Open mike 31/03/2016
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6:00 am, March 31st, 2016 - 68 comments
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Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...2 days ago
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The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...3 days ago
- Release: Why not both? Luxon shuns Waitangi celebrations
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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. ...3 days ago - Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession
The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...3 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...4 days ago
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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. ...4 days ago
- Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders
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. ...4 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
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. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
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. ...5 days ago
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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. ...5 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...5 days ago
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- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
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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. ...6 days ago
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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. ...6 days ago
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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. ...6 days ago
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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. ...6 days ago
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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. ...6 days ago
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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. ...1 week ago
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The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
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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. ...1 week ago
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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. ...1 week ago
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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. ...1 week ago
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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. ...1 week ago
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Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
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The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
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Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
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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. ...2 weeks ago
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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. ...2 weeks ago
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The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
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- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
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- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
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- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
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- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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Does this explain Simon Bridges’ permanent air of dazed bovine contentment?
I’m sure this contract was completely above board, for example.
Meanwhile, a month earlier… That must have been embarrassing!
I wonder what induced Bridges to award the contract despite the bribery scandal. Bovine contentment?
Ah, I have my contract dates mixed up – the Leighton Holdings job had already been awarded. Totes legit then.
I’m so thankful that NZ is touted as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. In fact I’m pretty sure Nat MP Paul Foster-Bell said this on Waatea 5th Estate just the other night.
Hearing those words encourages me when I think I hear a large company that uses bribery to get oil contracts overseas also won the $1 billion Transmission Gully project, and that our Government will be paying them undisclosed millions in “maintenance” costs for the next 25 years once the road is built. Fills me with hope.
I don’t think that’s hope you’re being filled with.
Good link in particular
“After the US-led coalition won the second gulf war, it went to guard the oil ministry – leaving the Baghdad museum undefended to be looted of its treasures.
But they did not save the oil industry from thieves. The Unaoil files reveal that Western companies, in concert with Iraq’s new elite, themselves began a sustained campaign of looting.”
The invasion of Iraq was to seize their oil. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11!
Undoubtedly !
( this is in answer to OAB at1. )
One Anonymous Bloke, when you are casting about your unsubstantiated nasturtiums that our politicians are in the pay of the oil industry…, Why do you stop at Simon Bridges?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11164241
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10822510
Corruption on a massive scale.
http://www.theage.com.au/interactive/2016/the-bribe-factory/day-1/the-company-that-bribed-the-world.html
Also see http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/78400473/unaoil-bribery-scandal-codenames-subterfuge-and-the-global-money-trail
I hope they’ll be releasing the emails.
+1 Tautoko MangÅ Mata
Why this is important:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/corruption-and-global-security/7249178
This was written in July last year but it is interesting seeing the Trump quotes.
https://theintercept.com/2015/07/30/politicians-admitting-obvious-fact-money-affects-vote/
The problem here is that the crims have a ready-made apparatus just waiting for them. It’s called The National Party.
Reichert: Ways & Means GOP Form Five Working Groups On TPP Problems
House Ways & Means Committee Republicans have formed five working groups addressing their objections to the Trans-Pacific Partnership that cover biologic medicines, financial services data localization, tobacco, agricultural market access and “elevated labor obligations,” trade subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) said in an interview this week.
http://insidetrade.com/
Here come the changes! Here’s how they will do it. Time to wake up, NZ!
HOW THE US FORCED AUSTRALIA TO REWRITE ASPECTS OF ITS COPYRIGHT LAW DURING CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE AUSFTA
http://tppnocertification.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AUSFTA-certification-memo-Feb-2015.pdf
30 March 2016
<blockquoteKey Holds Door Open To TPP Changes, But Only After Deal Is Implemented
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Wednesday (March 30) signaled that his country is not open to changing the terms of the Trans-Pacific Partnership before it enters into force but that tweaks to the deal could occur as additional countries join in the future. He also warned that failure to bring the TPP into force would bolster the Chinese-led effort to conclude the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
http://insidetrade.com/
Exactly as Lori Wallach noted…..funny that.
Good morning TMM, I think you need too put the > at the end of blockquote as well.
& “</blockquote" at the end of the quote too (I find it quickest to type that at the end, then copy paste it to the top and delete the slash).
I do appreciate TMM's comments, they often contain information and links that I haven't come across myself.
Of course TMM’s good value. 😉
Reported on RNZ that Key in USA has told them that they must not build a wall to keep Mexico out. (That’s sorted then.)
And that the USA must go ahead with TPPA because he said it is good. (He should know as he is a very very wise man. Sorted then.)
+1 ianmac
+ 100% lol, ianmac
I heard that there was more of an issue keeping US citizens out of Mexico. Apparently there are better job prospects over the border.
I heard that if T-rump is POTUS the Mexicans will build and willingly pay for their own wall.
Yep, and the audience would have had John-Oliver-inspired images of Key , the South Pacific banana republic, ponytail-pulling, and flag-changing floating through their heads as Key spoke.
That’s why they laughed at his comments.
And this first article shows again, why all of our hair pulling and gosh who will think of the future in regards to climate change literally is just hogwash to appease the masses.
We are still knocking down houses – in a city with a housing crisis – to build a fucking carpark, so people can drive their arses to a park and go for a run. Never mind the perfectly good houses that will get knocked down. No its important that the office drones of Auckland get to exercises their bony behinds in a park that they need to drive too. Cause walking there would be an abomination. OR something.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/78338710/tenants-lose-homes-in-monte-cecilia-park-extension
“Everyone I’ve spoken to is really concerned they won’t find a new place.
“Everything in my price range is run down or full of mould. A lot of people can’t afford to pay $1000 a week for a four-bedroom house.” quote end.
If the Governemnt does not want to be in the business of housing, could it get rid of Nick Smith mInister of housing or something like this. We could save the wages paid to this looser, he could try his hand in the free market and no one would be worse off….well maybe the company that would hire the looser. But hey the market would fix that one too.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/78384251/protests-over-transfer-of-2800-east-auckland-state-houses-heat-up
Rolling protests against the transfer of 2800 Auckland state houses to a redevelopment company are set to come to a head on Thursday.
The Tamaki Housing Group has been protesting outside the Tamaki Regeneration Company (TRC) offices in the suburb of Glen Innes since Tuesday.
The group is against the Government’s controversial decision to transfer the ownership and management of 2800 states houses to the TRC on April 1.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/78326933/southland-houses-more-than-three-times-cheaper-than-auckland
Quote: ” A stable population, strong job market and a high quality of living also made Southland an ideal market to buy a house in, Ellis said.”
Well if there is such a strong job market and high quality of living why can’t we send some of the new migrants down to live in Invercargill? Surely there must be plenty of ‘business opportunities’ that the savvy overseas investment migrant can invest in in order to receive his residence permit? ‘T’would be a win for all, Auckland would have a few thousand migrants less flocking into Akl, and Invercargill would get a bit of ‘business investors money’ flowing in.
@Sabine
Just heard the news on The Sound, hardly indepth or searching (but great music!) but they were reporting the surge in unemployed youth, they were doing a weird angle about them joining the army or something, but rockstar economy has casualties.
This is a sad story.
Shandra Woworuntu: My life as a sex-trafficking victim
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35846207
Very much worth reading.
National and their “budgets” are playing us all for a bunch of suckers, like the audience of a magic show: http://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/80818/cam-preston-accuses-government-managing-countrys-finances-according-magicians-theory
Is it possible that Catherine Delahunty is in the firing line for her having embarrassed Dr Smith by asking very good questions about clean water QT yesterday, that he could not/would not answer?
Sorry. Mixed Sue Moroney with Catherine.
Still, Catherine did embarrass the Nicked Smith over clean water questions.
Just another irrational basic income supporter…
http://imgur.com/1lXOSel
Glory Days
Just been researching some polls from 2002
Example: Herald-DigiPoll (July 2002)
Labour Down 1 point to 51%
National Down 1 point to 25%
ACT Up 1 point to 6%
They don’t make ’em like that anymore.
examination of the transition from then to, say, 2008 might be interesting
Yes it would, I think National had the funds, organization to recover. Plus they got a leader JK with no political baggage. Remember too that they nearly won in 2005. Is Labour as ready for a recovery, i am not so sure the next election being just 18 months away.
How low can trump supporters go?
It seems quite low…
The girl had punched in the face a grey haired Trump supporter in his 60s moments before that.
He sexually assaulted her.
In a statement, the police department said: “A 15 year [old] girl from Janesville was peppered sprayed in the crowd by a non-law enforcement person… A male in the (crowd) groped the 15 year [old] girl, when she pushed him away; another person in the (crowd) sprayed her. We are currently looking for two suspects, one for the sexual assault and one for the pepper spray”.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/15-year-old-pepper-sprayed-outside-donald-trump-rally/
It’s an alleged sexual assault. There are plenty of witnesses right there, men and women, so let’s see what the police can gather in terms of statements.
No, it’s a reported sexual assault.
The “grey haired Trump supporter in his 60s” is the alleged offender.
As I said, there are dozens of witnesses right there, men and women, and film footage too, so lets see what the police can make of it.
You’d be amazed at how easy it is to miss surreptitious actions in a crowd. That’s why pickpockets and gropers love crowds.
But the difference between saying a sexual assault against a 15yo was “alleged” vs the assault being “reported” and the suspect being “alleged” is pretty fundamental.
Looked to me like that older guy was there at the Trump event with someone who may have been his wife or female partner.
dude, seriously?
Even if you could read the matrix and determine their relationship status from that clip, why would that matter? Is knowing a woman some forcefield against sexually assaulting girls?
Why would it matter? It would matter in court, in front of a jury, of course.
lol
now you know what the jury will be thinking when faced with testimony you know will be presented from the woman you know to be his partner to defend him from the allegation of a 15yo girl that you know will go to jury trial rather than being plead out after you know charges will be filed….
Quite the victim blamer, aren’t you?
“The girl had punched in the face a grey haired Trump supporter in his 60s moments before that.”
@CV, citation?
All I found was this,
“A male in the [crowd] groped the 15-year-old] girl, when she pushed him away; another person in the [crowd] sprayed her. We are currently looking for two suspects, one for the sexual assault and one for the pepper spray.”
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/mar/30/us-election-2016-live-clinton-sanders-trump-cruz-kasich-campaign
Or this, maybe you can point out where the punch is,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/donald-trump/12207176/Teenager-groped-and-pepper-sprayed-at-Wisconsin-Donald-Trump-rally.html
She’s making a fist with her hand which is visible in the video footage and then at some point she lashes out with it. From the camera angle I can’t see if her fist connected with anything more than thin air, but she throws a punch outwards alright.
Timestamp? I can’t see it. Is the grey-haired guy you refer to the one clearly visible on the left?
lol
And mr redhat is there to save the day, pepper spray at the ready in his hand just in case a 15 year old girl gets upset at being groped. What a hero.
Of course, using pepper spray in a crowded area to address a small issue within the hyped-up crowd can cause lethal stampedes.
It’s the mr redhat, who I made the original low comment about.
The waiting, and then slinking back to hide back into the crowd, what a low life.
I forgot that that Pepper spray could have broader consequences, good call McFlock.
As the girl is being led away following the assault someone in the crowd yells goddamn communist nigger lover! get out of here!
Candace Smith Verified account
@CandaceSmith_
EXCLUSIVE vid shows teen get pepper sprayed after shoving protester, called a bitch & “n****r lover” at Trump rally
https://twitter.com/CandaceSmith_/status/715149785083297792
edit:
Candace Smith Verified account
@CandaceSmith_
NEW: Janesville Police release photo of the man they think pepper sprayed teen yesterday outside of Trump rally.
https://twitter.com/CandaceSmith_/status/715218331318534145/photo/1
Harry Potter’s little brother?
The incident.
That a full shot of the low life at the end who did the pepper spray.
And he’s smiling like cheshire cat, sickening.
At 27 seconds she lashes out with her right hand/fist at the older guys face, unknown whether she actually connects or not. This was after she pushed forward through the crowd towards him for several seconds, against people trying to hold her back.
As for the guy who pepper sprayed her, yep, he’s a bit of a sadistic sociopath.
…while she repeatedly accused him of touching her breast.
And yet none of the drumpfoids thought to get his name, or detain him for the police to sort it out.
I hope she did connect. At least he’d have to explain how he got a scratch to his face – good way to identify him later.
perhaps the witnesses – male and female – standing closest to the apparent sexual assault victim didn’t think the old man had done anything. So didn’t feel the need to record his name or apprehend him.
Her violence wasn’t really necessary or productive. And it clearly wasn’t self defence, from the videos.
She might end up charged herself.
15yo girl charged with assaulting person she claims sexually assaulted her?
Good luck with that.
Plenty of video evidence. And if he has a nice scratch or contusion to the face, that’s the case made.
Maybe if the sherriff is a drumpf supporter.
Guy makes assault complaint against 15yo girl. Girl gets teeny fine and good behaviour bond because it’s at most minor end of scale. Here we don’t even bother with diversion for that.
But groping an underage girl? He has to introduce himself to any new neighbours for the rest of his life.
Investigators recommend disorderly conduct charge against young female anti-Trump protestor
Some didn’t see this obvious one coming.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/668901b477b24b6da498083af6d37f9c/cops-find-man-accused-pepper-spraying-girl-trump-rally
Disorderly conduct? Not assault or gbh? oooooo tragic to see a youngster go off the rails so soon in life…
On more cheerful news regarding a topic that caused much controversy here at TS a year or two back: WHO have declared an end to the West-African ebole-related Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
“Exponential rate of growth” or not, we didn’t end up with a Walking Dead scenario, which is nice.
“The main substantive achievement of neoliberalism has been the redistribution of wealth, rather than to generate, wealth and income.”