web analytics

Open Mike 29/09/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 29th, 2016 - 86 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

openmikeOpen mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

86 comments on “Open Mike 29/09/2016 ”

  1. Manuka AOR 1

    Background on the new candidate for UN Sec Gen:
    http://www.dw.com/en/why-kristalina-georgieva-is-the-best-choice-for-un-secretary-general/a-35917687
    Georgieva’s home, Bulgaria, is on the front line of the refugee crisis, a neighbor to Turkey and a mere 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) away from Aleppo in Syria, the symbol of one of the most terrifying conflicts in the world. Bulgaria is also very close to Ukraine and Moldova, two countries locked in a frozen conflict with Russia. Georgieva brings the experience of having seen the iron curtain fall and the subsequent changes in Eastern Europe. She has the support of many countries in the region. And she might even be acceptable to Moscow: Georgieva lived there for two years during her time at the World Bank, she speaks good Russian and knows who is who.

  2. Colonial Viper 2

    US House and Senate veto Obama’s protection of 9/11 sponsor Saudi Arabia.

    9/11 victims families can now take Saudi Arabia to court.

    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-09-28/senate-overrides-obamas-veto-sept-11-bill

    • I do feel a certain sense of schadenfreude at the rod the House and Senate are making for the US government’s own back. As the head of the CIA points out:

      The most damaging consequence would be for those US government officials who dutifully work overseas on behalf of our country. The principle of sovereign immunity protects US officials every day, and is rooted in reciprocity. If we fail to uphold this standard for other countries, we place our own nation’s officials in danger.

      Yup. If those suits against Saudi Arabia go ahead, expect a chain of sovereign immunity removal in other countries. The US has a lot to lose from this. Maybe the representatives and senators are imagining the USA can intimidate other countries that want to reciprocate its removal of sovereign immunity, but if so they’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise.

      • Murray Simmonds 2.1.1

        Quite so PM and CV.

        The significance of this event should not be underestimated, because it means that at last America is moving towards a position where it could be held accountable for its warmongering and other crimes against humanity. . . .

        That is what Obama is referring to in his comment on “unintended consequences” in the video clip,

        EVERYONE should view the clip in the” Zero Hedge” link given above in CV’s posting.

        And then sit back with a pottle of popcorn to watch as the USA worms its way out of the dilemma that they have now gotten themselves into.

        Can’t wait to see John Olliver’s take on it!

        • Murray Simmonds 2.1.1.1

          Oh, and by the way, just where exactly were OUR sovereign rights while Obama and co. were trying to ram the PPTA and TISA down our throats?

          What comes around goes around, perhaps?

          Gee, thanks, Timmy boy and Johnny boy.
          Idiots, one and all!

    • DISTURBED 2.2

      Colonial Viper, Bang on mate.
      No bloody thanks to Obama eh! He blocked their rights so he should be tried for war crimes?

      Obama has the Government stacked with Muslims already in very high places did you know?

      Sounds a bit frightening !!!    
      I know that some of you aren’t enthused about Donald Trump but it does explain some things.

      This is absolutely unthinkable that nobody, especially the CIA, would have noticed this….Trump is starting to look better all the time.

      This information has all been checked, then double checked… it is 100% Correct.

      That’s why there is such an alarm within US government, since Trump’s statement about temporary suspension of migration of Muslims to US until US authorities make sure there is a proper concept of safe penetration of US territory.

      People are stunned to learn that the head of the U.S. CIA is a Muslim! Do hope this wakes up some! Until it hits you like a ton of bricks read it again, until you understand!

      We now have a Muslim Government in the US ! 

      John Brennan, current head of the CIA converted to Islam while stationed in Saudi Arabia.

      Obama’s top adviser, Valerie Jarrett, is a Muslim who was born in Iran where her parents still live.

      Hillary Clinton’s top adviser, Huma Abedin is a Muslim, whose mother and brother are still involved in the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt!

      Assistant Secretary for Policy Development for Homeland Security, Arif Aikhan, is a Muslim .

      Homeland Security Adviser, Mohammed Elibiary, is a Muslim .

      Obama adviser and founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Salam al-Marayati, is a Muslim.

      Obama’s Sharia Czar, Imam Mohamed Magid, of the Islamic Society of North America is a Muslim .

      Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighbourhood Partnerships, Eboo Patel, is a Muslim .

      Nancy Pelosi announced she will appoint Rep Andre Carson, D-Ind, a Muslim , as the first Muslim lawmaker on the House of Representatives Permanent Select
      Committee on Intelligence, of all things!

      It would make Carson the first Muslim to serve on the committee that receives intelligence on the threat of Islamic militants in the Middle East!

      He has suggested that U.S. schools should be modelled after Islamic madrassas,
      where education is based on the Quran!!!

      Last but not least, our closet Muslim himself, Barack Hussein Obama.

      It’s questionable if Obama ever officially took the oath of office when he was sworn in.

      He did not repeat the oath properly to defend our nation and our Constitution.

      Later the Democrats claimed he was given the oath again, in private.

      Yeah, right. 

      CIA director John Brennan took his oath on a copy of the Constitution, not a Bible??

      Valarie Jarret wrote her college thesis on how she wanted to change America into a Muslim friendly nation and she is an Obama top advisor! Congressman, Keith Ellison took his oath on a copy of the Qur’an, NOT the Bible!

      Conservative Congresswoman Michele Bachman, R-MN, was vilified and verbally tarred and feathered by Democrats when she voiced her concern about Muslims taking over our government!

      Considering all these appointments, it would explain why Obama and his minions are systematically destroying our nation, supporting radical Muslim groups worldwide, opening our southern border, and turning a blind eye to the genocide being perpetrated on Christians all over Africa and the Middle East!

      The more damage Obama does, the more arrogant he’s become! Our nation and our government has been infiltrated by people who want to destroy us!

      It can only get worse!

      In his book Obama said, “if it comes down to it,  I will side with the Muslims”. 

      If you fail to pass this one on,  there’s something wrong……somewhere !

      Common sense doesn’t grow in everyone’s garden !

      [Dude, please don’t cut and paste whole sections of other people’s material. If you are going to use other people’s words, identify that you are quoting them, so it’s clear which is your opinion and which is the opinion of others. And if you are going to post racist, bigoted and highly inaccurate blatherings again, you can expect to be asked to prove your assertions or piss off. Cheers. TRP]

    • Gabby 2.3

      Does that mean they can sue Bush minor and his crew?

    • Draco T Bastard 3.1

      As the song says:
      Anything’s legal as long as you don’t get caught.

      The problem that National has is that they’re getting caught.

      • Wensleydale 3.1.1

        It’s more of a problem for the rest of us though, given that National don’t seem to give a shit about getting caught. In fact, they’ve become increasingly blatant as the years have rolled on. These days, Key is just like, “You know what New Zealand, I just DGAF anymore. Suck it up and move on.”

  3. Hugh Pavletich says all this:

    NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT (DESERVEDLY) GETS HAMMERED IN ROY MORGAN POLL

    Posted at … http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2016/09/links-28-september-2016/

    It’s not just the low paid who are being squeezed out of Auckland’s housing market, its affecting middle income earners too | interest.co.nz

    https://www.interest.co.nz/property/83775/its-not-just-low-paid-who-are-being-squeezed-out-aucklands-housing-market-its

    By Greg Ninness

    It will now take a typical Auckland couple nearly eight years to save a 20% deposit on their first home, compared to about four years in other main centres, according to Interest.co.nz’s Home Loan Affordability Report.

    The report tracks how long it would take typical first home buyers in each region to save a 20% deposit on the REINZ’s lower quartile selling price in their region.

    The income calculations assume both partners work full time and earn the median weekly wage for people of their age group (25-29) in each region and are able to save 20% of their take home pay to put towards a deposit. … read more via hyperlink above …

    Pollsters Roy Morgan says National Party support is at its lowest level since before 2013 election; now behind potential Labour/ Greens Alliance | interest.co.nz

    https://www.interest.co.nz/news/83792/pollsters-roy-morgan-says-national-party-support-its-lowest-level-2013-election-now

    Housing campaigner predicts spiralling house prices will be Key’s ‘Waterloo’ | Stuff.co.nz

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/83627043/Housing-campaigner-predicts-spiralling-house-prices-will-be-Keys-Waterloo
    0 24 LOG IN TO REPLY REPORTSEPTEMBER 28, 2016 11:15AM

  4. Hugh says this also:

    Hugh Pavletich

    Mood of the Boardroom: CEOs call for English to sort housing shortage – Business – NZ Herald News

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11716779

    CEOs fear children won’t own homes – Business – NZ Herald News

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11716804

    Mood of the Boardroom: Bosses to Government – act on housing – Business – NZ Herald News

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11717271
    0 3 REPORTSEPTEMBER 28, 2016 7:18PM

  5. Puckish Rogue 6

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11718547

    Things are at a contrary stage when a National leader is praising a former Labour leader to the skies, a Green Party co-leader is boasting about being embraced by big business and a Labour leader is denying the centre exists.

    There is another well-known historical figure who had the same surname as Little and a similar problem with fear of things that didn’t exist. His first name was Chicken.

    • Jenny Kirk 6.1

      Perhaps if you got out and about a bit more Puckish Rogue, you’d understand what Andrew Little has been saying. There’s more to politics than just aiming at the mythical ‘centre’.

      He’s been meeting a heap of people – from all sorts of different backgrounds – and they’re all telling him the same thing – NZ has become the land of the rich, and they cannot get ahead – even tho they work hard.

      He also said “there’s talk about the centre of politics but that’s not how most people see politics …. and it says nothing about values, principles or a vision of the country and the future we might aspire to.
      “The people I meet are a mix of views and backgrounds and most describe themselves as being in the middle. …. What they care about is to have a government delivering on housing, education, health, community safety, the economy.
      “In all of these areas, people in the middle are missing out under National ….”

      These quotes are on the NZLP Facebook 26 Sept.

      • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1

        To paraphrase the obvious: “Well he would say that wouldn’t he”

        “He’s been meeting a heap of people – from all sorts of different backgrounds – and they’re all telling him the same thing – NZ has become the land of the rich, and they cannot get ahead – even tho they work hard.”

        Maybe he needs to speak to people outside of union meetings?

  6. Richard Rawshark 7

    This is getting ridiculous, Don FKN Brash comes out saying he’s backing Winston to stop Maori bla bla bla bla..

    Just what Winston wanted Don Brash telling everyone he’s great.

    That’s real low from National

  7. Sorry to drop the vibe. Morena the tv program – my gods it is absolute fucken shit – aimed at vacuous aucklanders who want baby botox, and interspersed with te reo Māori which is probably how they got the funding. Maybe I b harsh.

    • Draco T Bastard 8.1

      TV simply isn’t worth your time. Far better to play games on the PC, or board games or even just staring off into space.

      • marty mars 8.1.1

        True – and after a couple of long overnighters it is good to just be still. I think I’ll go to the beach soon. Ta

      • alwyn 8.1.2

        I have offered this before but a TV has a use for your final suggestion of “just staring off into space”.
        If you turn on your TV and tune it to a frequency that has no broadcast you get, or at least you did on an old analogue unit, “snow”.
        About 1% of the “snow” comes from the microwave background radiation that is a remnant of the big bang.
        You are not just looking into space. You are looking at the creation of the Universe. If that doesn’t impress you nothing will.

  8. Takere 9

    Matua Brash is back. He’s calling for “Democracy” and Maori are “privileged” this time round & has a bunch of suckers signed up already. Who’s going to buy into this shit this time round? … http://www.hobsonspledge.nz

    • framu 9.1

      Theres one sure way to put the brakes on anyone talking about this – ask them if they will give up their lifestyles to take on that which fits the stats for average maori

      pretty sure brash wont be giving up his life of privilege to do that in a hurry

    • Yep the same old lies by the same obnoxious crew of had beens and never wases – it would be sad if it wasn’t so pathetic.

  9. Penny Bright 10

    Little coverage of this ground-breaking bribery and corruption trial currently happening at the Auckland High Court?

    How big is this corruption ‘iceberg’ that is being exposed regarding contracting by Auckland Transport?

    “Corruption at council widespread, says Crown”

    http://m.nzherald.co.nz/matt-nippert/news/article.cfm?a_id=644&objectid=11717850

    “….Yesterday, at the start of what is expected to be a seven-week trial at the High Court at Auckland, fringe mayoral candidate and self-styled anti-corruption campaigner Penny Bright sat for a while in the front row of the public gallery.  …”

    I’m the only Auckland Mayoral candidate who has been ‘blowing the whistle’ for years about, in my view, the corrupt ‘conflicts of interest’ at Auckland Council, and with Auckland Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs).

    I’ve also attended 5 International Anti-Corruption Conferences, and put hundreds of hours into my one A4 page ‘Action Plan for transparency and accountability for local and central government and judiciary’.

    Ask how many from mainstream media have asked for an interview with me, as an Auckland Mayoral candidate on this issue?

    Yep – NONE.

    In my view, the effective mainstream media manipulation of this 2016 Auckland Mayoral election, in order to help steer the majority of electors into voting for the candidate the major of BIG business (and commercial property developers) want you to have (Phil Goff), is simply beyond belief.

    I’m a third-time Auckland Mayoral candidate, who polled 4th in the only poll that counts, the 2013 election with 12,723 votes.

    Hardly ‘fringe’ Matt Nippert!

    Unlike all the other 2016 Auckland Mayoral candidates, I’ve had 20 years experience in Auckland local government, as a full-time, self-funded ‘Public Watchdog’ community activist, helping to defend the public and the public interest.

    I’m not doing this for the money.

    Which arguably makes me VERY dangerous politically, because nobody ‘owns’ me.

    If you want an Auckland Mayor with a proven track record of standing up to, in my view, the corrupt corporate 1% who are bleeding Auckland locals and local communities dry, it’s really simple.

    MAYOR tick BRIGHT!

    TICK it and FLICK it.

    One little tick to help make history!

    Time for an Auckland ‘BREXIT’ moment?

    I think so.

    Penny Bright

    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

    • Wensleydale 10.1

      That’s why they sideline you, Penny. That’s why they roll their eyes, and say, “Oh, that’s just Penny Bright. She’s “a bit of a character”, which is a euphemism for calling you a loon, basically. When they control the narrative and have the media treating alternative candidates as fringe elements, then the establishment gets a big grin on its face and a warm, cosy feeling in its gut.

      • Red 10.1.1

        Or the alternative maybe she is a loon who does not pay her rates and then wants to represent the rate payers

        • Wensleydale 10.1.1.1

          Well, that’s a conversation you and Penny need to have. I’m sure she’ll feel overwhelmingly compelled to justify herself to you.

        • The Chairman 10.1.1.2

          The admission of bribery (coupled with the fact the culture of corruption has become so inbred it has been described as normalised) strongly indicates there’s good reason to be concerned with the council’s fiscal expenditure.

          Therefore, I see little merit in your asserted alternative, Red.

          In fact, in light of the current exposure, I’m surprised more ratepayers aren’t joining Penny in her crusade.

          • Chris 10.1.1.2.1

            It’s always been interesting that Penny makes more sense than any of the candidates put together but nobody’s got the guts to say she’s on to something. It’s very easy for the numb nuts status quo to dismiss her because she doesn’t quite fit their frame. It’s a never-ending modern day Emperor’s Clothes.

  10. Morrissey 11

    The longest 90 minutes of Donald J. Trump’s life condensed to 24 seconds:
    Hillary’s dressed as a man in this clip…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZibpW2NxGWc

  11. Morrissey 12

    Horrifying thought experiment: Imagine if “Sir” Robert Jones
    was a woman. I believe she would be pretty much like THIS woman….

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/82811152/passenger-slaps-flight-attendant-because-she-wouldnt-carry-her-bag

    • alwyn 12.1

      Do you have any reason, apart from jealousy of his success, for picking on Bob Jones? You’ve seen him bashing flight attendants have you?
      I think it would be a much more likely behaviour by someone like Mallard, who started a brawl in Parliament with another MP, or one of Hone’s family, where a number of them seemed to get their kicks at Waitangi by attacking senior National MPs.

      • gsays 12.1.1

        i’ve seen bob jones punch someone who got out of a helicopter.

        • alwyn 12.1.1.1

          “seen bob jones punch”
          I don’t think you did in fact.
          Unless you were one of the TV people who chased Bob when he was fishing.
          The blow wasn’t caught by the camera when Bob was pestered by TVNZ reports when he was fishing.
          It appears as if the cameraman was pushed over by Bob who then headed into the bush. A reporter then followed him into the bush.
          He came back with blood coming down his face after Bob had apparently hit him but the blow wasn’t, I understand, captured on camera.
          Who hasn’t been tempted to punch one of the TV reporters? I’ll bet Helen Clark was very tempted to belt John Campbell in 2002.
          https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/eyewitness-news-bob-jones-punches-reporter-rod-vaughan-1985
          I was told of Bob’s remark in court after he was charged and fined. Apparently he asked the magistrate whether he could pay twice the amount and hit the reporter again.

          • gsays 12.1.1.1.1

            oops… yes, that recollection sounds right.
            funny how we can convince ourselves that we have seen something we haven’t.

      • Morrissey 12.1.2

        Do you have any reason, apart from jealousy of his success, for picking on Bob Jones?

        You think I’m jealous of Bob Jones? Have you ever noticed how deeply angry and unhappy he is? As his recently traumatised friend Donald J. Trump can attest, all the money in the world can’t get you peace of mind, or respect.

        2.) You’ve seen him bashing flight attendants have you?

        I’ve seen him bashing—cold cocking—a completely unprepared television journalist in 1985. I’ve also heard one of Jones’s fawning acolytes, Richard Griffin, admiringly recount to Jim Mora about an occasion where Jones snatched a cell-phone off a man in a restaurant and threw it into a rubbish bin. And, just last year, a snarling, drooling Jones was forced off an Air New Zealand flight because of his loutish and illegal behaviour.

        3.) I think it would be a much more likely behaviour by someone like Mallard, who started a brawl in Parliament with another MP,

        How do you know Mallard started that? The “other MP” was that arch-provocateur Tau Henare, a waste of space if ever there was one in parliament.

        4.) ….or one of Hone’s family, where a number of them seemed to get their kicks at Waitangi by attacking senior National MPs.

        Hone’s family pick on flight attendants and random strangers in restaurants, do they? They unleash coward punches on unsuspecting journalists, do they? Do please provide the evidence….

        • alwyn 12.1.2.1

          “Have you ever noticed how deeply angry and unhappy he is”.
          Well no actually. He seems a very happy chappie to me.

          “I’ve seen him bashing”. I suggest that, unless you were one of the TVNZ television crew you didn’t see it at all. There is no doubt he did assault the obnoxious reporter who had been told in no uncertain terms to leave Jones alone to his fishing.

          “How do you know Mallard started that”
          That was a line Helen Clark tried. She, like you couldn’t get it to fly. I suppose you think Michael Cullen marched Mallard over to the National offices and made him apologise even though Henare had started it?
          Or that Trevor pleaded guilty in Court, even though he was an innocent, wronged party?

          “Hone’s family pick on flight attendants and random strangers in restaurants, do they? They unleash coward punches on unsuspecting journalists”
          Why on earth should you expect me to produce evidence for things you seem to be claiming? Did you even read what I said and which you quote? I said senior National Party figures, although I could probably have included senior Maori Party figures as well.
          Try ” More recently, brothers John and ­Wikitana Popata assaulted Prime Minister John Key at Te Tii Marae in 2009 – an act that their uncle, Hone Harawira, then a Maori Party MP, gave every ­impression of excusing.” from
          http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/features/give-peace-a-chance-2/

        • Naki man 12.1.2.2

          “Hone’s family pick on flight attendants and random strangers in restaurants, do they?”

          No they prefer to follow a twelve year old boy home, beat the shit out of him then steal his whale bone necklace.

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10894035

  12. ianmac 13

    On my Mac – Firefox the columns on the right “Comments, Replies Opinions” is stuck on the 27th. Anyone else? Same on Chrome.

  13. alwyn 14

    Where on earth did the Green Party get the dopey David Clendon?
    And how did they ever make him the spokesman for anything?
    He came out with this stupid press release last week and hasn’t had the common sense to withdraw it.
    https://www.greens.org.nz/news/press-release/disastrous-corrections-department-needs-overhaul
    The Corrections Department was using an interpretation of the law that had been approved, I understand on four occasions, by the Court of Appeal.
    Then when the Supreme Court come up with a different opinion Clendon blames them for a “disastrous mistake”.
    Just what did he expect Corrections to do?
    Ignore the decisions by the Court of Appeal when they were the most senior court to pronounce on the matter.
    I e-mailed him asking this question but he hasn’t deigned to reply. With Parliament in recess I suppose he has toddled of to sunnier climes to rest up from the exhausting time list MPs have to tolerate when they come out of their slumber and have to attend Parliament again and actually do something.

  14. ropata 15

    While TRP is poking CV with a stick on another thread 😉 …

    "fire can't melt steel beams" maybe so but it can really mangle them #911noconspiracy from https://t.co/6QU9bGE51Q pic.twitter.com/WzAcUSycw3— ɥɔsǝdɐd qoɹ (@ropata) September 28, 2016

  15. Muttonbird 16

    Could the right wing people who visit please rip into Sir John Kirwan who has apologised to its victims for and on behealf of rugby? Just that some consistency would be great after the hysterical bashing of David Cunliffe for doing the same.

    http://m.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11719190

    • ianmac 16.1

      +1 Muttonbird though it was more the Media who thrashed David?

    • mauī 16.2

      Nice one Mb.

    • McFlock 16.3

      Good on Kirwan

    • Puckish Rogue 16.4

      I might be wrong but I thought he was apologising on behalf of an institution, an institution of which he is one of its most respected members

      • McFlock 16.4.1

        “I would just firstly like, on behalf of all rugby people, to apologise to the victims. Personally I think what’s happened is terrible. There’s a wider issue that you guys need to take up, a 17-year-old drinking in town,” Kirwan said.

        “If you go into any city centre at the moment our youngsters are binge drinking so there’s a wider issue.

        “What’s happened has been horrible for the game and we need to stand up and take responsibility for it. I think they are doing that, however late, but we don’t know the details either.”

        What position does he have in the “institution”?

    • Bob 16.5

      I missed the part were Sir John Kirwin said “sorry for being a rugby player”.
      Cunliffe never apologised to victims of abuse, he apologised for being a man which apparently made him an abuser, and by inference, all men are abusers. Massive difference.

  16. Poission 17

    US senate and congress tell obama to bugger off on 9/11 veto

    http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37498033

    • Gabby 17.1

      They’re a bunch of fuckwits. Wait til half the bars in Boston get sued for collecting for the IRA.

  17. Muttonbird 18

    Guys and girls, today’s set up and beat down of Don Brash’s trip back to Orewa is a 9th floor strategy which has crept in recently. It involves far right ACT, ACT sympathisers, or ex-ACT personages putting forward policy clearly unacceptable to the middle, ordinary voter. The next step is the current government (preferably the prime minister) then criticises said far right thinkings, thereby appearing moderate and socially responsible.

    Recent examples:

    Economists calling for a deliberate crashing of house prices.
    Seymour claiming National to the left of Clark and calling for a ministry for men.
    Brash today rehashing his Orewa speech for Key to gleefully knock down.
    Also today the productivity commission calling for deregulation of tertiary education (a day or so after NZ universities performed well in an international study).

    The far right libertarians are a useful tool for the current government to portray themselves as moderate and caring.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/john-key-don-brash-a-broken-record-with-new-lobby-group-2016092914

  18. Jenny Kirk 19

    Plus a distraction, of course, Muttonbird, from reports like this showing the middle-class being affected by the housing crisis.

    Headline in Herald Business News – Middle income earners locked out of housing
    “So it is not just the lowly paid who are being kept out of home ownership by Auckland’s inflated house prices and low income growth, it is now middle income earners as well,”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11718983

  19. Brash has suggested that his anti-Maori party may make a contribution to
    NZ1. Even the suggestion should alert the Labour party of the danger of having any coalition with Peters or his Party . Labour needs to strive for very vote without any help from the the Tory party in drag NZ1.

    • ropata 20.1

      Brash is a liability and a sideshow, Peters is too savvy to go anywhere near that fool. Peters has only contempt for the bankster set who have sold NZ down the river for the last 30 years (sadly Labour has been a big part of that)

    • Daveosaurus 20.2

      Just another white-supremacist shitbag who should be sent back to whatever third-world hole his ancestors came from. Although (assuming the radio announcement was right when they said it was being donor-funded) this time it’s only more white-supremacist shitbags who’ll be wearing the cost of yet another Don Brash failure…

  20. Draco T Bastard 21

    Social Security (Stopping Benefit Payments for Offenders who Repeatedly Fail to Comply with Community Sentences) Amendment Bill

    This bill aims to encourage certain offenders to complete their community-based sentences. The bill would allow all or part of an offender’s benefit to be stopped if they have repeatedly failed to comply with a community-based sentence.

    Because making people, who already can’t afford to live, even worse off will most definitely cause them not to commit more crime.

    /sarc.

    • Craig H 21.1

      You know how it is – it’s much cheaper to spend $70,000 on a year’s prison sentence than $11,000 on a year’s benefit…

  21. Murray Simmonds 22

    This is well worth a look . . . . (You need to look at the video clip)

    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-09-28/obama-responds-veto-override

    here’s OBAMA saying, in effect,: We don’t want to be held “ACCOUNTABLE” for all the “Good” (his words)/WARMONGERING (my words) that we have done around the world.”

    And there, in a nutshell, is America’s legacy for the 20th/21st Century.

    (I hope John Key has been sitting up and listening!)

    Pffffffttttt.

    • Draco T Bastard 22.1

      “It has to do with me not wanting a situation in which we’re suddenly exposed to liabilities for all the work that we’re doing all around the world.”

      If you’re worried about that then you probably shouldn’t be doing that work because the people you’re doing it to obviously don’t want you to.

      • Murray Simmonds 22.1.1

        Yep, DTB.

        And its also a fine example of how “GLOBALISATION” can come back to bight you in the arse. (Unintended consequences”, as Obama put it, without admitting as much . . . .)

        Karma’s a bitch!

        But then again, it won’t be those “Champions of globalisation”, the corporations, who end up paying . . .; .it’ll be you, and me, the little taypayers.

        • Draco T Bastard 22.1.1.1

          But then again, it won’t be those “Champions of globalisation”, the corporations, who end up paying . . .; .it’ll be you, and me, the little taypayers.

          QFT

  22. Colonial Viper 23

    Yesterday I posted footage of Clinton doing a rare campaign rally, at a large community college in N.C.

    A total of 70,000 students attend the various campuses of Wake Technical College, with staff and faculty numbers on top of that.

    She got 1,440 people in her audience on campus.

    At yesterdays Trump rally in Melbourne Florida, Trump got a turn out of 10,000 to 12,000.

    And today, Gallup released a poll suggesting that interest in turning out to vote amongst Democratic voters – particularly younger ones – is declining steeply compared to 2004, 2008 and 2012.

    Registered Democrats who will definitely vote at 16 year low

    Just 65 percent of Democrats plan to vote in the election, and it’s just 47 percent among all voters aged 18-34, a trend that has the party worried about the lack of enthusiasm for Hillary Rodham Clinton.

    http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/gallup-democrats-who-will-definitely-vote-at-16-year-low/article/2602965

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Government future-proofs EV charging
    Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZers
    Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners Court
    Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floods
    The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • New appointment to Māori Land Court bench
    E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work
    113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Vertical farming partnership has upward momentum
    The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZ still well placed to meet global challenges
    The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Western Ring Route Complete
    Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Briefings to Incoming Ministers
    This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient Fiji
    Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recovery
    The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Next steps developing clean energy for NZ
    The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart Nash
    This morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to Auckland
    The Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses
    $25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home
    80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Scholarships propel Kiwi students to NASA
    The Government continues to invest in New Zealand’s burgeoning space industry, today announcing five scholarships for Kiwi Students to undertake internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash congratulated Michaela Dobson (University of Auckland), Leah Albrow (University of Canterbury) and Jack Naish, Celine Jane ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in Australia
    The Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Health and safety action plan for ports
    The health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBT
    Bikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with Fiji
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New legislation to streamline Cyclone recovery
    The Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi families
    Approximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-22T22:21:35+00:00