why we’re publicly funding what is essentially talkback radio.
The five year old whom the pakeha school bus passed on by. Surprisingly, never bitter. Lovely man living magnificent wairua.
In brief answer to Morrissey: yes, ugly mouthing is not merely a tendency, it is positively encouraged. It’s in the nature of an opiate for dullards, their spittle then harnessed by unscrupulous self-promoters and careerists.
man, this Auckland Transport problem is gonna cost; “a multi-billion dollar shortfall”
-tolls
-fuel tax
-rates rises
-possible public transport tax
-congestion tax
(any 2 or more of the above)
“even this is not a silver bullet”- Simon Lambourne.
The Christchurch rebuild needs 17000 more workers before 18 months time passes.
Heard Joyce talking of the need for flexibility from “officials” and “immigration” in the same sentence.
more migrant workers will be required.
Apparently, there is no guarantee of the entire “private investment” counted on by the government for Christchurch.
Anyway – Those that may bother to get out of their little spaces, and away from blogs and PC or laptop screens:
01 May 2013:
Labour Action against the owners of Pak’n Save supermarket, at Royal Oak, Manukau Road, Auckland (just near the roundabout), due to decision by that employer to introduce and accept the new youth wage rate at about $ 11 per hour, below the minimum wage of $ 13 something, close to $ 14, as it applies to adults! Also are there other employment issues of staff employed there, First Union have more info. AAAP and others are preparing to take action and present a picket there.
As far as I know they used to have a collective agreement, but only on that site, and it appears to be under threat.
I encourage all in the area to join and support the workers at that supermarket, especially the youth ones, 16 to 19. They are in award negotiations and need all support. Also consider doing your shopping somewhere else, at least for a time, until they have come to the party to pay staff what they deserve.
The minimum wage, also there paid to largely migrant workers, is not sufficient to survive on, and it is an insult as it is. A living wage would be better, but we are fighting to simply even defend the minimum legal wage for those that will likely be short changed!
Also on 01 May 2013:
Joe Carolan communicated that due to a breakdown in negotiations with Mc Donald’s, there will be a 01 May picket outside McDonald’s in Queen Street at 03:30 pm on Mayday.
If any have questions about Mayday, perhaps do a search, look up Wikipedia or else, it has tradition with workers being shot and killed in Chicago some many years ago, for standing up for their worker’s rights, but Mayday is a celebrated Worker’s Day in many countries, in Europe, some countries in Asia, and for some here in Aotearoa NZ.
Labour Day is another affair, but some of us think that Mayday is the day to stand up, take a stand, join others and make a point. So a couple of pickets at mentioned venues will serve the purpose to a degree, and all are asked and invited to join!
The action at Pak’ Save Royal Oak, Auckland is planned for 08:30 am on Wednesday (“benefit day” for the unemployed), 01 May 2013 – MAYDAY!
Unemployed be mindful, a new, harsh, draconian regime for yours and other beneficiaries will start 15 July this year, due to law changes, so be prepared. Also sick and disabled, the onslaught and harassment will hit you and force you to look for work, so show solidarity thanks!
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In the 1960s, after I had graduated with a first-class Oxford postgraduate law degree, I joined the British Foreign Office as the top entrant of my year. There, I worked for a couple of years on European affairs and was eventually posted to the Embassy in Brussels. After this exposure ...
Alone, Alone. All, All Alone: Will it be a good or a bad thing, when humanity’s bright blue spacecraft is stricken by the civilisation-destroying problem of Climate Change, that no Huston Control will be standing-by to rescue the crew?“WE HAVE A PROBLEM, HUSTON.” These were the words used by the ...
I heard a 45 minute interview with Monica Lewinsky talking to TED’s Chris Anderson on BBC Radio 4 over the weekend, and have listened to it another two times out walking. I recommend it. Highly. Man, I am so impressed with how this woman has integrated her life experiences and ...
Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, The Coddling of the American Mind: how good intentions and bad ideas are setting up a generation for failure, London, Penguin, 2019, 352pp; reviewed by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff’s book The Coddling of the American Mind is a timely book, whose ...
When the Justice Committee reported back on the Administration of Justice (Reform of Contempt of Court) Bill, free speech advocates breathed a sigh of relief. As originally introduced, the Bill reitered the ancient offence of "scandalising the court" - basicly, a special sedition law protecting judges from criticism. The select ...
Eighteen months ago, the government promised to strengthen the Bill of Rights Act, by explicitly affirming the power of the courts to issue declarations of inconsistency and requiring Parliament to formally respond to them. Since then - crickets. Which raises the obvious question: are they actually going to do this, ...
Back in March, the Ministry of Justice conducted a public consultation exercise on whether to hold a review of the Official Information Act. 285 people submitted on it. Now, Stuff has trawled through those submissions, and the case for reform is strong:The Justice Ministry asked Kiwis what they thought was ...
National's prisoner voting ban has gone down as one of the worst laws in New Zealand history. Passed after a farcical debate (including this farcial speech from ACT MP Hilary Calvert), it has subsequently been found to be inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act by the High Court, Court ...
Divided Loyalties: Can the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, be relied upon? That’s what the boys and girls at Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon needed to be reassured about. Because, from the perspective of Washington, it’s looking more and more like Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party comrades are getting ready ...
This handy Queer Theory Glossary is from thetranswidow.com In case you’ve had trouble keeping up with the spate of new queer theory terms, here’s a handy glossary for your reference. Queer – A straight person with an interesting haircut. Non-binary/genderqueer – A chubby young female, typically 16-28, who has ...
by Daphna Whitmore US social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt spoke on 1 August in Auckland to a crowd of around one thousand people. He is best known for his bookThe Coddling of the American Mind which examines the new climate of trigger warnings and acute sensitivity of Gen Z. ...
What an extraordinarily depressing experience it is to be compelled to watch, at 12,000 miles distance, the contortions and machinations of the British political class as they set about their determined attempt to overturn the decision taken by the British people that they wish to leave the European Union. The ...
The winter grazing issue is becoming a highly sensitised one that I hope will not become so politicised that it delays solutions and results in the suicides of some very stressed farmers.Winter grazing has hit the headlines after a determined campaign, including the release of a video of some very ...
by Don Franks Way back when British guitar virtuoso Joe Brown was a beginning session guy he got to back a visiting American artist. Young Joe was an able technician but had yet to learn some points of professionalism. Part way through “Five foot high and rising” Joe tired of ...
Since scientists started studying climate change, they have warned that it will reduce food production. And now, its happening:The climate crisis is damaging the ability of the land to sustain humanity, with cascading risks becoming increasingly severe as global temperatures rise, according to a landmark UN report compiled by some ...
The Abortion Legislation Bill just passed its first reading, 94-23. Its a far bigger margin than I expected, even allowing for the Winston factor, and it reflects the overwhelming support there is in this country for reform. but that support isn't a new thing - it has existed for literally ...
The Justice Committee has called for submissions on the Referendums Framework Bill. The Bill does what it says on the label - establishes a framework for referenda. Things you may want to address in your submission: Whether the bill should apply only at the 2020 election, or whether it should ...
The Thompson and Clark / MBIE spying scandal continues to result in fallout, this time in the form of a report on the implementation of MBIE's "Operation Exploration", its internal operation to enforce the infamous Anadarko Amendment which criminalised protests against the oil industry. MBIE's enforcement operation was tainted by ...
So, Winston Peters is defending his last-minute demand for a referendum on abortion by claiming he was "blindsided" by the bill. Really? The bill is a government bill. It has been working through the cabinet approval process since December last year. As part of that process, NZ First was consulted, ...
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...
Last week, the ongoing democracy protests in Hong Kong saw a pro-Hong Kong student assaulted at the University of Auckland. The Chinese consulate in Auckland followed this up with a press release "express[ing] its appreciation to the students for their spontaneous patriotism" - effectively condoning the assault and inciting further ...
Only those who close their eyes and minds to the evidence can still be in any doubt that we are facing a climate change crisis. The evidence is conclusive that the world is not only getting inexorably hotter, but also that the rising temperatures are creating a number of other ...
Rural communities are wailing about forestry conversions "taking land out of production" and putting it into locking up carbon. Its driven purely by economics: there's more money and lower costs in carbon than in sheep or beef, and if carbon prices rise, there'll be more net money than dairy even. ...
This week, the government introduced its (underwhelming) Abortion Legislation Bill. And despite having negotiated the text of the bill through the coalition process, Winston Peters is now suggesting that he will demand a referendum on it:NZ First leader Winston Peters has hinted that his party may only support the Government's ...
Blowing-Up The House: Is Winston Peters planning to put himself at the head of all those New Zealanders who refuse to countenance the Coalition Government caving-in to the Ihumatao protesters? The most effective way of doing this would be to issue Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with an ultimatum. If she ...
Last night the police dramatically incresed their numbers at Ihumātao, shoving over protestors and threatening them with arrest. Despite police talk about the need to maintain "public order" and prevent a "breach of the peace", there appeared to be absolutely no justification for this: the protest camp is, was, and ...
A Cult, that many actors, politicians, and those with a low IQ are joining is sweeping across civilisation, with one main intention – ending humans reign on Earth. Starting as a well meaning though deeply flawed theory, that the Earth was warming due to mankind emitting greenhouse gasses, it was ...
Today's abortion reform announcement is just the latest in a long line of disappointing decisions or outright failures from the Labour government. The 90-day law. KiwiBuild. A capital gains tax. Climate change. Every time they make one of those decisions, we hope for better next time. No repeal of the ...
The Greens used their party conference over the weekend to push for a rent-to-own scheme, where people would be able to work towards home ownership by renting from the government. Its a sensible policy, and one which could make a real difference to home ownership rates. But its also basicly ...
by Daphna Whitmore Over the past fortnight, thousands of people have come to the Ihumātao land protest in South Auckland. On 23 July police prepared to evict a few dozen people who had maintained the encampment at Ihumātao for the past three years. As hundreds of supporters arrived the ...
The following article is translated from an article in Lutte de Classe (Class Struggle), the magazine of the French revolutionary workers’ organisation Lutte Ouvrière (Workers Struggle). The United States’ blacklisting of the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, which took shape in Google’s ban on Huawei using its systems on its phones, marks a ...
There is a military phrase: “Full spectrum dominance”. It refers to the all-encompassing policy to dominate across all spheres of war. Lately, that has come to include the internet – in other words, cyberwarfare initiatives. That is in addition to land, sea, air and the like. Now, if ...
The IMF issued a Report on the state of the Economy as it is at present. Some of it points out significant issues that certainly warrant attention, but that we know already exist. Some of it is very much tied to the very obvious context of global concerns, that everyone ...
I'm glad to see the Lib Dems won.I had a moment of terror yesterday thinking that the Conservatives might cling on, due to a combination of Johnson's elevation to the premiership, the apparent uselessness of the Lib Dem candidate (who had failed to be elected in other constituencies) and the ...
. . Current Leader of the National Party, Simon Bridges gave the usual rah-rah speech to the Loyal & Faithful in Christchurch today (27 July). With National’s party polling and his own personal popularity sliding steadily in the polls, Mr Bridges has not much left to reverse his fortunes. ...
Those concerned for Langridge’s wellbeing say they hope he’ll change his mind when he sees the ocean coming. The protester who has vowed to stand outside Parliament every day until the Government announces a climate emergency says he accepts that his quest will most likely end in drowning. Ollie Langridge, ...
Opportunities to dodge tax are shrinking with the completion of a new tax agreement with Switzerland, Revenue Minister Stuart Nash announced today. Mr Nash and the Swiss Ambassador David Vogelsanger have today signed documents to update the double tax agreement (DTA). The previous DTA was signed in 1980. “Double tax ...
Small Business Minister Stuart Nash says the report of the Small Business Council will help maintain the momentum for innovation and improvements in the sector. Mr Nash has thanked the members of the Small Business Council (SBC) who this week handed over their report, Empowering small businesses to aspire, succeed ...
Extra Police officers are being deployed from Northland to Southland with the graduation of a new wing of recruits from the Royal New Zealand Police College. “The graduation of 78 constables today means that 1524 new constables have been deployed since the government took office,” says Police Minister Stuart Nash. ...
Ongoing drug-test sanctions contradicts Government’s rhetoric on drugs Reports that two-thirds of beneficiaries who fail drug tests are still having their benefit sanctioned contradicts the Government’s so-called health approach to drugs. Auckland ...
An Auckland Homelessness Collective is optimistic extra government support for sustaining tenancies signals a commitment to a multi-pronged approach to tackling homelessness. ...
Wanaka-based trust ONE New Zealand will be hosting six days of talks, workshops and hands-on activities with local and national experts to educate, inspire and enable grassroots action towards a sustainable future. ...
In last week’s episode of Politics in Full Sentences, David, Brooke and Ruwan discussed why Jacinda Ardern has been lecturing our friends overseas, why Andrew Little called ACT's three strikes law “fascism”, whether he will give prisoners the right to ...
“Community safety must be the paramount consideration when releasing an offender, and the only way for that to be achieved is for the offender to acknowledge their crimes.” ...
“District Health Boards are failing to foster a culture of distributed clinical leadership, despite its demonstrated benefits to the sector,” says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS). ...
Ratepayers around Auckland were spitting out their morning coffees listening to Phil Goff’s incredible claims on breakfast radio today that this election is about ‘honesty’ and that Aucklanders can trust him on his promises. Auckland Ratepayers’ ...
The Hōkai Rangi plan for reducing Māori reoffending announced today fails to fulfil the Waitangi Tribunal’s recommendations, says justice organisation People Against Prisons Aotearoa. Minister Kelvin Davis announced the plan this morning, which aims ...
Waatea News at the invitation of the North Island Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency will exclusively broadcast the next Māori-led Inquiry into Oranga Tamariki starting today at 1pm. ...
Staff at the Ministry of Social Development say they are enthusiastic about the government’s $54 million investment in housing the homeless, with many describing it as a welcome change. ...
Today posters have gone up outside ANZ branches across New Zealand to expose ANZ’s sponsorship of an exclusive oil industry group, ‘The Petroleum Club’. The satirical posters play on ANZ’s recent ad campaigns, replacing the banks’ tagline ‘healthy ...
Imagine a country where children look forward to walking or cycling to school, parents arrive home safely, and the journeys we take for work or pleasure do more than leave us alive or uninjured, they also improve our lives. This is happening now in countries ...
Sunday, 18 August, 2019 - Environmental groups and well known New Zealanders are preparing to deliver a 55,000 strong petition to the steps of Parliament tomorrow, calling on the Government to protect the world’s smallest dolphin. ...
The Government’s proposed rescue plan must be strengthened because it is the last chance to save Māui dolphins from extinction and secure the future for Hector’s dolphins, Forest & Bird says. ...
Simon Shepherd: Roads, schools, hospitals, prisons, the building blocks that keep society functioning. And we don't have enough. It's called the infrastructure deficit and will be the focus of a major conference this coming week. The man charged with ...
New Zealand has been issued a stark challenge from Pacific leaders to dramatically upscale its action to address climate breakdown, Oxfam says, after a clear rallying cry from nations at this week’s Pacific Islands Forum. ...
Support for Recreational Dope Going ‘Up in Smoke’ Family First NZ is welcoming yet another poll showing plummeting support for legalising cannabis in New Zealand. The Horizon Research poll shows support for legalising has plummeted from 60% last ...
The prospect of ending wider cannabis prohibition looks increasingly unlikely. Over the last nine months, the percentage of New Zealanders who would vote for legalising the personal use of cannabis has declined at a near linear rate of around 10% per ...
“It’s disappointing that news out of the United States of hospitalisations linked to illegal street drugs is somehow seen as relevant to the New Zealand vaping scene,” says Ben Pryor, Director of Alt New Zealand – the largest Kiwi-owned vaping company. ...
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the successful passing of Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill through parliament, by the New Zealand Government. ...
Today’s news from the Electoral Commission has provided the party with the clarity it was seeking around use of the word “Coalition” being used as the brand name of the party. ...
A recently released Otago University study has provided further evidence that low-quality housing is a significant problem in Aotearoa. This has prompted the Chief Executive of the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACENZ) Paul Evans to question “why ...
With the BNZ-Business NZ PMI signaling manufacturing is contracting , the Government needs to seriously consider tax relief, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . ...
The New Zealand Maori Council has called for an overhaul of the Public Services executive ranks as the Corrections debacle shows mis-management and incompetence at the highest level. Matthew Tukaki, Executive Director of the New Zealand Maori Council has said ...
Findings from the 2018 New Zealand Consumer Survey have been released and the results are in; 48 per cent of respondents consider their purchases based on how ethically employees are treated. ...
The responsibility for the fact that Westland Milk Products is now in the hands of an overseas conglomerate 25% owned by the Chinese government can be laid fair and square at our government's doorstep. ...
As Fonterra is projecting multi million dollar losses for the second year in a row, it is clear the writing is on the wall for dairy as more and more Kiwis turn to plant milks. 22nd August is International Plant Milk Day and there is now a different plant ...
The $65,000 granted to Interislander so it can install electric vehicle chargers on its ferries is the most absurd waste of money yet to be delivered by the “Low Emissions” vehicle fund, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. ...
Wellingtonians will have the chance to hear international child rights experts from Ireland, Scotland and Samoa speak at the Making Child Rights Real in Aotearoa New Zealand seminar to be held in the city on Wednesday 21 August. ...
Paul Evans, Chief Executive of the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACENZ), is advocating a balanced approach to the development of productive land. ...
CPAG (Child Poverty Action Group) says that new research from the University of Otago provides a solid foundation for why the Government must not delay instating a comprehensive Warrant of Fitness for tenanted homes in Aotearoa-New Zealand, and ...
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that an officer drove carelessly during a pursuit and that this was the primary cause of a collision with a motorcycle that injured the rider. ...
Responding to the Prime Minister’s commitment of $150 million in funding for climate change response in the Pacific, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “It is no secret that many Pacific nations lack serious oversight when it ...
AUT research not only shows an increase in political affiliation, but that candidates affiliated to a central political party are more likely to win seats in Auckland local government. ...
On the 23rd of August School Strike NZ will join Ollie Langridge in his 100th day of sitting outside of New Zealand Parliament calling for the government to declare a climate emergency. School Strike 4 Climate NZ also demand that Parliament acknowledge ...
You have stood up for what is fair, and I am sure you will speak for over 7 million people who have been muted and rendered voiceless in Indian occupied Kashmir for more than a 10 days now. I am writing to bring to your notice the plight of Kashmiri ...
In the last 10 months alone, 11 petitions have been delivered to Parliament calling for medicines to be funded by Pharmac. Today, another nine petitions have been launched by Patient Voice Aotearoa (PVA) members asking that life changing, saving and extending ...
When we were first working to get Miscanthus approved for import into New Zealand, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) waived the fee for their work because they thought that having Miscanthus in New Zealand was so very much in the ...
PHARMAC’s recent decision to fund two additional drugs from December this year has been widely welcomed by patients and the general public alike. The drugs, Kadcyla and Ibrance, are used in the treatment of advanced lung and breast cancers and will ...
Animal rights organisation SAFE is urging the Government to include experts and advocates from outside the agriculture industry on its newly announced winter crop grazing taskforce. ...
The Government’s plans to prohibit housing on ‘productive’ farmland will serve as yet another regulatory tax on housing, and is a shameful breach of Jacinda Ardern’s promise to fix housing supply, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . ...
The latest round of the Ethnic Communities Development Fund opens today, supporting projects that grow the leadership and capability of ethnic groups, improve cultural understanding, and ensure our ethnic communities are a vibrant and celebrated part ...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is warning of the dangers of hiking excise tax, in response to calls from a former Prime Minister for stronger action on alcohol harm. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “It seems inevitable ...
Is a second attempt at merging parts of Stuff and NZ Herald owner NZME planned, with a bid for political intervention to help the media industry? Tim Murphy reports. ...
How the NZ Superfund has drummed up $15 trillion to put pressure on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube giants over livestreaming following the Christchurch terror attacks. ...
Kiwi Jamie Greene has established herself as one of the fittest women on the globe in the fast-growing gruelling sport of CrossFit. And she wants to thank her runner sister for helping drive her. ...
Newsroom is delighted to welcome the University of Otago as our third university partner for the IdeasRoom section exploring issues of importance to society and the country’s future. ...
Who should decide how many more tourists fly into Queenstown and Wanaka? Journalist and former district councillor, Cath Gilmour, argues local residents should, not the airlines. ...
Phil Goff has kept a low profile compared with his headline-grabbing opponent in the early stages of the Auckland mayoral campaign. Hayden Donnell heads along to see if the mayor can win back the spotlight at his campaign launch.The Spinoff local election coverage is made possible thanks to ...
Backed by businessman Eric Watson and launched in a blaze of publicity, online trader Fashbae disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived. Now its founder is traversing the globe in a jeep. Business editor Maria Slade tries to keep up with events.It had it all. A suave multi-millionaire investor and ...
Pacific Media Watch Newsdesk Rioting broke out in Manokwari, West Papua, today as local people – mostly university students – protested against racial abuse of Papuan students in East Java, reports TheJakarta Post. The protesters blocked a number of major streets in the city this morning, cutting down ...
By Ben Bilua in Suva Multimedia skills and innovation are key to adapting to the changing media landscape, said US academic Professor Debora Wenger as newsmakers around the world continue to grapple with challenges arising from the transformation of technology and social media. Speaking to journalists at a regional ...
The new RBNZ seems to crave the limelight and be known for advocacy of new causes, and that has not impressed macroeconomics professor Robert MacCulloch. ...
The prime minister won't meet with Ihumātao protesters before Thursday - the deadline given by the group to stop them marching to her Auckland electorate office. ...
Cabinet ministers will discuss possible law changes to what mail can be received and sent by prisoners, after the accused Christchurch gunman was able to send mail to supporters. ...
The Catholic and Anglican churches are still considering quashing legal agreements that may prevent abuse survivors from giving evidence to the inquiry investigating historical abuse in care. ...
The new joint from the team behind one of Wellington’s favourite craft beer bars is dedicated to minimal-intervention, organic wine – and more exciting things are coming to the heritage building it’s housed in.Before the Cadbury factory opened in Dunedin in 1930, New Zealanders ate Cadbury chocolate made in England. ...
Alex Casey chats to Bree Tomasel about hosting Celebrity Treasure Island NZ, farting in the ZM studio and going viral on the regular. The most important thing you need to know about Bree Tomasel is not the fact that she peed her pants during Celebrity Treasure Island NZ, but the glee ...
Dr Bryce EdwardsAnalysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – The election race is on. The nominations process for local government positions has now closed, and the political campaign is officially underway. But does the public care? Will many of us even vote for any of the various mayoral or council ...
At Eden Park on Saturday night, the Wallabies were on the receiving end of a ruthless players’ revenge, writes Scotty StevensonThe rain came. It always seems to at Eden Park, just as the Wallabies warm up on the pitch, dreaming of ending a drought. It came from the west, the ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.Today’s content by Dr Bryce Edwards.Local government Michael Fallow (Stuff): Your council – what’s its job description? Dileepa Fonseka and ...
Protesters occupying land at Ihumātao will begin a four-hour hikoi to Mt Albert on Thursday to present a petition calling on the Prime Minister to visit the land. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jamie Walvisch, Lecturer, Monash University This morning an Extinction Rebellion protester was arrested after hanging from a rope over the William Jolly Bridge in Brisbane, blocking all lanes to peak hour traffic. And earlier this month in Brisbane, more than 70 climate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Jobson, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Monash University Many of us enjoy writing in a diary, reading autobiographies or nostalgically reflecting with others about past times. Why is remembering our past so important? Are there downsides? And what can we do ...
Roll Red Roll is a brutal, painfully illuminating documentary on the Steubenville High School rape case, a shocking crime that made headlines worldwide. Emily Writes reviews. This review discusses rape and sexual violenceAugust 11, 2012: two teenage boys rape an unconscious teenage girl as two of their peers watch and ...
By RNZ Pacific Tuvalu’s Prime Minister has condemned the Australian Prime Minister’s conduct at last week’s Pacific Islands Forum, calling Scott Morrison’s attitude “unfortunate” and “neo-colonial,” and questioning Australia’s future in the 18-member body. In an interview with RNZ on Sunday, Enele Sopoaga also threatened to pull Tuvaluan labour from ...
The second hui of the Māori-led inquiry into Oranga Tamariki takes place in Hamilton today. Newsroom, in partnership with Radio Waatea, are broadcasting it live from 1pm. ...
Prolific, award-winning Palmerston North poet Paula Harris somehow manages to be stroppy and properly vulnerable all at once. Here, she writes about her first slam competition – and why she cried all the way home. I am old enough to have given birth to most of the people here.Sure, there’s a ...
High speed rail links between cities could play a massive role in revitalising regional New Zealand, says a visiting transport infrastructure expert. Professor Andrew McNaughton spoke to Alex Braae. Imagine commuting from Hamilton to Auckland, and it only taking an hour to get there. It’s a vision of how the right ...
On the good days, riding a bike is the best. But in Auckland there aren’t nearly enough of those days, and unless decision makers take urgent action, that’s not going to change.This piece originally appeared on Bike AucklandMy first bike crash in central Auckland happened on Symonds Street. I was ...
It's not since 1989 that a mayoralty campaign in the southern city has been so unpredictable - a record 14 candidates have put their names forward. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Mills, Hon Senior Lecturer, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Sydney On the morning of the last Monday in April, 2019, federal election officials opened the doors of more than 500 pre-poll voting centres around Australia, and waited for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Veronica Alfano, Research Fellow, Australian Catholic University Memorising poetry was once common in classrooms. But it has, for the most part, gone out of style. There are good reasons for this. Memorisation can clash with creativity and analytical thought. Rote learning can ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darren Paul Fisher, Head of Directing, Department of Film, Screen and Creative Media, Bond University What do J.J. Abrams, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Shonda Rhimes, David Lynch, Aaron Sorkin, Donald Glover, Jenji Kohan, Jordan Peele, Tina Fey, and Joss Whedon have in common? They ...
Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Mayors launch bids to return in Auckland and Wellington, Hamilton’s skyline could change significantly, and support for cannabis legalisation plummets in poll.Two incumbent mayors have launched their re-election campaigns over the weekend, with a bigger fight on their hands than ...
MediaWorks has been lobbying the Government to turn TVNZ 1 into a non-commercial channel to help stem its own financial bleeding. Frustrated, and getting nowhere, it’s decided to change tack. ...
Open mike 29/04/2013 
by Philip Ferguson This weekend just past marks the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the most famous of the great 1960s music festivals. It was held over the weekend (Friday-Monday) of August 15-18, 1969. Woodstock was a highpoint of the US ‘counter-culture’, and also the beginning of its end. When exploring the ...16 hours ago
Last week, Australia sabotaged the Pacific Forum by opposing action on climate change. Their Deputy Prime Minister followed that up by saying that Pacific Peoples could always pick Australian fruit - just as they had done in the era of blackbirding. And now, that arrogant, tone-deaf approach has drawn a ...16 hours ago
In the previous two posts, I laid out the context and set the theoretical framework to answer a question: whether indigenous economies should take the LEAP. This final part outlines ways to conceive of practicing mana motuhake within the existing legal system by carving out special jurisdictions that enable Indigenous ...2 days ago
Fully Informed? Labour’s 2017 promises raised expectations that were little short of revolutionary. Unfortunately, they were never adequately shaken through the fiscal sieve. The hard economic work was not done – and it shows. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s critics have long complained that her grasp of the way the New ...2 days ago
You cannot expect to pound communities into the ground day after day, year after year, decade after decade and just expect them to take it lying down. There’s a point at which the place will explode. And we’re faced with some very big ructions on both sides of the Atlantic ...3 days ago
4 days ago
Going Down? Once truth and propaganda become fused in the minds of one’s followers, debate and discussion become redundant. If one’s opponents are all outrageous liars, then engaging with them in any way is pointless. Rather than waste its time, a political party should, instead, target all its messages at ...4 days ago
We need to fundamentally reframe our systems settings to address the drivers causing and underpinning inequality; structural change in systems especially financial. The Equality Network Hui was held in Wellington on 27 June 2019. The hui covered important topics such as child poverty; a living wage; taxation; public health; mental ...5 days ago
The views-per-page for some of my recent postings:Depressing, isn't it? Provide thoughtful and wise commentary on the mainstream of British politics and no-one notices. Make a passing reference to Tommy DICKHEAD Robinson in a thread title and you get hundreds of views. Write something about anti-Semitism and you get another ...6 days ago
The government has announced plans to move the Treaty of Waitangi and other taonga to a new site. Great news! So where are they going? Right next to the old one:The new plan will see a new 22,000-square-metre archive built on the former site of Defence House - the former ...6 days ago
Back in June, StatsNZ went public about a project to track population data on an hourly level by using people's cellphones. It wasn't as bad as it initially looked - they were receiving no individual data, only counts by suburb - but there was still a huge consent problem, so ...6 days ago
Most economists agree that a currently slowing economy could do with some stimulus – and they would also agree that there is no shortage of infrastructure projects which could be brought to productive fruition with help from that stimulus. In view of the current practice of sub-contracting economic policy decisions ...6 days ago
I did an interview on the TVNZ Breakfast Show about the situation in Hong Kong. I tried to frame the issue as a collective action problem between two sides with very different end games. The video is here. Because of time constraints we could not discuss the fact that the ...6 days ago
Image Credit: Wild Rose College A new study reporting the ranges of values for kidney and liver parameters in a healthy population is being actively misrepresented by anti-fluoride campaigners. The Fluoride Action Network’s (FAN) latest ... 6 days ago
Alone, Alone. All, All Alone: Will it be a good or a bad thing, when humanity’s bright blue spacecraft is stricken by the civilisation-destroying problem of Climate Change, that no Huston Control will be standing-by to rescue the crew?“WE HAVE A PROBLEM, HUSTON.” These were the words used by the ...7 days ago
Divided Loyalties: Can the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, be relied upon? That’s what the boys and girls at Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon needed to be reassured about. Because, from the perspective of Washington, it’s looking more and more like Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party comrades are getting ready ...1 week ago
This handy Queer Theory Glossary is from thetranswidow.com In case you’ve had trouble keeping up with the spate of new queer theory terms, here’s a handy glossary for your reference. Queer – A straight person with an interesting haircut. Non-binary/genderqueer – A chubby young female, typically 16-28, who has ...1 week ago
The winter grazing issue is becoming a highly sensitised one that I hope will not become so politicised that it delays solutions and results in the suicides of some very stressed farmers.Winter grazing has hit the headlines after a determined campaign, including the release of a video of some very ...1 week ago
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...2 weeks ago
Blowing-Up The House: Is Winston Peters planning to put himself at the head of all those New Zealanders who refuse to countenance the Coalition Government caving-in to the Ihumatao protesters? The most effective way of doing this would be to issue Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with an ultimatum. If she ...2 weeks ago
A Cult, that many actors, politicians, and those with a low IQ are joining is sweeping across civilisation, with one main intention – ending humans reign on Earth. Starting as a well meaning though deeply flawed theory, that the Earth was warming due to mankind emitting greenhouse gasses, it was ...2 weeks ago
There is a military phrase: “Full spectrum dominance”. It refers to the all-encompassing policy to dominate across all spheres of war. Lately, that has come to include the internet – in other words, cyberwarfare initiatives. That is in addition to land, sea, air and the like. Now, if ...2 weeks ago
The IMF issued a Report on the state of the Economy as it is at present. Some of it points out significant issues that certainly warrant attention, but that we know already exist. Some of it is very much tied to the very obvious context of global concerns, that everyone ...2 weeks ago
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Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.
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it is a wee bit confusing in the job market, – from a job vacancy ad on trademe jobs:
“We do not accept online applications if you wish to apply please email mxxxxxxd @ xxxx.net.nz.” (address edited for anonymity)
Poll on public attitudes to “brain fades”.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10880335
The breakdown by party support is interesting/amusing, with National Party supporters being the most “trusting” – or stupid, immoral, cognitively dissonant or whatever.
from Sunday on cycling;
two reporters left Te Atatu for TVNZ in the city, 13kms distance. With the motorist having to wait at the on-ramp for 20minutes and travel at approx 40km/h in traffic, find a park and walk the remainder, the cyclist arrived first travelling by cycle-way.
Aucklands transport problems according to Len Brown on Firstline require 60B investment, (under-investment for decades), with a 12B shortfall to be met by tolls, fuel tax proposals etc.
Although 600M could be invested in cycle-ways for Auckland, there would be a 20-1 long-term cost benefit according to cycle-safety specialist Glen Koorey.
from a cyclist-accident victim on the same article; “We have become such a mean-spirited nation…people used to say about Kiwis…” (encouraging things I imagine).
ghost
There was an interesting discussion on transport in the city on radionz soon after 9am today.
ahhh, missed it; what I haven’t missed are observations of the attitudes and emotions held by many motorists questioned by the media on their approach towards cyclists. freakin’ hicks.
Yup TPTB (the backers of them at least), can’t wait to get tolls on roads all over AKL.
Just look at the mess that the nothern tunnel toll road has become!
NZ has become a *mean spirited nation* – Thats the result of being used as an experiment!
It seems the whale and his followers have been involved in a stoush over a Facebook page aiming at generating discussion over the (non) merits of Charter Schools. Here’s the page owner’s take on it.
http://howmelulaterseesit.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/beware-bullies-who-dont-want-you-to.html?spref=fb
an interesting read at the link
And this is what they teach in charter schools. Can you imagine that child ever being employable if they keep on believing that bullshit?
plenty of Exclusive Brethren employers dotted all through-out New Zealand.
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Internet Blogger
The results of the Brain fade poll , reads as if the question asked was more like,
“Do you think John Key is a liar?”
That would explain the party split , nicely.
I recall somebody here , in the last week or so , saying their partner had been polled by Reids,
and one the questions was pretty much “do you think Key is a liar”
Reids wouldn’t change the question , after the poll result, would they? Na
Wouldn’t it be great if when publishing/referencing a poll the media had to supply the actual poll data, including the questions. Even better than that would be a declaration of whomever had commissioned the poll in the first place.
This was part of the standard TV3 Reid Research poll, so we know who commissioned it.
yes lanthanide, i should have added that the noted article did include the reference to it being a TV3 poll but as a general rule we both know the identity of those commissioning polls is largely anonymous.
Actually for the main political polling, it’s done by the newspapers or the TV networks or Roy Morgan.
Not sure why you’d want individual names for those polls.
Now for other polling, sure, we don’t necessarily know. But other polling doesn’t tend to be national-level political polls.
“I recall somebody here , in the last week or so , saying their partner had been polled by Reids,
and one the questions was pretty much “do you think Key is a liar””
That is what they said, but they came back and corrected that the question asked of their partner was the polling question we are shown.
So no conspiracy here, sorry.
Reids have done well to link Shearer with Keys’ lies.
The ambiguous question, helped in this regard . (that and Shearers memory)
Most ,surely would have answered that question ,with Key in mind.
That would explain party split
Would have been interesting if to know what angle the MSM would taken ,if Shearers’ memory hadn’t let him down.
The dishonest and irresponsible work of Andrew Wakefield has claimed a victim
Wales has had low Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccination rates for some time … since about 1998, in fact, when Andrew Wakefield published his bogus study in the Lancet falsely linking the MMR vaccine to autism.
So what are you going to say when it comes out that the chronically sick 25 year old in question had already been immunised against measles?
By the way, according to the schedule the dead man should have been vaccinated years before the Wakefield study came out, as an infant, so I think its more likely that he had been immunised. Yet was so sick.
The dishonest and irresponsible work of Andrew Wakefield
hasmay have claimed a victim.has most likely claimed a victim
The point of vaccination is not just to protect yourself, but also to protect others.
How he contracted it in the first place is the real issue, not whether his particular jab didn’t work, or whether due to allergies he couldn’t get vaccinated, or whether his parents were nutty even before Wakefield’s fraud.
Bit of a climb down though innit joe, from has, to may! You get some credit, for the climb down, but its been sloppy from you lately, aer you ok?
No matter how hard McFlock tries to spin it, then pulls out the , * you should be guilty*, for not protecting others, what a legend you are McFlock /sarc!
What other illness did this unfortunate individual suffer from?
Article title:Measles Epidemic in Wales Has Roots in Antivax Movement.
Opening line of article: The measles outbreak in Wales may have claimed its first victim..
I never said “you should be guilty”.
I just think that people who refuse to vaccinate for no clear medical reason (e.g. egg allergy) are selfish idiots.
Population perspective: clear link.
Individual case perspective: who knows? There’s always the slim possibility he had some measles-like condition.
When attributing primary cause of mortality in individual cases there’s always oodles of theoretical wriggle room (from poor nutrition to undiagnosed heart problems), and you look set to use every inch of it. A bit like 50 years of tobacco industry wriggling – but then they were intentionally duplicitous, rather than wildly delusional, so I guess you’re not quite in their league.
Each year around Anzac Day, my electorate hosts a social event, the highlight of which is a lecture in memory of a popular former Labour MP who was killed in Crete in 1942. This year’s lecture was given by Nicky Hagar. The basis of the lecture was his latest book “Other People’s Wars”. It was gob-smacking stuff!
There were a number of former and even current senior military personnel – plus senior public servants – who were apparently only too willing to apprise Nicky of the behind the scenes activity particularly in relation to the war in Afghanistan. This was a measure of their profound concern for what they saw… and the blatant lies that we in New Zealand have been told about our involvement in that war. Politicians – on both sides of the fence and including Helen Clark – were tricked into believing we were there as peace keepers. The peace keeping played a role, but from all accounts it turned out not to be their primary function.
Add to that an over-all appraisal by Nicky about what he perceives is happening behind the political front, and I think there would be many here interested in what he had to say.
I know the lecture was recorded (sound-wise at least) and I think it might be possible for the Standard to seek to post that recording here. Labour MP, Phil Twyford would be the person to approach in the first instance, because he initiated the annual lectures and is still heavily involved.
Further to the above are two quotes from the book:
It would be nice for someone to pause and say, “Hell, we’re coming up to the 10th anniversary [Sept.11 attacks], are we better or are we worse?. I think the answer is we’re worse. How stupid are we to have allowed a reaction led by the United States that has actually made it worse for the world? – senior defence official.
People assume that politicians make decisions, but often they are busy, ill informed or actively excluded… The worst decisions were made by senior officials and military officers, often without [the ministers’] knowledge. – senior NZ government official.
Thanks, Anne. It is significant stuff, and I would be interested to see or read Hager’s latest lecture.
People assume that politicians make decisions, but often they are busy, ill informed or
excluded… The worst decisions were made by senior officials and military officers, often without [the ministers’] knowledge. – senior NZ government official.
I think that is a salient point Anne and I’ve repeated it for me and any others who have had naive ideas about politicians and what they are doing with their time and influence while in the House and having some power.
In the USA it may be that the control of the country has largely passed out of the hands of those elected representatives who take their role for the people seriously. Where there is money there is power, which does seem to be a correct saying, and the budget of the Defence there is astro-astronomical. Scary stuff for sincere democracy believers.
Eisenhowers departure speech warning of the dangers of the military industrial complex
I’d recommend anyone (everyone) read the book even though it is a big read.
It makes it pretty clear that senior defence people were determined to go against explicit government foreign policy (and directives) in order to preserve – or resurrect – their contact and ‘relationships’ with the US, UK and Australia. Ever since the nuclear ship ban and the suspension of ANZUS, parts of the defence leadership ran a de facto military foreign policy at odds with government policy, especially in the 2000s.
There’s a word for that, and when you need to apply it to the defence forces it is particularly concerning.
I am shocked that Hager’s book has received so little journalistic follow-through. There are stories in there that I would have thought any journalist worth their salt would have given an arm and a leg to have the opportunity to run with (if that isn’t mixing too many metaphors).
A bit of jealousy mixed with narrow, establishment thinking and a naive desire to be part of the American military scenario? Most of the MSM seem happy to go along with the authoritarian and anti-democratic flow if they think that is where their best interests may lie…
But it is heartening to know there were military and public service personnel who were willing to spill the beans in the interest of integrity and transparency.
“But it is heartening to know there were military and public service personnel who were willing to spill the beans in the interest of integrity and transparency.”
It certainly is – but no matter how heartening, I don’t think that’s the point. After all, the military went its own way despite the integrity of these people and their desire for transparency. The lack of ‘follow through’ reinforces that fact.
As with so many issues, the point is not about individuals and their motives (for good or ill). It’s about structures and institutional processes that bias against (or for) certain kinds of behaviours and, therefore, in favour of certain kinds of people with certain kinds of views.
The historical interweaving of the NZ military with the UK and then US military (training, experience under command, etc.) I imagine meant (and still means) that those with pro-UK/US leanings will have formed the useful overseas connections and ‘upward’ connections within the already established hierarchy that ensure they rise through the ranks and assume positions of power.
That process is common to all institutions – those who align themselves with powerful interests within and around the ‘system’ do better in the ‘system’. It’s Chomsky and Hermann’s point about the media and who ends up being an editor – the very people who agree with the direction.
The older I get the more I think that the interesting questions are hardly ever about motives, character, personal integrity, etc.. They are about the uses that structures make of people.
You have hit the nail, on the head!
Structure exists to ensure a couple of things, primarily:
1: Control
2: To ensure that the structure which are necessary to support society, and humanity’s best social interests, remain broken!
To what end!
I’d love to hear the speech on audio or video.
Tried to go to the speech but it was sold out days early. I think you’ll find there is a keen interest for independent voices like Nicky Hager and, if it’s possible, maybe book a larger venue next time.
Thank for your efforts Anne in getting people like Nicky H to speak.
Thanks Paul. The effort was really put in by others including Phil Twyford. Yes, we are going to have to find a bigger venue. We have been fortunate thus far in attracting excellent speakers and the word has got around. So much so, people who are not associated with the Labour Party also want to attend. I think the recording was audio only but still well worth listening to. I will try and contact Phil Twyford and see if it’s possible to have it posted here.
See Anne at 9 above concerning Nicky Hager’s speech.
Message for Paul, karol, prism, Puddleglum, muzza and anyone else who is interested:
Phil Twyford will be posting the Hagar lecture on Red Alert as soon as he’s received it. Will keep you posted.
Mark Steel on the demonisation of the poor and the dickensian meanness of neoliberalism plus an extra on the french revolution.
On the present submission time for a constitution. First Chris Trotter makes important points.
http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/not-debating-constitution.html
Also from he Sunday Star Times
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8605428/Talking-about-a-New-Zealand-constitution
You should have a look at their poll and see what you think about it. It seems to be quite balanced and requires a bit of thought. They have a space for 130 words about your ideas for NZ which they may tweet.
I went to a meeting in the weekend hosted by a Nelson group. My feelings are that the appointed commissioners seem to be standing aside and leaving the bringing information and discussion to each region which has to find people with something to say and who can project their ideas. The visiting commissioners seem more like window dressing, and there does not seem to be a plan for a tour of the country by informative speakers, the appointees just attend the arranged meeting and give a quick run down of their instructions. Then at our meeting the speakers were invited to make their individual points.
There was a speaker from the country’s numerous old, white anti-Maori bigots, who also were a vocal group in the audience. Overturning agreements already reached, limiting the Treaty to a historical document with narrow meanings, and overturning decisions made already by eminent people in favour of Maori seemed to be their unswerving and bigoted goal. There was the usual white patronising and demeaning attitude to Maori heard from such people, mainly white-haired and probably old age beneficiaries, and I am one of this age so I can be reasonably objective. (Their thinking at base being – Maori are undeserving, they haven’t a case for consideration of their rights and wrongs, and that the decisions made by eminent people in favour of Maori stand for nothing)
Unfortunately for me, the bigot was the second speaker not the last. The first was a criminal lawyer who does good work and is aware of the need of the law to serve the citizens, poor and rich, and I am asking for the right to be able to access his submission paper for The Standard readers. (I now have that okay but have to speak to my advisor on how to go about putting it up tonight.)
But when the second speaker began and started with what to me is poisonous, backward diatribe that would have an acidic effect on good relations between Maori and pakeha and our moves forward to a better future, I had to leave. This man Bruce Moon was a co-author with John Robinson, David Round, Mike Butler, Hugh Barr, Peter Cresswell of a book called Twisting the Treaty – A Tribal Grap for Wealth and Power with a related web page headed Treatygate – The Conning of a Country which pitches it against one called Healing our History by Robert and Joanna Consedine. The large number of biased authors writing for the Twisting book make for a whiteout on the subject, one whole page of google is taken up with headings from their individual comments and initiatives.
Some people who are focussed on one approach with a tunnel vision that pours all their energy on their chosen mission, are a horrible obstacle to gathering wide information and take up the precious time set aside for that purpose. I had better things to do. But I want to see healthy discussion on a good constitution. I don’t trust National to do anything good, they are increasingly adopting fascist, and anti-democratic policies.
There is an academic Dr Paul Moon at AUT so don’t confuse the two. This link has something about him.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/auckland-city-harbour-news/8382933/Key-bits-of-history
‘neonicotinoids’ may yet Bee banned’
so much for “SuperGrans” to the rescue…
and don’t expect the Army to be able to afford picking up the pieces
My point that NZ government doesn’t care about families much and won’t support them is backed up by the Super Grans business. These people in power are self absorbed social climbers and wealthy isolated types. They could care about a fine racehorse with good breeding but ordinary people – no.
And budget advisory, that would admit there is a necessity, a demand for this, and in a climate where people have to apply for five jobs a day in a recession well there is a certain coherence if they just keep on denying reality.
Thoughts and prayers to Parekura Horomia and his whanau.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10880438
Yes. Best wishes to Parekura and his whanau and friends.
Na, kia noho te Atua o te rangimarie ki a koutou katoa, Amene.
Following on from some comments concerning the state of private aged care in NZ the other day, this article from ‘The Independent’ on the unfolding crisis in England, Wales and Northern Ireland might be of interest to some – particularly if there are jots to be joined or comparisons made with any debt burden among NZ’s private providers.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-5bn-care-home-crisis-that-is-seeing-record-numbers-of-providers-close-their-doors-8591849.html
“part of a wider collapse in social care driven by spending cuts”. (sound familiar)
“solving the inevitably rocketing (fixed) costs of social care for the elderly and disabled is an issue expected to dog governments for decades to come”. (energy, food, wages, oh wait Ryman et al; will be able to pay lower wages).
Well, NZ Government is already working on the Euthanasia bill…… it will be introduced under the umbrella that there is too much suffering. Watch this space.
Canadian foreign minister John Baird is now a human rights champion!
April 29, 2013
Liberals and human rights activists will welcome the news that the formerly hard right Canadian foreign minister John Baird has made a spectacular and sudden conversion to being a champion of human rights.
After a Canadian friend of mine yesterday damned Mr Baird as “a disgusting piece of sh!t”, and urged me to “Google the useless f+ck” I decided to follow his advice and do a little bit of research on him. What I have found tends to reinforce my friend’s observation.
John Baird has developed a reputation as an hysterical opponent of the Kyoto Protocols, and he has been roundly denounced by virtually everybody who has come into contact with him. After observing Baird’s irresponsible conservation policies, Al Gore called them “a complete and total fraud” and accused him of trying to “mislead the Canadian people”. Baird’s conservation policies have been damned by David Suzuki as a “sham”. Activists at the Cancun climate conference in 2010 were scathing of his environmental policies and awarded Canada three “Fossil” awards for disrupting and undermining U.N. climate talks.
When he is not trashing the environment, John Baird likes to hang out with soldiers. He spent Christmas 2006 in Afghanistan with Canadian occupation troops.
Baird is an aggressive and shameless supporter of the Likud party in Israel, and last year he made a widely condemned statement that Iran was “the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today.”
Oh! There is one person who thinks that Baird is all right. He has been praised for his “bold leadership” by THIS fellow….
http://www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/netanyahu-bomb-un.jpg
But all this has changed suddenly! John Baird has now joined the struggle for human rights!
Read the following and cheer….
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22322999
In terms of guise and process alone and mark it, not personal at all, shades of last appointment of Race Relations Commissioner ?
RIP Parekura Horomia.
RIP.
Wow. He was a really cool guy. The nats gave him a hard time because he did not accord to their concepts of a parliamentarian but he was a very gracious person. On a marae he could not be matched and when talking to kiwis his ability to relate to them was phenomenal.
I had the pleasure of being at the Avondale Markets with him campaigning and I can honestly say that he was without his peers. Even though he was 400 kilometers from home it seemed he knew half the people. I was really, really impressed with his ability to relate to ordinary kiwis.
Best wishes to his whanau.
Labour MP and former Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has died from health complications at his home in Tolaga Bay.
The 62-year-old, who is survived by three sons and one grandchild, was surrounded by family, friends and Parliamentary colleagues when he passed away a short time ago.
His condition deteriorated rapidly since his health problems were made public this morning.
The cause of his death has not been confirmed and his family has requested privacy.
Read more: Labour MP Parekura Horomia dies, age 62 – Story – Politics – 3 News http://www.3news.co.nz/Labour-MP-Parekura-Horomia-dies-age-62/tabid/1607/articleID/295933/Default.aspx#ixzz2RpOsKktE
Very sad. A good man with a big heart.
A very sad loss. May he rest in peace.
RIP Parekura. Few would have a bad word to say about him. Shocking news.
Meanwhile, this piece of sh*t works for Auckland radio stations. I’ll be writing to them telling them what I think, and why I’ll be boycotting them and their ads – you may want to as well …
Speaking of wankers, the wankers at David Farrar’s troll farm are comparing him to Thatcher.
Who is rikdog?
So sad to read of the passing of Parekura Horomia. R.I.P
Jim Mora poses the Ironic Question of the Month
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Monday 29 April 2013
Jim Mora, Jonathan Krebs, Tim Watkin
Today, due to unforeseen circumstances, host Jim Mora found himself in the position of having ten minutes at the end of the program to fill up somehow. Being an experienced and competent operator, this was no problem for him. “We have a spare ten minutes,” he told his two guests, “so we’ll just have a chat about various issues that have come up lately.”
First up, he read out an exceptionally foolish statement by an English chemical analysis, who after she had debunked the false claims that Syria has used chemical weapons, had gone on to claim that even if the “evidence” was entirely false, the “rebels” had done it because they were “desperate”.
The Panelists, including Mora, actually did a good job here, discussing the Syrian question with intelligence and a degree of responsibility—thank God that Panel regulars Dr Michael Bassett or Barry Corbett or Garth “Gaga” George were not on today—and mentioned that the “rebels” were largely Al Qaeda terrorists.
Then, in a deadly serious tone, Jim Mora asked the following question: “Is there a tendency in our society for people to voice their opinion on subjects that they know nothing about?”
To their credit, both Jonathan Krebs and Tim Watkin stifled the guffaws and pretended to ignore the screaming irony of that screamingly funny question.
DISCUSS:
Is Jim Mora the world’s most brilliant deadpan comic? Or did he simply forget, for a brief time this afternoon, that the guest Panelists on his show have included such Ignorami for the Ages as John Barnett, Graham Bell, Barry Corbett, Garth “Gaga” George, Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, Nevil “Breivik” Gibson, Claudette Hauiti, and Jordan Williams?
Here it is, one more time. Enjoy…
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“Is there a tendency in our society for people to voice their opinion on subjects that they know nothing about?”
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Hah1. The ‘voice of the people’, the everyman’s best, bester, bestest EVER friend Jum’, the wordsmuth, the intellect…… it’s just so overwhelming.
Save yourself the stress Morissey. Best policy is to just ignore the gittus.
I had some conversation with the guy a few years ago. Back then he promised how he was going to rejuvinate things.
Instead ….. same old shit, same old hacks, same old yearning to be liked, same old kaka to be perceived as the voice of reason…..
(Same shit – different stink).
Not sure why the Slacks et al bother these days – perhaps they just like the same brand of CHardonnay.
IF RNZ ever consider its time for a shapkeup – it’s be Mora in the afternoon, closely followed by Kethluk Guuuuurl in the mourn
Yes Tim I agree. The Mora Borer Show has become almost unlistenable. Coast, Breeze, whatever, at least they deliver what they promise. Often in my car 4-5 pm weekdays. As a consciously careful and attentive driver over the 33 km to home Radio Live and other talkback is just too dangerous. Mora seemed the safe bet.
Unfortunately it’s now just Aunty Affable and his unconscionable gushing over a series of wankers (in the main) who fancy themselves “celebs”. Thus emboldening them in the ignorant mouthing off of which Morrissey complains. I think the name’s Chris Wikaira, an aggressive wahanui on everything who brews yuppie fucking beer for God’s Sake. He’s one of the worst. If that’s not him I apologise to the less offensive Chris Wikaira. Not to overlook Mrs Brassy Voyeur Private Investigator………forget her name, Julia double barrelled something. David Slack is one of the few exceptions. He’s genuinely wry as well.
Helpful redirection would be appreciated.
I think the obnoxious brewer you are thinking of is actually Neil Miller. Your concerns about him are entirely justified.
Chris Wikaira is a National Party-sympathizing dope that manages to say nothing serious or interesting whenever he is on the programme. Last time he was on, his Soapbox contribution consisted of a rant about what he reckons is the poor quality of contributions to the Minecraft discussion boards.
That horrible P.I. is Julia Hartley-Moore.
Indeed North.
Publicly funded radio fulfills a very important role in our society, but “Afternoons with Jim Mora” always leaves me wondering why we’re publicly funding what is essentially talkback radio.
Respects for Parekura Horomia.
The five year old whom the pakeha school bus passed on by. Surprisingly, never bitter. Lovely man living magnificent wairua.
In brief answer to Morrissey: yes, ugly mouthing is not merely a tendency, it is positively encouraged. It’s in the nature of an opiate for dullards, their spittle then harnessed by unscrupulous self-promoters and careerists.
Haere ra Parekura Horomia, takoto mai, e koro.
man, this Auckland Transport problem is gonna cost; “a multi-billion dollar shortfall”
-tolls
-fuel tax
-rates rises
-possible public transport tax
-congestion tax
(any 2 or more of the above)
“even this is not a silver bullet”- Simon Lambourne.
The Christchurch rebuild needs 17000 more workers before 18 months time passes.
Heard Joyce talking of the need for flexibility from “officials” and “immigration” in the same sentence.
more migrant workers will be required.
Apparently, there is no guarantee of the entire “private investment” counted on by the government for Christchurch.
Brian Easton will have a few words to say on the austerity program in the economy on radionz between 8.30 and 9 I think.
No Combrendo, still, aye, Standardistas?
Anyway – Those that may bother to get out of their little spaces, and away from blogs and PC or laptop screens:
01 May 2013:
Labour Action against the owners of Pak’n Save supermarket, at Royal Oak, Manukau Road, Auckland (just near the roundabout), due to decision by that employer to introduce and accept the new youth wage rate at about $ 11 per hour, below the minimum wage of $ 13 something, close to $ 14, as it applies to adults! Also are there other employment issues of staff employed there, First Union have more info. AAAP and others are preparing to take action and present a picket there.
As far as I know they used to have a collective agreement, but only on that site, and it appears to be under threat.
I encourage all in the area to join and support the workers at that supermarket, especially the youth ones, 16 to 19. They are in award negotiations and need all support. Also consider doing your shopping somewhere else, at least for a time, until they have come to the party to pay staff what they deserve.
The minimum wage, also there paid to largely migrant workers, is not sufficient to survive on, and it is an insult as it is. A living wage would be better, but we are fighting to simply even defend the minimum legal wage for those that will likely be short changed!
Also on 01 May 2013:
Joe Carolan communicated that due to a breakdown in negotiations with Mc Donald’s, there will be a 01 May picket outside McDonald’s in Queen Street at 03:30 pm on Mayday.
If any have questions about Mayday, perhaps do a search, look up Wikipedia or else, it has tradition with workers being shot and killed in Chicago some many years ago, for standing up for their worker’s rights, but Mayday is a celebrated Worker’s Day in many countries, in Europe, some countries in Asia, and for some here in Aotearoa NZ.
Labour Day is another affair, but some of us think that Mayday is the day to stand up, take a stand, join others and make a point. So a couple of pickets at mentioned venues will serve the purpose to a degree, and all are asked and invited to join!
Thank you.
The action at Pak’ Save Royal Oak, Auckland is planned for 08:30 am on Wednesday (“benefit day” for the unemployed), 01 May 2013 – MAYDAY!
Unemployed be mindful, a new, harsh, draconian regime for yours and other beneficiaries will start 15 July this year, due to law changes, so be prepared. Also sick and disabled, the onslaught and harassment will hit you and force you to look for work, so show solidarity thanks!