Open mike 29/04/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 29th, 2016 - 116 comments
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116 comments on “Open mike 29/04/2016 ”

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  1. amirite 1
    29 April 2016 at 6:59 am

    Panama-based company Ceol & Muir which is owned by Italy-based Rafael Grozovsky and his Argentina-based brother Federico Grozovsky, purchased the 1317-hectare Onetai Station in Awakino, Taranaki in 2014, for $6 million. In Argentina, their company was charged with discharging carcinogenic waste from their tanneries into the nearby river. However, regarding the sale of Taranaki land, the OIO has found the purchasers have met their ‘good character’ requirements.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/302593/oio-satisfied-with-foreign-owners-of-taranaki-farm

  2. vto 2
    29 April 2016 at 7:41 am

    Has anyone noticed how easily Key’s “relaxed about that” screwing up of his nose is so easily read now as uncaring arrogance??

    With his foreign trusts and foreign owners he is entirely coming across as “I know best, stop wasting my time”

    Maybe he has been watching how his colleague finlayson q c manages to so accurately display his nonsensical sense of place…

    • Once Was Tim 2.1
      29 April 2016 at 8:11 am

      +1

      “Maybe he has been watching how his colleague finlayson q c manages to so accurately display his nonsensical sense of place…”

      Ain’t that the truth. I often wondered what happened to the guy. At one time he was half reasonable (for a Gnat) – then I realised …. Key happened and he became an arse licking woose. So much for principle

  3. save NZ 3
    29 April 2016 at 8:28 am

    John Key ramming through TPPA – we all know that it is for the benefit of his cronies and the 0.1% who don’t feel the need to pay taxes, and can pollute at will.

    http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2987560/colombia_theres_no_place_for_clean_water_under_free_trade.html

    “The latest country to be hooked under ‘free trade’ agreements is Colombia, writes Pete Dolack, sued for tens of billions of dollars by US and Canadian gold mining companies for valuing its national parks and the high-altitude Andean wetlands that provide 70% of the nation’s water above the profits of foreign corporations. Free trade or clean water? You can’t have both.”

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/ttip-uk-government-only-did-one-assessment-of-trade-deal-and-found-it-had-lots-of-risks-and-no-a6999646.html

    “TTIP: UK Government found secret courts in trade deal have ‘lots of risk and no benefit’ in its only assessment
    Stark warning against agreement disclosed in response to a Freedom of Information request”

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/302324/us-officials-heading-to-nz-to-talk-tpp

    A visit by US officials could be used to pressure the government into further concessions on the Trans Pacific Partnership deal, a long time critic of the trade pact says.

  4. Agora 4
    29 April 2016 at 8:40 am

    RNZ reports that Corbyn has demoted Ken Livingstone for suggesting zionism had a connection with nazism. I like some of the things Corbyn has done, but on this one he is wrong.

    “The WZO leaders said as little as they could about Germany in as much as they knew that negotiations were proceeding to work out a trade agreement with Hitler. Jabotinsky brought forth a motion to support the embryonic anti-Nazi boycott, but it had no chance of success. The delegates were totally put off by the fascist character of Revisionism. During the Congress, Jewish Telegraphic Agency dispatches told of the police discovering Jabotinsky’s letter to Achimeir denouncing him for his pro-Nazi articles. [24] The vast majority of the delegates believed that the Biryonim had murdered the Political Secretary of their movement and the letter could only serve to reinforce their opinion. They could only think that their own Hitler was denouncing the WZO leaders for being pro-Nazi. The resolution calling for action against the Hitlerites was soundly defeated, 240 to 43. [25] (In fact the Nazis announced, during the Congress, that a trade agreement had been reached with the WZO’s Anglo-Palestine Bank.)”

    http://www.marxists.de/middleast/ironwall/08-fascter.htm#30s

    • Bill 4.1
      29 April 2016 at 10:52 am

      There seems to quite a lot of bullshit being pushed, including by a number within UK Labour, that antisemitism is a trait of the more left leaning people within UK Labour.

      I agree that Corbyn should have faced it down but…over a few years I’ve noticed a more general ‘getting up in arms’ about supposed antisemitism in the UK media. For example, I’ve been aware of the BBC running (to me) incongruous reports on the threat to the Jewish community off the back of terrorist attacks or apparent imminent likelihood of some terrorist attack.

  5. Nick 5
    29 April 2016 at 9:08 am

    Bullenglish is blabbing about low interest rates, good potential investors out there, plenty of cash around, when the parameters are right…. Then you realize he’s talking about mental health services

  6. Tom Pained 6
    29 April 2016 at 9:16 am

    Are mental health services a growth market under this administration ?

  7. Jenny Kirk 7
    29 April 2016 at 9:27 am

    Can someone – a political scientist type of person (but not that fellow in the Herald, Edwards !) provide us with some sort of analysis of the more recent polls please.

    An analysis that includes the numbers of “Don’t Know” who they’ll vote for, and also what sort of questions are being asked in the polls. Plus the PM’s rating each time.

    It looks to me like the PM’s rating is dropping, but that’s not being picked up by the media. And I cannot figure out why there is so much confidence in the NAct govt when so much is happening that is obviously negative : the TPPA, the known corruption, the PM supporting the 1%, climate change issues, housing, unemployment, beggars in the streets, dairying going down, etc.

    Why isn’t all this showing in the polls?

    And I don’t want to be given the glib answer that we don’t have a Bernie Sanders or Corbyn – we have Winston Peters and that’s more than enough for one little country and yes – his poll rating has gone up, and I’m assuming that’s because he’s the spokesperson for everything in NZ First, and now he is Northland MP, he has a lot to make a noise about.

    • weka 7.1
      29 April 2016 at 10:23 am

      Afaik the incumbent PM usually rates higher than all other party leaders as preferred PM. I think the whole focus on that is part of the manufacture of the Teflon Key myth. Myself I think it’s irrelevant.

      Most polls don’t report or account for the don’t knows/undecideds, nor the people that won’t answer their questions or don’t even answer the phone. That and the margins of error, and the fact that results are often close make me think much of what we do will polls is spin rather than reality. I think polls tend to reflect many things including what the MSM are doing, esp close to an election.

      We should be looking at the poll of polls, not individual ones, because the poll of polls shows trends over time and that’s more important. Individual polls with commentary are highly speculative. We can use that, but I don’t think we should get too hung up on it at this stage. Closer to the election it’s an issue (I believe polls should be banned for some weeks pre-election). But we’re not there yet.

      (as an aside, Peters isn’t our Corbyn or Sanders. He’s a centrist, authoritarian power-monger. Yes, he’s charismatic, knows how to play the political power game very well, has done some good things for NZ (think Winebox) and NZF has some good policies, but he’s also damaged MMP and democracy in NZ. Not even close to being a Corbyn or Sanders)

      • Colonial Viper 7.1.1
        29 April 2016 at 11:20 am

        Peters is his own political tour de force. Unfortunately he is on the last term or two of his career. There is no one else of his calibre politically once he is gone. Cunliffe had the potential but that’s all over now.

        But this term National and Labour will continue to weaken while he benefits.

        • weka 7.1.1.1
          29 April 2016 at 11:27 am

          NZ will be better off politically and societally once Peters is gone from parliament. I can name good things he has done, but they don’t outweigh how much he has damaged MMP and democracy. I don’t care how good he is at macho politics beyond how much power that garners him to keep on with the bullshit game. You and I obviously rate good politics quite differently.

          He is entertaining though so I guess there is that.

          • Colonial Viper 7.1.1.1.1
            29 April 2016 at 11:44 am

            I enjoy you talking about democracy and MMP, while simultaneously wishing gone one of the most popular and effective political figures of the decade.

            I guess you prefer democracy done your way.

            • weka 7.1.1.1.1.1
              29 April 2016 at 1:19 pm

              “I guess you prefer democracy done your way.”

              Actually I think that describes Peters. But it’s interesting that that’s what you resort to, trying to make out that I’m something or other rather than addressing the points. Let’s try again,

              “enjoy you talking about democracy and MMP, while simultaneously wishing gone one of the most popular and effective political figures of the decade.”

              Yes, because the underpinnings of MMP and democracy aren’t popularity or even political effectiveness, which can obviously be used in anti-democratic ways. The underpinnings are representation and fairness. Peters has demonstrably worked against those things at times.

              Peters is popular for sure, but he never got his party permanently out of the sub 10%. He fucked up a couple of times and lost his votes, so we can say that historically he’s been popular and unpopular depending on his behaviour. Like I said, I can name the good things he’s done, but I can name the mistakes too and the problems.

              • reason …
                29 April 2016 at 5:16 pm

                Weka, Do you hate Peters more than the national party supporters and tax cheats who had to pay millions to our government that they had successfully swindled past the IRD …………….. until Winston and his wine box extracted back to new zealand some of their stolen loot. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/8515361/Money-trail-leads-home-to-New-Zealand

                Winne cost the nat party votes and their rich criminal supporters money, so they hate him very much ……………

                And look at what Winston did to Key in the Northland bye-election when Nationals expert solution to the P problem and future police minister Mike Sabin had to leave parliament ……………..

                Key performed like a limp dick trying to hammer a nail against Winston 🙂

                National are now engaged in working with rich tax cheats and other criminals to such an extent that the architect of a multi BILLION dollar tax swindle is the guy that Key picked to be the judge on ‘New Zealand Tax Haven Inc’ ……………. The tax haven that key accidentally created and then after many talks and meetings with people like his bent ex lawyer mate accidentally kept going …………… Against IRD advice.

                No doubt our prime ministers Keyzheimers disease will kick in even worse than it has so far ……. he won’t really remember what that advice was ………. at the end of the day.

                But enough waffling and lets get pratical.. which is where I desperately need your smarts puckish….Your cleaver, cognitive and know whats what so…… could you please do some sums for me ……….. I wouldn’t bother asking any of the ‘leftie’ peeps around here….. because just like me they cant do math either …. and many are barking mad.

                Sherwan who selected by key was the prime mover in a 2.2 billion dollar ( or more) tax scam by the aussie banks who were gouging New Zealanders for record profits at the time.

                We have benefit fraud tip lines and a government that uses racism and every stereotype smear to encourage hatred of the worst off and most disadvantaged in society ………. that helps generate the phone calls for their attack ‘the poor welfare policy’….. and the privatisation of and evictions from state housing.

                But back to the numbers ……

                “Benefit fraud cost New Zealand $22 million in 2010″* ……now lets assume after another six years of national people are twice as dishonest…. because they are copying people like Bill English ( cheated the mp’s housing allowance with a false declaration …. Or JK with his ‘charity’ games of golf, Judith collins who can’t tell a kauri log from a Kauri stump and accidentally makes millions from her ignorance.

                So presuming a National government makes the people more dishonest we’ll double the 22 million benefit fraud up to 44 million ….. And we’ll round that up to $50 million to account for the acceleration of corrupt behavior lately.

                How many years of benefit fraud by ALL the beneficarys would it take to reach the amount that the ONE SINGLE Nact man John Sherwan had a go at ……….. How many years please wise one???, I bet your much better at maths than me.

                BUT how much of the benefit fraud was detected due to the haters tip line …………. 40% , 30% 25%.

                Because you are so cleaver could you also work out how many years of the benefit tip line running would you need before reaching the amount that John Sherwin tried to steal on the Aussie banks behalf ????

                I can’t work it out …….

                Which leads me to concede that John sherwan must be very cleaver to not go to jail for an attempted theft of 2.2 billion dollars of government revenue…….. which admittedly pays for silly stuff like hospitals and schools.

                But those financial types must all be geniuses as no one went to jail for the wholesale fraud of Billions ( or was it trillions) , directly leading to the GFC and much suffering world wide ………..for the poor.

                I can see why you support such intelligence …… to do otherwise would be stupid of you.

                I’ll never be that smart …………. can’t even do math 🙁

                I’m going to ask you one last final thing….. it’s probably something you could be uncomfortable with and I can’t recall you ever doing it on here……… I need your common sense to tell me who to vote for.

                Hell if you can work out those unsolvable mathematical impossibility I threw your way ………….. then you’d be justified in telling all of us fools here te standard who to vote for.

                “The banks will not pay penalties and the full details of the settlement are confidential, although they are paying 80% of the total tax owed plus interest. The amount was enough to boost New Zealand’s current account into a surplus in the September quarter for the first time in almost 21 years.”

                http://www.interest.co.nz/news/40814/banks-settle-structured-finance-tax-disputes-ird-nz22-bln-update-1

                • reason …
                  29 April 2016 at 5:29 pm

                  Sherwan who WAS selected by key was the prime mover in a 2.2 billion dollar ( or more) tax scam

                • RedBaronCV …
                  29 April 2016 at 9:14 pm

                  I remember this well. Dumped just prior to Xmas if I remember correctly – Photo of smiling individuals in the MSM – declaring the settlement of the tax dispute and I was incensed.
                  Proud of themselves for caving in and politically negotiating a Debt to the IRD.
                  Not the sort of outcome any ordinary Kiwi falling foul of the IRD can expect.

              • weka …
                29 April 2016 at 6:13 pm

                Reason, have you read my actual comments and thought about them? I’ve already said that I think Peters has done good things and I gave the Winebox as an example. I don’t hate Peters, and if you think this is about that then you’re not listening.

          • Puckish Rogue 7.1.1.1.2
            29 April 2016 at 12:37 pm

            Well would you look at that, we agree on something

          • adam 7.1.1.1.3
            29 April 2016 at 4:20 pm

            He stopped the Bolger government in it’s tracks. He stopped a third wave of hard neo-liberalism, by getting free health care for the under 5’s. The gold card, fighting for changes to the power of attorney, and enduring power of attorney. He enforced ring fencing for health. He has been out spoken in his criticism of neo-liberalism.

            Winston has actually done quite a bit of good weka. Been a bit of a nob about it in a macho way I agree, and is as social conservative as they come. He and the greens are the only ones who openly want to end the neo-liberal game at present. I’d hate to say this, but making him PM to get rid of neo-liberalism, is a price I’m willing to pay.

            • weka 7.1.1.1.3.1
              29 April 2016 at 4:45 pm

              Would you vote for NZF in 2017?

            • Craig H 7.1.1.1.3.2
              29 April 2016 at 11:31 pm

              IMO the biggest contribution of Peters and NZF is the increase in minimum wage to $12/hr (from 9.50) while in govt from 2005 – 2008. That set the scene for regular minimum wage rises, which wasn’t really something that happened before that.

        • b waghorn 7.1.1.2
          29 April 2016 at 12:38 pm

          “Cunliffe had the potential but that’s all over now.”
          Wins tons been written of once or twice in the past ,and look at him now.

          • Hami Shearlie 7.1.1.2.1
            29 April 2016 at 5:51 pm

            Exactly – a week’s a very long time in politics! David Cunliffe is feared by the Natz for good good reason!

    • Puckish Rogue 7.2
      29 April 2016 at 10:27 am

      “And I cannot figure out why there is so much confidence in the NAct govt when so much is happening that is obviously negative”

      Because interest rates are low, business confidence is high, employment is low and steady, more kiwis are returning home then ever before, Exports are likely to increase through trade

    • swordfish 7.3
      29 April 2016 at 1:22 pm

      @ Ms Jennifer Kirk

      I’m slowly but surely completing some detailed poll analysis for my blog .. but unfortunately not finished yet.

      In the meantime, here’s some PM/Leadership stats …

      Preferred PM Averages – John Key
      (Colmar Brunton / Reid Research – combined)

      …………………………Average……………High……….Compare 2/2 2015-16
      2/2 2015-16………..39………………………40…………………………..-
      1/1 2015……………..42………………………44…………………..Down 3 Points
      2014…………………. 45………………………48……………………Down 6 Points
      2013…………………..41………………………44……………………Down 2 Points
      2012…………………..43………………………48……………………Down 4 Points
      2011…………………..53………………………59……………………Down 14 Points
      2010…………………..49………………………54……………………Down 10 Points
      2009…………………..52………………………56……………………Down 13 Points

      Leader Favourability Ratings
      (Net positive Rating – the percentage point gap between those holding a Favourable and Unfavourable view of Key)
      2009 +58
      2010 +51
      2011 +48
      2012 +25
      2013 +19
      2014 +27
      2015 1/2 +19
      2015 2/2 +13
      (2015 broken down on a quarterly basis:
      2015
      1/4 +22,
      2/4 +15,
      3/4 +10,
      4/4 +16)
      Latest UMR puts Key on his lowest ever Favourability rating of +2

      As you can see, what was once a gaping chasm has shrunk to a narrow fissure as views on the PM have become as polarised as they were on Muldoon by the early 80s.

      The Reid Research Leader Performance ratings confirm Key’s significant decline (particularly steep after the 2011 Election and, again, over the last 2 years)

      Andrew Little’s net Favourability rating compared to Key – 2015
      …………………1/4…………2/4……….3/4………4/4
      Key…………..+22….+15….+10…+16
      Little………..+24…..+25…+16…+15

      So, while Little may be badly trailing Key on the Preferred PM measure (which, as weka has rightly said, usually involves a significant incumbency effect), the Labour Leader actually led the PM throughout most of 2015 on the net Favourability ratings – by 2, 10 and 6 points during the first three-quarters, before slipping only slightly behind Key in the final quarter.

      In stark contrast, Little’s 3 Labour Leader predecessors were always well behind Key.

      As you’ve implied, Jenny, we keep hearing (in the MSM over the last 12 months) that Key is vastly more popular than Clark was at the same point in her Third Term.
      In fact, Helen Clark’s Favourability (UMR) and Performance (Reid Research) ratings were significantly better than Key’s is now. It’s true that she was slightly down on his rating as Preferred PM (but only slightly).
      2/2 2006 Clark averaged 37% Preferred PM
      2/2 2015 Key averaged 39% Preferred PM

      • swordfish 7.3.1
        29 April 2016 at 1:35 pm

        Dang, I’ve been trying to edit the above comment … not least to make that Key vs Little table look a wee bit more respectable and ship shape.

        But I’m being told (in quite an authoritative – almost scolding – way) that You do not have permission to edit this comment, with the advice that I should therefore Close immediately or, presumably, I’ll be in for a bit of a kick up the arse.

        Let’s try it again and see if I can make that table look a little less messy …

        ……………….1/4……….2/4……….3/4……..4/4
        Key………….+22………+15………+10……..+16
        Little……….+24……….+25……..+16……..+15

        • Jenny Kirk 7.3.1.1
          29 April 2016 at 4:14 pm

          Thanks Swordfish, that helps clarify things a bit more. I’ll await your more considered analysis. Let us know when you put it up, please.

  8. esoteric pineapples 8
    29 April 2016 at 9:36 am

    Greens go down three points in polls for exposing corrupt Prime Minister. New Zealand First goes up three

  9. Draco T Bastard 9
    29 April 2016 at 9:55 am

    This:

    1 Get a loan 2 Spend it on lobbyists & Auckland properties 3 ?̶?̶?̶?̶ crony capitalism 4 Profit

  10. Colonial Viper 10
    29 April 2016 at 10:07 am

    I haven’t walked down Lambton Quay on a week day morning for a few years. Place is empty, slow and lifeless almost like a ghost town. Not what I remember it being at all. What the hell have you guys done with the place???

    • weka 10.1
      29 April 2016 at 10:10 am

      Everyone’s busy consulting their trust lawyers?

      • miravox 10.1.1
        29 April 2016 at 2:52 pm

        Meetings must be over… they all stepped out at lunchtime – Lambton Quay seemed as busy to me today as the last time I was here.

        The thing that bothers me the most is the Big Brand sector of Cuba Mall. They all moved in a few years ago, amid lots of protest, to apparently upscale the place and now that’s the most awful bit of the whole central city.

    • Tom Pained 10.2
      29 April 2016 at 10:29 am

      Good point, CV. Not *like* a ghost town – it is one.

      Did you catch the tumbleweed the Weta film crew left behind ?

      • Colonial Viper 10.2.1
        29 April 2016 at 10:36 am

        Memo to self: must give Peter Jackson more money

        • Rosie 10.2.1.1
          29 April 2016 at 2:48 pm

          He’s getting more money. Wellington ratepayers are funding his film museum that going inside the convention centre we are also funding. What PJ wants, PJ gets as long as he doesn’t have to pay for it.

          He’s nothing more than a parasite.

    • mpledger 10.3
      29 April 2016 at 10:33 am

      Wellingtonians know what’s going on in govt because they work in the civil service. When Lambton Quay goes empty, when Wellingtonians stop spending, it’s because they see big trouble ahead.

      • Rosie 10.3.1
        29 April 2016 at 2:58 pm

        It’s been sad to see shops that have been around for decades closing down – I was working in one that closed down! Having worked in retail and distribution round Wgtn I’ve seen first hand the decline, since the GFC, but it never really picked up. One store owner that was a customer of the distributor I worked for blamed the increase in GST and cut backs in the public service for killing his business. He closed down after 30 years in business.

        Now it’s all just “pop up” shops selling container loads of crap and the expansion of dollar shops in the burbs. There is a sense of the temporary and vaguely desperate.

        What shops that are left often are part of Aussie chains. The high end, boutiquey stores selling creative and unique items are almost all gone.

        • miravox 10.3.1.1
          29 April 2016 at 3:15 pm

          There is a sense of the temporary and vaguely desperate.

          I was thinking exactly that when I was walking around yesterday. A year or two ago the caravans and pop-ups added vibrancy now there and an air of despondency about them with sense of what comes next.

          As an aside I’m also not keen on the commercialisation of public space. It might be ok for small start-ups but it takes no time at all for the big brands to move on in if a retail start-up space proves viable.

      • RedBaronCV 10.3.2
        29 April 2016 at 9:18 pm

        The GST increase to 15% was what really seemed to empty the shops of customers and start the closures

    • Roflcopter 10.4
      29 April 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Define “morning” … if it was 4a.m then the answer is kind of obvious 🙂

  11. weka 11
    29 April 2016 at 10:28 am

    Cantabrian cyclists with twitter access might be interested in this questionaire. Or any cyclist.

    NZTA Canterbury/WC
    ‏@NZTACWC

    Thinking about cycling to work? What would make you consider giving it a go?

    Bike-friendly office
    Safe cycle route
    Having a cycle buddy
    Bike and Helmet access

    https://twitter.com/NZTACWC/status/725810110543462400

  12. adam 12
    29 April 2016 at 11:12 am

    This is about the LNP in Aussie – but you get the feeling it could have easily been about the national party here.

  13. adam 13
    29 April 2016 at 11:23 am

    Because it’s Friday, you should giggle more.

    The quality of video is poor, but the content is great.

  14. save NZ 14
    29 April 2016 at 12:01 pm

    John Drinnan: MediaWorks owner tightens reins –

    Maybe the MediaWorks owners noticed that too many cheerleaders of the right has left a huge gap for the left media to fill, ha ha and falling ratings for the right…

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11630411

    no mention of canning Cambell Live and John Cambell. But never let the facts get in the way of reporting in Granny.

    • Puckish Rogue 14.1
      29 April 2016 at 12:26 pm

      Like the fact that Campbell Lives ratings had been falling for years and that’s why it was axed, because the public didn’t want to watch it

      • Paul 14.1.1
        29 April 2016 at 12:36 pm

        That is a barefaced lie.

          • weka 14.1.1.1.1
            29 April 2016 at 3:42 pm

            Your link shows hundred of thousands of NZers were watching CL up until it was axed. How does that equate to ‘the public didn’t want to watch it?’.

            Where are the figures for online viewing?

            • Puckish Rogue 14.1.1.1.1.1
              29 April 2016 at 4:11 pm

              Let me spell it out for you:

              When it comes to Campbell Live though, the average audience of 281,669 viewers in 2013 was the best they’ve ever been.

              – In 2013 the average viewers was the best its ever been, in 2013.

              In 2014, the average audience for Campbell Live fell 22% to 219,406 viewers per night.

              – That’s a big drop in numbers so the show is bringing in less money and remember its a private company NOT another make-work scheme for tired lefties

              So far in 2015, the average audience is down a further 13% to 191,432. Overall, this equates to a 32% drop in the average nightly audience.

              So yes people were watching it but not enough people were watching it so instead of losing money on the program the company, as is their right, dropped Campbell Live

              • McFlock …
                29 April 2016 at 4:17 pm

                I found the ratings most interesting at the time – CL’s only issue seemed to me that the 3news lead-in was the weak link.

                TV3’s having subsequent programming successes would have justified the decision, but it’s still in the doldrums.

              • lprent …
                29 April 2016 at 7:57 pm

                So what is the audience in that timeslot now?

                Under 100k?

      • adam 14.1.2
        29 April 2016 at 12:57 pm

        Funny response scared one.

        Put it all in context TV3 had falling in the rating all over the place, it still does.

        And before you blow a gasket – look at the trend post Campbell live, and also the viewer-ship numbers falling right across the medium.

        So the shrill argument of ratings is just that, shrill.

        • Paul 14.1.2.1
          29 April 2016 at 1:00 pm

          I just can’t be bothered debating with pr.

          • adam 14.1.2.1.1
            29 April 2016 at 1:19 pm

            That’s because you can’t debate with Puckish Rouge.

            To Puckish Rouge, NZ is a utopia, the national party are perfect, and John Key is a god.

            And we should all bow down to J.K and suck it up.

            So you can’t argue or debate with Puckish Rouge – you just trade words that Puckish Rouge will take out of context to justify any old cods wallop.

            Yes dear.

            • Puckish Rogue 14.1.2.1.1.1
              29 April 2016 at 2:58 pm

              Not a utopia but certainly in the top 10 countries to live in the world (probably top 5 but why argue semantics), the National party aren’t perfect (WFF should be scrapped for one thing) but certainly way out in front of any opposition and John Key as god…well I wouldn’t go that far I mean as this pic clearly states hes in the water not walking above it

              http://thedailyblog.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/John-Key-Swimming-Pool-Metro-2006-300×224.jpg

              • alwyn …
                29 April 2016 at 4:04 pm

                You are being unfair to Paul. The problem is he isn’t really up to debate.
                He tends to make some unsubstantiated comment and when asked why he said it refuses to give any reason because he “Can’t be bothered”. Most frustrating

                An example is here. I would still like to know what he thinks “correct” exchange rates should be, and why.
                http://thestandard.org.nz/if-you-need-a-good-laugh-this-morning/#comment-1166228
                .

                • Paul …
                  29 April 2016 at 4:10 pm

                  I happily debate with people on this site I do not identify as trolls.

                  I substantiate comments with evidence when discussing points with fellow standardisas. I even sometimes add evidence for trolls. See below at 18.2.1.1.1.

                  I have contributed to the discussion in areas that intrigue me. Evidence below.

                  http://thestandard.org.nz/keep-calm-and-carry-on/

                  • Puckish Rogue …
                    29 April 2016 at 4:29 pm

                    You weren’t a high school prefect by any chance?

                    • alwyn …
                      29 April 2016 at 4:57 pm

                      Back in my day I think he would have been a milk monitor.
                      They were back in the days before (I think) 1967 when kids had to drink a half pint of milk that had been sitting in the sun all morning. The milk monitor’s job was to make kids drink the horrible stuff. Proper little prats they were.

                • reason …
                  29 April 2016 at 7:33 pm

                  Alwyn …… about the only Wellingtonian who does not like the Zealandia bird sanctuary and the HUGE explosion of native birds spreading out from it…….. Got something against natives Al ?

                  Spending any small part your precious wealth giving some protection to creatures whose habitats we have trashed and changed to the point of near extinction for many of them is barking mad and a crime against your money.

                  Ayn Rand told the truth to those who would listen ……..money determines those who are winners ………. losers deserve what they get, be they bird, child or whatever ….WARNING TRIGER https://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/vulture-stalking-a-child/ TRIGGER TRIGGER …..this Ayn Rands natural world photo lead to the photographer committing suicide ….. which is a good thing as they both self identified as undeserving losers by not having the individual drive to take advantage of the freedom of money.

                  John Key deserves his 50-100 million-from working as a goldman sachs merchent banker and its natural because he’s a winner ……. Poor family s and other people around the world deserve to pick through rubbish to survive, with no sanitation or medicines and associated high death rates for their loser children ….. they and their impoverished governments must pay the crippling interest on corruptly lent money…. because they are losers………… It’s the natural order of things and if they did not pay how could Godman sachs and the John Keys of this world express themselves as the winners that they naturally are.

                  It should be a crime to subvert the natural logic of winners taking all……….. I hope I’ve clearly shown to all the empathy clowns that those parasite birds are trying to get away with stealing Alwyns small change when really they should die as they are meant to.

                  Its also natural that Alwyn wins all arguments around here so its best Paul wakes up and recognizes Alwyns superiority here at this site ….. and John Keys superiority over everyone in NZ ………. apart from those who are richer of course……… Talleys, Myers, Harts,Fays and Richwhites are all amongst the best of the best we have in this country…. we should stop all losers stealing from them too…… birds included

                  Thank god for tax havens to preserve our natural orders …. as I’m sure you agree Alwyn.

                  • alwyn …
                    29 April 2016 at 8:25 pm

                    “John Key deserves his 50-100 million-from working as a goldman sachs merchent banker”.
                    Really? Just when was it that he worked for Goldman Sachs?

                    I have nothing against bird sanctuaries, which is what Zealandia really is.
                    What I object to is that the council poured something like $17million into a visitor centre because they accepted the bs that it would increase patronage hugely and the $10 million loan would be repaid. That sort of thing was typical of the idiots we have as councillors. If we want to protect native birds what is wrong with Mt Bruce?

                    I really can’t be bothered reading through the rest of your rave.

              • adam …
                29 April 2016 at 4:05 pm

                yes dear

        • dv 14.1.2.2
          29 April 2016 at 9:32 pm

          And now Hillary Barry has gone.

  15. Bill 15
    29 April 2016 at 12:02 pm

    And in the land of ‘no surprises’ …and given that the SNP is on track to win another clear majority in a voting system geared to prevent majorities…

    More than 10,000 Scots have used a Voter Guidance toll being run by researchers from Strathclyde University. Labour voters prove to be less likely than SNP supporters to give a left-wing response..

    In total, 73 per cent of SNP voters can be classified as left wing, while 44 per cent of Labour supporters fall into this category.

    Looks like a self selecting poll and there’s a lot of subjectivity in deciding what’s ‘left wing’, but still… 10 000 respondents must be suggesting something worth considering, no? (And yet various Labour Parties in the English speaking world seem hell bent on continuing to accommodate market fundamentalism or neo-liberalist b/s)

    http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/study-finds-labour-voters-less-left-wing-than-snp-supporters-1-4114150

  16. esoteric pineapples 16
    29 April 2016 at 12:33 pm

    Listened to this fascinating interview by Brian Crump with a chap who has written a book on how the world’s military have been and still are giving their troops all sorts of drugs to desensitize them, give them courage, make their reactions faster and basically be better at killing. For the ancient Greeks it was wine. During World War II both the German and the Allied soldiers were stoked to the eyeballs with amphetamines which is the drug of choice for contemporary wars. Cocaine was common during World War I, mixed with rum. Montgomery gave out 100,000 pills before the battle of El Alamein so that means New Zealand soldiers were popping their version of “P” while fighting along with everyone else. Obviously it is still going on today in all theatres of war. As the author points out, this is something that is barely acknowledged but is an integral part of all war environments.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights/audio/201798782/shooting-up-drugs-and-war

  17. joe90 17
    29 April 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Something coming down the interwebs about rich Britons and NZ domiciled trusts – Farrar’s posted about half of Britons paying no income tax.

  18. Paul 18
    29 April 2016 at 12:55 pm

    ‘He’s done it. Word is slowly seeping out that Key has granted an American Warship access to our harbour.
    We must not allow this.
    In November this year, an American warship will be entering Auckland Harbour for the first time in 32 years for the 75th anniversary of the NZ Navy. I remember protesting against the last warship visit when I was ten years old and I’m damned if I’ll simply sit quietly by while National and their corrupt followers cheerlead the American empire back into our waters!’

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/04/29/to-the-barricades-kiwis-key-is-letting-a-filthy-us-war-ship-into-our-waters-rage-and-prepare-to-fight-now/

    • weka 18.1
      29 April 2016 at 2:18 pm

      Hmm, haven’t we had non-nuke ships when the US relaxed its neither confirm nor deny stance?

    • Puckish Rogue 18.2
      29 April 2016 at 2:51 pm

      On 21 September, visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Royal New Zealand Navy ships would be allowed onto Defence Department or Coast guard facilities both within the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. “These changes make it easier for our militaries to engage in discussions on security issues and to hold co-operative engagements that increase our capacity to tackle common challenges. [We will work together despite] differences of opinion in some limited areas.” At the same time, however, New Zealand had not changed its stance as a nuclear-free zone.

      On the 29th of October 2013 it was announced that “The United States and New Zealand will resume bilateral military cooperation after a near-total 30-year interruption” by New Zealand Defence minister Jonathan Coleman and United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel

      So if the ships not carrying nuclear weapons whats the big deal?

    • Reddelusion 18.3
      29 April 2016 at 6:06 pm

      Better than a cruise ship for local economy, especially if an air craft carrier, let them in I say, Paul can get his old placard out, no problem, every one happy Strange Paul your views have not really evolved since you where 10, the old saying if your not a socialist in your teens you have no heart, if your still a socialist as an adult you are a fool may have some purchase here

      • reason 18.3.1
        29 April 2016 at 7:59 pm

        And your a supporter for actors Reddellusion ……

        The actors in”The Act of Killing” …. http://www.actofkilling.com/

        made with the outside help of Nobel Peace prize winners like Kissinger who fought the dirty socialist and stopped the diabolical plans like improved health care, meager pay rises for exploited workers,land rights or any other communist plots disguised as fairness.

        Gangster states who kill with impunity and where the police stations are rape and torture centers are the price we must pay to protect the great freedoms of money.

        Fairness is evil when you think about it …… can I send you money for your educational services you do here Reddellusion……. you could donate it to research on the scary sounding “deranged Key syndrome” you were trying to warn me about…… thanks for the early warning of this creepy disease …. I was rude and didn’t thank you before.

        I stupidly thought you were an obnoxious troll with your own sad problems ..,. sorry bro

        • Reddelusion 18.3.1.1
          29 April 2016 at 10:53 pm

          Socialism had done a fairly good job in killing, I think Cambodia, China and USSR out surpassed by a million miles any US war, all in the name of ideology Venezula Cuba, North Korea all these great socialist paradise all rate highly as desirable countries to live, I also see the refugees of the world flocking to the socialist paradise of the evil money hungry west, strange that

          Cheers comrad bro

  19. UglyTruth 19
    29 April 2016 at 1:45 pm

    The left really has their work cut out for them because of the ideological alignment between Key and the Crown. The only way they can form an effective opposition is to become anti-establishment. Of course then they are then faced with the problem of finding common ground, since opposing something isn’t of itself a source of shared values.

    http://www.veteranstoday.com/2014/11/20/all-wars-are-bankers-wars/
    http://rense.com/general63/tcs.htm

  20. Paul 20
    29 April 2016 at 4:27 pm

    ‘About 300 people carrying signs with slogans including ‘Stop the slop’ staged a protest today about the quality of Dunedin Hospital food.
    The protest, organised by the Real Meals Coalition, called on the Southern District Health Board to cancel its food service contract with the Compass Group.’

    http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/381452/food-protest-stop-slop

    • Reddelusion 20.1
      29 April 2016 at 6:02 pm

      What’s with Dunedin lefties and thier extreme sense of entitlement

      • Paul 20.1.1
        29 April 2016 at 6:03 pm

        What’s with reactionary fools supporting the 0.01% with trite slogans and inflammatory statements?

      • whateva next? 20.1.2
        29 April 2016 at 6:42 pm

        “sense of entitlement” you say?, compare people who have paid taxes throughout their lives and in need of the healthcare they have paid for, to those pompous fat cats swanning around like the flash harries they are, being served by people that can’t afford to have a decent home.
        Beggars belief you dare to suggest the masses have a “sense of entitlement” against your Tory lot. The masses are entitled to a decent home and a decent job, Tories prefer to avoid taxes so that hey have more than everyone else, yet do not work harder for it.
        No responsibility, all the perks, like starting a game of monopoly with an extra $1,000,000 and sneering when the other players lose.

        • Reddelusion 20.1.2.1
          30 April 2016 at 8:25 am

          nz is a welfare state. what the hell you going on about, 10 percent of population pay net tax, who are these rich harries, I suggest they are fairies at the bottom of your garden

          This compass bollocks is a political stunt by the Political left taking advantage of the Dunedin deluded for thier own interests and power,,

          • adam 20.1.2.1.1
            30 April 2016 at 8:34 am

            How about you talk about the food Reddelusion? I would have thought getting people out of hospital in a timely and healthy manor was a corner stone of a good health system.

            So in your mind when bad decisions are made, people should just say nothing?

            Your hatred is showing, spewing up all over this page. Try getting some love in your heart.

            • Reddelusion 20.1.2.1.1.1
              30 April 2016 at 3:53 pm

              Food looks fine to me, again this just a beat up by a few leftie crazies

              • Colonial Viper …
                1 May 2016 at 11:24 pm

                From what you find acceptable, anything would beat the 3 day old slops you must swill on at your own table.

                Sad.

      • Colonial Viper 20.1.3
        1 May 2016 at 11:21 pm

        What’s with Dunedin lefties and thier extreme sense of entitlement

        It’s a bit sad that the radical right has become so inhuman lately they can’t even respect democracy, nor recognise the human right for decent food which doesn’t resemble prison rations.

  21. Once Was Tim 21
    29 April 2016 at 6:57 pm

    IN CELEBRITY (?) NEWS …..

    Looking forward to tonight’s “The Friday Story”….
    Shits and giggles and Dunk’s mud loif crisis all laid bare (going forward).

    Interesting tho’….. Dunk and Ms duP…yA are (I think) starting to notice the Natzi’s fading star (housing bubbles, pathetic greenwashing, indebtedness et al).
    I guess Dunk’s beginning to realise the kuds are growing up and about to face a shit future, and Heather dearest is beginning to realise she’s put all her hopes of wealth on a raspy voice – that really isn’t all that crash hot. Hopefully Dunk’s looking out for her

    • Once Was Tim 21.1
      29 April 2016 at 7:13 pm

      Oh dear! what a con! No duP..-yA, and something pathetic, appropriately dressed in yellow (going forward) giving me supposedly SAGE advice about the pressing ussyouse of the Nayshun (going forwid)…. and the Wherl.

      Congrats Dunk! Worth a celery increase don’t you think?

      How big’s the mortgage btw?

  22. Rodel 22
    29 April 2016 at 8:39 pm

    Health minister Coleman quoted on TV1 news says the 2 million New Zealanders receiving hospital food from Compass, the Auckland company sending frozen food muck to Dunedin hospital are mostly happy with the food quality.

    If as he says, there are 2 million people in hospital out of our population of about 4.7 million then something’s wrong with our ‘healthy’ lifestyle..or someone’s lying.

    The patients in Dunedin who are supposed to eat the food (sic) still say it is crap.

    • RedBaronCV 22.1
      29 April 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Given how difficult it is to get into a hospital I find the 2 million rather on the high side – 40% of us are in hospital – I don’t think so .
      Send him back to pass his NCEA levels maybe??

      • Reddelusion 22.1.1
        30 April 2016 at 8:16 am

        Duh,,,he means they prepare 2m meals of which are eaten 2m times by people, think a little more laterally

        • dv 22.1.1.1
          30 April 2016 at 8:46 am

          That is still 666,666 bed days of meals

          • McFlock 22.1.1.1.1
            1 May 2016 at 10:41 pm

            This news article on bed numbers from last year says NZ had 2.8 hospital beds per thousand people in 2012.

            At 100% bed capacity and 100% of them being fed by Compass, that’s still a month or two of meals.

            Basically, Coleman was probably referring to the total number of meals dished out by Compass so far. And the devil is in “mostly happy”, too – how many people actualy like the meals, as opposed to putting up with them or filling in the middle circle on a survey box?

  23. Rodel 23
    1 May 2016 at 10:12 pm

    No! That’s not what he said. Duh! Try another sideways spin. Different from lateral. Nice try but.