Open mike 29/04/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 29th, 2015 - 234 comments
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234 comments on “Open mike 29/04/2015 ”

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  1. Paul 1
    29 April 2015 at 6:54 am

    Didn’t know fisiani wrote the Herald’s editorials.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11440009

    What little credibility this rag had is fast disappearing.

    • RedBaronCV 1.1
      29 April 2015 at 7:33 am

      And good old Tracey Watkins at stuff seems to be implying that the opposition tried to make a joke of it in parliament and that failed.
      So that’s the new spin line – others are trying to make a joke of it to embarass the great key.

      Tracey looks like she needs to understand that this is a harassment & employment issue not a joke.

    • ScottGN 1.2
      29 April 2015 at 7:36 am

      That is a very strange, contradictory editorial.

    • fisiani 1.3
      29 April 2015 at 9:45 am

      Just goes to confirm that as usual I am correct and in touch with real New Zealand. All these posts about a ponytail and National go up in the latest poll.
      The Left keep making the same mistakes over and over. Sure the PM was a bit goofy but that’s not a hanging charge. It actually can be a bit endearing. Every green shoot is seen here as the arrival of a harvest but it just turns out to be another weed. i tell you, You will have a chance when Honest John retires in 2026.

      • DoublePlusGood 1.3.1
        29 April 2015 at 9:54 am

        This is why New Zealand is in the poop: it’s full of people just as vapid as fisiani

      • weka 1.3.2
        29 April 2015 at 11:35 am

        Just goes to confirm that as usual I am correct and in touch with real New Zealand. All these posts about a ponytail and National go up in the latest poll.
        The Left keep making the same mistakes over and over. Sure the PM was a bit goofy but that’s not a hanging charge. It actually can be a bit endearing. Every green shoot is seen here as the arrival of a harvest but it just turns out to be another weed. i tell you, You will have a chance when Honest John retires in 2026.

        lolz, so many lies in one paragraph. You are earning your astroturf dollars today fisiani.

      • David H 1.3.3
        29 April 2015 at 12:11 pm

        Jesus Fishy have you not got it through your thick head your ‘honest’ John is just a creepy person who if he was not PM would have been arrested and charged already so STFU and just admit it there are 2 rules. One rule for us and no rules for the rich and powerful. More Fishy Bullshit.

      • Tracey 1.3.4
        29 April 2015 at 1:38 pm

        Hilarious. The way you parody the poll which barely covered the period of the hair ugging/fondling. Excellent. “Honest John”, is just the finniest phrase ever. Thanx

    • Clemgeopin 1.4
      29 April 2015 at 2:33 pm

      I made this comment there:

      —————
      “Your ‘editorial’ sounds like a PR advice to Key and the National party! You guys are supposed to be the fourth estate, a pillar of democracy to hold the government to account and not act as their PR mouth piece!”

      Example:
      [‘He would be wise to continue chastising himself whenever the subject is raised on his return from overseas. If supporters make light of it around him, he should not for a moment join in. It was not funny, and not just another of the fun-loving political risks he has taken over the years.]
      ————-

      There are over 100 comments. A sample of the other comments I liked :

      “If his popularity doesn’t fall it says more about 49% of kiwis than it says about him.”
      ————-

      “Just as Mrs Thatcher was PM for ten years despite the viciousness of her policies so Key will continue so long as his supporters prefer market capitalism to social justice.”
      ————–

      Voltaire said that “the British are free every five years and the use they make of their freedom proves they deserve to be slaves”. Same seems to apply to NZ.
      ————–
      “Not sure how much this gov’t needs to worry. In a country where it’s already hard for victims of rape and abuse to come forward, National supporters have made it clear that they’ll excuse a lot if a powerful person decides to apologise at a time of their choosing.

      If the political and social status quo are at risk Key supporters will favour the perpetrator. Money before values as per usual.

      Seven times hair pulled. Manager said the victim didn’t like it. Wife told him to stop. Victim tried social media and appealing to his handlers. But no. Consent be damned. As long as you decide to apologise at some stage and give a gift (who cares if she even drinks the wine or not) it’s okay. So much for personal freedom and responsibility.”
      ————–
      “Are there any other body parts you’d like to add to the list of things rich white men should feel free to touch as they wish without consent and despite admonishment and protest?”
      ————
      “The fact his wife was with him has saved the day”
      —————–
      “Another fan piece from the unnamed press speaking opinion as though its fact. Please dont be so arrogant as to speak for the wider pubic. Your assertion that most fair minded people came to his defence, and therefore only rapid PC lefties and communists took issue with a grown man pulling the hair of a girl is just plain wrong.

      I suppose that should be expected of the Herald though. I mean this is the paper that published an exclusive interview with the ‘victim’ taken under dubious circumstances and published without consent.

      Gotta preserve that cult of personality though right?”
      ————

  2. Tautoko Mangō Mata 2
    29 April 2015 at 7:15 am

    TPPA
    1. This article explains how the Investor State Dispute Settlement System transfers
    sovereignty of the citizens to corporations.

    “Corporations get a special channel of their own for enforcement of rules written by their representatives at the negotiating table. Labor, environment and other stakeholders don’t get that in TPP. This is how TPP will increase corporate power over governments and working people.”
    http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/04/28/how-tpp-increases-corporate-power-vs-government-and-us

    2. Listen to the people, Tim Groser.
    Palmerston North has become the 10th local council in New Zealand to tell the Government to protect the ability to make local decisions for communities rather than lose that right because of terms in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
    http://i.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/68109770/palmerston-north-joins-other-councils-stating-what-they-want-from-the-tppa-

    3. And here is a reminder of the battle of the RMA and how Environment Minister Amy Adams threatens to block councils from making their own local rules (readying for the TPPA).
    “Adams to block councils from own rules
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892985

    • Tracey 2.1
      29 April 2015 at 7:46 am

      NZ First PMB pulled from Ballot to deal with “trojan” provisions of proposed TPP

      http://nzfirst.org.nz/news/nz-first-fighting-tppa-new-bill

      • Chooky 2.1.1
        29 April 2015 at 8:41 am

        Go New Zealand First and Winston Peters….certainly showing up the Labour Party!

        ….and to the Left of the Labour Party yet again!

        • Tracey 2.1.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 8:42 am

          Hmmm… not sure I could bring myself to write that NZF is left of anything… 😉

          • Chooky 2.1.1.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 9:49 am

            certainly Lefter and more proactive on the TPPA issue than the NZLP…which is sitting on the fence as usual

            ….and in the past certainly more Left than the Rogernomics Neolib sell off all state assets Labour Party

          • Murray Rawshark 2.1.1.1.2
            29 April 2015 at 3:03 pm

            NZ First is a weird mixture, but on some issues they are to the left of Labour. This is an indictment of the Labour Party, not praise of NZ First.

            • Tracey 2.1.1.1.2.1
              29 April 2015 at 3:11 pm

              I hear you…

              NZF epitomises to me the old conservative NZ, it has a compassionate side, but it is contradictory (xenophobia)… the compassion and empathy which is lacking from the true Right. They are waiting for more money to be made, and then “we” can afford to be compassionate, but not til then, never til then (and they never give us the magical number we need to reach).

    • Draco T Bastard 2.2
      29 April 2015 at 1:17 pm

      This is another good article on the TPPA:

      That same ISDS clause is in the TPPA, which means any action local or central government takes that may impact on a company’s actual or even potential profits could leave us open to being sued for billions of dollars in an offshore tribunal.

      This clause would make it very difficult for our government to act in New Zealand’s best interests if they constantly have to guess whether a proposed change will leave them open to being sued.

      The number of these investment disputes being lodged is increasing annually, so the threat of New Zealand facing one of these disputes under the TPPA is highly likely.

    • vto 2.3
      29 April 2015 at 2:59 pm

      Amy Adams has contracted the crooked eye mutation…. check the photo

      this is something I have noticed over many a year in our activities…. people who cannot be trusted develop an angled look, skewed eyes, as they try their best to deceive the gullible.

      Nick Smith is the classic – the most deceitful of the lot. Nothing he says is ever the truth. He clearly doesn’t sleep straight at night and his eyes have followed suit during the day.

      Now Amy Adams has developed the same skewed vision – she must have higher aims …

  3. veutoviper 3
    29 April 2015 at 7:18 am

    Just up on The Daily Blog – Unite Union will be representing Amanda Bailey in taking action.

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/04/29/unite-union-take-up-amanda-baileys-case/

    • Tracey 3.1
      29 April 2015 at 7:46 am

      Good.

    • rawshark-yeshe 3.2
      29 April 2015 at 7:54 am

      two pieces of good news to begin the morning .. thanks !

    • les 3.3
      29 April 2015 at 8:02 am

      this will play into the rights hands though as evidence of her being a shit stirring left winger.

      • Tracey 3.3.1
        29 April 2015 at 8:27 am

        I hear what you are saying but NOT acting plays into that strategy too, by scaring people to not exercise their rights. Those who want to believe she is an extreme left wing activist already do… a meme started by extreme right wing activists.

      • Chooky 3.3.2
        29 April 2015 at 10:43 am

        @les …for the Rightwing just an employee worker advocating for belonging to a union is evidence of ” being a shit stirring left winger”

        …time this mentality was changed back again in New Zealand …it is a fascist mentality….unions are there to protect and advocate for the rights of workers and a good employer will recognise this and support union membership

        …and for Amanda Bailey the union taking on the legal bills of the fight will be a load of economic worry off her shoulders

      • Lanthanide 3.3.3
        29 April 2015 at 10:45 am

        Because only people who vote left belong to unions 🙄

    • Charles 3.4
      29 April 2015 at 9:45 am

      Yikes. If I understood that correctly (and it reads a bit ambiguous), she approached UNITE with an intent to go after the PM and her employers? This is about to go bad, fast. Bad for her, I mean. No way is a frontal assault going to succeed, personally, for her. No way. For some, in similar-but-less-extreme situations it would – I’m not suggesting others should not assert their rights in the usual way – but not in this situation. If she wants to attempt to drag John Key and others down for a certain kill now she has her teeth in (a reckless and self-sabotaging but not impossible goal), drop the union approach and give up silence in favour of her existing methods. In the very least, all she needs is a twitter account: she has to say what’s happened since we last heard from her to make her do this. In my understanding of “how thing go” – and I’m not saying I’m right about everything – to strike now like this would be an error. Before this, she’d already “won”. Sounds like some of the story is missing from the above TDB post. In good faith, and I expect the same from her, I wish her all the best.

      • Hateatea 3.4.1
        29 April 2015 at 10:26 am

        Charles. you are surely not suggesting that a worker, having been repeatedly offended against in her workplace then betrayed by her employers, should not seek advice and support from a Union?

        This whole, sad saga has been about abuse of power and privilege by the Prime Minister, arguably the most powerful person in Aotearoa at the moment and a waitperson. Then, to cap it off, between the waitperson and the NZ Herald, ably assisted by her employers. To whom should she turn for advice, support and redress?

        The harm to Amanda has been forgotten by many of the players in this debacle but not by most at this blog and by other bloggers on a variety of platforms. She has kept a low profile while others have attacked her credibility, her motives and minimised the truth of what happened to her.

        To urge her to waive her right to appropriate support and advice providedby people whose role it is, is shameful.

        It isn’t a matter of left against right, it is about righting a wrong, redressing the power imbalance and holding the Prime Minister and his acolytes to the same standards that would apply to you or me.

        • Rosie 3.4.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 11:04 am

          +1 Hateatea.

          And Charles, Amanda Bailey is perfectly capable of making her own decisions about the best way forward for herself and she has chosen to seek Union representation, and they have agreed to assist her with her case. Your criticism of her decision comes across as quite patronising.

          Don’t underestimate her ability to know what is best for herself.

          • Charles 3.4.1.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 11:30 am

            You raise an interesting point, in a boring ideological way i.e. does she know what she is doing?

            So there are two possible answers:

            1) Yes, and as far as the observing public is concerned, she is nothing more than a politician. Good luck to her.

            or

            2) No. She has a greater appreciation for her abilities than her actions would suggest.

            If she isn’t a politician, I haven’t underestimated her ability at all – she’s overestimated her’s. It’s called conceit: good for a short bluff, but useless against an establishment issue. If she is a politician, she’s not going to be one for long, having made an error that most wannabe or frustrated politicians often make. I’m not much of a guy for ideology, since I have age and experience, so save the vague feminist lines for someone who cares. This is a discussion blog. People have opinons on many things, they don’t filter them through you for approval first.

            So let’s look at possible answer number 2:

            Asking a slow-moving, out-of-date, reluctant-to-advance, idea of a union to combat an entrenched establishment issue is like tying yourself to a post in no-man’s lands and shooting from the hip, in a frontal assault of enemy positions. She’s dog tucker.
            So what could she do? What has she already done, that now we must see as an intuitive “correct response”? Use modern technology and systems (blogs, twitter etc) to move fast, supply details from her perspective, edited by no one, sustaining momentum in her favour, control the dialogue, for her own interests, strike when the moment is best for her view.
            Either way, the moment where she could run away has passed. Now she has to play it out to the end. Even if she was a mediocre politician, she’d be better off controlling her own ending and not worry about the implications for others.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 3.4.1.1.1.1
              29 April 2015 at 11:35 am

              More false premises. The Unite Union, far from being the hide-bound dinosaur of your characterisation, was formed in 2000.

              That said, the fact remains that individual workers can increase their negotiating power by working together, whether you think it’s fashionable or not.

            • Sacha 3.4.1.1.1.2
              29 April 2015 at 2:32 pm

              No evidence she is “going after Key”, just protecting her employment rights. Most workers can’t afford private lawyers, whereas unions are affordable.

            • Tracey 3.4.1.1.1.3
              29 April 2015 at 2:46 pm

              So, on the one hand she should have stood up for herself right at the beginning and said “NO” tot he PM but on the other hand she should shrink back down on the other hand to show she is not politically motivated?

              Wow, just wow.

            • Rosie 3.4.1.1.1.4
              29 April 2015 at 4:05 pm

              Holy fuck Charles, you really have got it in for Amanda Bailey and unions.

              You come across as nothing than a concern tra la la la la lol lol lol.

              I’m going to take a leaf of Bronagh Key’s book and say “leave the poor girl alone!”.

              Furthermore, clearly you know nothing of the functioning of modern unions as you refer to Unite Union as “a slow-moving, out-of-date, reluctant-to-advance, idea of a union”.

              You haven’t been keeping up have you?

        • Charles 3.4.1.2
          29 April 2015 at 11:12 am

          “you are surely not suggesting that a worker, having been repeatedly offended against in her workplace then betrayed by her employers, should not seek advice and support from a Union?”

          Look, seriously, if you didn’t read my post, and don’t make any attempt to understand what I’m saying, what is the point? You’re saying things that don’t relate to me or my post.

          • freedom 3.4.1.2.1
            29 April 2015 at 12:37 pm

            So to be clear, you are advocating an ongoing and legally toothless trial by media rather than following clearly laid out protocols of engagement for addressing wrongdoing in her place of employment?

        • Murray Rawshark 3.4.1.3
          29 April 2015 at 3:08 pm

          Tautoko Hateatea. I think involving the union, a workers’ organisation, is far preferable to attempting to take her own case through either the courts or the HRC. We maximise our chances of success when we use our own organisations.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 3.4.2
        29 April 2015 at 11:31 am

        Your argument is based on a false premise. I question whether you actually read the piece at TDB.

        Unite will be advising Amanda on employment issues and assisting to resolve concerns about how her identity was revealed by the New Zealand Herald.

        No mention of “going after” anybody, let alone Mr. Tuggy, nor any suggestion of a “frontal assault” – whatever that means.

        • felix 3.4.2.1
          29 April 2015 at 11:49 am

          Note the threatening language Charles uses when he says things are about to go bad, fast, for Amanda.

          The message from #TeamKey is clear. Anyone speaking out about anything we do will suffer the full force of our clobbering machine.

          They’re not even trying to hide their nastiness anymore.

    • Rosie 3.5
      29 April 2015 at 10:58 am

      Thats great news veutoviper. It’s good to hear that Amanda Baliey sought their support and they will assist her. I’m sure she has received a lot of support from different quarters – the Unite representation will provide a formal structure to existing support and move her forward legally.

      All the best Amanda.

  4. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4
    29 April 2015 at 7:56 am

    Fark!

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11440058

    The people are stupid.

    • Molly 4.1
      29 April 2015 at 8:13 am

      Herald digi-poll?

    • jenny kirk 4.2
      29 April 2015 at 8:14 am

      We’ve always been a conservative people, Gormless – seeing nothing wrong in denigrating those who are “lower” than the ruling class (eg women, children, other races) – hence the prevalence of sexual abuse in our society.

      I tried having a conversation with two other women about the ponytail affair the other day – one, much older, said PM’s behaviour was normal, it used to happen to her when she was younger and in employment. The other, middle-aged, didn’t want to know about the young girls’ hair being fondled. These reactions are, I venture to say, fairly typical among NZers.

      And if people have been supporters of the PM – seeing him as a nice bloke – then they’ll not want to change their minds easily.

      We have a very difficult task ahead of us to turn that sort of thinking around.

    • higherstandard 4.3
      29 April 2015 at 8:17 am

      titter…

      • Tracey 4.3.1
        29 April 2015 at 8:25 am

        “Conduct of Ministers

        2.52 A Minister of the Crown, while holding a ministerial warrant, acts in a number of different capacities:

        in a ministerial capacity, making decisions, and determining and promoting policy within particular portfolios;
        in a political capacity as a member of Parliament, representing a constituency or particular community of interest;
        in a personal capacity.

        2.53 In all these roles and at all times, Ministers are expected to act lawfully and to behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards. Ultimately, Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister for their behaviour.

        2.54 Holding ministerial office is regarded as a full-time occupation and is remunerated as such. Accordingly:

        accepting additional payment for doing anything that could be regarded as a ministerial function is not permissible;
        accepting payment for any other activities requires the prior approval of the Prime Minister.”

    • One Anonymous Bloke 4.4
      29 April 2015 at 8:17 am

      If only we elected the judiciary you right wingers would be able to indulge yourselves completely.

      • Tracey 4.4.1
        29 April 2015 at 8:28 am

        That they find it something to be amused about is really sad. Even sadder, both of them may have daughters…

    • Tracey 4.5
      29 April 2015 at 8:18 am

      It is sad because it means many NZers still don’t understand that sexual violence and abuse is on a continuum of behaviour.

      That the so-called “small stuff” matters in terms of how girls see themselves and how they will or won’t become susceptible to victimization by others. That some men and women in this country think that men behaving poorly toward females doesn’t make any difference.

      That you see it as something to be glib about is just sad.

      Oh and that our expectations of our Leaders have never been lower.

      “The poll of 750 eligible voters was taken between April 17 to 26. The party votes are of decided voters only. Undecideds were 11.8 per cent.”

      Half conducted before the revelation of his treatment of women and half after but they don’t seem to have taken the opportunity (gilt-edged) to provide the data in those two time periods to establish any effect.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.5.1
        29 April 2015 at 8:51 am

        The left: telling people they are stupid since ages ago. Ever wondered why no-one likes them?

        • felix 4.5.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 8:57 am

          If you think Tracey’s comment is calling anyone stupid, you’re not very bright.

          • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.5.1.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 9:05 am

            Good one.

          • Tracey 4.5.1.1.2
            29 April 2015 at 9:27 am

            thanks felix. ?

            • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.5.1.1.2.1
              29 April 2015 at 10:12 am

              It’s funny because lefties are clever and righties are dumb. Labour’s next election slogan: Vote for us, dummies!

          • Hateatea 4.5.1.1.3
            29 April 2015 at 10:30 am

            There is very little imperical evidence of Gormless being bright in his thoughts on this matter.

            • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.5.1.1.3.1
              29 April 2015 at 1:03 pm

              Course not. I am a righty. We are all really stupid. We love it when all you highly intellectual lefties sneer at us. This is why we vote for you in droves. It is why David Cunliffe (the sneeriest of the lot) is regarded as a national treasure.

              Keep up the good work.

              (And Tracey: I admire your work on inventing an entirely new system of punctuation above. My simple mind cannot begin to grasp it).

              • felix …
                29 April 2015 at 1:13 pm

                Can you point to the part of Tracey’s comment that says righties are all stupid?

                Cos you keep repeating it as if you’re talking about what others are saying, but as far as I can tell it’s only you saying it.

                Have you finished reading her comment yet?

                • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell …
                  29 April 2015 at 1:31 pm

                  I was talking about your comment, Felix. You know, when you said I couldn’t understand your (arguably too) brilliant joke. Because I am stupid!

                  • felix …
                    29 April 2015 at 7:09 pm

                    Nah, I meant you still didn’t understand Tracey’s comment, the one you replied to implying sarcastically that she was calling righties stupid.

                    I see you still don’t get it. Have you read it yet?

              • Tracey …
                29 April 2015 at 1:16 pm

                t is sad because it means many NZers still don’t understand that sexual violence and abuse is on a continuum of behaviour.

                That the so-called “small stuff” matters in terms of how girls see themselves and how they will or won’t become susceptible to victimization by others. That some men and women in this country think that men behaving poorly toward females doesn’t make any difference.

                That you see it as something to be glib about is just sad.

                Oh and that our expectations of our Leaders have never been lower.

                “The poll of 750 eligible voters was taken between April 17 to 26. The party votes are of decided voters only. Undecideds were 11.8 per cent.”

                Half conducted before the revelation of his treatment of women and half after but they don’t seem to have taken the opportunity (gilt-edged) to provide the data in those two time periods to establish any effect.

            • Scotty 4.5.1.1.3.2
              29 April 2015 at 4:31 pm

              empirical

      • Hateatea 4.5.2
        29 April 2015 at 10:42 am

        Well put, Tracey.

      • Lanthanide 4.5.3
        29 April 2015 at 10:51 am

        “Half conducted before the revelation of his treatment of women and half after but they don’t seem to have taken the opportunity (gilt-edged) to provide the data in those two time periods to establish any effect.”

        Just to highlight this further – half of the stated polling time before the event, and half after.

        Since polling is demographic sampling based system, usually more than half of the responses will be found before the halfway point of the polling time. The remaining time is used to track down and fill in the holes of their sample so that it fits as closely as possible with their demographic model of the electorate.

        So more than half of the responses will have come from before the event.

        The fact that they are now reporting it as if the entire poll were after the event is very misleading.

        • Tracey 4.5.3.1
          29 April 2015 at 11:00 am

          To be fair, I didn’t read them as reporting it as though the entire poll were done post hair pull BUT I do think there was a golden opportunity from a polling perspective to gauge just how much incidents like this impact given they had a point of comparison to exactly the same questions with this event in between.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.6
      29 April 2015 at 10:35 am

      Half of the poll was conducted before the news broke that he had repeatedly pulled the ponytail of a waitress at a Parnell cafe despite her annoyance, and half of the poll was conducted after it.

      Just more propup the National PM as much as possible spin from the NZHerald as there’s absolutely no way that there’s been time for the full effects to filter through yet never mind at the time the poll was taken.

      • jenny kirk 4.6.1
        29 April 2015 at 10:54 am

        I thought that, too, Draco. Just waiting for the PM to return to NZ, and to Parliament, and to see whether this ponytail story continues to be aired, or just gets quietly dropped by MSM.

      • weka 4.6.2
        29 April 2015 at 11:25 am

        +1 Draco. And how will the poll influence what people think now? Actually not the poll so much as the Herald’s leading them with their headline and pov.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.6.2.1
          29 April 2015 at 12:44 pm

          Yeah, It’s the NZHerald trying to lead people to what they want them to think.

  5. adam 5
    29 April 2015 at 8:45 am

    Just in case you missed the fact that the ANC, are now a very odd fish indeed.

    Remember the war they have going on?

    http://libcom.org/news/south-africas-war-drc-has-rhodes-passed-baton-28042015

  6. Draco T Bastard 6
    29 April 2015 at 8:59 am

    Big Coal’s big scam: scar the land for proft, then let others pay to clean up

    When the two companies running the pits went bust, the council was left with a gigantic hole. Nationwide, the unfunded liabilities counted so far amount to £469m. That’s likely to be just the beginning.

    This is a price we pay for limited liability. Why should the people who own and run these companies be allowed to walk away with millions, while shrugging off the costs they leave behind? Limited liability is one of our social silences: a giant gift to corporations that we won’t even discuss.

    We’re seeing similar here as well with the farmers causing massive damage to our water ways and us having to pay to clean up after them. I’m sure that there are other industries and businesses which make significant profits that would disappear if they actually had to pay for the damage that they do.

    • jenny kirk 6.1
      29 April 2015 at 11:04 am

      Not just the farmers, Draco – but also the remnants of mining here. I don’t know about coal, but goldmining has left huge dangerous scars in various places.

      The govt recently did a $3m-odd clean-up of an old mine towering over Te Aroha to prevent it collapsing on top of that rural town, and it also announced a few months back that it was going to clean up another old mine in the south because leaching from it was starting to contaminate waterways being used to irrigate new dairy farms . Haven’t got the links to these – but both stories were in the Herald a while back, and I put them up on the Puhipuhi Mining Action Group facebook page.

    • Murray Rawshark 6.2
      29 April 2015 at 3:35 pm

      Mobil and the tank farm on the Auckland waterfront is another great example.

  9. sckiwireddevil 9
    29 April 2015 at 9:37 am

    Good morning. I have just heard that 260 girls have been rescued from Boko haram, Nigeria. Brilliant news.

  10. sckiwireddevil 10
    29 April 2015 at 9:59 am

    Please let me tell my story of sexual harrasement.
    I was working in Los Angeles mid 2000’s, operating machinery in a factory of about 10 staff. 3 employees started throwing made-up balls around the factory, which i complained to management about on numerous occasions. Finally after weeks of complaining they got them to stop this dangerous practice. After that, these 3 employees started yelling out sexual comments towards me, ie; faggot, homo, pounta( excuse spelling, but means bitch in spanish). I AGAIN complained to management, which they did nothing about it. I endured this for about 9 mths. Then one day i had enough and walked out during working hours. I was quiet distraught over all of this. My wife called them to say how i was feeling over all of this. My employer said to her if i was to come back within 3 days all would be sorted. So i did. On entry to work i was immediatly sacked. To cut a long story short, i got a lawyer, they settled out of court, I recieved $US 55k plus $15k wages/hol pay.
    So i can really feel how this waitress must be feeling over her sexual harassment.
    Sexual Harassment can take many forms, and yes i am male.
    She MUST get legal advice.

    • weka 10.1
      29 April 2015 at 10:12 am

      Thanks, always encouraging to hear stories with good outcomes.

    • Tracey 10.2
      29 April 2015 at 10:35 am

      Thanks for sharing. the 2000’s were not the dark ages…

    • Rosie 10.3
      29 April 2015 at 11:11 am

      Thank you sckiwireddevil. I’m sorry you endured such harassment but good to hear that you were successful in seeking redress.

      Sadly there will too many people who know what it feels like to be in Amanda Bailey’s shoes.

      Giving support to Amanda means giving support to all those who have been affected in a similar way in the workplace.

      Kia Ora.

      • sckiwireddevil 10.3.1
        29 April 2015 at 11:43 am

        Thanks Rosie, it was a depressing time of my life, my wife was a rock, dont think i could have made it through without her.
        Amanda will need great support to get her through this.
        It will be a tough time for her. I commend her courage. She must follow this through all the way. The majority of the country will give the support she needs. We all know she will do the right thing.

        • Rosie 10.3.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 4:14 pm

          I also commend Amanda’s courage and also believe the majority of the country will be behind her 🙂

          One day we may see the head line

          “Justice for Amanda”

  11. Puckish Rogue 11
    29 April 2015 at 10:23 am

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11440058

    Well, well, well should Little start watching over his back? Labour dropping below 30% and Winston gaining on preferrede PM…not the best result really

    Not to worry though its only one poll

    • sckiwireddevil 11.1
      29 April 2015 at 10:27 am

      No worries, its only the NAT rag.

    • te reo putake 11.2
      29 April 2015 at 10:37 am

      “The poll of 750 eligible voters was taken between April 17 to 26. The party votes are of decided voters only. Undecideds were 11.8 per cent. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 per cent.”

      • Puckish Rogue 11.2.1
        29 April 2015 at 10:46 am

        Exactly so nothing to worry about, everythings going according to plan

        • Tracey 11.2.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 11:04 am

          It’s kind of sad that behaviour such as recently revealed makes no difference to his popularity. It means we still live in the environment I lived in as a child, where a popular ordinary bloke personna could mask so much more. In my case a sexual predator. Everyone loved “Uncle Steve”. Generous, funny, always ready to help.

          To repeat – I am not saying key is a paedophile, I am saying he doesn’t treat women well, sees them as part of the world to be at his beck and call for his purposes. This is not what we need in our leaders if we genuinely want to address sexual violence toward women and children (in particular) and in rarer case toward men.

          • Puckish Rogue 11.2.1.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 11:14 am

            I’m sorry for what happened to you but do you think Key should resign over this?

            • Tracey 11.2.1.1.1.1
              29 April 2015 at 11:26 am

              Yes, I do.

              He was in flagrant disregard of another person PR, for months. cos he was having fun to further his own agenda.

              He is the man who has the responsibility to enforce the “highest ethical standards” of ALL ministers of the Cabinet Manual,

              He is the figurehead of our our law-making body but he is saying “the law and people’s right to be respected doesn’t matter if he is having fun” … overlooking that the other person in the equation was NOT having fun.

              He does not get it… and that should concern you and anyone who gives a shit about our laws, the standards of our elected representatives and those who will see his behaviour and set it as the bar for their own. Cos they will, mark my words, many people watching that took it as vindication for their own behaviours. We have a gender pay gap for a reason PR, most of the decision-making about wages and salaries are made by men in NZ and they simply value women less.

              He took/forced the resignation of Aaron Gilmore for less…

              If you look at Key’s interactions and his touching… it is almost exclusively touching women and girls… hand shakes with boys/men. It’s not about abuse per se, it;s about respect and how he views the different genders in front of him. He is not an ordinary bloke, he is the Prime Minister of NZ.

              • sckiwireddevil …
                29 April 2015 at 11:32 am

                Yes I do also, or at least be prosecuted for his actions, hence, he will be sacked as a result.

              • Lanthanide …
                29 April 2015 at 11:43 am

                “cos he was having fun to further his own agenda.”

                I don’t think he was trying to further his own agenda. In fact it seems like he was trying to “not be the prime minister” and act like a “normal person” might. Which shows he’s rather delusional.

                • tracey …
                  29 April 2015 at 11:49 am

                  I disagree, I think it’s part of his ordinary bloke” personna. Delberately trained to behave in a familiar and ordinary bloke way.

                  • Once was Tim …
                    29 April 2015 at 12:01 pm

                    absolutely – see below. With Dear John, there’s ALWAYS an agenda – if only to further (as you say) his persona.
                    Sociopathic or what!

                • Once was Tim …
                  29 April 2015 at 11:55 am

                  you really do like to paint the best in people eh Lanth? That’s a good thing usually but I fear you misunerstand the makeup of John Key (and many of his enterage for that matter)

                  • Lanthanide …
                    29 April 2015 at 1:16 pm

                    I simply choose to see political opponents as human beings and interpret their actions as if they’re merely human. I don’t assume ulterior motives behind every action like some people do.

                    Don’t ascribe to malice what can easily be explained by stupidity.

                    • Once was Tim …
                      29 April 2015 at 3:28 pm

                      which of course are not mutually exclusive, and neither of which are necessarily attributes of a bloody sociopath

                    • vto …
                      29 April 2015 at 3:31 pm

                      Rubbish. You made an assumption right here… ” it seems like he was trying to “not be the prime minister” and act like a “normal person” might”.

                      Why would you think that and not some other think?

          • sckiwireddevil 11.2.1.1.2
            29 April 2015 at 11:22 am

            +1, your last paragraph…..Stay strong.

            • Tracey 11.2.1.1.2.1
              29 April 2015 at 11:31 am

              Thanks I am good as gold. I used my story to show that hair plays a part in some peoples behaviour (for the worse) and that “grooming” takes many forms. 1 in 3/4 women reportedly experience sexual abuse in NZ. We ought to be mortified. Even if were 1 in 5/6 would that be better? It is about respect and seeing women as at the beck and call of mens behaviours, be they “playful” or more sinister. For me, it is mostly about role modelling and our PM’s excuses have just told many boys and men that girls/women over react and dont know how to have fun…

    • adam 11.3
      29 April 2015 at 11:31 am

      What other silly lagniappe (pronounced lan-yap) you going to offer today Puckish Rogue?

      Oh wait, we’re not buying it…

    • McFlock 11.4
      29 April 2015 at 11:37 am

      dropping?
      You fucking liar. That poll says both labour and the nats have increased 2.8% since the previous poll.

      Apples with apples, except when it suits you, eh…

      • Puckish Rogue 11.4.1
        29 April 2015 at 11:49 am

        I was referring to the latest Roy Morgan poll

        http://www.roymorgan.com/morganpoll/new-zealand/voting-intention-summary

        • McFlock 11.4.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 11:55 am

          like I said, apples with apples except when it suits you.

          • Puckish Rogue 11.4.1.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 12:14 pm

            Hey don’t blame me that once again the Labour party have chosen a dud (sorry the unions have chosen a dud)

            Seriously the Labour party would have a better chance of getting a decent leader if they stuck everyones name in a hat and chose a name at random

            • McFlock 11.4.1.1.1.1
              29 April 2015 at 12:21 pm

              lol

              If the nats tried that method of picking a leader, they have no chance of getting a decent leader and a pretty fair chance of getting a creep, a moron, and/or an alleged [suppression order]…

              • Puckish Rogue …
                29 April 2015 at 12:26 pm

                In power since 2008 and still looking a good bet for 2017 but hey its not like thats important or anything

                • Tracey …
                  29 April 2015 at 12:27 pm

                  So, longevity is your yardstick for good governance?

                  • Puckish Rogue …
                    29 April 2015 at 12:29 pm

                    Well speaking for myself I’ve done better since Nationals been in power and its been the same for everyone else I know

                    However longevity does suggest that enough people also think Key/National are doing a good job

                    • McFlock …
                      29 April 2015 at 12:39 pm

                      Or it just suggests that between the fujimo tories like you, alienating a full quarter of the electorate from the system entirely, and the old “some of the people all of the time” results of constant lying (like comparing apples with oranges) and dirty politics, a shit government can keep its claws in power.

                    • Tracey …
                      29 April 2015 at 1:18 pm

                      Could you be more specific about what you mean by “done better”?

                      Apart from a redundancy in 2009 our household is in exactly the same financial position under this Government as the 1999 to 2008 government.

                      I say this as a small business owner (self employed) and a partner employed by a charity.

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      29 April 2015 at 2:54 pm

                      I’ve done better in that our net worth has increased quite nicely and our standard of living has increased as well plus what we owe has dropped

                      we’ve nearly finished renovating our home and we’ll be renting that out when we move into our new home which will be finished building by (hopefully) Christmas

                      While we may not “love” our jobs they do have some very good positives so all in all we’ve never had it better then we do now

                    • Tracey …
                      29 April 2015 at 3:14 pm

                      ” our net worth has increased quite nicely and our standard of living has increased ”

                      How does the rate of improvement relate, say, to 2000 to 2008?

                      Are you in Auckland?

                      How old are you now?

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      29 April 2015 at 4:19 pm

                      How does the rate of improvement relate, say, to 2000 to 2008?

                      – I really can’t put a figure on that sorry

                      Are you in Auckland?

                      – Christchurch

                      How old are you now?

                      – Early 40s

                    • felix …
                      29 April 2015 at 7:04 pm

                      Yes it can be hard to put figures on vague ideas that you just made up 🙄

            • Tracey 11.4.1.1.1.2
              29 April 2015 at 12:25 pm

              What is your definition of “decent”PR?

              1.conforming with generally accepted standards of respectable or moral behaviour.
              “a decent clean-living individual”

              2. of an acceptable standard; satisfactory.

              • Puckish Rogue …
                29 April 2015 at 12:27 pm

                Decent in this case means someone that can lift Labour to near 40% of the vote

                • te reo putake …
                  29 April 2015 at 12:54 pm

                  Do keep up, PR. 30% plus for Labour means a change of government. That’s the minimum target, anything beyond that is a welcome bonus. And even the Herald’s bogus poll can’t undo the damage Dunnokeyo is doing to himself. That ‘landslide’ win last year could have been a shock loss if National missed out on even 1% of their actual party vote. And every photo of Key fondling children’s hair has an effect on his chances of dragging National over the line one more time. The man’s a weirdo, and that fact won’t go away.

                  • Puckish Rogue …
                    29 April 2015 at 1:14 pm

                    How do you figure that or does this include some inside knowledge of what Winstons going to do? Because that worked out really well for Labour last time didn’t it

                    • felix …
                      29 April 2015 at 2:50 pm

                      lol I like it when you guys get panicky.

                    • Tracey …
                      29 April 2015 at 2:52 pm

                      Dr Mapp is the one who has spent weeks investigating Winston and NZ first… of course when challenged it instantly changed to an “observation”.

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      29 April 2015 at 3:05 pm

                      Yes Felix we’re panicking, just like in 2008 when John Key went up against HC and 2011 against PG and 2014 (after seeing off DS) against DC

                      You mistake panick for the dawning realisation that Little doesn’t have the charisma to sway the population of NZ

                      But if it makes you feel better just remember that Key will probably retire after 4 terms in power and then Labour will get in

                    • Tracey …
                      29 April 2015 at 3:15 pm

                      If you see Key’s retirement as harbouring a new Government that suggests you don’t think it is anything in particular they have implemented that has made the difference, but his popularity per se?

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      29 April 2015 at 3:58 pm

                      Well no I just think that Key is so popular that once he leaves it’ll be hard to replace him (at first) plus after 4 terms of National NZ will vote in Labour no matter who they have in charge

                    • felix …
                      29 April 2015 at 7:01 pm

                      If you’re not panicking then why so worried about Winston all of a sudden?

                      Just learned how to count?

                • Maui …
                  29 April 2015 at 1:10 pm

                  I don’t think the leadership of Labour is going to be the problem, when he’s going up against a popular weirdo. The issue is going to be over policy that ignites the public interest and launching it at the right time.

                • Tracey …
                  29 April 2015 at 1:19 pm

                  so nothing in normal use of the word then.

        • freedom 11.4.1.2
          29 April 2015 at 1:16 pm

          Puckish Rogue, you put the line about “Labour dropping below 30%” into the post where you linked to the Herald Digi-Poll. Now you claim you were referring to the latest Roy Morgan poll.

          The latest Roy Morgan covers April 6-19 and has no relevance to discussion on the impact of the PM admitting he repeatedly accosted a waitress.

          • Puckish Rogue 11.4.1.2.1
            29 April 2015 at 3:50 pm

            I’m comfortable that in the next Roy Morgan poll Labour will still be under 30 and Winston will be necck and neck with Little as 2nd most preferred PM (behind Key of course)

            • freedom 11.4.1.2.1.1
              29 April 2015 at 4:27 pm

              I have little interest whether you are comfortable with it or not.
              I simply highlighted the mendacious nature of your postings.

  12. weka 12
    29 April 2015 at 10:26 am

    In amongst everything else, some good news about things that are working and changing for the better. I don’t think we can yet understand truly how influential Nicholas has been on addressing rape culture, but it will become more and more obvious over time. That she is recognised by something as mainstream as this award suggests we have come a long way despite there still being a long way to go. I think about what it was like for rape survivors when she first spoke out, compared to now. The impact on society is significant and it’s these cultural shifts that give me hope we can achieve other ones.

    Louise Nicholas awarded the Governor-General’s Anzac of the Year Award

    Rape survivors’ advocate Louise Nicholas has been given this year’s Anzac of the Year award.

    The prize is for someone who has demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion, comradeship and commitment in the service of others.

    It was great honour and privilege to receive the award, but the war was not won, she said.

    “It represents the struggles, fights and battles every survivor goes through in New Zealand. Every survivor stands with me and we’ll keep soldiering on together like our Anzacs did 100 years ago.”

    Mateparae said: “Louise’s personal experience of harm and trauma has resulted in an ongoing commitment to help victims of sexual assault and to enable affirmative cultural change.

    “Her decision to shine a spotlight on a dangerous culture that existed in some pockets of one of our most trusted organisations was a fight not just for herself but for other women.”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/68002140/Louise-Nicholas-awarded-the-Governor-Generals-Anzac-of-the-Year-Award

    • Tracey 12.1
      29 April 2015 at 10:33 am

      Courage indeed. Many people just don’t understand the bravery required to lay a complaint, to go through the Courts let alone for their family and friends to know the very personal aspects of their lives, then factor in taking on the ultimate bastion of authority, the Police. The allegations of “slut” and so on. Now imagine you are a child…

      Louise’s courages astounds me everytime I re-read her story. Her advocacy of others. BUT John Key will be knighted before she gets awared a damehood or is made one of the 20 greatest living NZers (currently held by one Prince Philip of Greece)

      • jenny kirk 12.1.1
        29 April 2015 at 11:07 am

        Yes indeed. I met Louise once – at a function. Such a quiet unassuming woman but what a big punch she landed when her story finally came out !!

        • Rosie 12.1.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 11:14 am

          + 100 weka, Tracey and jenny kirk.

          Her courage and conviction is astounding and she has achieved so much. She is a true hero. My respect for her is immense.

          • weka 12.1.1.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 11:33 am

            and how amazing to see her experiences and work placed in reference to war heros. That’s been a long time coming for rape survivors.

            • Tracey 12.1.1.1.1.1
              29 April 2015 at 12:25 pm

              YES!

            • greywarshark 12.1.1.1.1.2
              29 April 2015 at 6:28 pm

              As to female war heroes. Has anyone mentioned Ettie Rout? That woman stood head and shoulders above everyone as she sacrificed her ‘good’ name for the welfare of soldiers she held to be brothers.

              She gathered a group of nurses wanting to serve in WW1 who went to Egypt, against government wishes. Later she stood alone to protect those men going to the fighting from being destroyed by the sexually transmitted disease syphillis.

              In fronting up with condoms to prevent infection from the brain eating disease, she shocked right-minded society and angered the wives in New Zealand who did not believe their husbands would consider having sex while away at the war. The government behaved in a shoddy and disreputable way. Though her efforts did result in them adopting her safety kit, they never acknowledged her, probably because of pressure from disgusted leading ‘nice’ women.

              By June 1917, having realised the venereal disease problem was still very bad and that the New Zealand Medical Corps had not adopted prophylactic measures, she went to London to push it into doing so. Researching among the foremost doctors in this new field, she combined the work of several to produce her own prophylactic kit, containing calomel ointment, condoms and Condy’s crystals (potassium permanganate). She sold these at the New Zealand Medical Soldiers Club, which she set up at Hornchurch near the New Zealand Convalescent Hospital.

              distribution to soldiers going on leave. Ettie Rout received no credit for her role in the kit’s development and adoption, and for the duration of the war the cabinet banned her from New Zealand newspapers under the War Regulations. Mention of her brought a possible £100 fine after one of her letters, suggesting kits and hygienic brothels, had been published in the New Zealand Times. .. The Te Ara biography will astound you as to her achievements. http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3r31/rout-ettie-annie

              She came back to NZ in 1936 but apparently was shunned by former colleagues and friends, left and sent a message announcing that she had died at sea. and is buried in Avarua, Rarotonga. A wonderful woman, who displayed the best characteristics of the new country, but the hypocritical mores of the time would not accept her. She said it was hard to be born before her time.
              http://www.nzedge.com/ettie-rout/

              Jane Tolerton has written an award winning book about Ettie Rout.
              Tolerton, Jane is a biographer, journalist and educator. Her published books range in subject matter from a biography of Ettie Rout, to a book documenting the experiences of soldiers of World War I, and another focused on women of the swinging sixties. Ettie: A Life of Ettie Rout (1992) won the New Zealand Book Award for non-fiction in 1993. Tolerton’s journalism awards include the Dulux News Award and the Crown Prize for Historical Journalism. http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Writers/Profiles/Tolerton,%20Jane
              edited

      • sckiwireddevil 12.1.2
        29 April 2015 at 11:08 am

        Donkey knighted?, It will be a sad, sad day in the history of NZ if that even comes close. Lets pray Tracey that NEVER happens.

        • Tracey 12.1.2.1
          29 April 2015 at 11:32 am

          Frankly, I believe it is one reason he is PM…

          • Once was Tim 12.1.2.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 12:16 pm

            of COURSE it is! It’s a shame some (supposedly of the left) in their bid to come across as ‘fair and balanced’, prepared to compromise/meet half-way (all those supposedly good things) can’t see the bleeding bloody obvious at times.
            Personally I think John Key’s biggest achievement is that he’s been able to fool so many for so long… but then not so surprising really when treats and trinkets are on offer to those prepared to worship at the Corporate Altar

    • Murray Rawshark 12.2
      29 April 2015 at 3:55 pm

      She deserves recognition.

  13. Michael 13
    29 April 2015 at 10:54 am

    Bernie Sanders, an independent US senator and democratic socialist, will be seeking the nomination for US Democratic Party candidate.
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/28/bernie-sanders-presidential-campaign_n_7165270.html

    “Sanders has been an outspoken critic of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal the Obama administration is negotiating with 11 Pacific countries. Sanders is also a critic of the controversial Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which struck down corporate campaign contribution limits. Sanders has tried to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the decision.

    While Clinton is heavily favored over Sanders, the Vermont senator’s entry in the race will provide a platform for Democrats to criticize Clinton from the left. Sanders’ presence could also highlight a divide between progressive and moderate Democrats.

    Before assuming office in the Senate in 2007, Sanders represented Vermont in the U.S. House for 16 years. He is the longest serving independent member of Congress.”

    He is the most left wing member of the US Congress and is not a member of the Democratic Party but caucuses with them.
    He also refuses all campaign contributions from corporate donors. All of his top donors are unions and individual small donations. He is an ardent critic of the TPP, billionaire class, etc.

    I doubt he would ever win the nomination, but it’ll make the debates a lot more interesting and ideologically diverse. Things will actually be debated.

  14. Robert 14
    29 April 2015 at 11:10 am

    “Leave the poor girl alone!”

    Quote of the Year

    • sckiwireddevil 14.1
      29 April 2015 at 11:28 am

      Yeah, her comment to her ”husband” sounds a tad condescending, dont think she needed to say ”poor”.

      • McFlock 14.1.1
        29 April 2015 at 11:39 am

        in that context, I’d take “poor” to mean “suffering the misfortune of happening to have a feature that you find ‘tantalizing’ and being powerless to stop your subsequent harassment”.

      • tracey 14.1.2
        29 April 2015 at 11:51 am

        I think it shows Bronagh could see what Key wouldnt, that at best the girl was not enjoying it and Bronagh could see that she didnt feel she could take on the PM….

        Key’s career was in a very male dominated occupation. Interaction with women would have been mainly social, not professional…

        • Puckish Rogue 14.1.2.1
          29 April 2015 at 12:31 pm

          Sounds about right

          • Tracey 14.1.2.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 1:20 pm

            but no excuse for his behaviour as taxpayer funded PM of the country.

            • Puckish Rogue 14.1.2.1.1.1
              29 April 2015 at 3:11 pm

              While I quite enjoy reading your comments and getting your take on things (you’re not rabidly one-eyed like the vast majority on here) I have to disagree with you and say I don’t believe it is a sacking offence or that John Key should stand down

  15. Maui 15
    29 April 2015 at 11:48 am

    Prince Harry’s visit schedule for next month has been released and surprise, surprise it involves a lot of military events. Key couldn’t hope for better motivation on the war on “terror”.

    As soon as he arrives he pretty much heads straight “to the National War Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony.”

    He spends a full day at Linton Army Camp “The Linton Military Camp just south of Palmerston North is on Wednesday’s agenda, where Prince Harry will participate in a number of activities with the Army, including learning the Army’s own haka.”

    Goes to Whanganui “and visit the War Memorial Centre.”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/68124879/a-royal-itinerary-prince-harrys-nz-visit

  16. Clemgeopin 16
    29 April 2015 at 12:06 pm

    Key is gutless and fails in Saudi :

    [1] ‘Mr Key met His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh.

    Afterwards, Radio New Zealand reported that he did not specifically raise the issue of women’s rights.” [Read : ‘I did not have enough guts to do so’]

    “No, I went into the wider issue of human rights. I think that’s the appropriate way to handle it,” Mr Key told media.’

    [2] “Mr Key said his meeting went well, although he could not categorically say whether a free trade deal would get over the line.” [Read : ‘My mission wasn’t a success’] ]

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11440304

    • felix 16.1
      29 April 2015 at 2:46 pm

      “he did not specifically raise the issue of women’s rights”

      Yeah well on Planet Key, women who complain about their bodies being controlled by men are probably lefties with no sense of humour.

      And as he said the other day, the Saudis only strip rights from their own women. If his wife and his grandma are both happy to chuck the sheets on this week then why can’t the Saudi women do as they’re told?

      • Tracey 16.1.1
        29 April 2015 at 3:17 pm

        Shit felix…

        cutting to the chase indeed…

        How long has Saudi Arabia been trading with the West? Hundreds of years? I only ask cos apparently trading with the West will make them see that women’s rights matter and beheading is wrong.

        • Murray Rawshark 16.1.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 4:04 pm

          Saudi Arabia has only existed since 1932. Before Ibn Saud took control with support from the British and the Wahabi clerics, the area had been slowly modernising. The hegemony of the House of Saud and their support from the US and Britain put an end to that.

          • Tracey 16.1.1.1.1
            29 April 2015 at 4:07 pm

            I apologise. They have only had 7 decades of trading with the West to be influenced to change their attitudes toward women and people’s heads.

      • Clemgeopin 16.1.2
        29 April 2015 at 4:03 pm

        @ felix : ” If his wife and his grandma are both happy”

        ‘grandma’? What is that about?

  17. Philip Ferguson 17
    29 April 2015 at 12:13 pm

    After the dismal failure of neo-liberalism to foresee the global financial crisis, let alone have answers to how to fix it, Keynes has made a comeback; but his 21st century acolytes disagree on what constitute Keynes’ key ideas:
    https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/04/28/what-is-keynesianism-in-the-21st-century/

    Phil

  18. amirite 18
    29 April 2015 at 12:49 pm

    According to Key, NZ troop deployment isn’t newsworthy, his precise words : “”I just don’t see it as newsworthy,” he told reporters afterwards. “You guys might, but I don’t. I mean, they have to fly through somewhere. That’s the base they use going into Baghdad, so pffft.”

    Arrogance personified.

    Here: http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/key-troop-deployment-not-newsworthy-2015042911#ixzz3YefHNwN3

    • freedom 18.1
      29 April 2015 at 1:33 pm

      I thought the reason the NZ public weren’t to be told about troop movements was all about the vital security precautions required to keep our troops safe. Now it’s just because the PM doesn’t consider it’s newsworthy?

      On a side note, very odd new format TV3 has adopted for displaying video. If you want to replay the video you have to reload the page as the video, once completed, vanishes and is replaced with a ‘related videos’ selection which does not include the video first screened.

      • Tracey 18.1.1
        29 April 2015 at 3:18 pm

        Yup, new lie for BLiP’s list

        • freedom 18.1.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 3:50 pm

          In Q7 today, Ron Mark had Simon Bridges dancing on what must be a very busy pin head, what with Key and English piloting their Spruce Goose Surplus onto the same.

    • Murray Rawshark 18.2
      29 April 2015 at 4:10 pm

      He thinks he’s being hilarious there as well. I think he’s cracking under the pressure and will do a Nixon soon. As he flies off to Hawaii, he’ll say “You guys don’t deserve me any more.”

      • freedom 18.2.1
        29 April 2015 at 4:35 pm

        A question the reporter could have then asked

        ‘Are troop deployments really an occasion for such [strained] joviality Mr Key?’

    • miravox 18.3
      29 April 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Key and reporters – that’s a symbiotic relationship gone bad.

      Best the reporters writer pretty stories about Key if they want to be feed a few more press releases.

  19. felix 19
    29 April 2015 at 1:24 pm

    Something #ponytailgate bought up is the fact that John Key is still producing his own branded wine at a vineyard he doesn’t know he owns.

    I can’t help noticing that the person with his name on this: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/11100583_10152671995581372_1013217086_n.jpg

    …thinks he can improve our flag.

    • Tracey 19.1
      29 April 2015 at 2:51 pm

      What is the date on the wine felix? Is there one? 2013?

      • felix 19.1.1
        29 April 2015 at 3:05 pm

        Good question 😀

        The blue label is the 2014 design, although not necessarily a 2014 vintage: http://www.velocity-creative.com/project/pms-pinot-2014-label

        According to the designer:

        PM’s Pinot Label Design
        Wine label designed for New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on an annual basis.

        The back label of the 2014 edition states that it is the sixth edition.

        I can only presume that Key went to the designer and asked for something reminiscent of the sharemarket boom of the 80s.

  20. idlegus 20
    29 April 2015 at 2:32 pm

    Gerry Brownlee & his conflict of interest with asbestos.

    http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/cabinet/ministers/ministers-interests/2013-14

  21. Tracey 21
    29 April 2015 at 2:49 pm

    From The Greens on the rockstar economy

    “Rock star economy hits rocks

    Falling exports and rising imports have led to the largest annual trade deficit since July 2009, the Green Party said today.

    Statistics New Zealand Overseas Merchandise Trade figures for March show there was an annual trade deficit of $2.4 billion for the year ended March 2015. This was the largest annual trade deficit since the year ended July 2009, driven by falling whole milk powder exports to China and declines in oil exports.

    “A large fall in the value of our milk powder exports to China has highlighted the real vulnerability of National’s one-trick economy,” said Green Party trade and investment spokesperson James Shaw.

    “The falling value of milk powder exports to China has contributed to the largest yearly trade deficit since 2009.

    “After six years in Government, National has failed to diversify our export sector away from a few basic, low value-added commodities.

    “High value-added manufactured exports are, in contrast, holding their own, but still only account for a fifth of all exports.

    “High value-added manufactured exports and import substitution are a key part of the economic transformation New Zealand needs to build a resilient, prosperous economy and create well-paid jobs.

    “The Green Party will focus on adding more value to our exports. We should be exporting high-value, high-tech goods made from the resources that we produce,” Mr Shaw said.

    Link to Statistics New Zealand Overseas Merchandise Trade figures:
    http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/imports_and_exports/OverseasMerchandiseTrade_MRMar15.aspx

    ENDS

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1504/S00378.htm

  22. vto 22
    29 April 2015 at 3:04 pm

    Thought I would try fondling some female ponytails today in the mall. Apparently its ok for almost half our population.

  23. Barbara 23
    29 April 2015 at 3:13 pm

    Barbara

    I think a purge is on at Media Work’s Radio Live, in the evenings Mitch Harris, with his blues and rhythm and blues music and a super guy with leftish leanings has vanished off the airways in the 10pm – 1am slot, Paul Henry occupies the 7pm-8pm slot with highlights of his morning show so now we have to suffer him at both ends of the day, Karen Hay and Andrew Fagan previously on the 7pm – 10pm slot are now no longer, a compassionate couple with big hearts, Andrew has vanished, I was told it was his choice but I wonder about this, Karen, in her new time of 8pm -midnight I listened to last night – where it used to be an open forum and people chatted about what was happening all over the country – usual current affairs types of things – truckies phoned in, there were regular talk backers each evening, lots of humour, muso’s phoned in about old top hits and Andrew had his fabulous boat night from time to time, its now a strict type of format with sound bites on subjects like classic cars etc – no open forum so to speak, (another Graeme Hill Variety Wireless type boring set up) I had to suffer listening to a chiropractor giving advice to folk about their posture and bad backs – with so many important things happening to this country and we get advice for our posture – it was just awful. It used to be great to end the day hearing people rightfully having their say about the state of the country but I think our poor Karen has been sanitised and been told to be a good girl and keep politics off the airways. I predict Willie Jackson will be the next to go and Alison Mau will rule the afternoon airwaves. In the mornings there is the insufferable redneck Shaun Plunkett who is just too rude to be on the air and Duncan Garner is like a chipmunk on steroids and gives me a headache.

    So Radio Live, my faithful old station will now no longer be listened to by me – I wonder how many other people will just give up – Weldon and his Christie have done a right hatchet job on the station, the PM will be sighing with relief. Has anybody else notice the musical chairs that has been going on? We did get David Slack for 3 weeks standing in for Karen while the new arrangements were going on and he was great but we probably won’t see him anymore either. Its the pits MSM, I flagged the Herald after the last election – the sun is going down on little ol’ NZ that’s for sure.

    Has anybody else noticed the changes with the station??

    • Tracey 23.1
      29 April 2015 at 3:19 pm

      Isnt Radio Live beaming the Paul Henry Show live? Reason enough to dump it methinks?

      • Barbara 23.1.1
        29 April 2015 at 3:51 pm

        I hope Tracey I didn’t give the impression that I actually listen to Paul Henry – the man is in insane – its just the fact they have tucked him in for an hour in the evenings with his highlights on top of his hogging the early mornings as well – I just enjoy left leaning talk back hosts with a love of the blues and big hearts who listen to our heartland and the terrible things that are going down on a daily basis. NZ is going to the dogs.

        • Tracey 23.1.1.1
          29 April 2015 at 4:10 pm

          No, you didn’t… Yup, nowhere left to turn

        • Belladonna 23.1.1.2
          29 April 2015 at 7:06 pm

          I often listen (listened) to Radio Live. Karyn Hay and occasional appearances by David Slack are the only ones worth listening to. Dont give up on those 2
          Barbara. Karyn is quite fearless and is well worth supporting. I am not so keen on the new magazine type format but she is doing something on the TPP soon so that will be worth a listen and you can at least get a left point of view across on her show. She needs support IMO.

    • freedom 23.2
      29 April 2015 at 3:32 pm

      they get what they pay for
      http://www.linz.govt.nz/regulatory/overseas-investment/decision-summaries-statistics/2013-08/201310035

      and they know what they want
      I doubt that includes an informed and free thinking populace

    • Puckish Rogue 23.3
      29 April 2015 at 3:45 pm

      I agree, RadioLive was never the same when Michael Laws left and when JT was replaced by Ali Mau

  24. Clemgeopin 24
    29 April 2015 at 4:10 pm

    Listen to Grant Robertson in the general debate a little while ago about :

    TPP : The Parnell Ponytail puller!

    http://www.inthehouse.co.nz/video/36688 (5 mins)

    • Draco T Bastard 25.1
      29 April 2015 at 10:36 pm

      Reminds me of this. And yes, you have the same mannerism as the guy in the big black hat.

  26. fisiani 26
    29 April 2015 at 4:47 pm

    At a quick count that 20 impotent posts about a Ponytail and not a bit of gloss has rubbed off. The more this keeps going the more you make Key a beloved martyr. Already people are saying , 100 years since WW1 and up to 20,000 dead in Nepal and the Left think the most important issue is a ponytail.

    [lprent: What you are looking at are posts by individuals.

    There are people who think “left”. Just as there are people like me who are kind of cruel when they remind people what our site about says.

    We write here in our personal capacities and the opinions that are expressed on the blog are individual unless expressly stated otherwise (see the policy). We do not write on behalf of any organization.

    Which means that they don’t speak for “the Left” or any other great conspiracy fantasy you like to jerk off on.

    Banned two months for making the same damn mistake yet again and making me repeat myself almost as much as you do. ]

  27. Penny Bright 27
    29 April 2015 at 5:58 pm

    Hopefully this link will work?

    It’s a photo I took of the charging document, presented for filing today, (29 April 2015) at the Auckland District Court by Graham McCready.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1026691887343503&set=ms.c.eJw1yskJACAMBMCOZI~_Yo~%3B~%3BGRMHvMIQyR9kBAoPFB~_wuhzf8QXWHzAMALgoC.bps.a.852990618046965.1073741825.100000081045781&type=1&theater

    Should be coverage on tonight’s TV news …..

    Remember how many people thought Graham McCready’s efforts would come to nothing, when he started his private prosecution against John Banks?

    The rest is history …….

    Penny Bright

    http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz

  28. Clemgeopin 28
    29 April 2015 at 5:59 pm

    Jihm Campbell tweeted:

    Campbell Live at 7 on TV3

    The first NZ home with a 9 star energy rating and no power bill; we review the 1 ⭐️restaurant reviewer. Plus what you've raised for Nepal.— Campbell Live (@CampbellLiveNZ) April 29, 2015

    The first NZ home with a 9 star energy rating and no power bill; we review the 1 ⭐️restaurant reviewer. Plus what you've raised for Nepal.— Campbell Live (@CampbellLiveNZ) April 29, 2015

  29. Paul 29
    29 April 2015 at 6:07 pm

    More casual behaviour by our creepy PM
    Unbelievable.

    ‘Kiwi troops in Iraq: John Key accused of dangerous ‘chatter”

    Key has also been slated for telling Dubai media about the troop movements when the Government appeared to have a deliberate policy of keeping its domestic audience in New Zealand in the dark.
    In an interview with a local Dubai paper, Key confirmed some of the 143 personnel joining the fight against Islamic State are in the Gulf State but when questioned over his failure to disclose that to New Zealand media said that was because he considered it was “not newsworthy”.
    Asked on Wednesday to confirm the information, NZDF would only say that personnel had been travelling to the Middle East in advance of deploying into Iraq but would not go into further detail.
    “We have been very clear that for reasons of operational security and in order to keep our soldiers as safe as possible, we won’t be going into detail on travel arrangements We intend to let the public know when the full contingent is safely deployed,” NZDF said in a statement.
    When quizzed by New Zealand journalists in Riyadh on Wednesday, Key was vague. He said they were “transiting” but couldn’t say exactly for how long.
    “They go in tranches, it’s not big news, that’ s just a transit stop-over point so the probability of them being there for a few days is quite high,” he said. “I’m guessing some of them are there…but not in massive numbers. Some are in Baghdad or in [Iraq]’s] Taji [base] and some are back in New Zealand…I just don’t think it is new news that they have a transit stop. It’s like saying I go to London and I stop off in LA.”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/68147149/kiwi-troops-in-iraq-john-key-accused-of-dangerous-chatter

    • felix 29.1
      29 April 2015 at 6:47 pm

      Yet another example demonstrating that Key is not on our side of the international affairs table.

    • Clemgeopin 29.2
      29 April 2015 at 7:39 pm

      From the link:

      “At his weekly press conference last Monday Key told reporters: “The defence forces view to us is if we say the exact day they leave and therefore the exact day they arrive they perceive, for whatever reasons…that puts a slight increase in risk on their safety. So I’ve got no option but to accept that.”

      Labour foreign affairs spokesman David Shearer accused Key of “a frightening lack of judgement in disclosing to an Arabic media outlet that Kiwi troops are in the UAE awaiting deployment to Iraq”.

      “At the same time the Prime Minister is telling us that disclosing operational details could be a security risk he is being loose-lipped on the world stage.

      “This is the umpteenth time New Zealanders have learned about details of the Iraqi deployment from international media.

      “Only last month Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee was forced to concede that a number of Kiwi troops had gone to Australia for joint training ahead of the deployment after it was reported in that country’s media.

      “It seems the Government is using secrecy as a convenient smokescreen to not answer questions about a deployment that is unpopular and futile.

      NZ First MP Ron Mark said Key’s “sloppy and thoughtless remarks” were a risk to both New Zealand and Australian forces going into Iraq.
      ——–
      Apart from his rudeness in informing the Dubai journalists rather than the NZ journalists, Key has been dangerously casual here hasn’t he!