Xox
Wallace Chapman’s first program on National Radio. Covered the Government axing of funding Problem Gambling Foundation. The mechanics of how the Government managed this is similar in MO to the axing of TVNZ7. Dirty doo doos. The tone of the program is light with plenty of giggling, chuckling and froth. Early days but it’s looking/sounding more like breakfast tvnz. Yuck. Has ‘serious’ treatment disappeared from NZ public media? Dumbing down.
Disagree Philj-thought the programme between 7-10 covered hard issues with good questions asked and discussions held. Afghanistan, Problem Gambling Foundation, Housing. Of course Mediawatch was as good as ever, especially on the polls.
Chapman has the great ability to ask really tough questions in what appears to be a lighhearted manner and then follow-up the answers given with tough questions in the same way. Superficially it sounds frothy, but its not.
+1, BG. The first hour I thought he was finding his feet, but have been quite impressed, Actually finding him easier to follow/listen to than Laidlaw. Particularly agree with your last para.
In an election year, we should demand that any government will decriminalise abortion. I and many others are not criminals. This is a healthcare matter. And for Lent we should give up judgment.
I agree. It’s a pity the Herald on Sunday has gone with that snide “out of leftfield” label for these opinion pieces – it’s actually not radical at all to talk about how dysfunctional and condescending our abortion laws are.
Edited to add: and it pigeonholes abortion law reform as a leftwing issue. It’s not at all!
Media National Radio just did the accuracy of polls item. Interesting.
The Herald poll re voting chances of Brown (67% of elderly voters rubbished) critically examined. NBR fellow checking every poll since 1999 shows a plus bias for National and minus bias for Labour Greens.
Waiting for it online.
For those that didn’t see it, Norman was great yesterday too. What phil is referring to is the fact that Norman and the GP have chosen to be part of a NZ govt rather than taking bottom line stands on issues that are dear to phil and staying out of govt. But Norman’s handling of Gower being a dick was pretty good – he came across as relaxed, clear, not bothered by the political bullshit games etc.
I’ll just say it again – the only reason you think Norman was a disaster is because you want the GP to have bottom lines that will keep them out of govt. That is agin what the party wants, and seeing as how Norman works for the party not you, he did just fine. It certainly wasn’t anything close to a ‘disaster’.
I didn’t say you were an enemy of the GP (though it’s certainly interesting that you went there yourself). I said that what you propose (taking bottom line stances on certain issues) is akin to saying the GP is better outside of govt. Because that is what would happen if they did what you are proposing. If that’s not true, how about you describe the alternate strategy and how it would play out differently.
but thinking more on yr original contention..you may be correct in one way..
..in that..
given option A..greens..(if unable to get their bottom lines post-election from labour)..offering support for confidence and supply..and promised key roles that are ministers in all but name..(as referred to by fitzsimon..)..from the cross-benches..
..and able to vote for or against labour policies based on their merits/greeness..
..and option B..greens ministers in formal coalition..
..and subsumed by the majority party..
..and because of cabinet collective-responsibility..unable to even speak out against bad lab/govt policy..
It’s not about what I would do. It’s about what the GP as a whole wants. I agree with their general strategy, that gaining more power in parliament at this point in time is the right thing to do. How they manage that remains to be seen. I’m sure I will have some criticism at the time, but I don’t believe at this point in time the GP will be more effective out of govt than in.
But I do believe that this is what you are suggesting. See my comment further down, where I’m curious about how you see bottom lines playing out.
“cabinet collective-responsibility”
Why is this sacrosanct? Why can we not all be adults and say where we agree and where we disagree?
So on the one hand the GP can tell Labour what to do, and on the other hand they have to accept all the rules that Labour demands? I know logic isn’t your strong suit, but even so that’s pretty bizarre.
Let’s say what you suggest is true – that if the GP came out with some bottom lines, non-negotiables, now, they would pick up more votes. Let’s say that at this point their bottom lines are fracking, deep sea drilling, and cannabis law reform. On election day they get 15% of the vote, this gives them 18 MPs out of 120. What do you think will happen next? Bearing in mind that Labour don’t support any of those 3 bottoms lines.
What if Labour and NZF can govern without the GP/Mana? (I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the GP to plan election strategy around a party that has no candidates yet. Although I fully expect them to be thinking hard about the possible outcomes).
“a non-question really..’cos if that happens..and that happens..there will be nothing to be done about it..”
It’s not a non-question, it’s a central reality of this election. If Labour have a choice between NZF and the GP, do you think they will choose the party that has bottom lines against its own policy and that is trying to force them to do their will? Or will they go with the party that wants to build a stable relationship based on mutual respect and overlaps of policy that are negotiated? In the past I would have said that Labour will do whatever, but if Cunliffe is genuine about wanting to shift the country left again, then an opportunity to work with the GP looks more likely to be attractive. If Labour choose NZF, that’s their funeral, but the GP will still have it’s policies intact and be able to work outside govt.
Besides which, the whole ethos of the GP is about building good relationship. One of the things I am most interested in is how the GP will manage this this time round during post-election negotiations. I still hold some hope that they will influence the culture of government formation, although I won’t be surprised if I am disappointed either.
I commend your patience, weka. I can’t be bothered with the accusations every time I disagree with the latest rave. Funnily enough, I remember weka when I was young, darting in and stealing shiny stuff, yet you’re not the one being distracted here by all that glitters.
You were the only one shocked by Norman’s Nation interview yesterday.
Yes – cannabis legalisation is not a priority for him. I think the party policy is still to appoint a public inquiry ASAP (but probably not quickly enough for you). Rather than cursing one co-leader for allowing Gower to portray him as proTPP on the same day that the other coleader was addressing the country’s largest anti-TPPA rally, perhaps you could say; what party, who will have MPs after the election (ie not the ALCP), do you think offers better a policy on cannabis?
The “pot-vote” is electoral suicide for the Greens. They have gone to great lengths to develop excellent Green policies without giving the MSM a free hit on this issue.
I’m just asking you for some substance. If you think that the IP will achieve more for cannabis law reform than the GP, then vote for them (assuming that’s all you care about). But don’t be suprised if you get challenged when you state that the GP should make it one of it’s main election policies.
A suite of concerns, just like the GP has. You just seem pretty light on how to actually achieve your aims. The GP have huge experience in how to advance their aims. I’m good with criticism of the GP, but I don’t see much substance to your criticism, other than that you are disappointed in them.
I would add that the GP has also been a main player in shifting the consciousness and understanding within NZ of environmental issues. Simply having them in parliament and speaking up has changed the agenda on green issues. That is not to be underestimated, because it’s those cultural shifts that enable real change.
I am a huge fan of Mr Norman, but I did not agree with his statements today. NZ does not have the capacity to be first in the world paying carbon tax without increasing poverty at the same time. Instead of giving the money to a carbon exchange bank it would be better to have a look at infrastructure and alternative energy supply (electric buses running at frequency, sun collectors etc). Right now, NZ needs to act on issues such as cattle grazing and pollution of waterways. Drinking water, fracking proposals and consequences. This needs to be done in conjunction, agreed – but not at the same time. Its like cutting the nose despite the face. Please tell me that Mr Norman has not lost touch with ordinary people living ordinary lives with less then ordinary incomes but disproportional stress of holding their lives together.
Given that the GP say that this election will be fought on child poverty, I don’t think he’s lost touch. I think the answer to what you raise is in how the GP suggest changes to economic management ie emission solutions don’t equate to poverty.
Cunliffe could take note- in fact he should go round to Norman’s house for a few brewskis or whatever and have a bit of a chill out and a think about the things Labour and the Greens could do together…so that when he gets surrounded by the douche squad he can just do a bit of method acting, recall his chill place and be supremely not bothered about it whatever they’re flinging at him this week…
body language is important- a bit more chill could be worth a few poll points. Be like a golfer- positive imaging…
Just watched Norman’s “shocker” previously recorded. Disagree strongly with you Mr. Ure-thought he answered and argued his corner well, did not give away policy at all.
It’s Gower’s interpretation of the interview later that is the problem-putting words into Norman’s mouth.
Similarly later in the programme Gower stuck his ore in at the end of the panel discussion saying he thought the issue of asset sales is now a non-issue. Rubbish. Credit the electorate with some brains-they will remember this issue 5 months down the track, especially after Lab/Gr/Mana reminders.
Cantabs have become pretty good seismic scale predictors. I can remember lazing about the lounge when there would come a bit of a rumble from the east followed microseconds later by a bit of a shake. My partner would casually remark, “3.8.” I’d say, “I reckon it was 3.9.” The daughter would pop up with, “You’re both wrong, it was a 4.0!” Geonet would reveal that the reading was somewhere thereabouts.
Xox
PU. Did you notice Walace’s proud admission that he lives in an ex state house, and that they were well built and don’t leak. Ha ha ha. It shows that the government ‘back then, was capable of initiating and implementing effective policy! Wow, if only they acted progressively now!
A message to Paddy Gower:
Stephen Sakur or Tim Sebastian you’re NOT!
For that, you’ll need a few additional ‘learnings’
1. At least allow the interviewee to finish their point
2. A bit more intellectual rigour and probably quite a few more brain cells
3. Shedding yourself of your ideological biases for a few minutes at a time
Ure correct – it might well have been one of his better efforts – which says a helluva lot about his previous.
He cut Norman off/over-talked a couple of times when we may well/would have got more detail.
He also had a number of ‘examples’ he wanted to put to Norman – all of which would have been met with the same reply (which, hw didn’t get through0.
He had an agenda from the start.
Try watching it again maybe – and count the number of minutes/seconds down to Gower versus Norman. There really should be a huge imbalance in Norman’s favour IF it was his intent to get genuine answers
Edit: if it was his genuine intent to get answers
It’s not really an interview or a conversation that is nice to watch on the weekend- it’s Patrick Gower’s shooting gallery- where he has to hit three targets for the 6pm news. He just keeps shooting until he gives up, or gets something which he thinks he can paraphrase into what he wants to say.
It’s really deeply unsatisfying weekend viewing. It also focuses a lot on the horse trading aspect of politics.
Last week Leighton Smith made much of this piece published by Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight as a body blow to climate science and more importantly, the left.
Yeah great stuff from Hone, an excellent outline of the 3 main planks that Mana will fight the upcoming election on and a good indication of where Mana is at vis a vis the Internet Party,
(1), Feed the kids, in this land of milk and money there is no reason for ANY kid to miss out on ANY meal for ANY reason,
(2), House the people, in the same land of milk and money there is no reason why anyone should not be living in a warm dry comfortable home that suits the size of both their family and their income,
(3), Jobs for everyone capable of working,
i cannot see anything there that the Internet Party could not agree upon, so, it comes down to the IP’s main policies, who they would front as proposed MP’s and the ‘biggy’ as far as a negotiation goes how the carve up of the % of vote at the election would go with regards to positions for each party,
Hone pointed out that His view on Marijuana is not necessarily that of the whole party, he did tho point out with regards to kids accessing it in the Far North He has seen up close and personal the damage done,
My view on the dope laws is perhaps we need manage a staged liberalization of the Law, decriminalize the penalties for possession and growing for personal use down to an instant fine like a traffic ticket while putting in place a system to measure the outcomes in terms of hospital admissions/crime statistics while intensifying penalties around supplying minors in the vein of even having kids raid your stash in an act of theft might see you in jail,(in other words no matter how a kid got hold of your dope its your responsibility),
Yes, Hone has become a credible and articulate politician. Nice to see. Very impressive.
I was also much impressed with the forthright interview with Kim Dot Com. It was a pleasure to see and hear that interview. He comes across as very honest and very sincere, a hundred times more so than what I feel about Key or Banks for example!
He is new to politics but displays a huge intellect and great sincerity. A breath of fresh air!
Wish I had two party votes! One for Labour and one for IP.
Yes .Com was surprisingly impressively sensible and Hone too.
Winston wasn’t bad either, telling Gower to behave himself.
John Key seems even less sincere compared to these three.
Those stupid ‘quick fire shot gun’ type of questions are very unfair, particularly for someone who is an amateur new politician. Some political questions can not simply get a blunt yes or no answer as there are subtle issues involved that need careful consideration. Nevertheless, KDC did quite well here though he did not have enough time to think things through.
‘Regulation or deregulation ‘ for example. Some things need regulation or more regulation while some other things need deregulation. Mathew Hooten, the right mouth piece interpreted his answer, ‘deregulation’ to state Kim is right wing! What a stupid commentator! Kim was probably thinking of dope deregulation or something else! As I said, stupid Y or N questions. I suspect Hooten probably gave that list to the interviewer!
My gut feeling is that this Internet party will easily cross the 5% threshold and Mana too will do quite well during this election.
It’s almost possible to get swept up in that. He seems to be intimidatingly shrewd, capable, fun-loving, motivated, charismatic with the gift of the gab, an entirely novel and interesting shake-up for our small wee country-town of a country.
Would you say- calculating? He doesn’t appear to have that kind of careful weighing of each statement before he says it the way many politicians do. But I wonder what would happen if he didn’t get his way. Or if he was angry with something.
We have seen many of his faces and they are refreshing and engaging. But…
I find it a bit weird that Hone talks about the damage done by electric puha in the north without putting it in context of the social and economic devastation wrought by successive governments, both national and local. I’d blame the environment in this case long before I’d blame the drug. In fact, many things might be worse up there without it.
Murray O, Hone tho addresses a big part of the problem you highlight with the 3 planks of the Mana election campaign,
Two other points spring to mind, in a short sharp time slot on TV it’s pretty much impossible to be laying out such a large speech on the impoverishment of sections of New Zealand society, there’s just not the time, better to lay out the short sharp planks the Party plans on campaigning upon, simple bread and butter statements,
The second point, Hone was talking about school kids getting hold of dope and the effect this has on their learning, i think most of us here would agree that its not good for kidsa to be smoking the stuff which is why i proposed above a staged decriminalization where the penalties for smoking and growing yer own are minimal but extra penalties would accrue to those who for any reason under-age kids get into and smoke up large on their stash…
Some good listening this morning. Good is used facetiously. Dunne rumbling away about the Gambling Foundation trick – how you pull the rug from under something substantial and it doesn’t matter! Because the government is not paying a charity for advocating against gambling – only for treatment of the destroyed. And they probably haven’t been doing a good job at it either. And it seems that some zealous government officials let the Problem Gambling Foundation know that they were not wanted.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240195/'threats'-to-former-anti-gambling-chair Peter Adams, associate professor of Auckland University’s Centre of Addiction Research, was involved in setting up the Problem Gambling Foundation 20 years ago and worked with the organisation for the following decade.
He said government has a vested interest in profits from gambling and that during his time with the foundation there were many attempts to break it up. “We got very used to hostility from government officials,” he said. “I was threatened personally at one stage … one official said that he would work at ruining my career….
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne told the programme he has never heard of that, and suggestions by Mr Adams that the government has a vested interest in the gambling industry are not correct either….
He said it was likely the foundation was not doing that good a job in helping problem gamblers. He said it is not up to the Government to pay for an advocacy service opposed to the gambling industry.”
And this is the thing – the government does not want to hear a squeak out of the organisations it funds. It was back in them ol’ days of the 90’s when government stopped funding charities and started buying services from them. And why should it buy criticism or good advice from them. Talk about blighting, biting, the hand that feeds you.
In NZ it is no longer possible for people to attempt to help those in need of help in the community, and ask the government for some cash to assist the unpaid volunteer work done. No you might appeal but narrow criteria must be met. That doesn’t include helping people manage in life. For foodbanks, people must have budget advice. For budget advice, that would include some hurdle they had to achieve. For children it had to be for education, it couldn’t be to take them to the seaside in a bus once a month, so they could have some joy and good times in the outside environment and outside their neighbourhood, as others take for granted. And so on.
If you are dependent on the government, you’ve got to touch your forelock, because they are now your patron, not to be questioned about their sly and destructive behaviours. Thinking here of juggling pokie numbers, massaging the liquor industry, and refusing to attempt re-education of errant drivers. Keeping marijuana as a dangerous drug involving $millions of police time, and fun helicopter rides.
(TPPA will be like this but on a massive scale. Probably a citizen that criticises any business will be sued. In fact in 1998 Oprah Winfrey was sued under food libel laws by Texan meat producers when she said something negative about meat.)
A titbit from The Press Tuesday 25/Mar/2014. Two Nat MPs less than 6 months from their retirement, are on a 10-day taxpayer-funded tip to China costing $15,000 a head. Now this actually is probably not very expensive for the length of the trip, objectively. It could have been worse. We judge such expenditures differently now in this exciting free-wheeling world of international commerce. But why doesn’t National just make it clear to us all out there in Electorate-land, that China is a VIC and is ‘the new big thing’ and they’re off like greyhounds after a rabbit.
And that there is a trip to China as a sweetener to any MPs they would like to stand down to make way for those who have passed the poise, pose and personality test and been done-over good by the PR, and human resource, and clothes and wardrobe and make-up – to the voters department?
They have been included in an Mfat funded group building links in new areas (No province left behind thrust). It includes senior members of parties – political ones that is – Phil Goff, David Shearer and Winston Peters, I don’t know how many. (No mention of Russel Norman!)
It appears that in the past all retiring MPs get to go on a retirement joint.
But as there are no Labour MPs quitting they are not included on this one.
New Zealand’s farm debt mountain is back on its way upwards…neighbour just purchased their 10th dairy farm for $50 per KG…expect bad things again in the dairy farming sector once dairy payout falls under long term average of $6.50 per KG MS…munting our little community…
I think MS stands for Milk Solids – basis of dairy payout. Is that correct Saarbo?
10th dairy farm. Borrowed on farm with 10-20% deposit? What sort of deposit would be required to buy at $50 per kg. Is it all done on leverage? Till farm prices rise as high as Mt Aoraki? If there is a crash, how will the taxpayer step up and help out a la SCF? We’ll have to bankroll these high rollers to stop the country washing away into the sewage drain.
I was just reading the Transport Blog on the HOP system. The difficulties with paying cash and how people don’t try to be ready with the cash. (One man was observed to check all pockets before bringing out a note, then pay with a note again the next day.) But everyone can’t afford a HOP card. What could be done is issue them with instructions on how to pay in cash effectively and charge them an extra 50% when they don’t pay with the right money, the nearest sized note, and have it ready when they approach the driver. Otherwise instant fine.
Other people waiting with cards cannot get on bus till cash customer is dealt with. Perhaps card carriers go first? In some European countries the payment is made before getting on the bus, as with parking meter systems. You would be issued with a receipt for your cash and hardly any cash transactions on bus would be needed. But having only one entrance is a real bottleneck with that system.
But systems like these are often designed by people who are a long way away from having only enough cash to last for the next few days. Their problems are at a different level than those who are au fait with the systems and have the wherewithal to match them to the profile of the perfect customer.
That sounds like so much hogwash, intended to increase the pressure on people to buy hop cards. For heaven’s sake – you cold hold up the by queue reaching into every pocket for your hop card. Admittedly, the driver doesn’t have to give you change, but you could still obstruct everyone else who was waiting to get on.
Olwyn
I am sure that this situation has been observed, there are reasons for it, those reasons for holding up the bus another 1 minute at each stop mean that some people have trouble getting to work on time. And too much sympathy stops the effort to try and improve so the mass of people can be moved efficiently. In a big city people don’t expect others to go into a dream, or be constantly unprepared when their turn to perform some small everyday function happens.
In some countries they have a driver and a cashier. As long as you don’t think profit is the motor of public transport, it has some real benefits. It helps employ people, and means that there are two on the bus in case of any problems, such as Tories like Aaron Gilmore misbehaving and needing to be forcibly evicted. The bus can also drive off while people are still paying.
I’m not even sure that taxes would need to be increased. There might be enough savings from less road construction, freeing up of land used for parking, etc.
Some TVNZ jonolists are tweeting right now that ‘there’s one big winner in the latest colmar-Brunton poll””, I guess it’s 110% for national. The more corrupt they get, the more (stoopid) people love”em.
Nah it was the usual stupid preferred Prime Minster rubbish, apparently David Cunliffe has slipped to 9% which isn’t quite where Helen Clark was when She became Prime Minister, so, if Cunliffe loses another 3% in that particular segment of the poll my opinion says He is ready to become the next Prime Minister,
A pretty nothing poll that has Labour/Green going down where the Roy Morgan last week had Labour/Green gong up…
Good practice should have had the number in the poll and the number of undecided. If undecided still on 11% then that is significant.
Internet Party registered for the first time.
Doesn’t Paddy hype up his version of figures let alone his version of what Greens, Labour said in interviews?
Based on recent polls including the two today, my estimate/calculation is that if an election was held today, the party votes would be close to the following figures:
National……………..42.9
Labour……………….31.8
Greens………………10.6
NZ First………………8.5
Maori Party…………..1.1
Mana…………………..1.0
ACT……………………0.6
Conservatives………..1.9
Internet Party………..0.5
United Future…………0.1
Others…………………1.0
Does Labour not understand by announcing a blunt “we’re going to raise the age to 67” they are committing political suicide? Has it not occurred to them that is probably the underlying cause of their current lack of traction? It doesn’t matter how many provisos they add it makes not one tot of difference. All people pick up is “they’re gonna raise it to 67… I’m not voting for them then”.
It may be sensible but you have to do it over time and by stealth for God’s sake.
Who in their right mind believes the latest TV3 political poll – do we really believe that the Judith Collins disgrace has not had ANY impact on people? Literally UNBELIEVABLE!!
Gives us something to discuss tho, the big laugh was the item on RadioNZ National this morning discussing the fact that polling companies have signed up to a ‘new’ code of conduct which when outlined hollered vary loudly ”Business As Usual”
i would suggest that the situation is really as close as it was three years ago, except, take out the Maori Party, the last rites for them have more or less already been performed…
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What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
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Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
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Xox
Wallace Chapman’s first program on National Radio. Covered the Government axing of funding Problem Gambling Foundation. The mechanics of how the Government managed this is similar in MO to the axing of TVNZ7. Dirty doo doos. The tone of the program is light with plenty of giggling, chuckling and froth. Early days but it’s looking/sounding more like breakfast tvnz. Yuck. Has ‘serious’ treatment disappeared from NZ public media? Dumbing down.
yr rush-to-judgement is premature..
..chapman is now doing a considered take/interview on the origins of the state house..
..well worth the time/listen..
Disagree Philj-thought the programme between 7-10 covered hard issues with good questions asked and discussions held. Afghanistan, Problem Gambling Foundation, Housing. Of course Mediawatch was as good as ever, especially on the polls.
Chapman has the great ability to ask really tough questions in what appears to be a lighhearted manner and then follow-up the answers given with tough questions in the same way. Superficially it sounds frothy, but its not.
+1, BG. The first hour I thought he was finding his feet, but have been quite impressed, Actually finding him easier to follow/listen to than Laidlaw. Particularly agree with your last para.
Wallace Chapman is a great media guy- really rate him.
In an election year, we should demand that any government will decriminalise abortion. I and many others are not criminals. This is a healthcare matter. And for Lent we should give up judgment.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11228832
It’s time.
This would be a referendum worth our time^^^
Should abortion be decriminalised?
Should have been done a long time ago.
I agree. It’s a pity the Herald on Sunday has gone with that snide “out of leftfield” label for these opinion pieces – it’s actually not radical at all to talk about how dysfunctional and condescending our abortion laws are.
Edited to add: and it pigeonholes abortion law reform as a leftwing issue. It’s not at all!
braunias has done a funny one..
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/9880151/The-secret-diary-of-Kim-Dotcom
both hone and dotcom just totally kicked arse on q & a..
..i’m picking a possible 8-9% support jump for the alliance-lite..
and the only thing that wasn’t absolute shite from the panelists..
..was their agreement on what a masterful-performance it was from hone..
Media National Radio just did the accuracy of polls item. Interesting.
The Herald poll re voting chances of Brown (67% of elderly voters rubbished) critically examined. NBR fellow checking every poll since 1999 shows a plus bias for National and minus bias for Labour Greens.
Waiting for it online.
Discussion on the accuracy of Polls on Media Watch:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2590766
and it’s night and day for norman..
..after his shocker yesterday..
..he is now demolishing the clown from act..
..who is just coming across as an arrogant/ignorant prick..
For those that didn’t see it, Norman was great yesterday too. What phil is referring to is the fact that Norman and the GP have chosen to be part of a NZ govt rather than taking bottom line stands on issues that are dear to phil and staying out of govt. But Norman’s handling of Gower being a dick was pretty good – he came across as relaxed, clear, not bothered by the political bullshit games etc.
shine on..!..you craaa-zeey dia-mond..!..(pow-pow-pow..!..)
..you come here a lot..but all you can see..
..is the sun shining out – from normans’ where we can’t see..
..yr myopic vision..is a sight to see..
..but really..how can we believe – in thee..?
..so..!..(repeat chorus..)
..eh..?..eh..?
..by any view with more that one eye..
..yesterday was a disaster..
..today was ok..
..it was nite and day..
..mm-kay..?
I’ll just say it again – the only reason you think Norman was a disaster is because you want the GP to have bottom lines that will keep them out of govt. That is agin what the party wants, and seeing as how Norman works for the party not you, he did just fine. It certainly wasn’t anything close to a ‘disaster’.
u think i want the green party/movement to not gain power..?
..that wd b yr biggest lie/misrepresentation of me to date..eh..?
..in the 2005 election-campaign i worked 12-15 hr a day..for 3-4 months..
..on the green party campaign..(on the practical side of things..)..
..trying to paint me as some enemy of the greens..wishing them bad..
..is an utter fucken lie..
..unlike you..i look at things with two eyes..
..and if (in my opinion) i see could-do-better..i say so..
..if i see that-was-good..i say so..
..whereas you..?..
..i doubt you have a ‘critical’ bone in yr body..eh..?
..and by (whatever deity)..!..i hope you never climb the green party greasy-pole enough to ever be an mp in parliament..
..you would be a total disaster..
..wouldn’t you..?
..capable of mindless-parroting of official lines is pretty much it..
..eh..?..
..that and the mind/imagination of a bureaucrat..
..(shudder..!..)
ad hominems, that the best you can do?
I didn’t say you were an enemy of the GP (though it’s certainly interesting that you went there yourself). I said that what you propose (taking bottom line stances on certain issues) is akin to saying the GP is better outside of govt. Because that is what would happen if they did what you are proposing. If that’s not true, how about you describe the alternate strategy and how it would play out differently.
have some bottom lines..
..how do/can you expect to inspire/appeal to the voters..
..(especially new voters..let alone retain yr own..)
..if there is nothing you really wouldn’t negotiate away..?
..and the green party is seriously underestimating the appeal out there for some sane/rational pot-laws..
..have they forgotten their own history..?
..and seeing as you asked..what dismays me about the greens..is how they so desire/strive to appeal to everyman/woman..
..there is political power/voter support to be had from stating yr position clearly..
..and holding that line..
..so the voters won’t see their reasons to vote/support you..
..just turn to dust..
..compromised right out the exit door..
..(or is that into the door of the bmw..?)
..what was it shakespeare wrote about ‘that lean and hungry man’..?
..who comes to mind..?
but thinking more on yr original contention..you may be correct in one way..
..in that..
given option A..greens..(if unable to get their bottom lines post-election from labour)..offering support for confidence and supply..and promised key roles that are ministers in all but name..(as referred to by fitzsimon..)..from the cross-benches..
..and able to vote for or against labour policies based on their merits/greeness..
..and option B..greens ministers in formal coalition..
..and subsumed by the majority party..
..and because of cabinet collective-responsibility..unable to even speak out against bad lab/govt policy..
..let alone vote against it..
..i wd go for option A..(heh..!..)
..wouldn’t you..?
..and if you wouldn’t..why not..?
..
It’s not about what I would do. It’s about what the GP as a whole wants. I agree with their general strategy, that gaining more power in parliament at this point in time is the right thing to do. How they manage that remains to be seen. I’m sure I will have some criticism at the time, but I don’t believe at this point in time the GP will be more effective out of govt than in.
But I do believe that this is what you are suggesting. See my comment further down, where I’m curious about how you see bottom lines playing out.
“cabinet collective-responsibility”
Why is this sacrosanct? Why can we not all be adults and say where we agree and where we disagree?
“..“cabinet collective-responsibility”
Why is this sacrosanct?..”
um..!..that’s the way they work..?
..it’s part of the deal the greens wd be signing up for..
..r u saying u didn’t know that..?
..whoar..!
So on the one hand the GP can tell Labour what to do, and on the other hand they have to accept all the rules that Labour demands? I know logic isn’t your strong suit, but even so that’s pretty bizarre.
Let’s say what you suggest is true – that if the GP came out with some bottom lines, non-negotiables, now, they would pick up more votes. Let’s say that at this point their bottom lines are fracking, deep sea drilling, and cannabis law reform. On election day they get 15% of the vote, this gives them 18 MPs out of 120. What do you think will happen next? Bearing in mind that Labour don’t support any of those 3 bottoms lines.
well..the answer to that is obvious..
..they turn to the mana/internet party bloc..
..and together..you all force labour to bend to yr will..
..(leave them only a grand coalition with national option..
..which would be their death-knell..)
..unity is strength..
..you are more powerful than you currently think you are..
..and you must stop just marching towards ministerial bmws..
..(speaking of german-baubles..)
..each step you take..
..lessens yr/our power…
How would they force Labour to do their will?
What if Labour and NZF can govern without the GP/Mana? (I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the GP to plan election strategy around a party that has no candidates yet. Although I fully expect them to be thinking hard about the possible outcomes).
“..What if Labour and NZF can govern without the GP/Mana? ..”
a non-question really..’cos if that happens..and that happens..there will be nothing to be done about it..
..it will be labours’ funeral..tho’..
..and no..how those chips will fall won’t be known ’till post-election..
..but to the outside eye..
..the green party seems on a forced-march down into that garage..
..where lurk those german-baubles…
..and funny story..!.
..bill maher has something relevant to say on the matter..
..something to say to both the green party and the labour party..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/29/bill-maher-blasts-democrats_n_5055452.html?ref=topbar
“a non-question really..’cos if that happens..and that happens..there will be nothing to be done about it..”
It’s not a non-question, it’s a central reality of this election. If Labour have a choice between NZF and the GP, do you think they will choose the party that has bottom lines against its own policy and that is trying to force them to do their will? Or will they go with the party that wants to build a stable relationship based on mutual respect and overlaps of policy that are negotiated? In the past I would have said that Labour will do whatever, but if Cunliffe is genuine about wanting to shift the country left again, then an opportunity to work with the GP looks more likely to be attractive. If Labour choose NZF, that’s their funeral, but the GP will still have it’s policies intact and be able to work outside govt.
Besides which, the whole ethos of the GP is about building good relationship. One of the things I am most interested in is how the GP will manage this this time round during post-election negotiations. I still hold some hope that they will influence the culture of government formation, although I won’t be surprised if I am disappointed either.
I commend your patience, weka. I can’t be bothered with the accusations every time I disagree with the latest rave. Funnily enough, I remember weka when I was young, darting in and stealing shiny stuff, yet you’re not the one being distracted here by all that glitters.
in the words of weka..
“..ad hominems, that the best you can do?..”
I seldom get past ad vermes
“I commend your patience, weka”
I had the comparison of discourse with Pete George 😉
phillip..
You were the only one shocked by Norman’s Nation interview yesterday.
Yes – cannabis legalisation is not a priority for him. I think the party policy is still to appoint a public inquiry ASAP (but probably not quickly enough for you). Rather than cursing one co-leader for allowing Gower to portray him as proTPP on the same day that the other coleader was addressing the country’s largest anti-TPPA rally, perhaps you could say; what party, who will have MPs after the election (ie not the ALCP), do you think offers better a policy on cannabis?
dotcom said on q&a that the internet party will have a decriminalisation-policy..
..if they are smart/clever they will take it to the logical-conclusion of legalise/regulate/tax pot..)
..and do keep in mind it was the pot-vote that got the greens into parliament..
..in the first place..
..the pot-vote and young voters..
..(remember nandor/dreads/skateboards..?..)
..those same that the internet party is appealing to..
(..and oh..!..how the media/pundits scoffed/scorned then..eh..?)
..history does have its’ lessons..eh..?
The “pot-vote” is electoral suicide for the Greens. They have gone to great lengths to develop excellent Green policies without giving the MSM a free hit on this issue.
bearded git..
..u do know that a couple of days ago..the most conservative southern state in america..
..passed unamimously..and to a combined chant from all members of ‘pass the bill!..pass the bill!’..
..a medical-marijuana bill..?
..did you know that..?
..it is you who is wildly out of step..
“dotcom said on q&a that the internet party will have a decriminalisation-policy..”
Just like the GP does. What’s your point?
they will push for that policy..?
..and not just bury it..
..and c’mon..!..how can we forget tureis’ shameful neglect of that medical marijuana bill..?
..she lifted not a finger/voice to advance that cause..
..and as i’ve already said..if the internet party comes out with a legalise/regulate/tax/colorado-model policy..
..they will hoover up all those young votes..
..and will take yr pot-support component too..
..i think you have been the only game in town for too long..
..and you have treated that constituency much the same way labour treat you..
..and at the moment they are like meerkats..
..up and looking where next to run..
..and it ain’t/won’t be towards you..
..it is away from you…
..and it is/will be all your own work..eh..?
..(or lack of it..)
How will they push for that policy? (the one they haven’t written yet, that we don’t know the details of).
y’know..yr getting more and more like pete george..
I’m just asking you for some substance. If you think that the IP will achieve more for cannabis law reform than the GP, then vote for them (assuming that’s all you care about). But don’t be suprised if you get challenged when you state that the GP should make it one of it’s main election policies.
i’m a mana guy..i vote mana..(as you well know/i have stated..)
..but i welcome the arrival of the internet party..
..and the focus on the issues they will raise..
..i hope that clarifies that for you..
..and no..ending the madness that is cannabis prohibition is not ‘my only concern’..
..it is part of a suite of ‘concerns’….(as you well know..)
..as i noted above..you are becoming more and more like pete george..
..q.e.d..eh..?
A suite of concerns, just like the GP has. You just seem pretty light on how to actually achieve your aims. The GP have huge experience in how to advance their aims. I’m good with criticism of the GP, but I don’t see much substance to your criticism, other than that you are disappointed in them.
oh weka..!
..you are opening a can of worms there..aren’t you..?
“..The GP have huge experience in how to advance their aims..”
..ok..how about you list for us..
..(alphabetically wd b easiest..eh..?)
..the ‘aims’ the green party have actually achieved in their 17 yrs in parliament..?
(and wd you cite the efforts metiria turei put into the medical marijuana bill that was her care/responsibility..
..as an example of that expertise in ‘advancing their aims’..?
..and if so..
..could you detail that for us..?
..what she actually did..?
..(i await yr response/’list’..with bated-breath..)
Weka’s nickname should be Cadbury, ’cause she sure knows how to handle a flake 😆
and how about you..?
..i reckon yr name should be condom..
..’cos yr a dick..eh..?
I prefer Kernel Hook, ’cause I’m good at baiting nut jobs 😉
Here you go phil – https://www.greens.org.nz/history-green-party
I would add that the GP has also been a main player in shifting the consciousness and understanding within NZ of environmental issues. Simply having them in parliament and speaking up has changed the agenda on green issues. That is not to be underestimated, because it’s those cultural shifts that enable real change.
no-one is going to wade thru that mountain of self-serving spin..
..bullet-points will do..
..c’mon..!
..list them..(in yr own words..)
..(the touchy-feely/aspirational-bullshit stuff to one side..eh..?
..just the practical/real/able to be evaluated achievements..eh..?)
..i’ll get you started..
..there was the pink batts..
..and..?
..(and now the green master-plan is to sell out all yr bottom-lines..
..in exchange for bottoms in bmw’s..eh..?..
..it doesn’t inspire confidence..
..on any level..
..the greens seem to have finally achieved what they have strove for for so long..
..to be accepted as part of the establishment..
..well done..!
..shame about all those bottom-lines you have shed like dandruff..
..along the way..eh..?..)
Go fuck yourself phil 🙂
I am a huge fan of Mr Norman, but I did not agree with his statements today. NZ does not have the capacity to be first in the world paying carbon tax without increasing poverty at the same time. Instead of giving the money to a carbon exchange bank it would be better to have a look at infrastructure and alternative energy supply (electric buses running at frequency, sun collectors etc). Right now, NZ needs to act on issues such as cattle grazing and pollution of waterways. Drinking water, fracking proposals and consequences. This needs to be done in conjunction, agreed – but not at the same time. Its like cutting the nose despite the face. Please tell me that Mr Norman has not lost touch with ordinary people living ordinary lives with less then ordinary incomes but disproportional stress of holding their lives together.
Given that the GP say that this election will be fought on child poverty, I don’t think he’s lost touch. I think the answer to what you raise is in how the GP suggest changes to economic management ie emission solutions don’t equate to poverty.
Cunliffe could take note- in fact he should go round to Norman’s house for a few brewskis or whatever and have a bit of a chill out and a think about the things Labour and the Greens could do together…so that when he gets surrounded by the douche squad he can just do a bit of method acting, recall his chill place and be supremely not bothered about it whatever they’re flinging at him this week…
body language is important- a bit more chill could be worth a few poll points. Be like a golfer- positive imaging…
Just watched Norman’s “shocker” previously recorded. Disagree strongly with you Mr. Ure-thought he answered and argued his corner well, did not give away policy at all.
It’s Gower’s interpretation of the interview later that is the problem-putting words into Norman’s mouth.
Similarly later in the programme Gower stuck his ore in at the end of the panel discussion saying he thought the issue of asset sales is now a non-issue. Rubbish. Credit the electorate with some brains-they will remember this issue 5 months down the track, especially after Lab/Gr/Mana reminders.
Nice little 4.0M rumbler in CHCH just now. That’s my guess on the size, lets see what Geonet says…
Edit: Initial Geonet readings say between 4.2 and 4.4. I’m a little rusty it seems.
Edit 2: Latest reading marked as Good for quality is 4.0. I win!
Cantabs have become pretty good seismic scale predictors. I can remember lazing about the lounge when there would come a bit of a rumble from the east followed microseconds later by a bit of a shake. My partner would casually remark, “3.8.” I’d say, “I reckon it was 3.9.” The daughter would pop up with, “You’re both wrong, it was a 4.0!” Geonet would reveal that the reading was somewhere thereabouts.
You’ve rumbled it okay L. I’m due there soon. Probably saving the 4.5 one for me.
Xox
PU. Did you notice Walace’s proud admission that he lives in an ex state house, and that they were well built and don’t leak. Ha ha ha. It shows that the government ‘back then, was capable of initiating and implementing effective policy! Wow, if only they acted progressively now!
@ philj..
..aye..!..
..listening to it engendered a ‘let’s do a smart/green version of that again..!..
..what are we waiting for..?
..(and i want more of the tiny-house movement threaded thru it..
..their claimed lowest-cost for the current low-cost..is bullshit..)
..and the takeaway stat for me..was that at the peak of state-housing building way back then..
..they built 35,000 houses in a year..
..so the current figure of 10,000 a year is modest at best..
..and should be at least doubled..
A message to Paddy Gower:
Stephen Sakur or Tim Sebastian you’re NOT!
For that, you’ll need a few additional ‘learnings’
1. At least allow the interviewee to finish their point
2. A bit more intellectual rigour and probably quite a few more brain cells
3. Shedding yourself of your ideological biases for a few minutes at a time
i thought that was one of gowers’ better efforts..
..he systematicaly got answers to questions we wanted answering..
..surely that is the journalists’ role..?
..(however un-nerving those answers may be..)
..also..after those awkward questions..norman hit his stride..
..and was fine..
Ure correct – it might well have been one of his better efforts – which says a helluva lot about his previous.
He cut Norman off/over-talked a couple of times when we may well/would have got more detail.
He also had a number of ‘examples’ he wanted to put to Norman – all of which would have been met with the same reply (which, hw didn’t get through0.
He had an agenda from the start.
Try watching it again maybe – and count the number of minutes/seconds down to Gower versus Norman. There really should be a huge imbalance in Norman’s favour IF it was his intent to get genuine answers
Edit: if it was his genuine intent to get answers
It’s not really an interview or a conversation that is nice to watch on the weekend- it’s Patrick Gower’s shooting gallery- where he has to hit three targets for the 6pm news. He just keeps shooting until he gives up, or gets something which he thinks he can paraphrase into what he wants to say.
It’s really deeply unsatisfying weekend viewing. It also focuses a lot on the horse trading aspect of politics.
Last week Leighton Smith made much of this piece published by Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight as a body blow to climate science and more importantly, the left.
Well Leighton, Nate Silver has apologised to his readers for using deeply misleading data.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/28/fivethirtyeight-climate-change-dispute_n_5049279.html
Excellent Q and A interviews with Kim Dot Com and Hone Harawira this morning:
If you are interested, here are the video links:
http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/watch-extended-kim-dotcom-interview-video-5879189
http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/harawira-mana-internet-party-video-5879206
Yeah great stuff from Hone, an excellent outline of the 3 main planks that Mana will fight the upcoming election on and a good indication of where Mana is at vis a vis the Internet Party,
(1), Feed the kids, in this land of milk and money there is no reason for ANY kid to miss out on ANY meal for ANY reason,
(2), House the people, in the same land of milk and money there is no reason why anyone should not be living in a warm dry comfortable home that suits the size of both their family and their income,
(3), Jobs for everyone capable of working,
i cannot see anything there that the Internet Party could not agree upon, so, it comes down to the IP’s main policies, who they would front as proposed MP’s and the ‘biggy’ as far as a negotiation goes how the carve up of the % of vote at the election would go with regards to positions for each party,
Hone pointed out that His view on Marijuana is not necessarily that of the whole party, he did tho point out with regards to kids accessing it in the Far North He has seen up close and personal the damage done,
My view on the dope laws is perhaps we need manage a staged liberalization of the Law, decriminalize the penalties for possession and growing for personal use down to an instant fine like a traffic ticket while putting in place a system to measure the outcomes in terms of hospital admissions/crime statistics while intensifying penalties around supplying minors in the vein of even having kids raid your stash in an act of theft might see you in jail,(in other words no matter how a kid got hold of your dope its your responsibility),
Food for thought Phillip Ure…
Yes, Hone has become a credible and articulate politician. Nice to see. Very impressive.
I was also much impressed with the forthright interview with Kim Dot Com. It was a pleasure to see and hear that interview. He comes across as very honest and very sincere, a hundred times more so than what I feel about Key or Banks for example!
He is new to politics but displays a huge intellect and great sincerity. A breath of fresh air!
Wish I had two party votes! One for Labour and one for IP.
Yes .Com was surprisingly impressively sensible and Hone too.
Winston wasn’t bad either, telling Gower to behave himself.
John Key seems even less sincere compared to these three.
Those stupid ‘quick fire shot gun’ type of questions are very unfair, particularly for someone who is an amateur new politician. Some political questions can not simply get a blunt yes or no answer as there are subtle issues involved that need careful consideration. Nevertheless, KDC did quite well here though he did not have enough time to think things through.
‘Regulation or deregulation ‘ for example. Some things need regulation or more regulation while some other things need deregulation. Mathew Hooten, the right mouth piece interpreted his answer, ‘deregulation’ to state Kim is right wing! What a stupid commentator! Kim was probably thinking of dope deregulation or something else! As I said, stupid Y or N questions. I suspect Hooten probably gave that list to the interviewer!
My gut feeling is that this Internet party will easily cross the 5% threshold and Mana too will do quite well during this election.
e.g.
“Where were you on the night of the 14th March?…Answer yes or no!
It’s almost possible to get swept up in that. He seems to be intimidatingly shrewd, capable, fun-loving, motivated, charismatic with the gift of the gab, an entirely novel and interesting shake-up for our small wee country-town of a country.
Would you say- calculating? He doesn’t appear to have that kind of careful weighing of each statement before he says it the way many politicians do. But I wonder what would happen if he didn’t get his way. Or if he was angry with something.
We have seen many of his faces and they are refreshing and engaging. But…
re pot-plan..
..decrim wd be better than continued prohibition..
..but i think the internet party will scoop up a decent bong-full of votes..
..if they come out with a colorado-model..
..but decrim as a way-station to full legalisation/regulation/taxation..
..is a compromise i cd live with..
(btw..as each day passes..i am more and more proud/certain of being a foundation member of the mana party..
..they are the party for real/serious change..
..and i am pleased to see a complementary-party like the internet party come along to stand alongside..
..and the cherry on this cake wd be the greens staunching up..and saying:
.. ‘fuck the bmw’s!..let’s rock and roll..!”
I find it a bit weird that Hone talks about the damage done by electric puha in the north without putting it in context of the social and economic devastation wrought by successive governments, both national and local. I’d blame the environment in this case long before I’d blame the drug. In fact, many things might be worse up there without it.
..i think he is sincere with his stand..
..my guess wd be that he is also talking to his conservative voting-pool/base..
..gathering maori party votes..?
“..In fact, many things might be worse up there without it..”
..+ 1..
..especially compared to the damage alcohol does..
..you can’t go past the fact that young men/women use intoxicants..in most cultures..(esp. men..)
..and that cannabis is the safest intoxicant of all..
..it’s a no-brainer..really..
and yet you use cannabis too early and you damage your brain. And many kids are exposed to it early
yes newsense..of course kids shouldn’t use dope..
..and regulation/licenced-growers/suppliers with id-age-restrictions wd help with that –
to a degree..
..and if you are citing easy access as a reason not to legalise/regulate/tax..
..the reality/fact of life under prohibition..
..is that if you want to find out where the tinny-houses are..anywhere..
..you ask the kids/young-teens..
..they know where they are..
..and..no..those tinny-houses couldn’t care less how old their customers are..
..(and thank you for highlighting reason number 53 why cannabis should be legalised/regulated/taxed..
..a leaf-pin is on its way to you..)
Murray O, Hone tho addresses a big part of the problem you highlight with the 3 planks of the Mana election campaign,
Two other points spring to mind, in a short sharp time slot on TV it’s pretty much impossible to be laying out such a large speech on the impoverishment of sections of New Zealand society, there’s just not the time, better to lay out the short sharp planks the Party plans on campaigning upon, simple bread and butter statements,
The second point, Hone was talking about school kids getting hold of dope and the effect this has on their learning, i think most of us here would agree that its not good for kidsa to be smoking the stuff which is why i proposed above a staged decriminalization where the penalties for smoking and growing yer own are minimal but extra penalties would accrue to those who for any reason under-age kids get into and smoke up large on their stash…
FYI folks
Some mainstream media coverage of the nation-wide rallies / protests against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Saturday 29 March 2014
TVNZ
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/protesters-demand-facts-trade-agreement-5878784
TV3
http://www.3news.co.nz/Protest-rallies-held-against-TPP/tabid/423/articleID/337868/Default.aspx
RADIO NZ
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240196/rallies-in-protest-at-tpp-deal
RADIO LIVE
http://www.3news.co.nz/Protest-rallies-held-against-TPP/tabid/423/articleID/337868/Default.aspx
NEWSTALK ZB
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbnat/1318811200-thousands-march-against-tppa
Non-mainstream media coverage of some banners I rather like 😉
(Well – I would say that – wouldn’t I! 🙂
(Auckland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151947721971790&set=a.435980066789.221068.727511789&type=1&theater
(Hamilton)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152027525238848&set=gm.231034497101371&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=752043414829478&set=gm.231048037100017&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152027534058848&set=gm.231035497101271&type=1&theater
Penny Bright
Some good listening this morning. Good is used facetiously. Dunne rumbling away about the Gambling Foundation trick – how you pull the rug from under something substantial and it doesn’t matter! Because the government is not paying a charity for advocating against gambling – only for treatment of the destroyed. And they probably haven’t been doing a good job at it either. And it seems that some zealous government officials let the Problem Gambling Foundation know that they were not wanted.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240195/'threats'-to-former-anti-gambling-chair
Peter Adams, associate professor of Auckland University’s Centre of Addiction Research, was involved in setting up the Problem Gambling Foundation 20 years ago and worked with the organisation for the following decade.
He said government has a vested interest in profits from gambling and that during his time with the foundation there were many attempts to break it up. “We got very used to hostility from government officials,” he said. “I was threatened personally at one stage … one official said that he would work at ruining my career….
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne told the programme he has never heard of that, and suggestions by Mr Adams that the government has a vested interest in the gambling industry are not correct either….
He said it was likely the foundation was not doing that good a job in helping problem gamblers. He said it is not up to the Government to pay for an advocacy service opposed to the gambling industry.”
And this is the thing – the government does not want to hear a squeak out of the organisations it funds. It was back in them ol’ days of the 90’s when government stopped funding charities and started buying services from them. And why should it buy criticism or good advice from them. Talk about blighting, biting, the hand that feeds you.
In NZ it is no longer possible for people to attempt to help those in need of help in the community, and ask the government for some cash to assist the unpaid volunteer work done. No you might appeal but narrow criteria must be met. That doesn’t include helping people manage in life. For foodbanks, people must have budget advice. For budget advice, that would include some hurdle they had to achieve. For children it had to be for education, it couldn’t be to take them to the seaside in a bus once a month, so they could have some joy and good times in the outside environment and outside their neighbourhood, as others take for granted. And so on.
If you are dependent on the government, you’ve got to touch your forelock, because they are now your patron, not to be questioned about their sly and destructive behaviours. Thinking here of juggling pokie numbers, massaging the liquor industry, and refusing to attempt re-education of errant drivers. Keeping marijuana as a dangerous drug involving $millions of police time, and fun helicopter rides.
(TPPA will be like this but on a massive scale. Probably a citizen that criticises any business will be sued. In fact in 1998 Oprah Winfrey was sued under food libel laws by Texan meat producers when she said something negative about meat.)
A titbit from The Press Tuesday 25/Mar/2014. Two Nat MPs less than 6 months from their retirement, are on a 10-day taxpayer-funded tip to China costing $15,000 a head. Now this actually is probably not very expensive for the length of the trip, objectively. It could have been worse. We judge such expenditures differently now in this exciting free-wheeling world of international commerce. But why doesn’t National just make it clear to us all out there in Electorate-land, that China is a VIC and is ‘the new big thing’ and they’re off like greyhounds after a rabbit.
And that there is a trip to China as a sweetener to any MPs they would like to stand down to make way for those who have passed the poise, pose and personality test and been done-over good by the PR, and human resource, and clothes and wardrobe and make-up – to the voters department?
They have been included in an Mfat funded group building links in new areas (No province left behind thrust). It includes senior members of parties – political ones that is – Phil Goff, David Shearer and Winston Peters, I don’t know how many. (No mention of Russel Norman!)
It appears that in the past all retiring MPs get to go on a retirement joint.
But as there are no Labour MPs quitting they are not included on this one.
You forgot the teeth test.
New Zealand’s farm debt mountain is back on its way upwards…neighbour just purchased their 10th dairy farm for $50 per KG…expect bad things again in the dairy farming sector once dairy payout falls under long term average of $6.50 per KG MS…munting our little community…
I think MS stands for Milk Solids – basis of dairy payout. Is that correct Saarbo?
10th dairy farm. Borrowed on farm with 10-20% deposit? What sort of deposit would be required to buy at $50 per kg. Is it all done on leverage? Till farm prices rise as high as Mt Aoraki? If there is a crash, how will the taxpayer step up and help out a la SCF? We’ll have to bankroll these high rollers to stop the country washing away into the sewage drain.
I was just reading the Transport Blog on the HOP system. The difficulties with paying cash and how people don’t try to be ready with the cash. (One man was observed to check all pockets before bringing out a note, then pay with a note again the next day.) But everyone can’t afford a HOP card. What could be done is issue them with instructions on how to pay in cash effectively and charge them an extra 50% when they don’t pay with the right money, the nearest sized note, and have it ready when they approach the driver. Otherwise instant fine.
Other people waiting with cards cannot get on bus till cash customer is dealt with. Perhaps card carriers go first? In some European countries the payment is made before getting on the bus, as with parking meter systems. You would be issued with a receipt for your cash and hardly any cash transactions on bus would be needed. But having only one entrance is a real bottleneck with that system.
But systems like these are often designed by people who are a long way away from having only enough cash to last for the next few days. Their problems are at a different level than those who are au fait with the systems and have the wherewithal to match them to the profile of the perfect customer.
That sounds like so much hogwash, intended to increase the pressure on people to buy hop cards. For heaven’s sake – you cold hold up the by queue reaching into every pocket for your hop card. Admittedly, the driver doesn’t have to give you change, but you could still obstruct everyone else who was waiting to get on.
Olwyn
I am sure that this situation has been observed, there are reasons for it, those reasons for holding up the bus another 1 minute at each stop mean that some people have trouble getting to work on time. And too much sympathy stops the effort to try and improve so the mass of people can be moved efficiently. In a big city people don’t expect others to go into a dream, or be constantly unprepared when their turn to perform some small everyday function happens.
It’s a once off $5, 25 cents for topping up and saves a minimum 28 cents every trip. It’s more correct to say that you can’t afford to pay cash.
It’s more correct to say that DTB always knows the answer and knows it is correct.
Ah, yes, can’t deny the facts and so revert to ad hominem.
In some countries they have a driver and a cashier. As long as you don’t think profit is the motor of public transport, it has some real benefits. It helps employ people, and means that there are two on the bus in case of any problems, such as Tories like Aaron Gilmore misbehaving and needing to be forcibly evicted. The bus can also drive off while people are still paying.
Up taxes and make public transport free.
Solves the problem immediately.
I’m not even sure that taxes would need to be increased. There might be enough savings from less road construction, freeing up of land used for parking, etc.
Some TVNZ jonolists are tweeting right now that ‘there’s one big winner in the latest colmar-Brunton poll””, I guess it’s 110% for national. The more corrupt they get, the more (stoopid) people love”em.
I am guessing that it is the Internet Party.
Nah it was the usual stupid preferred Prime Minster rubbish, apparently David Cunliffe has slipped to 9% which isn’t quite where Helen Clark was when She became Prime Minister, so, if Cunliffe loses another 3% in that particular segment of the poll my opinion says He is ready to become the next Prime Minister,
A pretty nothing poll that has Labour/Green going down where the Roy Morgan last week had Labour/Green gong up…
Good practice should have had the number in the poll and the number of undecided. If undecided still on 11% then that is significant.
Internet Party registered for the first time.
Doesn’t Paddy hype up his version of figures let alone his version of what Greens, Labour said in interviews?
Based on recent polls including the two today, my estimate/calculation is that if an election was held today, the party votes would be close to the following figures:
National……………..42.9
Labour……………….31.8
Greens………………10.6
NZ First………………8.5
Maori Party…………..1.1
Mana…………………..1.0
ACT……………………0.6
Conservatives………..1.9
Internet Party………..0.5
United Future…………0.1
Others…………………1.0
I think the Greens have a decent shot at breaking through 13% this year.
The Internet Party won’t be in the polls released today.
Internet Party did register today. Can’t get back into TV3 but was .3 I think.
Probably Winston First up 4% to 7%. Mind you TV3 has him on 4.9% down 0.8% so maybe they polled the outskirts of Tauranga a little too much?
Winston may well be the obvious and clear party providing protection against Labour’s (and the National’s tacit) age rise for superannuation ?
Good point Jim Nald.
Does Labour not understand by announcing a blunt “we’re going to raise the age to 67” they are committing political suicide? Has it not occurred to them that is probably the underlying cause of their current lack of traction? It doesn’t matter how many provisos they add it makes not one tot of difference. All people pick up is “they’re gonna raise it to 67… I’m not voting for them then”.
It may be sensible but you have to do it over time and by stealth for God’s sake.
Who in their right mind believes the latest TV3 political poll – do we really believe that the Judith Collins disgrace has not had ANY impact on people? Literally UNBELIEVABLE!!
Gives us something to discuss tho, the big laugh was the item on RadioNZ National this morning discussing the fact that polling companies have signed up to a ‘new’ code of conduct which when outlined hollered vary loudly ”Business As Usual”
i would suggest that the situation is really as close as it was three years ago, except, take out the Maori Party, the last rites for them have more or less already been performed…
What disgrace would that be?
Your a disgrace SSLands, that’s all you need to know…
One of the recent problems that may emerge,and is overlooked in the MSM is the withdraw of support for windows xp on the 8th April.
It seems that 95% of ATM run on XP and I suspect a substantive number of SME along with a lot of home users etc.
http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/texting-atms-cash-shows-cybercriminals-increasing-sophistication