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Open mike 30/10/13

Written By: - Date published: 7:14 am, October 30th, 2013 - 88 comments
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openmike

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…

88 comments on “Open mike 30/10/13 ”

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  1. amirite 1
    30 October 2013 at 7:22 am

    Child poverty affects brain development – study
    http://tinyurl.com/kllftqx

    • greywarbler 1.1
      30 October 2013 at 5:00 pm

      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.

  2. phillip ure 2
    30 October 2013 at 7:34 am

    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..

  3. vto 3
    30 October 2013 at 7:50 am

    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

    • Draco T Bastard 3.1
      30 October 2013 at 9:45 am

      Mr Key said he didn’t know anything about the NSA’s activities.

      “I read the papers like everyone else, it’s a matter for the US to manage and it’s not a matter for me.”

      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.

  4. tricledrown 4
    30 October 2013 at 7:56 am

    Key is so confident because the GSCB is doing it for the NSA.

  5. mickysavage 5
    30 October 2013 at 7:57 am

    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.

    • bad12 5.1
      30 October 2013 at 1:14 pm

      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…

    • Murray Olsen 5.2
      30 October 2013 at 5:20 pm

      I blame the stopped clock syndrome. I think Bob Jones’s clock stopped about 1962, but is still right twice a day.

  6. tricledrown 6
    30 October 2013 at 8:03 am

    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.

  7. vto 7
    30 October 2013 at 8:10 am

    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

  8. BLiP 8
    30 October 2013 at 8:55 am

    ‘

    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. ]

    • tinfoilhat 8.1
      30 October 2013 at 9:06 am

      “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. ]

      • BLiP 8.1.1
        30 October 2013 at 9:52 am

        ‘

        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.

        • tinfoilhat 8.1.1.1
          30 October 2013 at 2:35 pm

          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.

          • McFlock 8.1.1.1.1
            30 October 2013 at 4:40 pm

            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

  9. Sanctuary 9
    30 October 2013 at 9:07 am

    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.

  11. Rogue Trooper 11
    30 October 2013 at 10:25 am

    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”).

  12. Rogue Trooper 12
    30 October 2013 at 10:50 am

    “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

    • ianmac 13.1
      30 October 2013 at 3:44 pm

      Thanks Matthew. An excellent easily understood set of answers and delivered with clarity and confidence. David Cunliffe for PM! Yay!

      • Bob 13.1.1
        31 October 2013 at 9:00 am

        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!

        • Rogue Trooper 13.1.1.1
          31 October 2013 at 10:42 am

          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.

    • Chooky 13.2
      30 October 2013 at 11:15 pm

      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)

  14. Bruce Ellis 14
    30 October 2013 at 11:07 am

    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.

  15. Mark 15
    30 October 2013 at 1:02 pm

    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.

  16. captain hook 16
    30 October 2013 at 1:08 pm

    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?

  17. rich the other 17
    30 October 2013 at 1:53 pm

    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. ]

    • mikesh 17.1
      30 October 2013 at 2:19 pm

      Having acquired some dosh by foolishly selling assets, the Nats proceed to squander it on white elephants.

    • thatguynz 17.2
      30 October 2013 at 2:19 pm

      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..

  18. karol 18
    30 October 2013 at 2:03 pm

    So, Obama’s man for Wellington Embassy: ex baseball player, ex-Lehmann Bros, ex-Goldman Sachs…. seriously!

    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.

    • Tat Loo (CV) 18.1
      30 October 2013 at 4:53 pm

      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.

    • Chooky 18.2
      30 October 2013 at 5:59 pm

      @ karol…how diplomatic and subtle is this?…looks more like the the scoping advance guard of a corporate raid

  20. Paul 20
    30 October 2013 at 4:41 pm

    Why do I keep listening to Jim Mora’s programme?
    Jordan Maxwell..another special guest.

  21. Pascal's bookie 21
    30 October 2013 at 4:46 pm

    Palino is going on Campbell Live tonight, in case ya’ll wanna watch a train wreck.

    • TheContrarian 21.1
      30 October 2013 at 4:49 pm

      I’d be keen on seeing that

    • Te Reo Putake 21.2
      30 October 2013 at 7:18 pm

      It may have just been the camera angle, but that man looked awful guilty.

      ps, since when is Slater a journalist?

      • TheContrarian 21.2.1
        30 October 2013 at 7:59 pm

        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

        • Pascal's bookie 21.2.1.1
          30 October 2013 at 8:52 pm

          Agree. But he’s not going to front. So you know. Makes your mind up.

          • TheContrarian 21.2.1.1.1
            30 October 2013 at 9:36 pm

            I have no personal animosity towards Americans but his voice had that whinny Woody Allen like intonation which grates my nerves.

  22. Morrissey 22
    30 October 2013 at 5:55 pm

    LEST WE FORGET
    This is why they’re persecuting him….

  23. chris73 23
    30 October 2013 at 6:46 pm

    “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

    • Morrissey 23.1
      30 October 2013 at 8:43 pm

      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?

    • Pascal's bookie 23.2
      30 October 2013 at 8:51 pm

      I agree with that. We tried a currency trader and that’s been pretty shit.

      • chris73 23.2.1
        30 October 2013 at 9:36 pm

        The problem is who to replace him with…Judith Collins maybe

        • TheContrarian 23.2.1.1
          30 October 2013 at 9:39 pm

          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.

          • Pascal's bookie 23.2.1.1.1
            30 October 2013 at 9:51 pm

            “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.

            • TheContrarian 23.2.1.1.1.1
              30 October 2013 at 9:55 pm

              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.

              • chris73 …
                30 October 2013 at 10:20 pm

                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

                • Tat Loo (CV) …
                  30 October 2013 at 10:22 pm

                  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…

                  • TheContrarian …
                    30 October 2013 at 10:26 pm

                    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.

                  • chris73 …
                    30 October 2013 at 10:39 pm

                    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

  24. karol 24
    30 October 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Rebecca Wright – onya!

  25. gobsmacked 25
    30 October 2013 at 7:23 pm

    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.

    • Te Reo Putake 25.1
      30 October 2013 at 8:02 pm

      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.

  26. Debbie 26
    30 October 2013 at 8:13 pm

    Palino looked like a deer in headlights tonight. Surprised he hadn’t already rehearsed his responses a bit better?

  27. Tat Loo (CV) 27
    30 October 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Had a brief moment featured on TV One tonight, looking after a bright young patient who has some developmental and behavioural challenges.

    • karol 27.1
      30 October 2013 at 8:18 pm

      Link doesn’t work, Tat. What was the news item?

      • Tat Loo (CV) 27.1.1
        30 October 2013 at 8:24 pm

        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.

        • karol 27.1.1.1
          30 October 2013 at 8:38 pm

          Ah. This one – cool

          I use to work with children with those kinds of difficulties.

          • Tat Loo (CV) 27.1.1.1.1
            30 October 2013 at 8:40 pm

            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.

            • karol 27.1.1.1.1.1
              30 October 2013 at 8:42 pm

              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.

              • Tat Loo (CV) …
                30 October 2013 at 8:50 pm

                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.

      • Tat Loo (CV) 27.1.2
        30 October 2013 at 8:39 pm

        Hmmm link might work now…

  28. Penny Bright 28
    30 October 2013 at 10:35 pm

    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

  29. rhinocrates 29
    24 November 2013 at 2:01 am

    “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]

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Community launch marks next step in addressing racism in education
    The launch of Te Hurihanganui in Porirua today is another important milestone in the work needed to address racism in the education system and improve outcomes for Māori learners and their whānau, Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis says. Budget 2019 included $42 million over three years to put Te Hurihanganui ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Government to consider recommendations on DNA use in criminal investigations
    The Minister of Justice has received the Law Commission’s recommending changes to the law governing the way DNA is used in criminal investigations. The report, called The Use of DNA in Criminal Investigations – Te Whahamahi I te Ira Tangata I ngā Mātai Taihara, recommends new legislation to address how ...
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    11 hours ago

  • Speech to Wakatū Nelson regional hui on trade
    First, I want to express my thanks to Te Taumata for this hui and for all the fantastic work you are doing for Māori in the trade space. In the short time that you’ve been operating you’ve already contributed an enormous amount to the conversation, and developed impressive networks.  I ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Speech to Primary Industries Summit
    Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about the significant contribution the food and fibres sector makes to New Zealand and how this Government is supporting that effort. I’d like to start by acknowledging our co-Chairs, Terry Copeland and Mavis Mullins, my colleague, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, ...
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    14 hours ago

  • Fast track referrals will speed up recovery and boost jobs and home building
    The Government is taking action to increase jobs, speed up the economic recovery and build houses by putting three more projects through its fast track approval process. “It’s great to see that the fast-track consenting process is working. Today we have referred a mix of potential projects that, if approved, ...
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    1 day ago

  • Papakāinga provides critically needed homes in Hastings
    A papakāinga opened today by the Minister for Māori Development the Hon Willie Jackson will provide whānau with much needed affordable rental homes in Hastings. The four home papakāinga in Waiōhiki is the first project to be completed under the ‘Hastings Place Based’ initiative. This initiative is a Government, Hastings ...
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    3 days ago

  • New Zealand ready to host APEC virtually
    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took over the leadership of APEC earlier today, when she joined leaders from the 21 APEC economies virtually for the forum’s final 2020 meeting. “We look forward to hosting a fully virtual APEC 2021 next year. While this isn’t an in-person meeting, it will be one ...
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    4 days ago

  • Revival of Māori Horticulturists
    The rapid revival of Māori horticulture was unmistakeable at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards, with 2020 marking the first time this iconic Māori farming event was dedicated to horticulture enterprises. Congratulating finalists at the Awards, Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson said growing large-scale māra kai is part of Māori DNA. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Emergency benefit to help temporary visa holders
    From 1 December, people on temporary work, student or visitor visas who can’t return home and or support themselves may get an Emergency Benefit from the Ministry of Social Development, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced today. Previously, temporary visa holders in hardship because of COVID-19 have had ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • School sustainability projects to help boost regional economies
    Forty one schools from the Far North to Southland will receive funding for projects that will reduce schools’ emissions and save them money, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. This is the second round of the Sustainability Contestable Fund, and work will begin immediately. The first round announced in April ...
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    4 days ago

  • Farmer-led projects to improve water health in Canterbury and Otago
    More than $6 million will be spent on helping farmers improve the health of rivers, wetlands, and habitat biodiversity in Canterbury and Otago, as well as improving long-term land management practices, says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. Four farmer-led catchment group Jobs for Nature projects have between allocated between $176,000 and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Tupu Aotearoa continues expansion to Pacific communities in Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman & Northl...
    Pacific communities in Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman and Northland will benefit from the expansion of the Tupu Aotearoa programme announced today by the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio. The programme provides sustainable employment and education pathways and will be delivered in partnership with three providers in Northland and two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New primary school and classrooms for 1,200 students in South Island
    Education Minister Chris Hipkins unveiled major school building projects across the South Island during a visit to Waimea College in Nelson today. It’s part of the Government’s latest investment of $164 million to build new classrooms and upgrade schools around the country. “Investments like this gives the construction industry certainty ...
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    4 days ago

  • Minister of Māori Development pays tribute to Rudy Taylor
      Today the Minister of Māori Development, alongside other Government Ministers and MP’s said their final farewells to Nga Puhi Leader Rudy Taylor.  “Rudy dedicated his life to the betterment of Māori, and his strong approach was always from the ground up, grassroots, sincere and unfaltering”  “Over the past few ...
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    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister to attend APEC Leaders’ Summit
    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and associated events virtually today and tomorrow. “In a world where we cannot travel due to COVID-19, continuing close collaboration with our regional partners is key to accelerating New Zealand’s economic recovery,” Jacinda Ardern said. “There is wide ...
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    5 days ago

  • Speech to Infrastructure NZ Symposium
    Tena Koutou, Tena Koutou and thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. This is a critical time for New Zealand as we respond to the damage wreaked by the global COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital that investment in our economic recovery is well thought through, and makes ...
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    5 days ago

  • Pike River 10 Year Anniversary Commemorative Service
    Tēnei te mihi ki a tātau katoa e huihui nei i tēnei rā Ki a koutou ngā whānau o te hunga kua riro i kōnei – he mihi aroha ki a koutou Ki te hapori whānui – tēnā koutou Ki ngā tāngata whenua – tēnā koutou Ki ngā mate, e ...
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    5 days ago

  • Huge investment in new and upgraded classrooms to boost construction jobs
    Around 7,500 students are set to benefit from the Government’s latest investment of $164 million to build new classrooms and upgrade schools around the country. “The election delivered a clear mandate to accelerate our economic recovery and build back better. That’s why we are prioritising construction projects in schools so more ...
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    5 days ago

  • Keeping Pike River Mine promises 10 years on
    Ten years after the Pike River Mine tragedy in which 29 men lost their lives while at work, a commemorative service at Parliament has honoured them and their legacy of ensuring all New Zealand workplaces are safe. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended the event, along with representatives of the Pike ...
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    5 days ago

  • Additional testing to strengthen border and increase safety of workers
    New testing measures are being put in place to increase the safety of border workers and further strengthen New Zealand’s barriers against COVID-19, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “These strengthened rules – to apply to all international airports and ports – build on the mandatory testing orders we’ve ...
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    5 days ago

  • More public housing delivered in Auckland
    The Government’s investment in public housing is delivering more warm, dry homes with today’s official opening of 82 new apartments in New Lynn by the Housing Minister Megan Woods. The Thom Street development replaces 16 houses built in the 1940s, with brand new fit-for-purpose public housing that is in high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Agreement advanced to purchase up to 5 million COVID-19 vaccines
    The Government has confirmed an in-principle agreement to purchase up to 5 million COVID-19 vaccines – enough for 5 million people – from Janssen Pharmaceutica, subject to the vaccine successfully completing clinical trials and passing regulatory approvals in New Zealand, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. “This agreement ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Jobs for Nature funding will leave a conservation legacy for Waikanae awa
    Ninety-two jobs will be created to help environmental restoration in the Waikanae River catchment through $8.5 million of Jobs for Nature funding, Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan announced today. “The new funding will give a four-year boost to the restoration of the Waikanae awa, and is specifically focussed on restoration through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New Dunedin Hospital project progresses to next stage
    As the new Dunedin Hospital project progresses, the Government is changing the oversight group to provide more technical input, ensure continued local representation, and to make sure lessons learnt from Dunedin benefit other health infrastructure projects around the country. Concept design approval and the release of a tender for early ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Jump in apprentice and trainee numbers
    The number of New Zealanders taking up apprenticeships has increased nearly 50 percent, and the number of female apprentices has more than doubled. This comes as a Government campaign to raise the profile of vocational education and training (VET) begins. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced ...
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    6 days ago

  • ReBuilding Nations Symposium 2020 (Infrastructure NZ Conference opening session)
    Tena koutou katoa and thank you for the opportunity to be with you today. Can I acknowledge Ngarimu Blair, Ngati Whatua, and Mayor Phil Goff for the welcome. Before I start with my substantive comments, I do want to acknowledge the hard work it has taken by everyone to ensure ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New Zealand's biosecurity champions honoured
    Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor has paid tribute to the winners of the 2020 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards. “These are the people and organisations who go above and beyond to protect Aotearoa from pests and disease to ensure our unique way of life is sustained for future generations,” Damien O’Connor says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tourism Industry Aotearoa Conference
    speech to Tourism Industry Aotearoa annual summit Te Papa,  Wellington Introduction Nau mai, haere mai Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, Ka nui te mihi, ki a koutou. Thank you Tourism Industry Aotearoa for hosting today’s Summit. In particular, my acknowledgements to TIA Chair Gráinne Troute and Chief Executive Chris Roberts. You ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supermarkets announced as Government’s second market study
    The Government has today launched a market study to ensure New Zealanders are paying a fair price for groceries.   “Supermarkets are an integral part of our communities and economy, so it’s important to ensure that Kiwis are getting a fair deal at the checkout,” Minister of Commerce and Consumer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Masks to be worn on Auckland public transport and all domestic flights
    Masks will need to be worn on all public transport in Auckland and in and out of Auckland and on domestic flights throughout the country from this Thursday, Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said today. “I will be issuing an Order under the COVID-19 Response Act requiring the wearing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand signs Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
    Increase to New Zealand’s GDP by around $2 billion each year Increase opportunities for NZ exporters to access regional markets Cuts red tape and offers one set of trade rules across the Asia Pacific region New government procurement, competition policy and electronic commerce offers NZ exporters increased business opportunities Prime ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges students as exams begin
    Education Minister Chris Hipkins has recognised the extraordinary challenges students have faced this year, ahead of NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship exams which begin on Monday. “I want to congratulate students for their hard work during a year of unprecedented disruption, and I wish students all the best as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister meets with key ASEAN and East Asia Summit partners
    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today attended the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit and discussed with Leaders a range of shared challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, including: The ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic; The importance of working collectively to accelerate economic recovery; and Exploring further opportunities for partners to work more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Veterans Affairs Summit held in Korea
    A Ministerial Summit on Veterans’ Affairs was held in the Republic of Korea this week. Ministers with veteran responsibilities were invited from all 22 countries that had been part of the United Nations Forces during the Korean War (1950 – 1953). The Summit marked the 70th anniversary of the outbreak ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Clear direction set for the education system, skills prioritised
    The Government has released a set of priorities for early learning through to tertiary education and lifelong learning to build a stronger, fairer education system that delivers for all New Zealanders. “The election delivered a clear mandate from New Zealanders to accelerate our plan to reduce inequalities and make more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • A Progressive Agenda
    Speech to the Climate Change + Business Conference, November 12, 2020 Tena koutou katoa Thank you for inviting me to speak here today. It is great to see us all come together for a common cause: to redefine our future in the face of unprecedented times.  Covid-19 and climate change are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Wellington Pasifika Business Awards
    Thank you for having me join with you as we celebrate the success of Pacific businesses tonight, and recognise the resilient and innovative entrepreneurs who lead them. Equally important to me is, that we are also able tonight to offer up our gratitude to those leaders who have organised and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Commemorative address at Act of Remembrance for Armistice Day
    Tuatahi māku  Ka mihi tu ki a koe Pita E pīkauria ana i te mana o Ngā tūpuna o te whenua nei. Thank you Bernadette for your warm introduction. I would also like to reflect on your acknowledgments and welcome Peter Jackson, Taranaki Whānui; Members of the National War Memorial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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