Apparently not. He can be ejected from the party if he does something bad enough to warrant that, but they can’t take his seat from him. Which is probably fair given people actually voted for him not just the party.
But I suspect Phil Goff, Labour, and National have done some sort of deal. Goff’s leaving anyway and I think the Nats know they can’t win Auckland and have buttered Goff up to smooth that particular ride in exchange for visible and actual support on the TPP. Labour have agreed, losing a battle to win the war in Auckland where I think they’ll expect Goff to do some heavy lifting for them nationally on social issues.
The Nats will insist of course that Goff sells Auckland’s assets to their rich mates once he’s in the role to pay for the CRL.
Unfettered Neolib capitalism, doncha just love it! http://michaelmoore.com/10FactsOnFlint/ “A few months after Governor Snyder removed Flint from the clean fresh water we had been drinking for decades, the brass from General Motors went to him and complained that the Flint River water was causing their car parts to corrode when being washed on the assembly line. The Governor was appalled to hear that GM property was being damaged, so he jumped through a number of hoops and quietly spent $440,000 to hook GM back up to the Lake Huron water, while keeping the rest of Flint on the Flint River water. Which means that while the children in Flint were drinking lead-filled water, there was one — and only one — address in Flint that got clean water: the GM factory.”
The Herald this morning carries an article about a young woman called Juliana Carvalho.
Juliana is from Brazil, and has been living and working here in New Zealand since 2012.
She has family here, two siblings and her mother, and another two siblings (one a doctor) plan to move to New Zealand next year.
Juliana is an accomplished writer, film maker and launched a TV show in Brazil.
She is working full time…did I say that already?….and yet…
…she has been told she is not wanted in New Zealand and she has to return to Brazil.
Why?
She has a disability and uses a wheelchair.
This government HATES disabled people.
I met Juliana once. This was at the 2014 Health and Disability Conference in 2014.
My partner and I were having a two person protest against the lack of accountability when disabled people have been neglected to death in care of Contracted Providers.
As expected, we were shunned by the government funded ‘advocates’ attending this white table cloth conference….but Juliana, bless her, came over to speak with us and find out what we were protesting about.
I wish there was something we could do to help her.
Kia Kaha, Juliana.
This government HATES disabled people….did I say that already?
No not just this government, sadly I think there I long history of this regardless of who is in power.
In this case, surely the basic human right of equal treatment should apply.
Pity the Labour Party wouldn’t stop hugging scum bag criminals long enough to actually stand up for the human rights of decent people. If they did, the would once again get my vote.
“No not just this government, sadly I think there I long history of this regardless of who is in power.”
This government has ramped the hate up to a new level…but you are right…Labour was not much better.
Under Labour…the ‘deserving disabled’, the ones under ACC certainly felt more secure, but the rest had to battle and manipulate the system to get the supports they needed.
At the last election I emailed all opposition parties about their policy on one particular disability issue.
Got no satisfactory answer from any of them.
So I voted for no one. (a little contribution to the ‘stupid folk who don’t vote’ conversation the was had on TS yesterday!)
As you say pete…it is about treating all people as equals.
Apart from disabled people…as far as I know, few protections against hate speech or other forms of discrimination and persecution.
Pete, none of the comments I have made are anything to do with you or about you. My last comment was in reply to Rosemary and her point about a conversation that was happening on the standard yesterday. I was just clarifying what happened and asking Rosemary (not you) where she fitted in with the clarification.
I’m not sure what to make of your comments about abuse given you then go on to be rude and mean.
pete, weka was directly replying to Rosemary, who both referenced a conversation that was on The Standard yesterday and she also said she didn’t vote.
Your attacks on weka are entirely unfounded and unwarranted. Also I don’t think I’ve ever seen weka personally insult anyone, which is something I don’t think I can say about any other regular commenter on TS (actually maybe Mickey and r0b, but I think even they get fed up with the trolls sometimes).
Right, so apparently you’ve never voted in 33 years, then?
For someone who is politically aware to have chosen not to vote for 33 years, rather relegates them into a very, very small minority of the public. People in this group will likely have such incredibly diverse rationales for not voting that it’d be a massive sunk cost attempting to wring votes out of that group (and focussing those resources on such a minority would result in a net loss of votes from the mainstream who go elsewhere).
“For someone who is politically aware to have chosen not to vote for 33 years, rather relegates them into a very, very small minority of the public.”
That is one of the reasons I try and avoid those sorts of conversations…the premise seems to be that non voters are apathetic, ill informed, poorly educated and the rest.
I grew up being cynical and skeptical of politics and politicians. Hard to shake off that influence.
But it is liberating in a way, as one can be totally and utterly impartial political partywise.
In the last election…Mana popped up on my radar…then they hopped into bed with KDC….seduced by the dollars.
Mana weren’t seduced by the dollars at all – they may have been seduced by the thought of getting a few MP’s in and changing the face of politics for the better though
I guess Rosemary only wants to vote for loser underdogs, and not a party that actually has the resources and prospects to get elected and make a difference.
Fair enough Rosemary. There was just a bit of misrepresentation happening yesterday about what I actually meant and I didn’t want that carrying on again in another thread so felt I needed to say something. Not wanting to derail the conversation.
Marilyn Waring would have been tricky back in the day, because she was a National MP. If the election weren’t close I might have voted for her too. It’s interesting to consider what party she would be in now.
Yes this sort of thing really annoys me. If Julianna deserves to stay or not, absolutely should be solely on whether she offers a net benefit to NZ or not (and from what you say it appears she would).
If they made a judgement based on her colour, we all would be appalled, quite rightly. Yet disabled? Same discrimination yet somehow acceptable to many.
From what I read, it’s not her disability (which isn’t costing the state anything), it’s her illness and the probability of her costing the state over her lifetime over and above what other people would.
I agree it should be about the net benefit. Forty odd thousand dollars over her lifetime doesn’t seem like a lot of money given what she brings. But from what I can tell immigration is often based on economic benefit brought in rather than other benefits. And in this case that adds another level of prejudice to the case, because what she brings is probably not considered relevant because it’s of benefit to people with disabilities.
“And in this case that adds another level of prejudice to the case, because what she brings is probably not considered relevant because it’s of benefit to people with disabilities.”
Exactly.
Now, what are we going to do about it?
There are people here on TS who are members of various parties….come on…what is the story on this?
Or do all parties have this vision of a ‘perfect’ New Zealand populated by ‘perfect’ people?
Unfortunately I would guess that immigration are acting consistently with the legislation, but it would be worth looking at policy and seeing how much discretion there is.
How we decide who is valued to live here sucks but I think that’s a long term change rather than for one person. I hope she does well with the appeal and more media attention may help (??).
the only party I can think that’s worth talking to is the Greens, because of Mathers and because they’re not anti-immigration.
Estimated cost is based on an independent Medical Assessor’s assessment of the medical certificates and usually a specialist report, and the threshold is $41,000 over 5 years.
Paraplegia is automatically assessed as not being an Acceptable Standard of Health for residence (there is a list of conditions at A4.10.1 of the Immigration Instructions), so the cost was only relevant to the issue of whether or not to grant a medical waiver (waiving the requirement to be an Acceptable Standard of Health). Obviously INZ didn’t think a waiver was justified, hence the decision to decline the application (once the waiver was declined, there was no choice in the matter).
From here, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) will consider her appeal, and either uphold the decision or send it back for reassessment of the waiver. If they uphold the decision, IPT can recommend that the Minister of Immigration consider granting residence as an exception to instructions – that’s reasonably rare, but it happens.
A4.70 Determination of whether a medical waiver should be granted (residence and temporary entry)
(a) Any decision to grant a medical waiver must be made by an immigration officer with Schedule 1-3 delegations (see A15.5).
(b) When determining whether a medical waiver should be granted, an immigration officer must consider the circumstances of the applicant to decide whether they are compelling enough to justify allowing entry to, and/or a stay in New Zealand.
(c) Factors that officers may take into account in making their decision include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) the objectives of Health instructions (see A4.1) and the objectives of the category or instructions under which the application has been made;
(ii) the degree to which the applicant would impose significant costs and/or demands on New Zealand’s health or education services;
(iii) whether the applicant has immediate family lawfully and permanently resident in New Zealand and the circumstances and duration of that residence;
(iv) whether the applicant’s potential contribution to New Zealand will be significant;
(v) the length of intended stay (including whether a person proposes to enter New Zealand permanently or temporarily).
(d) An applicant who is the partner or dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder, who would otherwise meet the criteria for residence under Partnership (see F2.5(a)) or Dependent Child (see F5.1(a)) instructions, will be granted a medical waiver unless the limitations on the grant of medical waivers to such persons set out at A4.60(a) and A4.60(b) apply.
(e) An applicant who has been recognised as having refugee or protection status will be granted a medical waiver, unless the limitation on the grant of medical waivers to such persons set out at A4.60(a) applies.
(f) An immigration officer should consider any advice provided by an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor on medical matters pertaining to the grant of a waiver, such as the prognosis of the applicant.
Thanks. It sounds like it’s possible for them have said yes, although what they consider significant costs might be interesting to know (it was mentioned in the media).
“However, a review of her health by the Ministry of Health concluded: “All [costs] are dependent on Juliana’s needs changing significantly due to physical deterioration which will possibly never occur.”” (from the herald article)
God forbid that I say anything in support of the Misery of Health…. but they seem to be supporting her.
Or am I misinterpreting this?
Question.
A ‘perfect’ person is granted residency and NZ Citizenship.
Within a year they commit a hideous crime and are jailed for 10 years at a cost of $1000000.
A citizen would not be deported (citizens can’t be deported and citizenship can only be revoked if it was awarded as a result of fraud/false information) – we’d just have to suck it up.
A resident could be deported if the offense was committed within 10 years of residence being granted. Citizenship is normally available as an option 5 years after residence is granted (not that everyone who is eligible applies for it).
The MoH report was definitely favourable IMO, but has no specifics, so it’s hard to really do much with it.
The Greens put Mojo Mathers high enough on their list that she became an MP in 2011, thereby picking a fight over getting the required support for her to do her job (and winning it, if I recall correctly).
I’m curious, Rosemary. Isn’t that a demonstrable step in the right direction big enough and different enough to the other parties for you to go to a polling booth and tick a bit of paper? Your not voting strikes me as a case letting the perfect become the mortal enemy of the good.
“The Greens put Mojo Mathers high enough on their list that she became an MP in 2011, thereby picking a fight over getting the required support for her to do her job (and winning it, if I recall correctly).”
I’m not privy to the inner workings of the Green Party…but I’m pretty sure that Mojo got her higher ranking on her overall ability rather than her disability.
The shit storm over facilitating her full participation in the House was a fucking embarrassment to the government.
Someone should have looked up “reasonable accommodation” before they started gum beating about the extra cost for the technology.
Roll on the day when we have a permanent wheelchair user elected.
Also..look up the difference between “equity” and “equality”.
Again…discrimination…against the disabled community it’s ubiquitous.
If you have two people of equal ability then choose the person that brings something extra that you want and that is needed and that there is an obligation to provide. Not Mather’s disability but her understanding and skill in disability politics of which much will be informed by her own experiences as a person with a disability.
Hell, disabled people get such a crap deal I’d advocate some positive discrimination in favour of disabled people. For as long as it takes to eliminate prejudice against disabled people.
As far as I’m aware, Mathers is the first MP in New Zealand to need an accommodation for a disability. I think it’s a reasonable inference that the Greens are the first party in New Zealand to not automatically disqualify someone (that happens to have a disability) for office regardless of ability.
Isn’t the fact that the Greens choose to value her for her ability, rather than disqualify her because of a disability, a huge step forward that’s worthy of support?
I’m not privy to the inner workings of the Green Party…but I’m pretty sure that Mojo got her higher ranking on her overall ability rather than her disability.
I was pretty strongly involved with the GP at the time of the 2014 list selection, and it is largely decided by an STV proportional vote amongst the current members. Though there is a recommended candidate order by party central (which was much the same as the final result – though from memory; Shaw and Browning dropped down, while Hughes and Davidson went up). Also, the final vote can be adjusted for gender parity plus geographical and Māori inclusivity (by dropping or raising candidates a single place – which I don’t think was necessary last time).
So yes; Mathers was ranked according to perceived ability by those GP members who voted. But part of her ability repertoire was her contacts within the disabled community eg; “Member of Disability Inclusion Group (2009-10)”.
As for; “the day when we have a permanent wheelchair user elected”, I would suggest that this might one day be Chris Ford who was number 36 on the Green list in 2014 (previously with the Alliance):
He was brought in as a third Dunedin candidate in 2014, and ranked higher than Gallagher who had previously contested several elections for South Dunedin. My impression was that he is understudying for the day when Turei stops contesting the Dunedin North seat; either by either leaving parliament altogether, or going onto contesting the Te Tai Tonga seat (which is where she casts her vote).
I think you’ll find that Mojo Mathers only won because the case was high profile and the Greens were able to leverage some public support for her case, not to mention the legal side of things.
The vast majority of disabled people aren’t so lucky. Most certainly haven’t the profile to exert any political pressure nor the funds to fight the system endlessly through the courts. Most don’t even have the means to access our so called representatives.
You cannot therefore complain when disabled people become disillusioned in New Zealands broken and repressive system that seems intent on punishing them for their impediments.
Jackal, I agree with all of that. I’d go further and say that to my very limited knowledge Australia and the US (at least California, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania) are a lot better at assisting disabled people than New Zealand is.
It seems to me the Greens have willingly picked a public fight and won it. Surely that’s a good thing, in terms of raising the public profile of disability issues, and showing that the bogeymen raised by people opposed to assisting disabled aren’t actually that scary. That must be an improvement on having all the parties in Parliament determined to ignore disability issues.
But Rosemary’s and your reaction makes me think I’m missing something, beyond it just not being fast enough progress. I’d sure like to figure out what I am missing.
I wouldn’t call one case of a politician gaining some equipment “progress”. Some disabled people would even view that as a bit unfair, so I’m not sure that there’s much benefit for the Greens overall. Most disabled people don’t get $30,000 spent on them to ensure they have access to anything.
It’s policy that really matters, and National is simply continuing Labour’s archaic policy direction that ensures a lack of available funding and services for disabled people.
Unfortunately the current system is devised to get rid of anybody it perceives to be non-productive. This includes people with even mild disability that would benefit greatly from rehabilitation and then reintegration back into the workforce.
I don’t see the broken system changing anytime soon just because of one high profile case.
“It’s policy that really matters, and National is simply continuing Labour’s archaic policy direction that ensures a lack of available funding and services for disabled people.”
Agree with everything you say…other than a rider on the above statement.
National is continuing Labour’s policy of ensuring that pretty much every dollar that is used to support eligible disabled New Zealanders is channeled through the bank account of a Contracted Provider, or two.
The entire MOH:DSS system depends on these Contracted Providers…from assessment through to actual care.
MOH:DSS also pours $millions into so called disability’advocacy’ groups…who can be pretty much depended on to keep quiet on the most important issues.
And…National has set in law that support for(non ACC) disabled people living as part of a family is the responsibility of that family…and the fact that there is absolutely no ‘entitlement’ to support.
None at all.
Yet…over a billion dollars per year is funded through MOH:DSS…when I have the time I will find out how much of that goes to paying for actual hands on care, and how much is consumed by the bureaucracy.
I don’t see the broken system changing either…but I also don’t want to be a citizen of a country that treats disabled people like crap…so, we’ll keep squeaking away, giving the can another kick.
Adam- Some years ago now the response I got from Workbridge was “You’re unemployable, go away” (direct quote). Needless to say I do not hold them in high regard.
Interesting you say institutionalised racisism, because they are also well know for despising certain “categories” of disability and extreme discrimination. For many years it was well known that they didn’t want to know you if you didn’t “look” disabled. I’ve heard conflicting reports in recent years about their change in attitude there so couldn’t say what they’re like now. Obviously I won’t have anything to do with them.
Why does Pete want an even higher recidivism level than we have now? Pete would rather that penal policy be a vehicle for Pete’s pathetic vengeance fantasies, rather than the crime prevention strategy that works all over the world.
Pete’s attitudes and behaviour cause more crime, then Pete throws his toys and refuses to accept responsibility.
What kind of trash behaves like that?
PS: Pete is a late newcomer to his handle. I don’t believe the original Pete deserves to be associated with low-life.
Brilliant article by Dita de Boni about the TPPA and how the establishment smears those who oppose it.
It’s also a very brave article given the current North Korean media mentality in NZ. Anyone questioning Dear Leader loses their job, it seems.
It is worth noting that the subprime market in the US did not cause the GFC, as debone says. It was merely the spark that ignited the GFC. The GFC was caused by the unsustainable financial system that we have.
Excerpt:
“The smear campaign against people who oppose the TPPA – or see much to question in it – has almost completely stifled proper debate about this game-changing deal.
“Doubters have been called ‘children’, hippies, dirty lefties, communists, ‘anti-trade’, and much worse.
“Even if they are respected economists, doctors, business leaders or even revered rugby players, they are in for a drubbing for questioning the TPPA.”
Not sure about the “almost” (stifling debate) – If there has been any open public debate on the signing, in NZ mainstream media, then I think I’ve missed it.
Saw one guy on news last night, part of anti TPP car rally, when asked what he did not like about TPP, 10 second pause and then something inane about petrol prices going up Talk about gullible been led
Hey reddelusion, why is it that under the TPPA foreign investors can sue the government if it causes them losses through legitimate law changes but domestic investors have no such ability? Why do foreigners enjoy extra and substantial rights over us?
Wayne Mapp cannot answer this – maybe you can with your amazing insight
Umm maybe vto becuase you are party to a trade agreement that by default reflects cross border transactions and international business , if you are domestic company you are not involved in a such but nz businesses have the same reciprocal rights if they trade internationally. There always have been differences between international and local commerce, just look at tax as one, nz fight with oz over access to apples etc, This is not new and just a red herring, not the end of the world and been over egged to the max,
🙄
I suggest you will get the egging – all over your face.
NZ is already treading water and holding back on legislation it can no longer introduce – at the continued cost of hundreds of NZ lives and heavy medical costs – because it is now a party to ISDS disputes under the Chinese FTA.
“Doubters have been called ‘children’, hippies, dirty lefties, communists, ‘anti-trade’, and much worse.”
That “much worse” is true. Someone posted a link here on TS yesterday which, when followed through, claimed that people on the left who opposed the TPP (and they specifically named several well known people) encouraged “violence against people and property”. (my emph) I will see if I can dig up that comment and link.
http://nominister.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/the-profile-of-those-opposed-to-tppa.html#links
“So, if we look at those who oppose the signing of the TPPA… on the Left, assorted anarchists aided and abetted by the likes of the Bomber Bradburys, Sue Bradfords, John Mintos and Hone Harawiras of this world who believe in ‘direct action’ read violence against people and property) (emph added)
‘Yet there are plenty of similarities. The debt under America’s housing bubble was only sustainable with very low interest rates forever. Anyone supremely confident about Auckland’s housing market simply needs to answer the question: how would it cope with 10 per cent mortgage rates and a 10 per cent unemployment rate. Unlikely right now, but plausible over the long run.’
Just did and I see hickey agrees with me, he simply raises the ? If interest rates rise to 10 pc what would happen, why not 20, why not 30, of course there is a tipping point but the US example is very different to NZ, ( the housing market itself, non recourse loans, Problem was US wide, key driver was Fannie Mae and fanny Mac, both gov institutions set up to encourage house ownership, creation of mortgage back bonds and the derivatives market that grew around these underlying bonds, level of sub prime mortgages and fraud etc etc ) By the way great movie the big short
Modest turn out at TPP protest, in the 10s, a petition of 4000, hardly a sign of huge anti sentiment against TPP, I suggest labour on a real loser here, can they go below 22pc , suggest not. That’s their bedrock close mind support
Andrew Little’s ‘State of the Nation’ speech time has been brought forward by an hour
Who is organising this, late changes to the time, maybe less people attending certainly disorganisation, white anting anyone?
I understand the reason is because heavy, thundery showers have been forecast from about mid-afternoon so they’ve brought the time forward in the hope they will miss them. They have also advised members by email “to bring an umbrella”. If it buckets down, they’ve arranged to move to a nearby venue (prob. in the university) but they would want to avoid that if possible.
‘Foxcatcher’ is a great film, based on fact, which shows what can happen when the poncy self-entitled wealthy takeover the lives and education of the impoverished gifted…exploitation, self delusion, self aggrandisement, abuse….and the destruction of excellence
To spell it out: at the moment Tertiary education is for the often mediocre children of the NZ wealthy , especially at post grad level…and overseas paying students
New Zealand ‘A’ grade students ( NZs best and brightest) who have been invited to do honours by their universites have often been forced to decline
…They already have $40,000 + debt for undergrad degrees( unless they have rich parents who pay for them)
….and jonkey Nactional has ensured there are no more student loans for these ‘A’ grade students invited and wishing to do further postgrad degrees…(and if there were more student loans it would increase their debt further)
No young New Zealander should be forced into debt to pursue an education for which they are entitled and able
This is why Labour is on to a winner by making undergraduate and other Tertiary studies free
Meanwhile We continual to underfund our schooling system, IMO better to adequately fund the education for every school at the expense of tertiary and the benefit of the few.
What is equity? In the simplest terms, it means fairness, which is not necessarily the same thing as equality.
It’s not about everybody getting the same thing,” Parker said. “It’s about everybody getting what they need in order to improve the quality of their situation.”
From now on every post about Donald Trump on the Huffington Post will carry the following disclaimer:
Note to our readers: Donald Trump is a serial liar, rampant xenophobe, racist, birther and bully who has repeatedly pledged to ban all Muslims — 1.6 billion members of an entire religion — from entering the U.S.
Just read Heather du Plessis’ column in the Herald and wonder what planet she is on. Where did she buy this house in Auckland? Where I live on the North Shore we have been inundated with immigrants to our suburb – they just LOVE the North Shore – I don’t know if it is the brick homes/no maintenance thingee or the proximity to private schools and the university, the beaches or whatever. In our street alone we now have 4 lone standing European NZ owners and the rest are Asian which has to be now about 95% ownership. No problems with us, mainly they keep their homes tidy and are quiet, absent owners are a trial as they leave their properties unkempt is the only bugbear as it brings down the value of the area. The only negative is, it has meant a slow evacuation of our NZ neighbours from the street and an isolation for the remaining left with language difficulties, cultural problems and a real sense of dislocation in our street life and interactions with neighbours.
We probably will leave in the end because of this scenario – do these demographers ever research how this affects communities. I see in the future NZ Aucklanders will be forced out of AK because of rate increases and the cost of living plus the sense we are losing our city by a thousand cuts to immigrants with bottomless pockets. The latest house to be sold was bought by a Chinese man for his 21 year old son – it was $1.5 million – how can ordinary New Zealanders in our low wage economy ever compete with that. Just my grouch for the day.
I believe same problems around Kumeu with absent owners and land banking.
As to blame, at the macro level you can blame neoliberal system that promotes greed and selfish motivation.
Both domestic and overseas speculators are to blame as they snap up properties, driving up prices so young people can’t afford a home to live in.
Of course, much is speculation and anecdotal because our corporate government doesn’t collect data on how many houses some speculators own.
Yep you can blame me…..
Sold our property in Coatesville (near Kumeu for those not familiar with the area) to a Chinese buyer – who has never visited the property in 6 years as far as I know. Rented out to a kiwi couple. Interesting discussion on the machinations of chinese funding for these properties.
It was a very long settlement in our case, and now I understand why!
This from the start of Labour’s policy on Future of Education, announced today –
“Labour’s Working Futures Plan will provide three years of free post-school education across a person’s life so New Zealanders can thrive in the 21st century economy.
The nature of work is changing constantly. To compete into the future and seize opportunities as they arise we need one of the best educated workforces in the world.
Our Working Futures Plan means that no matter what path someone wants to take after school, be it university or an apprenticeship, they will be able to gain the skills they need to succeed without being shackled with years of debt.
It will be available throughout a person’s lifetime, so that it can be used for retraining or if someone changes career part way through their working life………
Apparently I’m traditional working class so no, I’m not surprised.
Result: the class group you most closely match is:
Traditional working class
This class group scores low for economic, social and cultural factors, but they do have some financial security. According to the Great British Class Survey results, lots of people in this group:
Own their own home
Are older
Tend to mix socially with people similar to themselves
Fizzi please go away, this thread is on a New Zealand blog why would we want to do a so-called class test that you have found in a site based in England? or are you a recent immigrant from the UK.?
Class was one of the reasons for my forbears emigrating to New Zealand in the mid 19th century.
You do realise also don’t you that England is where the Union Jack comes from , it is their Flag. Yep that’s right the very same as the miniature version of it that sits in the top left corner of our New Zealand Ensign/Flag.
I hope John, your leader. doesn’t read this , he could be a bit upset that his favourite stirrer favours the Union Jack the very symbol on a flag that he is trying to get rid of.
Funny old world innit?
Wilderness photographer and bushwalker Dan Broun has just returned from the Central Plateau.
Vision he filmed shows how the fires have raced through the area, which is home to unique alpine flora including pencil pines, king billy pines and cushion plants, some more than 1,000 years old.
Mr Broun walked four hours into the bushfire affected areas on Saturday.
“The scene is complete and utter devastation. There is kilometres of burnt ground, everything is dead,” he said.
He said small pockets of areas protected by rock escaped the fire.
“I also witnessed devastated wildlife; burnt wallabies, dead wombats and the like,” said Mr Broun.
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So the Solstice has arrived – Summer in this part of the world, Winter for the Northern Hemisphere. And with it, the publication my new Norse dark-fantasy piece, As Our Power Lessens at Eternal Haunted Summer: https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/issues/winter-solstice-2024/as-our-power-lessens/ As previously noted, this one is very ‘wyrd’, and Northern Theory of Courage. ...
The Natural Choice: As a starter for ten percent of the Party Vote, “saving the planet” is a very respectable objective. Young voters, in particular, raised on the dire (if unheeded) warnings of climate scientists, and the irrefutable evidence of devastating weather events linked to global warming, vote Green. After ...
The Government cancelled 60% of Kāinga Ora’s new builds next year, even though the land for them was already bought, the consents were consented and there are builders unemployed all over the place. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political ...
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on UnsplashEvery morning I get up at 3am to go around the traps of news sites in Aotearoa and globally. I pick out the top ones from my point of view and have been putting them into my Dawn Chorus email, which goes out with a podcast. ...
Over on Kikorangi Newsroom's Marc Daalder has published his annual OIA stats. So I thought I'd do mine: 82 OIA requests sent in 2024 7 posts based on those requests 20 average working days to receive a response Ministry of Justice was my most-requested entity, ...
Welcome to the December 2024 Economic Bulletin. We have two monthly features in this edition. In the first, we discuss what the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update from Treasury and the Budget Policy Statement from the Minister of Finance tell us about the fiscal position and what to ...
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi have submitted against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, slamming the Bill as a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an attack on tino rangatiratanga and the collective rights of Tangata Whenua. “This Bill seeks to legislate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles that are ...
I don't knowHow to say what's got to be saidI don't know if it's black or whiteThere's others see it redI don't get the answers rightI'll leave that to youIs this love out of fashionOr is it the time of yearAre these words distraction?To the words you want to hearSongwriters: ...
Our economy has experienced its worst recession since 1991. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, December 20 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above and the daily Pick ‘n’ Mix below ...
Twas the Friday before Christmas and all through the week we’ve been collecting stories for our final roundup of the year. As we start to wind down for the year we hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and new year. If you’re travelling please be safe on ...
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the year’s news with: on climate. Her book of the year was Tim Winton’s cli-fi novel Juice and she also mentioned Mike Joy’s memoir The Fight for Fresh Water. ...
The Government can head off to the holidays, entitled to assure itself that it has done more or less what it said it would do. The campaign last year promised to “get New Zealand back on track.” When you look at the basic promises—to trim back Government expenditure, toughen up ...
Open access notables An intensification of surface Earth’s energy imbalance since the late 20th century, Li et al., Communications Earth & Environment:Tracking the energy balance of the Earth system is a key method for studying the contribution of human activities to climate change. However, accurately estimating the surface energy balance ...
Photo by Mauricio Fanfa on UnsplashKia oraCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with myself , plus regular guests and , ...
“Like you said, I’m an unreconstructed socialist. Everybody deserves to get something for Christmas.”“ONE OF THOSE had better be for me!” Hannah grinned, fascinated, as Laurie made his way, gingerly, to the bar, his arms full of gift-wrapped packages.“Of course!”, beamed Laurie. Depositing his armful on the bar-top and selecting ...
Data released by Statistics New Zealand today showed a significant slowdown in the economy over the past six months, with GDP falling by 1% in September, and 1.1% in June said CTU Economist Craig Renney. “The data shows that the size of the economy in GDP terms is now smaller ...
One last thing before I quitI never wanted any moreThan I could fit into my headI still remember every single word you saidAnd all the shit that somehow came along with itStill, there's one thing that comforts meSince I was always caged and now I'm freeSongwriters: David Grohl / Georg ...
Sparse offerings outside a Te Kauwhata church. Meanwhile, the Government is cutting spending in ways that make thousands of hungry children even hungrier, while also cutting funding for the charities that help them. It’s also doing that while winding back new building of affordable housing that would allow parents to ...
It is difficult to make sense of the Luxon Coalition Government’s economic management.This end-of-year review about the state of economic management – the state of the economy was last week – is not going to cover the National Party contribution. Frankly, like every other careful observer, I cannot make up ...
This morning I awoke to the lovely news that we are firmly back on track, that is if the scale was reversed.NZ ranks low in global economic comparisonsNew Zealand's economy has been ranked 33rd out of 37 in an international comparison of which have done best in 2024.Economies were ranked ...
Remember those silent movies where the heroine is tied to the railway tracks or going over the waterfall in a barrel? Finance Minister Nicola Willis seems intent on portraying herself as that damsel in distress. According to Willis, this country’s current economic problems have all been caused by the spending ...
Similar to the cuts and the austerity drive imposed by Ruth Richardson in the 1990’s, an era which to all intents and purposes we’ve largely fiddled around the edges with fixing in the time since – over, to be fair, several administrations – whilst trying our best it seems to ...
String-Pulling in the Dark: For the democratic process to be meaningful it must also be public. WITH TRUST AND CONFIDENCE in New Zealand’s politicians and journalists steadily declining, restoring those virtues poses a daunting challenge. Just how daunting is made clear by comparing the way politicians and journalists treated New Zealanders ...
Dear Nicola Willis, thank you for letting us know in so many words that the swingeing austerity hasn't worked.By in so many words I mean the bit where you said, Here is a sea of red ink in which we are drowning after twelve months of savage cost cutting and ...
The Open Government Partnership is a multilateral organisation committed to advancing open government. Countries which join are supposed to co-create regular action plans with civil society, committing to making verifiable improvements in transparency, accountability, participation, or technology and innovation for the above. And they're held to account through an Independent ...
Today I tuned into something strange: a press conference that didn’t make my stomach churn or the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Which was strange, because it was about the torture of children. It was the announcement by Erica Stanford — on her own, unusually ...
This is a must watch, and puts on brilliant and practical display the implications and mechanics of fast-track law corruption and weakness.CLICK HERE: LINK TO WATCH VIDEOOur news media as it is set up is simply not equipped to deal with the brazen disinformation and corruption under this right wing ...
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting Secretary Erin Polaczuk is welcoming the announcement from Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden that she is opening consultation on engineered stone and is calling on her to listen to the evidence and implement a total ban of the product. “We need ...
The Government has announced a 1.5% increase in the minimum wage from 1 April 2025, well below forecast inflation of 2.5%. Unions have reacted strongly and denounced it as a real terms cut. PSA and the CTU are opposing a new round of staff cuts at WorkSafe, which they say ...
The decision to unilaterally repudiate the contract for new Cook Strait ferries is beginning to look like one of the stupidest decisions a New Zealand government ever made. While cancelling the ferries and their associated port infrastructure may have made this year's books look good, it means higher costs later, ...
Hi there! I’ve been overseas recently, looking after a situation with a family member. So apologies if there any less than focused posts! Vanuatu has just had a significant 7.3 earthquake. Two MFAT staff are unaccounted for with local fatalities.It’s always sad to hear of such things happening.I think of ...
Today is a special member's morning, scheduled to make up for the government's theft of member's days throughout the year. First up was the first reading of Greg Fleming's Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill, which was passed unanimously. Currently the House is debating the third reading of ...
We're going backwardsIgnoring the realitiesGoing backwardsAre you counting all the casualties?We are not there yetWhere we need to beWe are still in debtTo our insanitiesSongwriter: Martin Gore Read more ...
Willis blamed Treasury for changing its productivity assumptions and Labour’s spending increases since Covid for the worsening Budget outlook. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, December 18 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above ...
Today the Auckland Transport board meet for the last time this year. For those interested (and with time to spare), you can follow along via this MS Teams link from 10am. I’ve taken a quick look through the agenda items to see what I think the most interesting aspects are. ...
Hi,If you’re a New Zealander — you know who Mike King is. He is the face of New Zealand’s battle against mental health problems. He can be loud and brash. He raises, and is entrusted with, a lot of cash. Last year his “I Am Hope” charity reported a revenue ...
Probably about the only consolation available from yesterday’s unveiling of the Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) is that it could have been worse. Though Finance Minister Nicola Willis has tightened the screws on future government spending, she has resisted the calls from hard-line academics, fiscal purists and fiscal hawks ...
The right have a stupid saying that is only occasionally true:When is democracy not democracy? When it hasn’t been voted on.While not true in regards to branches of government such as the judiciary, it’s a philosophy that probably should apply to recently-elected local government councillors. Nevertheless, this concept seemed to ...
Long story short: the Government’s austerity policy has driven the economy into a deeper and longer recession that means it will have to borrow $20 billion more over the next four years than it expected just six months ago. Treasury’s latest forecasts show the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s fiscal strategy of ...
Come and join myself and CTU Chief Economist for a pop-up ‘Hoon’ webinar on the Government’s Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) with paying subscribers to The Kākā for 30 minutes at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream to watch our chat. Don’t worry if ...
In 1998, in the wake of the Paremoremo Prison riot, the Department of Corrections established the "Behaviour Management Regime". Prisoners were locked in their cells for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no fresh air, no exercise, no social contact, no entertainment, and in some cases no clothes and ...
New data released by the Treasury shows that the economic policies of this Government have made things worse in the year since they took office, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney. “Our fiscal indicators are all heading in the wrong direction – with higher levels of debt, a higher deficit, and ...
At the 2023 election, National basically ran on a platform of being better economic managers. So how'd that turn out for us? In just one year, they've fucked us for two full political terms: The government's books are set to remain deeply in the red for the near term ...
AUSTERITYText within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedMy spreadsheet insists This pain leads straight to glory (File not found) Read more ...
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi are saying that the Government should do the right thing and deliver minimum wage increases that don’t see workers fall further behind, in response to today’s announcement that the minimum wage will only be increased by 1.5%, well short of forecast inflation. “With inflation forecast ...
Oh, I weptFor daysFilled my eyesWith silly tearsOh, yeaBut I don'tCare no moreI don't care ifMy eyes get soreSongwriters: Paul Rodgers / Paul Kossoff. Read more ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob HensonIn this aerial view, fingers of meltwater flow from the melting Isunnguata Sermia glacier descending from the Greenland Ice Sheet on July 11, 2024, near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), the ...
In August, I wrote an article about David Seymour1 with a video of his testimony, to warn that there were grave dangers to his Ministry of Regulation:David Seymour's Ministry of Slush Hides Far Greater RisksWhy Seymour's exorbitant waste of taxpayers' money could be the least of concernThe money for Seymour ...
Willis is expected to have to reveal the bitter fiscal fruits of her austerity strategy in the HYEFU later today. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, December 17 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast ...
On Friday the government announced it would double the number of toll roads in New Zealand as well as make a few other changes to how toll roads are used in the country. The real issue though is not that tolling is being used but the suggestion it will make ...
The Prime Minister yesterday engaged in what looked like a pre-emptive strike designed to counter what is likely to be a series of depressing economic statistics expected before the end of the week. He opened his weekly post-Cabinet press conference with a recitation of the Government’s achievements. “It certainly has ...
This whooping cough story from south Auckland is a good example of the coalition government’s approach to social need – spend money on urging people to get vaccinated but only after you’ve cut the funding to where they could get vaccinated. This has been the case all year with public ...
And if there is a GodI know he likes to rockHe likes his loud guitarsHis spiders from MarsAnd if there is a GodI know he's watching meHe likes what he seesBut there's trouble on the breezeSongwriter: William Patrick Corgan Read more ...
Here’s a quick round up of today’s political news:1. MORE FOOD BANKS, CHARITIES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS AND YOUTH SOCIAL SERVICES SET TO CLOSE OR SCALE BACK AROUND THE COUNTRY AS GOVT CUTS FUNDINGSome of Auckland's largest foodbanks are warning they may need to close or significantly reduce food parcels after ...
Iain Rennie, CNZMSecretary and Chief Executive to the TreasuryDear Secretary, Undue restrictions on restricted briefings This week, the Treasury barred representatives from four organisations, including the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi, from attending the restricted briefing for the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update. We had been ...
This is a guest post by Tim Adriaansen, a community, climate, and accessibility advocate.I won’t shut up about climate breakdown, and whenever possible I try to shift the focus of a climate conversation towards solutions. But you’ll almost never hear me give more than a passing nod to ...
A grassroots backlash has forced a backdown from Brown, but he is still eyeing up plenty of tolls for other new roads. And the pressure is on Willis to ramp up the Government’s austerity strategy. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
Hi all,I'm pretty overwhelmed by all your messages and emails today; thank you so very much.As much as my newsletter this morning was about money, and we all need to earn money, it was mostly about world domination if I'm honest. 😉I really hate what’s happening to our country, and ...
A listing of 23 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, December 8, 2024 thru Sat, December 14, 2024. Listing by Category Like last week's summary this one contains the list of articles twice: based on categories and based on ...
I started writing this morning about Hobson’s Pledge, examining the claims they and their supporters make, basically ripping into them. But I kept getting notifications coming through, and not good ones.Each time I looked up, there was another un-subscription message, and I felt a bit sicker at the thought of ...
Once, long before there was Harry and Meghan and Dodi and all those episodes of The Crown, they came to spend some time with us, Charles and Diana. Was there anyone in the world more glamorous than the Princess of Wales?Dazzled as everyone was by their company, the leader of ...
The collective right have a problem.The entire foundation for their world view is antiscientific. Their preferred economic strategies have been disproven. Their whole neoliberal model faces accusations of corporate corruption and worsening inequality. Climate change not only definitely exists, its rapid progression demands an immediate and expensive response in order ...
Just ten days ago, South Korea's president attempted a self-coup, declaring martial law and attempting to have opposition MPs murdered or arrested in an effort to seize unconstrained power. The attempt was rapidly defeated by the national assembly voting it down and the people flooding the streets to defend democracy. ...
Hi,“What I love about New Zealanders is that sometimes you use these expressions that as Americans we have no idea what those things mean!"I am watching a 30-something year old American ramble on about how different New Zealanders are to Americans. It’s his podcast, and this man is doing a ...
National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...
The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...
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David Shearer. Really, what a fuck up. Fucked up his time in the chair. Now continuing. Fuck off.
Phil Goff. Same.
Pricks and selfish assholes.
(apologies for the required language on a sunday morning)
What have they done now?
TPPA – Transgressed Party Political Arrangements.
I reckon Shearer should become a independent.
Cut a deal with National in exchange for some overseas position.
He’d do better to hit up Helen – like Goff he’s better out of the country.
Why?
He’s, much more useful to National staying where he is.
National needs another vote to get the RMA changes done.
Maybe Shearer could be that vote?
Only the whipped National MPs and puppet party ACT have any interest in the type of RMA reforms National are trying to ram through.
Could be Shearers meal ticket.
Lets be honest, he knows his days are numbered with in Labour, he really only has three options.
1) Leave and retire from politics
2) Start another party
3) Do a deal with National.
Why are his days numbered? He holds a safe electorate seat, and Labour seem incapable of shifting electorate dead-wood on.
So, if Shearer doesn’t want to go, there’s nothing the party or the members can do to get rid of him?
Apparently not. He can be ejected from the party if he does something bad enough to warrant that, but they can’t take his seat from him. Which is probably fair given people actually voted for him not just the party.
Even Shearer isn’t that stupid.
Mt Albert needs to deselect him.
Then he wouldn’t be an independent MP for very long, would he?
National managed to find a plum job for Shane Jones while he was a Labour MP, don’t see why Shearer would need to go independent first.
Shearer is pretty loose alright.
But I suspect Phil Goff, Labour, and National have done some sort of deal. Goff’s leaving anyway and I think the Nats know they can’t win Auckland and have buttered Goff up to smooth that particular ride in exchange for visible and actual support on the TPP. Labour have agreed, losing a battle to win the war in Auckland where I think they’ll expect Goff to do some heavy lifting for them nationally on social issues.
The Nats will insist of course that Goff sells Auckland’s assets to their rich mates once he’s in the role to pay for the CRL.
Yeah, who in the general public cares what Shearer thinks of the TPPA anyway?
Nobody.
So why did he do it?
Shearer really does need to leave.
Otherwise he will bumblef%#k again on the next big thing… what a goober
Unfettered Neolib capitalism, doncha just love it! http://michaelmoore.com/10FactsOnFlint/ “A few months after Governor Snyder removed Flint from the clean fresh water we had been drinking for decades, the brass from General Motors went to him and complained that the Flint River water was causing their car parts to corrode when being washed on the assembly line. The Governor was appalled to hear that GM property was being damaged, so he jumped through a number of hoops and quietly spent $440,000 to hook GM back up to the Lake Huron water, while keeping the rest of Flint on the Flint River water. Which means that while the children in Flint were drinking lead-filled water, there was one — and only one — address in Flint that got clean water: the GM factory.”
The Herald this morning carries an article about a young woman called Juliana Carvalho.
Juliana is from Brazil, and has been living and working here in New Zealand since 2012.
She has family here, two siblings and her mother, and another two siblings (one a doctor) plan to move to New Zealand next year.
Juliana is an accomplished writer, film maker and launched a TV show in Brazil.
She is working full time…did I say that already?….and yet…
…she has been told she is not wanted in New Zealand and she has to return to Brazil.
Why?
She has a disability and uses a wheelchair.
This government HATES disabled people.
I met Juliana once. This was at the 2014 Health and Disability Conference in 2014.
My partner and I were having a two person protest against the lack of accountability when disabled people have been neglected to death in care of Contracted Providers.
As expected, we were shunned by the government funded ‘advocates’ attending this white table cloth conference….but Juliana, bless her, came over to speak with us and find out what we were protesting about.
I wish there was something we could do to help her.
Kia Kaha, Juliana.
This government HATES disabled people….did I say that already?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11582384
No not just this government, sadly I think there I long history of this regardless of who is in power.
In this case, surely the basic human right of equal treatment should apply.
Pity the Labour Party wouldn’t stop hugging scum bag criminals long enough to actually stand up for the human rights of decent people. If they did, the would once again get my vote.
“No not just this government, sadly I think there I long history of this regardless of who is in power.”
This government has ramped the hate up to a new level…but you are right…Labour was not much better.
Under Labour…the ‘deserving disabled’, the ones under ACC certainly felt more secure, but the rest had to battle and manipulate the system to get the supports they needed.
At the last election I emailed all opposition parties about their policy on one particular disability issue.
Got no satisfactory answer from any of them.
So I voted for no one. (a little contribution to the ‘stupid folk who don’t vote’ conversation the was had on TS yesterday!)
As you say pete…it is about treating all people as equals.
Apart from disabled people…as far as I know, few protections against hate speech or other forms of discrimination and persecution.
The only people that got called stupid yesterday where those that don’t vote as a way of changing National policy. Is that why you didn’t vote?
I have absolutely no idea what the significance of ‘yetsrday’ is. Nor do I care.
And please do not make assumptions about what I did or did not do. Your kind of personal abuse is what undermines sites like this.
Please return to your bedroom and your computer and be a big anonymous hero all on your own. Pathetic.
Pete, none of the comments I have made are anything to do with you or about you. My last comment was in reply to Rosemary and her point about a conversation that was happening on the standard yesterday. I was just clarifying what happened and asking Rosemary (not you) where she fitted in with the clarification.
I’m not sure what to make of your comments about abuse given you then go on to be rude and mean.
pete, weka was directly replying to Rosemary, who both referenced a conversation that was on The Standard yesterday and she also said she didn’t vote.
Your attacks on weka are entirely unfounded and unwarranted. Also I don’t think I’ve ever seen weka personally insult anyone, which is something I don’t think I can say about any other regular commenter on TS (actually maybe Mickey and r0b, but I think even they get fed up with the trolls sometimes).
Your disgust shouldn’t be directed at Weka. She is one of the best commenters here, as you must know if you have spent any time here.
weka…I follow such discussions with a liberal dose of detachment now.
Ask me….”what would encourage you to vote?”
weka, I’ll vote when there is a candidate worth voting for, and a party with definite policies that fit with my principles.
(and since the electoral office has finally caught up with me after a mere 33 years of non enrollment…I’ll vote against the flag change.)
(I would have voted for Marilyn Waring…but she quit. Kinda convinced me that integrity and politics do not make good bedfellows.)
I’ll vote for the party that allows Juliana permanent residency.
Right, so apparently you’ve never voted in 33 years, then?
For someone who is politically aware to have chosen not to vote for 33 years, rather relegates them into a very, very small minority of the public. People in this group will likely have such incredibly diverse rationales for not voting that it’d be a massive sunk cost attempting to wring votes out of that group (and focussing those resources on such a minority would result in a net loss of votes from the mainstream who go elsewhere).
“For someone who is politically aware to have chosen not to vote for 33 years, rather relegates them into a very, very small minority of the public.”
That is one of the reasons I try and avoid those sorts of conversations…the premise seems to be that non voters are apathetic, ill informed, poorly educated and the rest.
I grew up being cynical and skeptical of politics and politicians. Hard to shake off that influence.
But it is liberating in a way, as one can be totally and utterly impartial political partywise.
In the last election…Mana popped up on my radar…then they hopped into bed with KDC….seduced by the dollars.
incredibly diverse rationale ≠ the premise seems to be that non voters are apathetic, ill informed, poorly educated.
Although it might be argued that you’re providing a pertinent example.
OAB… you never fail to proffer you very own special type of support.
Thank you.
Mana weren’t seduced by the dollars at all – they may have been seduced by the thought of getting a few MP’s in and changing the face of politics for the better though
I guess Rosemary only wants to vote for loser underdogs, and not a party that actually has the resources and prospects to get elected and make a difference.
the expectation of politics bar is set pretty high methinks
Fair enough Rosemary. There was just a bit of misrepresentation happening yesterday about what I actually meant and I didn’t want that carrying on again in another thread so felt I needed to say something. Not wanting to derail the conversation.
Marilyn Waring would have been tricky back in the day, because she was a National MP. If the election weren’t close I might have voted for her too. It’s interesting to consider what party she would be in now.
Yes this sort of thing really annoys me. If Julianna deserves to stay or not, absolutely should be solely on whether she offers a net benefit to NZ or not (and from what you say it appears she would).
If they made a judgement based on her colour, we all would be appalled, quite rightly. Yet disabled? Same discrimination yet somehow acceptable to many.
From what I read, it’s not her disability (which isn’t costing the state anything), it’s her illness and the probability of her costing the state over her lifetime over and above what other people would.
I agree it should be about the net benefit. Forty odd thousand dollars over her lifetime doesn’t seem like a lot of money given what she brings. But from what I can tell immigration is often based on economic benefit brought in rather than other benefits. And in this case that adds another level of prejudice to the case, because what she brings is probably not considered relevant because it’s of benefit to people with disabilities.
“And in this case that adds another level of prejudice to the case, because what she brings is probably not considered relevant because it’s of benefit to people with disabilities.”
Exactly.
Now, what are we going to do about it?
There are people here on TS who are members of various parties….come on…what is the story on this?
Or do all parties have this vision of a ‘perfect’ New Zealand populated by ‘perfect’ people?
Unfortunately I would guess that immigration are acting consistently with the legislation, but it would be worth looking at policy and seeing how much discretion there is.
How we decide who is valued to live here sucks but I think that’s a long term change rather than for one person. I hope she does well with the appeal and more media attention may help (??).
the only party I can think that’s worth talking to is the Greens, because of Mathers and because they’re not anti-immigration.
Estimated cost is based on an independent Medical Assessor’s assessment of the medical certificates and usually a specialist report, and the threshold is $41,000 over 5 years.
Paraplegia is automatically assessed as not being an Acceptable Standard of Health for residence (there is a list of conditions at A4.10.1 of the Immigration Instructions), so the cost was only relevant to the issue of whether or not to grant a medical waiver (waiving the requirement to be an Acceptable Standard of Health). Obviously INZ didn’t think a waiver was justified, hence the decision to decline the application (once the waiver was declined, there was no choice in the matter).
From here, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) will consider her appeal, and either uphold the decision or send it back for reassessment of the waiver. If they uphold the decision, IPT can recommend that the Minister of Immigration consider granting residence as an exception to instructions – that’s reasonably rare, but it happens.
Thanks! What are the criteria for a medical waiver?
A4.70 Determination of whether a medical waiver should be granted (residence and temporary entry)
(a) Any decision to grant a medical waiver must be made by an immigration officer with Schedule 1-3 delegations (see A15.5).
(b) When determining whether a medical waiver should be granted, an immigration officer must consider the circumstances of the applicant to decide whether they are compelling enough to justify allowing entry to, and/or a stay in New Zealand.
(c) Factors that officers may take into account in making their decision include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) the objectives of Health instructions (see A4.1) and the objectives of the category or instructions under which the application has been made;
(ii) the degree to which the applicant would impose significant costs and/or demands on New Zealand’s health or education services;
(iii) whether the applicant has immediate family lawfully and permanently resident in New Zealand and the circumstances and duration of that residence;
(iv) whether the applicant’s potential contribution to New Zealand will be significant;
(v) the length of intended stay (including whether a person proposes to enter New Zealand permanently or temporarily).
(d) An applicant who is the partner or dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder, who would otherwise meet the criteria for residence under Partnership (see F2.5(a)) or Dependent Child (see F5.1(a)) instructions, will be granted a medical waiver unless the limitations on the grant of medical waivers to such persons set out at A4.60(a) and A4.60(b) apply.
(e) An applicant who has been recognised as having refugee or protection status will be granted a medical waiver, unless the limitation on the grant of medical waivers to such persons set out at A4.60(a) applies.
(f) An immigration officer should consider any advice provided by an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor on medical matters pertaining to the grant of a waiver, such as the prognosis of the applicant.
Thanks. It sounds like it’s possible for them have said yes, although what they consider significant costs might be interesting to know (it was mentioned in the media).
Same as above, $41000 over 5 years, no inflation adjustment.
ok, thanks.
I had the impression that for this woman that was a theoretical number, that might not be needed.
Thanks Craig for that expansion of the criteria.
“However, a review of her health by the Ministry of Health concluded: “All [costs] are dependent on Juliana’s needs changing significantly due to physical deterioration which will possibly never occur.”” (from the herald article)
God forbid that I say anything in support of the Misery of Health…. but they seem to be supporting her.
Or am I misinterpreting this?
Question.
A ‘perfect’ person is granted residency and NZ Citizenship.
Within a year they commit a hideous crime and are jailed for 10 years at a cost of $1000000.
Upon their release, are they exiled?
A citizen would not be deported (citizens can’t be deported and citizenship can only be revoked if it was awarded as a result of fraud/false information) – we’d just have to suck it up.
A resident could be deported if the offense was committed within 10 years of residence being granted. Citizenship is normally available as an option 5 years after residence is granted (not that everyone who is eligible applies for it).
The MoH report was definitely favourable IMO, but has no specifics, so it’s hard to really do much with it.
The Greens put Mojo Mathers high enough on their list that she became an MP in 2011, thereby picking a fight over getting the required support for her to do her job (and winning it, if I recall correctly).
I’m curious, Rosemary. Isn’t that a demonstrable step in the right direction big enough and different enough to the other parties for you to go to a polling booth and tick a bit of paper? Your not voting strikes me as a case letting the perfect become the mortal enemy of the good.
“The Greens put Mojo Mathers high enough on their list that she became an MP in 2011, thereby picking a fight over getting the required support for her to do her job (and winning it, if I recall correctly).”
I’m not privy to the inner workings of the Green Party…but I’m pretty sure that Mojo got her higher ranking on her overall ability rather than her disability.
The shit storm over facilitating her full participation in the House was a fucking embarrassment to the government.
Someone should have looked up “reasonable accommodation” before they started gum beating about the extra cost for the technology.
Roll on the day when we have a permanent wheelchair user elected.
Also..look up the difference between “equity” and “equality”.
Again…discrimination…against the disabled community it’s ubiquitous.
If you have two people of equal ability then choose the person that brings something extra that you want and that is needed and that there is an obligation to provide. Not Mather’s disability but her understanding and skill in disability politics of which much will be informed by her own experiences as a person with a disability.
Hell, disabled people get such a crap deal I’d advocate some positive discrimination in favour of disabled people. For as long as it takes to eliminate prejudice against disabled people.
As far as I’m aware, Mathers is the first MP in New Zealand to need an accommodation for a disability. I think it’s a reasonable inference that the Greens are the first party in New Zealand to not automatically disqualify someone (that happens to have a disability) for office regardless of ability.
Isn’t the fact that the Greens choose to value her for her ability, rather than disqualify her because of a disability, a huge step forward that’s worthy of support?
Rosmary McD
I was pretty strongly involved with the GP at the time of the 2014 list selection, and it is largely decided by an STV proportional vote amongst the current members. Though there is a recommended candidate order by party central (which was much the same as the final result – though from memory; Shaw and Browning dropped down, while Hughes and Davidson went up). Also, the final vote can be adjusted for gender parity plus geographical and Māori inclusivity (by dropping or raising candidates a single place – which I don’t think was necessary last time).
So yes; Mathers was ranked according to perceived ability by those GP members who voted. But part of her ability repertoire was her contacts within the disabled community eg; “Member of Disability Inclusion Group (2009-10)”.
As for; “the day when we have a permanent wheelchair user elected”, I would suggest that this might one day be Chris Ford who was number 36 on the Green list in 2014 (previously with the Alliance):
https://home.greens.org.nz/candidates/chris-ford
He was brought in as a third Dunedin candidate in 2014, and ranked higher than Gallagher who had previously contested several elections for South Dunedin. My impression was that he is understudying for the day when Turei stops contesting the Dunedin North seat; either by either leaving parliament altogether, or going onto contesting the Te Tai Tonga seat (which is where she casts her vote).
Thanks Parsupial.
Chris Ford would be an asset in the house.
He has written some sterling pieces….http://www.voxy.co.nz/blogs/chris-ford
I might even be tempted to vote Green to increase his chances!
I think you’ll find that Mojo Mathers only won because the case was high profile and the Greens were able to leverage some public support for her case, not to mention the legal side of things.
The vast majority of disabled people aren’t so lucky. Most certainly haven’t the profile to exert any political pressure nor the funds to fight the system endlessly through the courts. Most don’t even have the means to access our so called representatives.
You cannot therefore complain when disabled people become disillusioned in New Zealands broken and repressive system that seems intent on punishing them for their impediments.
Jackal, I agree with all of that. I’d go further and say that to my very limited knowledge Australia and the US (at least California, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania) are a lot better at assisting disabled people than New Zealand is.
It seems to me the Greens have willingly picked a public fight and won it. Surely that’s a good thing, in terms of raising the public profile of disability issues, and showing that the bogeymen raised by people opposed to assisting disabled aren’t actually that scary. That must be an improvement on having all the parties in Parliament determined to ignore disability issues.
But Rosemary’s and your reaction makes me think I’m missing something, beyond it just not being fast enough progress. I’d sure like to figure out what I am missing.
I wouldn’t call one case of a politician gaining some equipment “progress”. Some disabled people would even view that as a bit unfair, so I’m not sure that there’s much benefit for the Greens overall. Most disabled people don’t get $30,000 spent on them to ensure they have access to anything.
It’s policy that really matters, and National is simply continuing Labour’s archaic policy direction that ensures a lack of available funding and services for disabled people.
Unfortunately the current system is devised to get rid of anybody it perceives to be non-productive. This includes people with even mild disability that would benefit greatly from rehabilitation and then reintegration back into the workforce.
I don’t see the broken system changing anytime soon just because of one high profile case.
“It’s policy that really matters, and National is simply continuing Labour’s archaic policy direction that ensures a lack of available funding and services for disabled people.”
Agree with everything you say…other than a rider on the above statement.
National is continuing Labour’s policy of ensuring that pretty much every dollar that is used to support eligible disabled New Zealanders is channeled through the bank account of a Contracted Provider, or two.
The entire MOH:DSS system depends on these Contracted Providers…from assessment through to actual care.
MOH:DSS also pours $millions into so called disability’advocacy’ groups…who can be pretty much depended on to keep quiet on the most important issues.
And…National has set in law that support for(non ACC) disabled people living as part of a family is the responsibility of that family…and the fact that there is absolutely no ‘entitlement’ to support.
None at all.
Yet…over a billion dollars per year is funded through MOH:DSS…when I have the time I will find out how much of that goes to paying for actual hands on care, and how much is consumed by the bureaucracy.
I don’t see the broken system changing either…but I also don’t want to be a citizen of a country that treats disabled people like crap…so, we’ll keep squeaking away, giving the can another kick.
Slightly off point of what you have been saying Rosemary McDonald. But maybe the finger should be pointed at some of these piss poor providers.
Two which spring to mind without much effort on my part as bloody awful service providers or dis-service providers to disable people are:
Deaf Aotearoa
http://www.deaf.org.nz/
and
Work Bridge
http://workbridgeincorporated.virtuozzo.co.nz/?page=1
Bureaucratic and wasteful of public money.
Both great at adding extra paper work, and time wasting tools to disabled peoples lives.
Old organisations re-branded for the 21st century, to look as P.C as possible.
Both really good at hiding there institutionalized racism under a great PR face.
Adam- Some years ago now the response I got from Workbridge was “You’re unemployable, go away” (direct quote). Needless to say I do not hold them in high regard.
Interesting you say institutionalised racisism, because they are also well know for despising certain “categories” of disability and extreme discrimination. For many years it was well known that they didn’t want to know you if you didn’t “look” disabled. I’ve heard conflicting reports in recent years about their change in attitude there so couldn’t say what they’re like now. Obviously I won’t have anything to do with them.
“…the finger should be pointed at some of these piss poor providers.”
Now that, Adam, is a post all of it’s own.
Snouts in the trough…and if they don’t perform to an acceptable standard…you know where the fault will lie?
“Bureaucratic and wasteful of public money.
Both great at adding extra paper work, and time wasting tools to disabled peoples lives.”
In a nutshell.
Why does Pete want an even higher recidivism level than we have now? Pete would rather that penal policy be a vehicle for Pete’s pathetic vengeance fantasies, rather than the crime prevention strategy that works all over the world.
Pete’s attitudes and behaviour cause more crime, then Pete throws his toys and refuses to accept responsibility.
What kind of trash behaves like that?
PS: Pete is a late newcomer to his handle. I don’t believe the original Pete deserves to be associated with low-life.
Bribery and corruption and the TPP:
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/01/29/top-tpp-negotiator-resigns-over-bribery-allegations-10000-people-demand
“Corporate Crime Runs Rampant”
Following the Law is optional for some of the mega corporations. And here we are about to sign away our future and our children’s futures to such as these? http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/01/29/corporate-crime-runs-rampant-thanks-rigged-system-elizabeth-warren
Brilliant article by Dita de Boni about the TPPA and how the establishment smears those who oppose it.
It’s also a very brave article given the current North Korean media mentality in NZ. Anyone questioning Dear Leader loses their job, it seems.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/dita-deboni-the-smear-campaign-against-people-who-oppose-tppa-has-almost-stifled-proper-debate
It is worth noting that the subprime market in the US did not cause the GFC, as debone says. It was merely the spark that ignited the GFC. The GFC was caused by the unsustainable financial system that we have.
It is still not sustainable today.
Excerpt:
“The smear campaign against people who oppose the TPPA – or see much to question in it – has almost completely stifled proper debate about this game-changing deal.
“Doubters have been called ‘children’, hippies, dirty lefties, communists, ‘anti-trade’, and much worse.
“Even if they are respected economists, doctors, business leaders or even revered rugby players, they are in for a drubbing for questioning the TPPA.”
Not sure about the “almost” (stifling debate) – If there has been any open public debate on the signing, in NZ mainstream media, then I think I’ve missed it.
Saw one guy on news last night, part of anti TPP car rally, when asked what he did not like about TPP, 10 second pause and then something inane about petrol prices going up Talk about gullible been led
Yep red 0.7% improvement really good by 2030 eh.
Just who has been gullible then?
i suggest the benefits are underestimated as per previous trade agreements, the real issue as articulated by Helen is the cost of opting out.
“i suggest the benefits are underestimated
Yep as I though Gullible.
“ i suggest the benefits are underestimated as per previous trade agreements
A “reckon” does not an argument make.
The costs of opting in far out weight the costs of opting out.
Hey reddelusion, why is it that under the TPPA foreign investors can sue the government if it causes them losses through legitimate law changes but domestic investors have no such ability? Why do foreigners enjoy extra and substantial rights over us?
Wayne Mapp cannot answer this – maybe you can with your amazing insight
Umm maybe vto becuase you are party to a trade agreement that by default reflects cross border transactions and international business , if you are domestic company you are not involved in a such but nz businesses have the same reciprocal rights if they trade internationally. There always have been differences between international and local commerce, just look at tax as one, nz fight with oz over access to apples etc, This is not new and just a red herring, not the end of the world and been over egged to the max,
🙄
I suggest you will get the egging – all over your face.
NZ is already treading water and holding back on legislation it can no longer introduce – at the continued cost of hundreds of NZ lives and heavy medical costs – because it is now a party to ISDS disputes under the Chinese FTA.
No Reddelusion, you miss the issue. Try again.
It’s not a free trade agreement.
It’s a forced trade agreement.
“Talk about gullible been led”
Yeah, the odds are he probably voted for National.
You don’t think he was set up my the ‘news crew’? I mean out of all the people there they had to choose him right? Gullible indeed.
No need to run straight to media bias:
Option a) they chose one person, turned out he couldn’t think on his feet (bad luck)
Option b) they chose many people, selected an average example because most couldn’t think on their feet (good reporting)
Option c) they chose many people, selected the worst exception (media bias)
Option d) they showed many people, red’s memory only registers a skewed reflection of the one who matches red’s delusion. (source bias)
Option e) they chose one person, red’s memory only registers a skewed reflection in order to conform to red’s delusion. (source bias)
lol
“Doubters have been called ‘children’, hippies, dirty lefties, communists, ‘anti-trade’, and much worse.”
That “much worse” is true. Someone posted a link here on TS yesterday which, when followed through, claimed that people on the left who opposed the TPP (and they specifically named several well known people) encouraged “violence against people and property”. (my emph) I will see if I can dig up that comment and link.
http://nominister.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/the-profile-of-those-opposed-to-tppa.html#links
“So, if we look at those who oppose the signing of the TPPA… on the Left, assorted anarchists aided and abetted by the likes of the Bomber Bradburys, Sue Bradfords, John Mintos and Hone Harawiras of this world who believe in ‘direct action’ read violence against people and property) (emph added)
Bernard Hickey on the Auckland housing bubble.
‘Yet there are plenty of similarities. The debt under America’s housing bubble was only sustainable with very low interest rates forever. Anyone supremely confident about Auckland’s housing market simply needs to answer the question: how would it cope with 10 per cent mortgage rates and a 10 per cent unemployment rate. Unlikely right now, but plausible over the long run.’
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11582389
One big difference here is in the U.S. Mortgage are non recourse loans, you can just walk away and leave the keys in letter box, not the case here
Did you read his article?
Just did and I see hickey agrees with me, he simply raises the ? If interest rates rise to 10 pc what would happen, why not 20, why not 30, of course there is a tipping point but the US example is very different to NZ, ( the housing market itself, non recourse loans, Problem was US wide, key driver was Fannie Mae and fanny Mac, both gov institutions set up to encourage house ownership, creation of mortgage back bonds and the derivatives market that grew around these underlying bonds, level of sub prime mortgages and fraud etc etc ) By the way great movie the big short
Yes, Bernard says that in the article. Perhaps you should have read it.
I know he said that.
Then qualified it by saying he have worrying similarities.
You need to learn how threaded comments work. I was replying to Reddelusion, not you.
Sorry – do understand threads but did not look carefully
Modest turn out at TPP protest, in the 10s, a petition of 4000, hardly a sign of huge anti sentiment against TPP, I suggest labour on a real loser here, can they go below 22pc , suggest not. That’s their bedrock close mind support
Andrew Little’s ‘State of the Nation’ speech time has been brought forward by an hour
Who is organising this, late changes to the time, maybe less people attending certainly disorganisation, white anting anyone?
Cold be something to do with this.
I wouldn’t want to be outdoors when it hits, especially under trees or in a rotunda.
http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/auckland/auckland-central
Looks like they’re pushing their luck http://metvuw.com/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain®ion=nzni&noofdays=10
“Looks like they’re pushing their luck”
Lucky indeed for us here in the Waikato. An hour of torrential rain, accompanied by rolling thunder and lightning.
Preceded by an hour of rolling thunder…with us scanning Mt Pirongia and begging the rain falling there to come our way.
At a rough guesstimate, we collected about 10,000 litres in our water tanks.
This is gold in the middle of summer.
Bummer about the cricket though.
Crikey, lucky you indeed! Pretty dry down south too despite a cold summer.
I understand the reason is because heavy, thundery showers have been forecast from about mid-afternoon so they’ve brought the time forward in the hope they will miss them. They have also advised members by email “to bring an umbrella”. If it buckets down, they’ve arranged to move to a nearby venue (prob. in the university) but they would want to avoid that if possible.
‘Foxcatcher’ is a great film, based on fact, which shows what can happen when the poncy self-entitled wealthy takeover the lives and education of the impoverished gifted…exploitation, self delusion, self aggrandisement, abuse….and the destruction of excellence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8361stZ8n0w
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxcatcher
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1100089/
Labour is on to an Election winner if it makes Tertiary education FREE for New Zealand’s best and brightest youth .
“Tertiary education FREE for New Zealand’s best and brightest youth”
Who gets to define that? Or do you mean anyone that wishes to enroll in tertiary education?
To spell it out: at the moment Tertiary education is for the often mediocre children of the NZ wealthy , especially at post grad level…and overseas paying students
New Zealand ‘A’ grade students ( NZs best and brightest) who have been invited to do honours by their universites have often been forced to decline
…They already have $40,000 + debt for undergrad degrees( unless they have rich parents who pay for them)
….and jonkey Nactional has ensured there are no more student loans for these ‘A’ grade students invited and wishing to do further postgrad degrees…(and if there were more student loans it would increase their debt further)
No young New Zealander should be forced into debt to pursue an education for which they are entitled and able
This is why Labour is on to a winner by making undergraduate and other Tertiary studies free
Meanwhile We continual to underfund our schooling system, IMO better to adequately fund the education for every school at the expense of tertiary and the benefit of the few.
Good graphic showing equality vs equity,
http://interactioninstitute.org/illustrating-equality-vs-equity/
What is equity? In the simplest terms, it means fairness, which is not necessarily the same thing as equality.
It’s not about everybody getting the same thing,” Parker said. “It’s about everybody getting what they need in order to improve the quality of their situation.”
Not sure how true this is but it’s amusing,
From now on every post about Donald Trump on the Huffington Post will carry the following disclaimer:
Note to our readers: Donald Trump is a serial liar, rampant xenophobe, racist, birther and bully who has repeatedly pledged to ban all Muslims — 1.6 billion members of an entire religion — from entering the U.S.
http://realtimepolitics.com/2016/01/30/huffington-post-adding-disclaimer-to-all-posts-about-donald-trump/
Example,
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-foundation-charity_us_56aa90bae4b00b033aae659f
Heh! Imagine if the equivalent was happening in media over here – any articles about certain serial liars contained a disclaimer to that effect.
Yeah although to be fair they’d have to use a lot more ink on disclaimers than the Huffington Post.
Just read Heather du Plessis’ column in the Herald and wonder what planet she is on. Where did she buy this house in Auckland? Where I live on the North Shore we have been inundated with immigrants to our suburb – they just LOVE the North Shore – I don’t know if it is the brick homes/no maintenance thingee or the proximity to private schools and the university, the beaches or whatever. In our street alone we now have 4 lone standing European NZ owners and the rest are Asian which has to be now about 95% ownership. No problems with us, mainly they keep their homes tidy and are quiet, absent owners are a trial as they leave their properties unkempt is the only bugbear as it brings down the value of the area. The only negative is, it has meant a slow evacuation of our NZ neighbours from the street and an isolation for the remaining left with language difficulties, cultural problems and a real sense of dislocation in our street life and interactions with neighbours.
We probably will leave in the end because of this scenario – do these demographers ever research how this affects communities. I see in the future NZ Aucklanders will be forced out of AK because of rate increases and the cost of living plus the sense we are losing our city by a thousand cuts to immigrants with bottomless pockets. The latest house to be sold was bought by a Chinese man for his 21 year old son – it was $1.5 million – how can ordinary New Zealanders in our low wage economy ever compete with that. Just my grouch for the day.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11582356
I believe same problems around Kumeu with absent owners and land banking.
As to blame, at the macro level you can blame neoliberal system that promotes greed and selfish motivation.
Both domestic and overseas speculators are to blame as they snap up properties, driving up prices so young people can’t afford a home to live in.
Of course, much is speculation and anecdotal because our corporate government doesn’t collect data on how many houses some speculators own.
Yep you can blame me…..
Sold our property in Coatesville (near Kumeu for those not familiar with the area) to a Chinese buyer – who has never visited the property in 6 years as far as I know. Rented out to a kiwi couple.
Interesting discussion on the machinations of chinese funding for these properties.
It was a very long settlement in our case, and now I understand why!
And fair enough too.
This from the start of Labour’s policy on Future of Education, announced today –
“Labour’s Working Futures Plan will provide three years of free post-school education across a person’s life so New Zealanders can thrive in the 21st century economy.
The nature of work is changing constantly. To compete into the future and seize opportunities as they arise we need one of the best educated workforces in the world.
Our Working Futures Plan means that no matter what path someone wants to take after school, be it university or an apprenticeship, they will be able to gain the skills they need to succeed without being shackled with years of debt.
It will be available throughout a person’s lifetime, so that it can be used for retraining or if someone changes career part way through their working life………
When will socialist ever learn.
There is no such thing as ‘free’.
There is no money tree.
Most Kiwis understand this, why not socialists ?
Nothing in the policy suggests it’s free – it’s costed and paid for.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22000973
You may be surprised to find out what social class you are in.
Apparently I’m traditional working class so no, I’m not surprised.
Result: the class group you most closely match is:
Traditional working class
This class group scores low for economic, social and cultural factors, but they do have some financial security. According to the Great British Class Survey results, lots of people in this group:
Own their own home
Are older
Tend to mix socially with people similar to themselves
Fizzi please go away, this thread is on a New Zealand blog why would we want to do a so-called class test that you have found in a site based in England? or are you a recent immigrant from the UK.?
Class was one of the reasons for my forbears emigrating to New Zealand in the mid 19th century.
You do realise also don’t you that England is where the Union Jack comes from , it is their Flag. Yep that’s right the very same as the miniature version of it that sits in the top left corner of our New Zealand Ensign/Flag.
I hope John, your leader. doesn’t read this , he could be a bit upset that his favourite stirrer favours the Union Jack the very symbol on a flag that he is trying to get rid of.
Funny old world innit?
sad is to insignificant a word to describe this ‘natural’ desaster
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-30/fire-ravages-world-heritage-area-tasmania-central-plateau/7127300
Wilderness photographer and bushwalker Dan Broun has just returned from the Central Plateau.
Vision he filmed shows how the fires have raced through the area, which is home to unique alpine flora including pencil pines, king billy pines and cushion plants, some more than 1,000 years old.
Mr Broun walked four hours into the bushfire affected areas on Saturday.
“The scene is complete and utter devastation. There is kilometres of burnt ground, everything is dead,” he said.
He said small pockets of areas protected by rock escaped the fire.
“I also witnessed devastated wildlife; burnt wallabies, dead wombats and the like,” said Mr Broun.