Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step right up to the mike…
Parent poverty affects the ability of teenagers with disabilities receiving some assistance when sitting exams. This is having reader-writers, extended time etc.
Money makes the difference – they have to be assessed by a child pychologist and it costs between $400 and $900. The exam people have made it harder of recent years. I have forgotten their acronym, the ones who run the system that is wonderful, not like awful old school certificate with moveable pass marks.
Analysed there were 4 from the lowest decile who received such help, and there were hundreds in the top. Maybe thousands. A lot. This is particularly to assess people with dyslexia apparently. On 9 to Noon today early.
It will soon be forgotten but what will not is the nasty coterie from the city’s political right behind it all. Their glorified pie-cart proprietor candidate can forget future mayoral attempts.
About John Banks and his fall from power:
John Banks is a classic example. Once a Cabinet minister, then Auckland’s mayor, he never knew when to call it a day and seek something different. Thus his career will end in ignominy over ridiculous falsehoods. His story of not looking at what he signed is utterly plausible. On the occasions I go to the office, there’s often dozens of papers with yellow signature stickers waiting. I rip through signing the lot with no idea what they are but as they emanate from solicitors, accountants and management I rely on their appropriateness. But John’s plausible denial of not reading the form became implausible once he unnecessarily added he couldn’t recall a helicopter ride to meet the country’s most conspicuous man in a giant mansion and receive $50,000.
About Tony Blair:
A classic example of Powell’s adage is Tony Blair. Held in huge esteem, he destroyed it all with a blatantly dishonest dossier justifying lap-dogging the Bush buffoon into Iraq.
Maybe Jones is trying to atone for his last train crash of a column.
Huffongton post today 15 things you ought to know about the US.
Like child birth deaths amongst the highest in the world.
Pricr paid for medicine highest in the world.
Education the US pays more than any other country per head of poulation with the worst out comes.
A great slice of life drama last night with the swearing in of the Auckland Council governing body. A few of the city’s knobs were there in all their finery, a smattering of corpulent CCO mandarins, family and distinguished guests, with the rest of the place packed out with us hoi polloi. Some fringe dwellers from the Mana party were there for additional entertainment, although someone should tell them the best heckling involves humour rather than bile. Their barracking gradually diminished before being completely extinguished when Len Brown fronted up to his city and was welcomed with a sustained ovation; an ovation directed to him personally but also in recognition of his family’s dignified attendance.
Its great to see Auckland getting back to the job of being Auckland. Not very happy with the Tory influence in council and its role in such important positions. Still, gotta say, George has done some good things out South so, well, I guess, I dunno okay then, give him a go. Webster is still a worry, though. Mike Lee seems the obvious and best choice for that new “Infastructure” committee. I like how it indicates a trend towards strengthening and consolidating of reporting lines from the generally unaccountable CCOs, especially that bunch of crims over in Transport. It’s gotta be tricky handing out the various chairs, portfolios, and so on, but every one looked happy enough. Everyone except poor widdle Cameron Brewer who’s brave face on-stage was only given away with an occasionally quivering bottom lip. He now has special responsibility for exactly nothing which, I guess, is what happens when your best friends are dirty disgusting despicable people doing dirty disgusting despicable things.
Speaking to a few of my elected representatives afterwards, I did detect an air of forgiveness. Len is on two strikes now so he’s got no choice, really, but to deliver his best effort. Brewer will, no doubt, slime his way back into some sort of favour, but he’s been tainted by the company he keeps as well as his support for the National Party’s attempt to corrupt the political process by exporting John Key’s mountain of sleaze and lies from the Beehive to the town hall. Hopefully, lessons have been learned on both sides and there’s now a realisation that time to focus on delivering positive results to all of Auckland has arrived. If the councillors and Mayor live up to the promise I heard them make last night, I’ll be happy.
“If the councillors and Mayor live up to the promise I heard them make last night, I’ll be happy.”
How naive can you be ? Len Brown is an embarrassment to himself and Auckland, nothing will change the city will still be run and controlled by over paid morons, their assorted cronies and the elites behind them pulling the strings.
…. edit .. moderation… what naughty word did I use ?
[lprent: Beats me. Akismet appears more vigilant than ever after the attacks of spam over past weeks and Monday’s spasm of auto-spam after they upgraded their algorithms. ]
Len Brown’s foolish behaviour has had an odd but positive effect. The John Key-led National Party’s injection of sleaze in an attempt to create a divide based on faux moral outrage has, as it turns out, given Auckland a chance to demonstrate that, collectively, its people are above such adolscent prurience. Many of those who didn’t support Len, do so now, on principle. Those who continue to see the situation as an embarassment can carry on giggling behind the bike sheds, the rest of us will smile benignly and nod hello while wondering which province you came from.
I accept that, today, Auckland is being run by bunch of overpaid white trash baldheads on the jobs-for-the-lads gravy train. However, I don’t accept that situation is a permanent one. The CCOs can be brought into line with the needs of all Aucklanders, and not just their corporate mates. In fact, if the councillors and the Mayor live up to the promise they made last night, that will happen and, as I said, I will be happy. Perhaps its a big “if” but I prefer an optimistic outlook these days. An acidic fatalistic cynicism, such as yours, is just what the elites want you to have. The whole “its useless” and “they’re all the same” and “government is just a sham” paradigm is that which enables banksters like John Key to get away with his “Solid Energy would be fine if it was a private company” spin. Buy into it, if you must, surrender your rights as a citizen in return for the false consciousness of the consumer but, really, its not going to deliver what you think it will.
No I think you’re mistaken, what the elites want to have is the current faux left right divide at a local level like Auckland or in Wellington this keeps them and their mates sitting pretty while useful idiots wave the flag for team red or team blue.
Nothing will change until we have a strong green or mana block leading Auckland or the country.
I smiled at the red/blue=pointless, green=good thing. It sounded too close to the Dickensian “Boodle and Coodle are driving the country to ruin, but Doodle is the one to lead us”…
I reckon that at worst the tories have a tiered paradigm of defense, in descending order of preference:
a population focused on kim kardashian singing on x-survivor
a population focused on the sexcapades of politicians
a population focused on which politician has the nicest hair
a population focused on neoliberal policies
a population focused on real-world injustice and inequality
I see the usual suspect (Farrar, Jordan Williams) are launching yet another right wing astroturf ACT-in-another-name organisation.
Really, how irrelevant can you be? David Farrar was part of Shipley’s appalling administration, he clings to failed 1980s dogma, and clearly learns nothing and forgets nothing, while Jordan Williams is just Simon Lusk lite, principally known for for being the failure behind the anti-MMP campaign, for which he got pleanty of money for not a lot of return.
Thankfully, they have been sidelined as an irrelevance already:
State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie said his agency was “happy to engage with any community group that has a politically non-partisan mission to promote value for money”
Hmm, did you actually listen to his answers or just hear them?
“They’ve barely broken even by the time they’ve taken the lost dividends”
Really? $1.8B on the sale, $120M cost of sale, so $1.68B nett. Dividends for 2012 were $244.6M, if these continued (big IF based on the Labour/Greens power policy which is set to rip the arse out of power profits), they would still recieve $124.75M/year leaving $119.85M lost dividend. So yes, in 14 years time they will have barely broken even, but until that point Cunliffe sounds like an idiot.
Secondly, “the number of Kiwis that own Meridian has gone down from 100 percent to barely 2 percent”…..really? The Government still owns 51% so that means by his maths, 100% of Kiwi’s still own Meridian, the just own half as much. This doesn’t take into account the fact that ACC, the Cullen Fund and Kiwisaver providers would all have bought into Meridian meaning an even higher share for Kiwi’s.
If you ask me, Cunliffe come out of that looking like an uninformed idiot that can’t do basic maths!
interestingly, BBC World covered findings yesterday, that despite falling wholesale electricity prices in the UK, the powerco’s are reaming as much profit as the market can sustain.
…I think the Labour Party , as well as selling itself as the socially just and caring Party, should also sell itself as the Party best for BUSINESS….because the MYTH amongst common men is still out there that the National Party is the business party and Labour is not.( This MYTH makes National seem the winner and Labour the Party for losers)
In fact Labour and the Greens both need to emphasize how they support Business better than National does ie
* research and development
* intraprepreneurial start up companies
* IT companies and the IT industry , which is rapidly becoming NZ’s biggest export earner ( even surpassing dairying)
* export led economy
* self-sufficiency…economics and full employment objectives
…and how the National Party has undermined NZ businesses/entrepreneurial start ups, an export led economy….and just plundered the family silver ( sale of State Owned Assets)
(btw…i am not trying to tell the Labour chooks how to suck eggs…merely giving my opinion based on feedback I have received regarding the MYTH of National as being the pro-business Party and Labour not)
Lest we forget – finally watched “Beneath the Shroud” last night. This was a sobering reminder of the extent that our so called public servants (especially politicians and the surveillance agencies) go to when supposedly protecting our best interests. Ahmed Zaoui’s trials and tribulations were a wake up call to us all – and the likelihood of history repeating itself , or even worse, now seems even worse with the passing of the recent legislation re GCSB. This should be compulsory viewing for all Labour/Green MP’s as they work to put in place more appropriate legislation and monitoring oversight when they are elected next year.
I continue to shake my head about New Zealand when we can’t learn from good practice from overseas, such as in the oversight of our security services (or even in lowering the blood alcohol levels for drivers.
I am very surprised at the lack of scrunity of the American mining company Andarko. Their record in America is truly apalling, yet they seem to be getting a free pass from the media here in the run up to deep sea drilling starting shortly . Contrary to what Andarko say,they were found to be culpable in the Gulf of Mexico disaster. They were involved in all the decision making around the structure and the failures that lead from those decisions. Not to mention the numerous law suits they are fighting at the moment from both the US government and communities. One of these is for 25 Billion alone. And what is their liability if there is a spill here. $10.000.000 total. What a joke. This company is a disaster waiting to happen and our government has rolled out the welcome mat for them.
1. congrats to Len Brown. he makes the knuckledraggers choke on their self righteousness.
2. what about the bees. The NZ economy is based on botanical fertility but all the idiotes are out every night sneaking around in the twilight with ttheir spray and wipe away busy killing everything.
why isn’t someobdoy doing something about this indiscriminate poisoning of our country.
3. Production was they key at fonterra but all the rugged individualists were so busy arguing about the $7,500 cost for botulism testing that the ignoramuses nearly sunk the whole deal.
what the fuck is wrong with this country?
It just keeps getting better.
Work on Transmission gully will start next year, the poisonous greens have tried to stop it as they have tried to stop most things that are beneficial to all of us.
The remarkable thing is how labour continues to conspire with them , they are very slow learners.
What a great job National is doing.
[lprent: Banned for a week for stupid trolling. If you want to comment here then let the blood rush to your actual brain rather than being a simple dickhead spraying graffiti. Read the policy.
Updated in reply to your comment: You made assertions stated as fact and your ‘explanation’ is simply stupid. FFS Winston works with National – Key even commented on it a month ago, National works with the Greens – they even had a memorandum of agreement in the last term, etc etc. Of course Labour works with the Greens. Labour has even worked with National. Coming out with that basic of parliamentary politics as if it was a revelation really does place you at the bottom of the pile in understanding politics.
Adding an extra week to your ban for having to point out the frigging obvious. And you obviously need it to catch up on how politics works before you can become a better troll. ]
A former professional baseball player and financial high flier has been nominated Ambassador to New Zealand by United States President Barack Obama.
Mark Gilbert is a Director at Barclays Wealth, formerly Lehman Brothers, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The nomination was announced in a statement from the White House today.
Gilbert replaces David Huebner, who was an Obama nominee in the president’s first term.
Previously, Gilbert was the Senior Vice President of Goldman Sachs in Miami fand the Senior Vice President Sales Manager of Drexel Burnham Lambert in Boca Raton from 1986 to 1989.
Yep, simply beggars belief. Notice how no CxO level or Board level execs from any of the big banks have been prosecuted over the GFC. The message is clear – the rules apply to us, not to them.
I don’t know – was a pretty shit ‘interview’. To establish his looking guilty I’d rather see him front up as opposed to being stalked outside a post office
I just find her very grating and, like you say, very awkward in public speaking. John Key is a smooth political operator whereas Collins is like sandpaper.
Ok so you don’t agree with JC (and fair enough) but you agree that politicians should have normal job experiences, I guess the question is how to bring that about because I don’t know how tto make that happen
A month assisting the cops, a month in the courts, a month as a teachers aid, a month as a ward orderly, a month killing possums for DOC, a month cleaning the toilets in Parliament…
As someone pursuing higher office Tat, I wonder have done the jobs you have listed? From what I have ascertained your a chiropractor and have lived quite comfortably off your in-laws (I’m sorry if that is incorrect – just going from what I remember from previous posts).
It’s not that I don’t agree with Collins (I don’t for the record) it’s that even if I did she would unelectable as she lacks warmth and an ability to connect with people.
Not bad, I particularly like the killing possums bit and I’d add in something like 2 years in the military as well (preferably including a deployment) and some farm work wouldn’t be a bad idea either
Just for fun, I put the Conservative Party in the calculator at 2.5%, with an electorate seat, instead of ACT winning Epsom.. They get 3 seats. Assuming the Maori Party hang on to their 3 seats and Dunne is still an MP, it’s a 60 all draw. Anything less and it’s a progressive Government.
It was the warm family friendly piece on One News tonight – featuring the journey of a young patient of mine, and his family, who have been looking in NZ and around the world for treatment which can help him.
I had acupuncture from my national Health GP in London, for migraines. Needles in the tops of my feet. Hard to know if the migraines retreated because of that, or if they would have done so on their own – but certainly the cluster migraines and full blown migraines generally stopped for a few years after that. Rarely get them these days.
Sounds about right. Even if the acupuncture merely acted as a ‘better placebo’ it may have helped trigger the change. (One also has to ask why the pain killers weren’t as good placebos…heh) I’ve had acupuncture myself previously for various things, and I usually find it excellent in combination with chiropractic care.
Banks to face Crown Law Office
Solicitor-General Michael Heron’s decision to take over the case against John Banks is being praised by the man who privately prosecuted the MP.
26 October 2013
The man who privately prosecuted ACT leader John Banks is praising Solicitor-General Michael Heron for taking over the case.
Retired accountant Graham McCready succeeded in the District Court and Banks has been ordered to stand trial charged with filing a false electoral return.
Mr Heron confirmed on Friday he was taking over the case, which means Banks will face the Crown Law Office when he goes to trial – unless he succeeds with a High Court judicial review of the District Court ruling which will be heard on Thursday next week.
As well as prosecuting the case, the Crown Law Office will defend the judicial review.
“I’m very pleased, it’s a win not only for myself but for the New Zealand public that a private prosecution can have a defendant committed for trial and then the solicitor-general takes over and puts the full weight of the Crown behind it,” Mr McCready said on Radio New Zealand.
Mr McCready says the judicial review could mean Banks faces further scrutiny.
“He has the right to remain silent but if he files an affidavit, as he has probably done, then it is open to the Crown Law Office to call him in and cross-examine him on it,” he said.
When Banks told media he was seeking a judicial review of the ruling by District Court Judge Phil Gittos, he said it contained a myriad of factual inaccuracies and flawed legal decisions.
Banks is accused of knowingly signing a false election return for the donations he received for his 2010 Auckland mayoral bid.
Donations from SkyCity and internet mogul Kim Dotcom were recorded as anonymous.
The prosecution alleges Banks knew where they came from.
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Jen Purdie, University of OtagoAs fossil fuels are phased out over the coming decades, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) suggests electricity will take up much of the slack, powering our vehicle fleet and replacing coal and gas in industrial processes. But can the electricity system really provide for this ...
Nearly twenty years after they first arrived, the last New Zealand troops will finally be leaving Afghanistan in May: New Zealand troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by May 2021. The current deployment consists of six Defence Force personnel - three deployed to the Afghanistan National Army Officer Academy, ...
I’m a bit of an ETS-absolutist. Or at least a carbon-pricing absolutist, in a place the size of NZ. I think the Weitzman reasons for preferring a carbon tax to an ETS are second-order relative to political economy considerations, and any weight at all put on switching costs makes it ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob Henson Despite the speed bump posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is rolling toward completion of its Sixth Assessment Report, the latest in a series that began in 1990. IPCC’s assessments, produced by many hundreds of scientists volunteering countless hours, ...
On Friday (5 February) we went for a walk in the Karangahake Gorge, and were very happy to discover (during the Windows Walk) that there are glow-worms in the darker parts of the mine workings. (Strictly speaking they’re glow-maggots as they’re the larvae of small flies/midges, but that is perhaps ...
Alysha JohnsonThey say a good day is a busy day, and aboard the R/V Falkor (Seafloor to Seabirds in the Coral Sea – Schmidt Ocean Institute), almost every day is busy! On this particular day, we deployed a CTD, which stands for Conductivity, Temperature and Density. It is ...
This is a transcript of a speech by developmental biologist Dr Emma Hilton delivered at on 29 November 2020 for the ‘Feminist Academics Talk Back!’ meeting. This talk was originally published by womentalkback.org Sex denialists have captured existing journals We are dealing with a new religion Thank you for the ...
We know that when our rural communities do well, all of New Zealand benefits. Labour is committed to supporting our regions so that, together, we can achieve even more. Here are just some of the ways we’re backing rural communities. ...
Government data today shows that the wealthiest New Zealanders aren’t paying their fair share of tax, whilst everyone else chips in, Green Party spokesperson on Finance Julie Anne Genter said today. ...
The Green Party welcomes the change in the Reserve Bank’s remit to consider the impacts on housing when making financial decisions, but housing affordability shouldn’t be left to the Reserve Bank, Green Party Co-leader and Housing spokesperson Marama Davidson said today. ...
The Green Party welcomes the passing of the Local Electorate Act Māori Wards Amendment Bill which ensures Māori have a say on local issues across Aotearoa New Zealand. ...
New UMR research reveals that 69 percent of New Zealanders agree that the government should increase the amount if income support paid to those on low incomes or not in paid work. ...
The Green Party are celebrating the Labour Government bringing forward the timeline to ban conversion therapy, and will push to ensure any draft bill properly protects all of our Rainbow communities. ...
The Green Party is joining the call for ‘brave policy action’ to address rapidly increasing inequality in New Zealand, which is likely to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. ...
Green MPs currently in Auckland, Marama Davidson, Chlöe Swarbrick and Golriz Ghahraman, will remain in Auckland for the next 72 hours. Those in Auckland today for Big Gay Out who have flown home will self-isolate for 72 hours. These decisions will be subject to any new information that may arise ...
It’s Pride month, and as we celebrate our LGBTIA+ community, we’re taking the next steps towards a more inclusive Aotearoa. From investing in mental health services to banning harmful conversion therapy, we’re building a New Zealand where everyone can be safe, healthy and happy. ...
The Green Party strongly condemns the revelation that Air New Zealand may have provided assistance and maintenance to Saudi Arabian vessels involved in committing atrocities in Yemen. ...
A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Ngāti Maru and the Crown settling the iwi’s historical Treaty of Waitangi claims, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little announced today. The Ngāti Maru rohe is centred on the inland Waitara River valley, east to the Whanganui River and its ...
With a suite of Government income support packages available, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni is encouraging people, and businesses, connected to the recent Auckland COVID-19 cases to check the Work and Income website if they’ve been impacted by the need to self-isolate. “If you are required to ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed her condolences at the passing of long-serving former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. “Our thoughts are with Lady Veronica Somare and family, Prime Minister James Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea during this time of great ...
The Government is backing a new project to use drone technology to transform our understanding and protection of the Māui dolphin, Aotearoa’s most endangered dolphin. “The project is just one part of the Government’s plan to save the Māui dolphin. We are committed to protecting this treasure,” Oceans and Fisheries ...
Major water reform has taken a step closer with the appointment of the inaugural board of the Taumata Arowai water services regulator, Hon Nanaia Mahuta says. Former Director General of Health and respected public health specialist Dame Karen Poutasi will chair the inaugural board of Crown agency Taumata Arowai. “Dame ...
New funding announced by Conservation Minister Kiri Allan today will provide work and help protect the unique values of Northland’s Te Ārai Nature Reserve for future generations. Te Ārai is culturally important to Te Aupōuri as the last resting place of the spirits before they depart to Te Rerenga Wairua. ...
Today the Government has taken a key step to support Pacific people to becoming Community Housing providers, says the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio. “This will be great news for Pacific communities with the decision to provide Pacific Financial Capability Grant funding and a tender process to ...
Conservation Minister Kiri Allan is encouraging New Zealanders to have their say on a proposed marine mammal sanctuary to address the rapid decline of bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi, the Bay of Islands. The proposal, developed jointly with Ngā Hapū o te Pēwhairangi, would protect all marine mammals of the ...
Attorney-General David Parker today announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges. Two of the appointees will take up their roles on 1 April, replacing sitting Judges who have reached retirement age. Kirsten Lummis, lawyer of Auckland has been appointed as a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to ...
Government announces list of life-shortening conditions guaranteeing early KiwiSaver access The Government changed the KiwiSaver rules in 2019 so people with life-shortening congenital conditions can withdraw their savings early The four conditions guaranteed early access are – down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Huntington’s disease and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder An alternative ...
The Reserve Bank is now required to consider the impact on housing when making monetary and financial policy decisions, Grant Robertson announced today. Changes have been made to the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee’s remit requiring it to take into account government policy relating to more sustainable house prices, while working ...
The Labour Government will invest $6 million for 70 additional adult cochlear implants this year to significantly reduce the historical waitlist, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “Cochlear implants are life changing for kiwis who suffer from severe hearing loss. As well as improving an individual’s hearing, they open doors to ...
The Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill passed its third reading today and will become law, Minister of Local Government Hon Nanaia Mahuta says. “This is a significant step forward for Māori representation in local government. We know how important it is to have diversity around ...
The Government has added 1,000 more transitional housing places as promised under the Aotearoa New Zealand Homelessness Action Plan (HAP), launched one year ago. Minister of Housing Megan Woods says the milestone supports the Government’s priority to ensure every New Zealander has warm, dry, secure housing. “Transitional housing provides people ...
A second batch of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived safely yesterday at Auckland International Airport, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. “This shipment contained about 76,000 doses, and follows our first shipment of 60,000 doses that arrived last week. We expect further shipments of vaccine over the coming weeks,” Chris Hipkins said. ...
The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni has today announced $18 million to support creative spaces. Creative spaces are places in the community where people with mental health needs, disabled people, and those looking for social connection, are welcomed and supported to practice and participate in the arts ...
Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little today welcomed Moriori to Parliament to witness the first reading of the Moriori Claims Settlement Bill. “This bill is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work from all the parties involved. “I am delighted to reach this significant milestone today,” Andrew ...
22,400 fewer children experiencing material hardship 45,400 fewer children in low income households on after-housing costs measure After-housing costs target achieved a year ahead of schedule Government action has seen child poverty reduce against all nine official measures compared to the baseline year, Prime Minister and Minister for Child Poverty ...
It’s time to recognise the outstanding work early learning services, kōhanga reo, schools and kura do to support children and young people to succeed, Minister of Education Chris Hipkins says. The 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards are now open through until April 16. “The past year has reminded us ...
Three new Jobs for Nature projects will help nature thrive in the Bay of Plenty and keep local people in work says Conservation Minister Kiri Allan. “Up to 30 people will be employed in the projects, which are aimed at boosting local conservation efforts, enhancing some of the region’s most ...
The Government has accepted all of the Holidays Act Taskforce’s recommended changes, which will provide certainty to employers and help employees receive their leave entitlements, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today. Michael Wood said the Government established the Holidays Act Taskforce to help address challenges with the ...
The Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and faster than expected economic recovery has been acknowledged in today’s credit rating upgrade. Credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) today raised New Zealand’s local currency credit rating to AAA with a stable outlook. This follows Fitch reaffirming its AA+ rating last ...
Tena koutou e nga Maata Waka Ngai Tuahuriri, Ngai Tahu whanui, Tena koutou. Nau mai whakatau mai ki tenei ra maumahara i te Ru Whenua Apiti hono tatai hono, Te hunga mate ki te hunga mate Apiti hono tatai hono, Te hunga ora ki te hunga ora Tena koutou, Tena ...
The Minister of Justice has reaffirmed the Government’s urgent commitment, as stated in its 2020 Election Manifesto, to ban conversion practices in New Zealand by this time next year. “The Government has work underway to develop policy which will bring legislation to Parliament by the middle of this year and ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and Social Development Hon Carmel Sepuloni today launched a new Creative Careers Service, which is expected to support up to 1,000 creatives, across three regions over the next two years. The new service builds on the most successful aspects of the former Pathways to ...
Overseas consumers eager for natural products in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic have helped boost honey export revenue by 20 percent to $425 million in the year to June 30, 2020, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says. “The results from the latest Ministry for Primary Industries’ 2020 Apiculture Monitoring ...
Thanks to more than $10-million in new services from the Government, more rangatahi will be able to access mental health and addiction support in their community. Minister of Health Andrew Little made the announcement today while visiting Odyssey House Christchurch and acknowledged that significant events like the devastating earthquakes ten ...
Two month automatic visitor visa extension for most visitor visa holders Temporary waiver of time spent in New Zealand rule for visitor stays Visitor visa holders will be able to stay in New Zealand a little longer as the Government eases restrictions for those still here, the Minister of Immigration ...
The Tourism and Conservation Ministers say today’s report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) adds to calls to overhaul the tourism model that existed prior to COVID19. “The PCE tourism report joins a chorus of analysis which has established that previous settings, which prioritised volume over value, are ...
The Government is providing certainty for the dietary supplements industry as we work to overhaul the rules governing the products, Minister for Food Safety Dr Ayesha Verrall said. Dietary supplements are health and wellness products taken orally to supplement a traditional diet. Some examples include vitamin and mineral supplements, echinacea, ...
The Government is joining the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime (the Budapest Convention), Justice Minister Kris Faafoi and Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications Dr David Clark announced today. The decision progresses a recommendation by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch terror attack to accede to ...
Attorney-General David Parker announced today that an appointment round for Queen’s Counsel will take place in 2021. Appointments of Queen’s Counsel are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General and with the concurrence of the Chief Justice. The Governor-General retains the discretion to appoint Queen’s Counsel in ...
The new Resurgence Support Payment passed by Parliament this week will be available to eligible businesses now that Auckland will be in Alert Level 2 until Monday. “Our careful management of the Government accounts means we have money aside for situations like this. We stand ready to share the burden ...
A dry run of the end-to-end process shows New Zealand’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is ready to roll from Saturday, when the first border workers will receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. “The trial run took place in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch yesterday afternoon, ahead of the ...
From June this year, all primary, intermediate, secondary school and kura students will have access to free period products, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti announced today. The announcement follows a successful Access to Period Products pilot programme, which has been running since Term 3 last ...
The latest update shows the Government’s books are again in better shape than forecast, meaning New Zealand is still in a strong position to respond to any COVID-19 resurgence. The Crown Accounts for the six months to the end of December were better than forecast in the Half-year Economic and ...
The Department of Conservation’s (DOC) new Heritage and Visitor Strategy is fully focused on protecting and enhancing the value of New Zealand’s natural, cultural and historic heritage, while also promoting a sustainable environmental experience, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. “It has been a quarter of a century since DOC first developed ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Defence Minister Peeni Henare have announced that New Zealand will conclude its deployment of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to Afghanistan by May 2021. “After 20 years of a NZDF presence in Afghanistan, it is now time to conclude ...
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. This is a special time in our country. A little over a week ago, it was the anniversary of the signature by Māori and the British Crown of Te Tiriti O Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), a founding document in ...
The Government is in contact with relevant authorities in Turkey following the arrest of a former Australian and New Zealand dual citizen there, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “Contingency planning for the potential return of any New Zealander who may have been in the conflict zone has been underway for ...
Fatigue, depression, pain, puking – Mark Graham explains how life is still impacted by his concussion, over a year later.A friend of mine wrote a wonderful piece on his life being “shattered by two punches” and his attempts to piece it back together again.It made me cry.Timothy Giles described his ...
Mānuka honey producers have been reaping the profits of selling pots of gold in recent years, but now there’s a surplus of non-mānuka varieties as beekeepers stockpile, hoping prices will recover. The NZ Herald’s Jane Phare looks at why the country is oozing with honey, in this Herald Premium article.It ...
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – Author Margaret Mills speaking at the launch of The Nine Lives of Kitty K at Waiheke Library today. IMAGE: David Robie Introduction for the book launch of The Nine ...
Analysis: One new case was enough to force Auckland back into lockdown less than a week after it returned to Level 1. Marc Daalder explains why New Zealand has dealt with nearly a dozen border failures and minor community outbreaks of Covid-19. Only a couple have resulted in an alert ...
Auckland returns to level three lockdown for seven days as of 6am Sunday February 28, with the rest of the country going to level two. Here’s what the experts are saying, via the Science Media Centre.Shaun HendyWith new cases detected in the family of a Papatoetoe High School student, Auckland ...
A new community case in Auckland today has prompted the announcement that the city is to return to alert level three, and the rest of the country level two, from 6am on Sunday. Here’s the latest.What’s happening?Auckland is to move to alert level three from 6am on Sunday, February 28. ...
As of 6am on Sunday February 28, Auckland moves to level three, with the rest of the country going to level two, for seven days. For the latest official advice see here.What happened?A new case, known as “case M”, is a sibling of a student at Papatoetoe High School, which is ...
The discovery of a new community case that can't be definitively linked to existing cases has forced Auckland back to Level 3, Marc Daalder reports Auckland is returning to Level 3 for seven days and the rest of New Zealand will escalate to Level 2 for the same period from ...
In deciding to move Auckland out of lockdown, Jacinda Ardern has decided to take on more risk than she might have previously, Marc Daalder writes New Zealand's approach to the pandemic so far has been a conservative, risk-averse one. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has previously spelled out the ideology of ...
Businesses with workers needing to cross the Alert Level boundary near Auckland will need evidence of permitted activity or an exemption. Travel documents that were issued earlier this month remain valid. Any business with workers that have lost ...
Another cased of COVID-19 in the community was not the news anyone wanted to hear on a Saturday evening, Mayor Goff said tonight. “I understand Aucklanders’ frustration at having to return to Level 3 lockdown, with the disruption it causes to everyone’s ...
Last weekend at the sun-drenched soundshell in the Botanic Gardens, Wellington, The Spinoff joined Verb Wellington to present the Garden Party and it was heaps of fun.Photography by Rebecca McMillan On February 20 and 21, a brand new summer festival sprung into life. Held at Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā, The ...
Our Beehive Bulletin … With the Maori wards issue taken care of through legislation rushed egregiously into law under urgency, control of the country’s water supply is high on the agenda for action by champions of the treaty “partnership”. Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tahu have joined forces in proceedings against ...
What’s the best way to get adults reading? Get them reading when they’re children – and there’s no better place to start than the Unity Children’s Bestseller Chart.AUCKLAND1 Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 1, The Birth of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari and David Vandermeulen, and illustrator Daniel Casanave (Jonathon ...
"The lab assistants developed various amphetamine habits, Linda in HR started sleeping with her co-workers’ wives, a few of the guys from down in IT went undercover as recruits in local criminal organisations and were instantly murdered": a vision from Wellington writer Jordan Hamel There are nine different incident reports, ...
Rebecca Wadey used to love the wellness industry. Now she doesn’t know who to trust.This story was first published on Ensemble. I love a bit of woo woo.As a former wellbeing editor, I’ve interviewed countless experts on how to achieve a work-life balance and live a life of optimal energy. I’ve ...
What do you get if you mix a little bit of Persona with a little bit of Musou? A whole lot of fun.In general, I’m not a fan of artistic crossovers – more often than not, the new work ends up compromising what made each individual component great – but ...
Linda Burgess, who has just spent a fortune on a ball of fluff, reflects on the animals who have left paw prints on her heart.Childhood pets?I don’t come from a particularly animal-loving family and when I was five or six I had to argue persuasively, plead even, to adopt Rastus ...
By Scott Waide in Lae, Papua New Guinea Sir Michael was a man of many titles. He was father, grandfather and chief. As a tribal leader, he was Sana, the peacemaker. His influence and his reputation extended beyond Papua New Guinea’s border to the Pacific and other parts of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Howe, Honorary Professor, Department of Sociology, Macquarie University, Macquarie University The Governor General was handed the report of the aged care royal commission on Friday. It will be made public in the coming week. Overlaying its considerations has been Australia’s 909 ...
Michelle Langstone went to meet the revered and feared chef expecting to meet a tyrant. Portraits by Simon Day.You know when Tony Astle is about to tell you a good story by the way his eyes start to gleam with mischief, and how he leans forward to rest his elbows on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Selway, Macquarie University The largest and most destructive earthquakes on the planet happen in places where two tectonic plates collide. In our new research, published today in Nature Communications, we have produced new models of where and how rocks melt in ...
Analysis: The government wants the Reserve Bank to curb house prices, Parliament passes the Māori wards bill, and an MP gets away with a rude word in the House. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paddy Nixon discuss the week in politics. This week Michelle and Paddy discuss the continued probe into the culture of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoff Hanmer, Adjunct Professor of Architecture, University of Adelaide This is the second of two articles on the past and future of the university campus. The “dreaming spires” of Oxford University that Matthew Arnold romanticised in 1865 still have a powerful ...
The finance minister spoke to Auckland businesspeople today on the state of the economy a year after Covid-19 landed, and how he hopes to take on another crisis. Toby Manhire went along.Virtual presentations in place of in-the-flesh speeches have become commonplace in these pandemic days, but it wasn’t Covid that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic O’Sullivan, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University The government earlier this year released a discussion paper exploring how an Indigenous Voice to government might work. The Voice ...
Immigration New Zealand is standing by its decision to grant a visa to the partner of Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March and says the application was treated "like any other". ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathalie Collins, Academic Director (National Programs), Edith Cowan University Business etiquette has one golden rule: treat others with respect and care. The same is true for encouraging cyber safety at work, on everything from password security to keeping valuable information like tax ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Bryant, Professor & Director of Traumatic Stress Clinic, UNSW Although Australia is now largely COVID-free, the repercussions of the pandemic are ongoing. As the pandemic enters its second year, many people will be continuing to suffer with poor mental health, or ...
Auckland Council has signed off on a new strategy to make it easier to recycle or get rid of inorganic waste, but according to South Auckland community leaders, it doesn’t go far enough.Tucked a few streets back from former prime minister William Massey’s beautiful old homestead in Māngere East is ...
With crowd-friendly dance tunes and affordable drinks, a new dancehall and bar opening tonight is hoping to make going out more accessible for Aucklanders.“In many ways, it’s fucking stupid opening a nightclub in the middle of a global pandemic,” says Sam Walsh, one of the three owners of a new ...
Water New Zealand says the establishment of the new Taumata Arowai board is an important milestone in the journey towards safer drinking water for all New Zealanders. The Minister of Local Government, Nanaia Mahuta has announced that former ...
The PM says there are "many, many people" being treated as contacts of the latest Covid-19 community case, but the government is willing to go further than usual to keep the country at level 1. ...
Listen: This week's Extra Time podcast from RNZ dissects the women's White Ferns' cricket challenge against England, the men's Black Caps vs Australia and the start of Super Rugby The White Ferns have a battle on their hands to fight their way back into their one-day series against England - ...
Our Beehive Bulletin … While Housing Minister Megan Woods was being grilled at Question Time in Parliament about the government’s performance in her portfolio domain, the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito Williams Sio, was announcing new initiatives to provide housing. Attorney-General David Parker, meanwhile, was announcing the appointments of three ...
Asia Pacific Report Papua New Guineans awoke this morning to great sadness, reports the PNG Post-Courier. As the bells tolled with the sad news of the passing of the much beloved statesman and the founding father of the nation, newsfeeds and social media were abuzz with shock, grief, sadness and ...
In remarks for a Monetary Policy Statement presentation to the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce today, Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has elaborated on the direction received from the Minister of Finance, to have regard to house price sustainability ...
Critic's Chair: Guy Somerset watches the first of four documentaries on the allegations against Woody Allen in his years in the Farrow household, and hears the air of truth in the early testimonies against him. Of all the witness statements with the air of truth about them in the first ...
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 Gangland: New Zealand’s Underworld of Organised Crime by Jared Savage (HarperCollins, $37)“It’s hard for me to imagine ...
A poem by New York-based Aotearoa poet Evangeline Riddiford Graham.Gingerbread HouseThe revolution has arrived. We get the email. MeanwhileI am moving deck chairs to make sure you are comfortable in shade. Our neighboursays it like a complaint: We don’t know anyone who is sickor dead. The taxi driver says hospitals ...
Playwright Alex Lodge on being in love with someone who’s from a different world than you.Have you read anything by Kurt Vonnegut Jr? I’m not here to judge you if you haven’t. He’s one of those writers who all the white boys in university say you “have to read” as ...
Asia Pacific Report Indonesian police have asked participants at a protest action against Special Autonomy (Otsus) in Papua to take covid-19 rapid tests at the site of the demonstration in front of the Home Affairs Ministry office in Jakarta this week, reports CNN Indonesia. The protesters refused, saying it was ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter S. Field, Head of Humanities and Creative Arts and Associate Professor of American History, University of Canterbury The idea of “news” is a pretty new thing. So is the concept of “fake news”, as in false or misleading information presented as ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Ritchie, Senior Lecturer in History, Deakin University Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, former prime minister of Papua New Guinea and a giant of Pacific politics, has died from pancreatic cancer. He was 84. Known as “Mike” to some and “the chief” ...
Last year 320 people were killed on New Zealand’s roads. Alex Braae spoke to the people on the front line of road safety about the plan to turn that around. When the goal is to bring the road toll down to zero deaths a year, there’s no one simple solution. ...
Its 2012 investment prospectus was all suits, cigars, guns, sports cars and models in short skirts, and its consumer advertising was possibly even worse. Did the Moa brand’s misogyny contribute to its huge losses?The middle of the road can wind up being a risky place for a business. Typically a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, PhD Candidate, Flinders University It’s not often you get to cast your eyes on a creature feared to be long-gone. Perhaps that’s why my recent rediscovery of the native bee species Pharohylaeus lactiferus is so exciting — especially after ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Georgina Heydon, Associate professor, RMIT University The alleged rape of former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins has raised many questions about how sexual assault gets reported. Members of the Morrison government have repeatedly stressed the appropriate response to allegations of sexual assault ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dana M Bergstrom, Principal Research Scientist, University of Wollongong In 1992, 1,700 scientists warned that human beings and the natural world were “on a collision course”. Seventeen years later, scientists described planetary boundaries within which humans and other life could have a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sally Patfield, Postdoctoral Fellow, Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, University of Newcastle It’s that time of year again when hundreds of thousands of Australian students start university for the first time. Commencing students account for about 40% of the more than 1.6 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Mountain, Director, Victoria Energy Policy Centre, Victoria University Australia’s electricity market is unsustainable. Texas shows us why. A week ago Texas experienced a bout of severe weather as arctic air reached deep into the state, driving temperature down to levels that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Stokes, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Deakin University Tim Hart was sitting on his couch one evening in November 2011 when he got an email with the subject line: “I’m watching”. The message that followed was short and to the point ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Edwards, Associate Professor, Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney Brisbane has just been confirmed as the preferred host for the 2032 Olympics. But Olympic organisers have more immediate concerns in mind — how to safely run the postponed Tokyo ...
Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for February 26. All the latest news from New Zealand, updated throughout the day. Reach me at stewart@thespinoff.co.nzOur Members make The Spinoff happen. Every dollar contributed directly funds our editorial team – click here to learn more about how you can support us from ...
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Reserve Bank put in bind by Robertson move, Bridges clashes with top cop, and critical migrant health workers can’t get families in while new arrivals can.Finance minister Grant Robertson will be requiring the Reserve Bank to consider the impact on ...
There are clues globally that the avalanche threat is escalating in some regions as the planet warms, triggered by greater temperature swings and more intense rain and snow storms. Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News Big dumps of powder snow are a precious gift in the best of times ...
District health board members have been made aware of a new problem with a just-opened Christchurch Hospital building. Oliver Lewis reports. It was two years late and plagued by errors during construction, now a further major issue can be revealed at the new $525 million Christchurch Hospital building, Waipapa. Hundreds ...
As further reports of torture and systemic rape emerge from Xinjiang, the PRC’s propaganda machine is hard at work in New Zealand. Laura Walters looks at why a Chinese New Year performance in Wellington was more than just cultural appropriation State-sponsored appropriation of Uyghur culture has been labelled “disgusting” and “disrespectful” ...
Covid-19 vaccination won’t be enough to save us from hard choices that will need to be made during our second or even third year of living with the coronavirus. Keeping Covid-19 mostly out of New Zealand has been a Herculean feat, drawing praise from around the world. Over the next year, ...
Child poverty affects brain development – study
http://tinyurl.com/kllftqx
Parent poverty affects the ability of teenagers with disabilities receiving some assistance when sitting exams. This is having reader-writers, extended time etc.
Money makes the difference – they have to be assessed by a child pychologist and it costs between $400 and $900. The exam people have made it harder of recent years. I have forgotten their acronym, the ones who run the system that is wonderful, not like awful old school certificate with moveable pass marks.
Analysed there were 4 from the lowest decile who received such help, and there were hundreds in the top. Maybe thousands. A lot. This is particularly to assess people with dyslexia apparently. On 9 to Noon today early.
ew..!
..len ‘down-trou’-brown just played the ‘god-card’..on tvone breakfast..
..(i am having a cynicism o..d.-here..!..i’d better listen to some ‘uplifting’-music..or something..)
..so that’s it then..
..’down-trou’ brown..
..has played his last card..
..and now we all wait to see if there is the ‘more’ that has been promised/threatened..
..but really len…the ‘god-card’..?
..whoar..!
..eh..?
..what’s next..?
..’it wasn’t my fault..god told me to down-trou..!..
..and ravish that maiden..
..in that maori-room..”
..eh..?
phillip ure..
here is the musical-antidote to that cynicism-od from browns’ god-card..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/29/amira-willighagen-hollands-got-talent-_n_4173750.html
..that’ll do it for ya..
..phillip ure..
Thank you Phil…… beautiful.
and thanks for the Rock, Salt and Nails Buddy 😉
Key really has started believing his own bullshit
http://news.msn.co.nz/nationalnews/8746762/us-didnt-spy-on-nz-key-says
ha ha ha ha ha funniest thing in ages
what a clown
Actually, it is a matter for him as he’s supposed to be protecting NZers from such surveillance…
Oh, wait, he just ensured that we could be surveilled.
John Key’s approach to this question went like this….
“I don’t know the details”
“I can’t be bothered finding out”
“I’m comfortable with that”
. . .
a s t o u n d i n g
joke of a man and a joke of a prime minister
The Civilian tries to make satire out of it but he basically just retypes the article, because it’s funny enough as is. http://www.thecivilian.co.nz/john-key-appointed-u-s-ambassador-to-new-zealand/
Key is so confident because the GSCB is doing it for the NSA.
+1.
That’d be my bet. The NSA probably sees more data collected by the GCSB than its own director does.
If you never thought that you may read a column by Bob Jones that you agree with well here is a pleasant surprise …
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11147698
Some highlights:
About Len Brown and his affair:
It will soon be forgotten but what will not is the nasty coterie from the city’s political right behind it all. Their glorified pie-cart proprietor candidate can forget future mayoral attempts.
About John Banks and his fall from power:
John Banks is a classic example. Once a Cabinet minister, then Auckland’s mayor, he never knew when to call it a day and seek something different. Thus his career will end in ignominy over ridiculous falsehoods. His story of not looking at what he signed is utterly plausible. On the occasions I go to the office, there’s often dozens of papers with yellow signature stickers waiting. I rip through signing the lot with no idea what they are but as they emanate from solicitors, accountants and management I rely on their appropriateness. But John’s plausible denial of not reading the form became implausible once he unnecessarily added he couldn’t recall a helicopter ride to meet the country’s most conspicuous man in a giant mansion and receive $50,000.
About Tony Blair:
A classic example of Powell’s adage is Tony Blair. Held in huge esteem, he destroyed it all with a blatantly dishonest dossier justifying lap-dogging the Bush buffoon into Iraq.
Maybe Jones is trying to atone for his last train crash of a column.
Yeah MS, i usually ignore Jones but looked today and have to hand it to Bob for at least once a decade saying it like it actually is…
I blame the stopped clock syndrome. I think Bob Jones’s clock stopped about 1962, but is still right twice a day.
Huffongton post today 15 things you ought to know about the US.
Like child birth deaths amongst the highest in the world.
Pricr paid for medicine highest in the world.
Education the US pays more than any other country per head of poulation with the worst out comes.
Link?
Child birth deaths in the US are high for the developed world but not in comparison to all nations
/facepalm
It is astounding how people’s thinking goes out the window when house values rise …
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9339557/More-think-NZs-on-the-right-track-poll
These are the people who say National is on 50%? Just asking…
It’s just the latest version of the fearfaux poll
‘
A great slice of life drama last night with the swearing in of the Auckland Council governing body. A few of the city’s knobs were there in all their finery, a smattering of corpulent CCO mandarins, family and distinguished guests, with the rest of the place packed out with us hoi polloi. Some fringe dwellers from the Mana party were there for additional entertainment, although someone should tell them the best heckling involves humour rather than bile. Their barracking gradually diminished before being completely extinguished when Len Brown fronted up to his city and was welcomed with a sustained ovation; an ovation directed to him personally but also in recognition of his family’s dignified attendance.
Its great to see Auckland getting back to the job of being Auckland. Not very happy with the Tory influence in council and its role in such important positions. Still, gotta say, George has done some good things out South so, well, I guess, I dunno okay then, give him a go. Webster is still a worry, though. Mike Lee seems the obvious and best choice for that new “Infastructure” committee. I like how it indicates a trend towards strengthening and consolidating of reporting lines from the generally unaccountable CCOs, especially that bunch of crims over in Transport. It’s gotta be tricky handing out the various chairs, portfolios, and so on, but every one looked happy enough. Everyone except poor widdle Cameron Brewer who’s brave face on-stage was only given away with an occasionally quivering bottom lip. He now has special responsibility for exactly nothing which, I guess, is what happens when your best friends are dirty disgusting despicable people doing dirty disgusting despicable things.
Speaking to a few of my elected representatives afterwards, I did detect an air of forgiveness. Len is on two strikes now so he’s got no choice, really, but to deliver his best effort. Brewer will, no doubt, slime his way back into some sort of favour, but he’s been tainted by the company he keeps as well as his support for the National Party’s attempt to corrupt the political process by exporting John Key’s mountain of sleaze and lies from the Beehive to the town hall. Hopefully, lessons have been learned on both sides and there’s now a realisation that time to focus on delivering positive results to all of Auckland has arrived. If the councillors and Mayor live up to the promise I heard them make last night, I’ll be happy.
[lprent: Guest posted that. ]
“If the councillors and Mayor live up to the promise I heard them make last night, I’ll be happy.”
How naive can you be ? Len Brown is an embarrassment to himself and Auckland, nothing will change the city will still be run and controlled by over paid morons, their assorted cronies and the elites behind them pulling the strings.
…. edit .. moderation… what naughty word did I use ?
[lprent: Beats me. Akismet appears more vigilant than ever after the attacks of spam over past weeks and Monday’s spasm of auto-spam after they upgraded their algorithms. ]
‘
Len Brown’s foolish behaviour has had an odd but positive effect. The John Key-led National Party’s injection of sleaze in an attempt to create a divide based on faux moral outrage has, as it turns out, given Auckland a chance to demonstrate that, collectively, its people are above such adolscent prurience. Many of those who didn’t support Len, do so now, on principle. Those who continue to see the situation as an embarassment can carry on giggling behind the bike sheds, the rest of us will smile benignly and nod hello while wondering which province you came from.
I accept that, today, Auckland is being run by bunch of overpaid white trash baldheads on the jobs-for-the-lads gravy train. However, I don’t accept that situation is a permanent one. The CCOs can be brought into line with the needs of all Aucklanders, and not just their corporate mates. In fact, if the councillors and the Mayor live up to the promise they made last night, that will happen and, as I said, I will be happy. Perhaps its a big “if” but I prefer an optimistic outlook these days. An acidic fatalistic cynicism, such as yours, is just what the elites want you to have. The whole “its useless” and “they’re all the same” and “government is just a sham” paradigm is that which enables banksters like John Key to get away with his “Solid Energy would be fine if it was a private company” spin. Buy into it, if you must, surrender your rights as a citizen in return for the false consciousness of the consumer but, really, its not going to deliver what you think it will.
No I think you’re mistaken, what the elites want to have is the current faux left right divide at a local level like Auckland or in Wellington this keeps them and their mates sitting pretty while useful idiots wave the flag for team red or team blue.
Nothing will change until we have a strong green or mana block leading Auckland or the country.
I smiled at the red/blue=pointless, green=good thing. It sounded too close to the Dickensian “Boodle and Coodle are driving the country to ruin, but Doodle is the one to lead us”…
I reckon that at worst the tories have a tiered paradigm of defense, in descending order of preference:
a population focused on kim kardashian singing on x-survivor
a population focused on the sexcapades of politicians
a population focused on which politician has the nicest hair
a population focused on neoliberal policies
a population focused on real-world injustice and inequality
I see the usual suspect (Farrar, Jordan Williams) are launching yet another right wing astroturf ACT-in-another-name organisation.
Really, how irrelevant can you be? David Farrar was part of Shipley’s appalling administration, he clings to failed 1980s dogma, and clearly learns nothing and forgets nothing, while Jordan Williams is just Simon Lusk lite, principally known for for being the failure behind the anti-MMP campaign, for which he got pleanty of money for not a lot of return.
Yes, I have a completed post on it, queued up. After the slow day yesterday, there seems to be a lot of TS posts coming up today.
Thankfully, they have been sidelined as an irrelevance already:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9339514/Tip-line-to-expose-waste-and-extravagance-opens
Mental Health, on and off pitch.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11148350
Collins on Justice in Ontario, oops, China
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11148305
(according to recent BBC commentary, Justice in China is “of the Party, by the Party, for the Party”).
“the goofball antics of Dr [Jonathan] Coleman”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11148347
and his lack of concern over privacy in NZ
Good interview with David Cunliffe on tv3. http://www.3news.co.nz/Key-would-sell-his-own-mother—Cunliffe/tabid/1607/articleID/319345/Default.aspx
Thanks Matthew. An excellent easily understood set of answers and delivered with clarity and confidence. David Cunliffe for PM! Yay!
Hmm, did you actually listen to his answers or just hear them?
“They’ve barely broken even by the time they’ve taken the lost dividends”
Really? $1.8B on the sale, $120M cost of sale, so $1.68B nett. Dividends for 2012 were $244.6M, if these continued (big IF based on the Labour/Greens power policy which is set to rip the arse out of power profits), they would still recieve $124.75M/year leaving $119.85M lost dividend. So yes, in 14 years time they will have barely broken even, but until that point Cunliffe sounds like an idiot.
Secondly, “the number of Kiwis that own Meridian has gone down from 100 percent to barely 2 percent”…..really? The Government still owns 51% so that means by his maths, 100% of Kiwi’s still own Meridian, the just own half as much. This doesn’t take into account the fact that ACC, the Cullen Fund and Kiwisaver providers would all have bought into Meridian meaning an even higher share for Kiwi’s.
If you ask me, Cunliffe come out of that looking like an uninformed idiot that can’t do basic maths!
interestingly, BBC World covered findings yesterday, that despite falling wholesale electricity prices in the UK, the powerco’s are reaming as much profit as the market can sustain.
Matthew +1 …thanks for that ….Cunliffe is great!
…I think the Labour Party , as well as selling itself as the socially just and caring Party, should also sell itself as the Party best for BUSINESS….because the MYTH amongst common men is still out there that the National Party is the business party and Labour is not.( This MYTH makes National seem the winner and Labour the Party for losers)
In fact Labour and the Greens both need to emphasize how they support Business better than National does ie
* research and development
* intraprepreneurial start up companies
* IT companies and the IT industry , which is rapidly becoming NZ’s biggest export earner ( even surpassing dairying)
* export led economy
* self-sufficiency…economics and full employment objectives
…and how the National Party has undermined NZ businesses/entrepreneurial start ups, an export led economy….and just plundered the family silver ( sale of State Owned Assets)
(btw…i am not trying to tell the Labour chooks how to suck eggs…merely giving my opinion based on feedback I have received regarding the MYTH of National as being the pro-business Party and Labour not)
Lest we forget – finally watched “Beneath the Shroud” last night. This was a sobering reminder of the extent that our so called public servants (especially politicians and the surveillance agencies) go to when supposedly protecting our best interests. Ahmed Zaoui’s trials and tribulations were a wake up call to us all – and the likelihood of history repeating itself , or even worse, now seems even worse with the passing of the recent legislation re GCSB. This should be compulsory viewing for all Labour/Green MP’s as they work to put in place more appropriate legislation and monitoring oversight when they are elected next year.
I continue to shake my head about New Zealand when we can’t learn from good practice from overseas, such as in the oversight of our security services (or even in lowering the blood alcohol levels for drivers.
I am very surprised at the lack of scrunity of the American mining company Andarko. Their record in America is truly apalling, yet they seem to be getting a free pass from the media here in the run up to deep sea drilling starting shortly . Contrary to what Andarko say,they were found to be culpable in the Gulf of Mexico disaster. They were involved in all the decision making around the structure and the failures that lead from those decisions. Not to mention the numerous law suits they are fighting at the moment from both the US government and communities. One of these is for 25 Billion alone. And what is their liability if there is a spill here. $10.000.000 total. What a joke. This company is a disaster waiting to happen and our government has rolled out the welcome mat for them.
1. congrats to Len Brown. he makes the knuckledraggers choke on their self righteousness.
2. what about the bees. The NZ economy is based on botanical fertility but all the idiotes are out every night sneaking around in the twilight with ttheir spray and wipe away busy killing everything.
why isn’t someobdoy doing something about this indiscriminate poisoning of our country.
3. Production was they key at fonterra but all the rugged individualists were so busy arguing about the $7,500 cost for botulism testing that the ignoramuses nearly sunk the whole deal.
what the fuck is wrong with this country?
Bad hybrid of cover-ass, absent leadership and narrow self interest.
It just keeps getting better.
Work on Transmission gully will start next year, the poisonous greens have tried to stop it as they have tried to stop most things that are beneficial to all of us.
The remarkable thing is how labour continues to conspire with them , they are very slow learners.
What a great job National is doing.
[lprent: Banned for a week for stupid trolling. If you want to comment here then let the blood rush to your actual brain rather than being a simple dickhead spraying graffiti. Read the policy.
Updated in reply to your comment: You made assertions stated as fact and your ‘explanation’ is simply stupid. FFS Winston works with National – Key even commented on it a month ago, National works with the Greens – they even had a memorandum of agreement in the last term, etc etc. Of course Labour works with the Greens. Labour has even worked with National. Coming out with that basic of parliamentary politics as if it was a revelation really does place you at the bottom of the pile in understanding politics.
Adding an extra week to your ban for having to point out the frigging obvious. And you obviously need it to catch up on how politics works before you can become a better troll. ]
Having acquired some dosh by foolishly selling assets, the Nats proceed to squander it on white elephants.
You’re a try-hard fucktard mate. How much is being spent to provide a road with a terrible ROI ratio when traffic volumes are going down?
Your economic ignorance surprises noone..
DFTT
So, Obama’s man for Wellington Embassy: ex baseball player, ex-Lehmann Bros, ex-Goldman Sachs…. seriously!
Yep, simply beggars belief. Notice how no CxO level or Board level execs from any of the big banks have been prosecuted over the GFC. The message is clear – the rules apply to us, not to them.
@ karol…how diplomatic and subtle is this?…looks more like the the scoping advance guard of a corporate raid
US Fed tapering…tapering…tapering….get the point
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/asia-stocks-rise-hopes-fed-stimulus-continue-20699582
yeah, its all going to end badly. Kyle Bass has got it right, as usual:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-10-29/kyle-bass-warns-fed-has-made-stocks-only-game-town-so-rich-will-get-richer
Why do I keep listening to Jim Mora’s programme?
Jordan Maxwell..another special guest.
Paul
Was that Jordan Williams? Famous for being obssessed about something is it RW?
Palino is going on Campbell Live tonight, in case ya’ll wanna watch a train wreck.
I’d be keen on seeing that
It may have just been the camera angle, but that man looked awful guilty.
ps, since when is Slater a journalist?
I don’t know – was a pretty shit ‘interview’. To establish his looking guilty I’d rather see him front up as opposed to being stalked outside a post office
Agree. But he’s not going to front. So you know. Makes your mind up.
I have no personal animosity towards Americans but his voice had that whinny Woody Allen like intonation which grates my nerves.
LEST WE FORGET
This is why they’re persecuting him….
“Tony Blair said MPs should work normal jobs before entering politics to give them a better overview of how the world works.”
– Many may not agree with his views on a lot of things but this seems sensible
Many people say Tony Blair should be in prison for the rest of his life. Why are you approvingly quoting a disgusting, discredited war criminal?
I agree with that. We tried a currency trader and that’s been pretty shit.
The problem is who to replace him with…Judith Collins maybe
To your first statement about working normal jobs I’d say agree.
To your second regarding Collins, that’d be all types of awful. Besides – I’d wager she’s totally unelectable.
“I’d wager she’s totally unelectable.”
I think so too. She’s been in parliament for quite a while, still can;t get through speech well without reading it. Has impulse issues.
I’d actually back Shearer against her in a live debate, ffs.
She’d go toxic, and do that fake laugh thing she does.
I just find her very grating and, like you say, very awkward in public speaking. John Key is a smooth political operator whereas Collins is like sandpaper.
Ok so you don’t agree with JC (and fair enough) but you agree that politicians should have normal job experiences, I guess the question is how to bring that about because I don’t know how tto make that happen
A month assisting the cops, a month in the courts, a month as a teachers aid, a month as a ward orderly, a month killing possums for DOC, a month cleaning the toilets in Parliament…
As someone pursuing higher office Tat, I wonder have done the jobs you have listed? From what I have ascertained your a chiropractor and have lived quite comfortably off your in-laws (I’m sorry if that is incorrect – just going from what I remember from previous posts).
It’s not that I don’t agree with Collins (I don’t for the record) it’s that even if I did she would unelectable as she lacks warmth and an ability to connect with people.
Not bad, I particularly like the killing possums bit and I’d add in something like 2 years in the military as well (preferably including a deployment) and some farm work wouldn’t be a bad idea either
Rebecca Wright – onya!
Posted elsewhere, but here it is anyway: latest poll.
http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/5269-new-zealand-voting-intention-october-2013-201310300521
Consistent message in all polls bar the Stuff joke: Labour and the Greens ahead overall, but not by much. All to fight for next year.
Just for fun, I put the Conservative Party in the calculator at 2.5%, with an electorate seat, instead of ACT winning Epsom.. They get 3 seats. Assuming the Maori Party hang on to their 3 seats and Dunne is still an MP, it’s a 60 all draw. Anything less and it’s a progressive Government.
Palino looked like a deer in headlights tonight. Surprised he hadn’t already rehearsed his responses a bit better?
Heh. Yes, Rebecca Wright is persistent.
Had a brief moment featured on TV One tonight, looking after a bright young patient who has some developmental and behavioural challenges.
Link doesn’t work, Tat. What was the news item?
It was the warm family friendly piece on One News tonight – featuring the journey of a young patient of mine, and his family, who have been looking in NZ and around the world for treatment which can help him.
Ah. This one – cool
I use to work with children with those kinds of difficulties.
Yep thanks for finding it karol. I was still in practice when it screened so this is the first chance I’ve had to watch it.
I had acupuncture from my national Health GP in London, for migraines. Needles in the tops of my feet. Hard to know if the migraines retreated because of that, or if they would have done so on their own – but certainly the cluster migraines and full blown migraines generally stopped for a few years after that. Rarely get them these days.
Sounds about right. Even if the acupuncture merely acted as a ‘better placebo’ it may have helped trigger the change. (One also has to ask why the pain killers weren’t as good placebos…heh) I’ve had acupuncture myself previously for various things, and I usually find it excellent in combination with chiropractic care.
Hmmm link might work now…
JOHN BANKS UPDATE:
First call for a High Court Judicial Review of District Court decision ordering John Banks to stand trial for filing a false electoral return.
http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Judgement-Judge-Gittos-16-Oct-2013.pdf
As the Solicitor-General has taken over the private prosecution, Banks’ lawyer(s) will be facing Crown Law.
WHEN: Thursday 31 October 2013
WHERE: Auckland High Court, Waterloo Quadrant
TIME: Protest banners outside High Court from 9am
Court starts 10am.
http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=176090&fm=newsmain%2Cnup
Banks to face Crown Law Office
Solicitor-General Michael Heron’s decision to take over the case against John Banks is being praised by the man who privately prosecuted the MP.
26 October 2013
The man who privately prosecuted ACT leader John Banks is praising Solicitor-General Michael Heron for taking over the case.
Retired accountant Graham McCready succeeded in the District Court and Banks has been ordered to stand trial charged with filing a false electoral return.
Mr Heron confirmed on Friday he was taking over the case, which means Banks will face the Crown Law Office when he goes to trial – unless he succeeds with a High Court judicial review of the District Court ruling which will be heard on Thursday next week.
As well as prosecuting the case, the Crown Law Office will defend the judicial review.
“I’m very pleased, it’s a win not only for myself but for the New Zealand public that a private prosecution can have a defendant committed for trial and then the solicitor-general takes over and puts the full weight of the Crown behind it,” Mr McCready said on Radio New Zealand.
Mr McCready says the judicial review could mean Banks faces further scrutiny.
“He has the right to remain silent but if he files an affidavit, as he has probably done, then it is open to the Crown Law Office to call him in and cross-examine him on it,” he said.
When Banks told media he was seeking a judicial review of the ruling by District Court Judge Phil Gittos, he said it contained a myriad of factual inaccuracies and flawed legal decisions.
Banks is accused of knowingly signing a false election return for the donations he received for his 2010 Auckland mayoral bid.
Donations from SkyCity and internet mogul Kim Dotcom were recorded as anonymous.
The prosecution alleges Banks knew where they came from.
NZN
_____________________________________________________________________________
Kind regards,
Penny Bright
“Omega Speedmaster price” says:
“I create a”
…according to google translate.
I cannot understand what you have written. Please say more. This would help me to understand.
http://translate.google.com/#en/ja/を創造する
[karol: reply to spam]