Spy scandals – today’s required reading
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- Date published:
11:24 am, August 1st, 2013 - 72 comments
Categories: accountability, john key, Media, national, Spying -
Tags: andrea vance, GCSB, Spying
Here’s today’s required reading (so far) in the ongoing spy scandals that are swirling around John Key and his fiasco of a government.
Andrea Vance speaks out:
Spy scandal journalist speaks out
In other circumstances, I could probably find something to laugh about in revelations that the journalist who broke a story about illegal spying was snooped on by Parliament’s bureaucrats.
Let alone the irony that the reporter previously worked for the News of the World, the tabloid at the centre of a privacy violation scandal. But I am that journalist and I’m mad as hell.
Anyone who has had their confidential details hacked and shared around has the right to be angry. My visit to Speaker David Carter’s office on Tuesday left me reeling. …
Now the Speaker and Prime Minister John Key claim a cock-up (by a low-level contractor) over conspiracy.
Forgive me if those assurances ring hollow. …
What has got my goat is the casting aside of something we journalists hold very precious: press freedom. …
Key insists that he “values the role of the fourth estate”. He might well cherish the opportunities it gives him to beam into our living rooms at teatime, but it has become rather obvious that this government has a casual disregard for media’s true role as an independent watchdog.
Journalists were dismissed in a tantrum as “knuckleheads”. The teapot tapes fiasco – when Key laid a complaint about eavesdropping on a personal conversation – led to police raids on newsrooms. This week, the Defence Force stood accused of monitoring the phone calls of war correspondent Jon Stephenson, a man whose credibility Key has previously impugned. That contempt for the press continued yesterday with the obfuscation around what Henry had actually requested. …
I don’t want an apology. But I wish both men would do New Zealand’s media the courtesy of taking responsibility for the unreasonable activities undertaken by that inquiry, which undermined the freedoms I and my colleagues hold so dear.
Vance’s admission that this burns so much because it happened to her personally is crucial. We all feel this way, more concerned about our own well-being than others. Journalists, with the greatest of respect, you need to see this government as an attack on you personally, and do a better job at informing the public about what is really going on.
Next up, Claire Trevett:
GCSB saga becoming National’s version of hell
There have been more plot twists in the saga of the GCSB, the leak to Fairfax reporter Andrea Vance and the Parliamentary Service than in Game of Thrones.
Not quite as many stabby deaths though, so I guess that’s a mercy.
Once upon a time there was an inquiry into the spy agency the Government Communications Security Bureau. Then there was an inquiry into the inquiry after the first inquiry was leaked to Vance in advance. Now there is yet another inquiry, by Parliament’s privileges committee, into the issues thrown up by the second inquiry, which was the inquiry into the inquiry.
Perhaps if the Privileges Committee enquiry goes bad we can get the GCSB to conduct an enquiry into that, and thus complete the circle?
Nonetheless, the GCSB bill’s critics have used the Vance case to highlight their claims that the Government cannot be trusted with the personal details of New Zealanders. It couldn’t have been worse timing for the Government, which has been on the charm offensive trying to persuade voters that it could indeed be trusted. …
It was the 2001 Twin Tower attacks in New York that prompted the overhaul of security at Parliament and transformed it into a place in which staff and the media who work there need to swipe if they so much as wish to blow their noses. That system was put in place to protect against security threats. But, as has become clear, the information gathered under it is used for completely different purposes.
“Completely different purposes”. New spying powers in NZ won’t be used on non-existant terrorists, they will be used on journalists, activists, anyone that the government-of-the-day doesn’t like.
Let’s move on to the always excellent Gordon Campbell:
Gordon Campbell on the Vance phone scandal
Pity the poor Prime Minister. The phone records of Fairfax reporter Andrea Vance? Don’t look at him. Once again, John Key has been let down by his minions, or by the people who were misled or intimidated into compliance by his staff’s overtures, either through fear or ignorance. Not Key’s fault either way. Scout’s honour, he never asked for, looked at, or did anything improper with respect to that woman. Even though his own chief of staff Wayne Eagleson had asked the hapless Parliamentary Services staff to supply all of the relevant information being asked for, to the Henry inquiry. Nothing to do with Key. Eagleson must have gone rogue. Or David Henry – can we blame him? Some faceless Parliamentary Services contractor? Anyone?
Thus we have the latest example of alleged prime ministerial ignorance of what is happening in his own office (over Vance) in his own portfolio areas (over the GCSB’s involvement in an unprecedented FBI /NZ Police raid) and in his own electorate, over the presence of a certain German billionaire. Didn’t know, can’t remember, not his call, don’t blame him. Quite some time ago, these professions of prime ministerial non-responsibility became literally incredible. Do we really have a PM and SIS/GCSB minister whose attention span on the job seems comparable to Homer Simpson at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant? Pass that man another doughnut.
There’s a simpler explanation. Whether you read the Vance phone records scandal as (a) the product of a hands on, top down attempt to nail the culprit who leaked the Kitteridge report, or (b) as an error sparked by a bullying demand emanating from the PM’s office – Key is ultimately responsible. Either way, it illustrates just why the GCSB Bill should be scrapped or sidelined. Because plainly, the current political masters of the security services cannot be trusted not to use private information for their own political ends. …
While the media has a special role in a democracy – one we can always perform better – the violation of Vance’s privacy is a prospect now facing every citizen in the country under the GCSB Bill. The boundaries of privacy are being erased for no discernible reason, and in the abscence of any proportionate threat. Peter Dunne, who holds the casting vote on the legislation, feels OK about that. But who will be watching the watchers? Why, it will be the same kind of people – in key respects, the very same people – who brought about the Andrea Vance scandal.
As usual, Campbell nails the big picture. This piece should be required reading for every MP in Parliament. Hey Peter Dunne, are you really going to vote for more GCSB spying? Really?
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- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homesThe National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on mediaThe action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...1 week ago
- Landlord Government leaves little hope for rentersThe Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...1 week ago
- Opportunity to build a more sustainable economyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...1 week ago
- Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust pastA significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environmentNew Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to GovernmentTens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt makes U-turn on Suicide Prevention OfficeLabour welcomes the Government’s U-turn on the closure of the Suicide Prevention Office, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...1 week ago
- CCC issues warning over further climate delayToday’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets lame and lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets are lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Commitment to disability communities missing from Govt prioritiesMinister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Methane target review is dangerous duplicationThe Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government must commit to school building project for disabled studentsThe Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...53 mins ago - Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...1 hour ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...1 hour ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...4 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...15 hours ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...21 hours ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...22 hours ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...24 hours ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...1 day ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...1 day ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...1 day ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...1 day ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...2 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...2 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...3 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...3 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...3 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...4 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...7 days ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...7 days ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Government redress for Te Korowai o WainuiāruaThe Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...1 week ago
- Focus on outstanding minerals permit applicationsNew Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “While there are no set timeframes for ...1 week ago
- Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research CallThe New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...1 week ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreement
The contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...21 mins ago - Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...25 mins ago - Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...26 mins ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...55 mins ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...55 mins ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānau
The Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...1 hour ago - NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...3 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...3 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...4 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...
Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...4 hours ago - ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...4 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...4 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...4 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...4 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...5 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...5 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...5 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...5 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...5 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...5 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...6 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...8 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...8 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago - Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...8 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...8 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...8 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...8 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Ethnic tensions will complicate the Albanese government’s multicultural policy ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...14 hours ago
- Group plans work to improve safety of female MPsNew research shows harassment of elected officials - especially women - is on the rise. ...15 hours ago
- Ukraine warns of WW3 ahead of long-stalled Congress aid voteUkraine's Prime Minister says his country desperately needs the US to approve long-stalled security assistance. ...17 hours ago
- PSA astonished Education Minister expects hiring of contractors to review curriculumHiring contractors is an appalling solution when people who could do the work are losing their jobs, the PSA says. ...18 hours ago
- Crown lawyers attempt to block Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for ChildrenThe Tribunal had called on Minister for Children Karen Chhour to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...19 hours ago
- Luxon refuses to guarantee public consultation on AUKUS Pillar 2Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's "far too premature" to be confirming whether the public would be consulted on joining AUKUS Pillar 2. ...20 hours ago
- Visualising the 1800s or designing wedding invitations: 6 ways you can use AI beyond generating textSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University Midjourney image by T.J. Thomson As more than half of Australian office workers report using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work, we’re starting to see this technology affect every ...20 hours ago
- Falls, fractures and self-harm: 4 charts on how kids’ injury risk changes over time and differs fo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nicole Sharwood, Injury epidemiologist | Expert Witness, UNSW Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Injuries are the leading cause of disability and death among Australian children and adolescents. At least a quarter of all emergency department presentations during childhood are injury-related. Injuries can ...20 hours ago
- Choice and control: will NDIS reforms mean people with disability don’t get to decide who they liv...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University Shutterstock/Ground Picture Many Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late ...21 hours ago
- Asbestos in playground mulch: how to avoid a repeat of this circular economy scandalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Salman Shooshtarian, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University Salman Shooshtarian Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the health of their ...21 hours ago
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Don’t worry folks…….it’s all for our own protection.
Michael Moore: frighten the population.
What a despicable man !
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8990498/Kiwis-trained-by-al-Qaeda-PM
OK ShonKey Python. What you gonna say when Kim Dotcom releases the audio/visual proof that you knew about him way before you repeatedly misled the House with assurances you knew nothing of him ?
What……you had to maintain cover ? Al-Qaeda was sitting up in Speaker’s Gallery ?
John’s got a serious case of douche backup. He’s played all his cards except the joker… weapons of mass destruction anyone? 😆
But ..terrorists!
Looking forward to Key stumping up with the evidence for this out there claim. The phrase ‘jumping the shark’ seems apt.
Can you explain the magical quality in our water that makes NZ immune to the kind of people most other western nations seem to experience. We should bottle it and export it (taniwhas permitting)
More to the point can you identify any magical democracy embracing quality found in ShonKey Python’s Kool-Aid ?
Zimbaaaaaaaaaaaaweeeeeeeeeeeeee
MugaaaKEy
Why here ? Why now ? Especially why when our favourite islamic fundamentalists are turning on each other in syria ?
Re. “the kind of people most other western nations seem to experience” .. could you, as an
‘insider’, be a bit more specific ?
The nearest islamic country to us is indonesia. Is kopassus about to start directing people
in leaky boats around australia in order to avoid the ruddy ‘manus island’ solution ?
Why the sudden scare campaign ? Is there a snap election in the works ?
Will you be holding your breath ? Does anyone care ?
So you are saying that AUstralia for instance has never had citizens that have joined al qaeda style groups or allowed people into the country that have subsequently championed violent extremism?
And of course we’ve never experienced people like ‘peace campaigners’ suddenly coming across all unpeaceful like by playing with and trading firearms
Lets see .
Terrorist attacks in New Zealand.
1. France sinks the Rainbow warrior.
2. Trades hall bombing.
3. One attempted plane hijacking by a woman who turned out to be not the full quid.
Potential for more. Potential for death or injury to New Zealanders, Almost zero.
Biological breaches of border controls costing billions.
Too many to remember.
Potential for more. Very high.
Potential for death or injury to New Zealanders, if something like the Ross River virus gets established here, rather high.
Where do you think we should be concentrating our efforts to enhance New Zealand security?
Returning to stream cleaning arriving containers, and resourcing MAF/customs properly would do more to ensure New Zealanders security than any amount of ‘intelligence” staff.
This is all about protecting the Government from New Zealanders, when we all realise how much we have been conned, not security!
MPI and customs combined budget $800m. Gcsb and sis, $110m. Seems a reasonable balance
Don’t forget Ernie Abbott no relation of Tony ha ha
It probably was a national party hack who planted that bomb at trade union hall!
what chances of the GSCB uncovering a plot involving the national party they would be the one’ s plotting to blow up a union hall!
Your reference to ‘al qaeda style groups’ should be more specific. There have been press reports of australians joining al nusra, but that is not al qaeda. Its concerns relate to syria ..
http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionID=2528&ChannelID=61001&ArticleID=2848#.Ufhr_5NOKM8
.. in any case your double negative makes a weak case with relevance to Australia and provides no evidence in relation to Aotearoa. Show me evidence at a standard which will stand up in court of law, or cease the innuendo.
There are about a dozen Australian residents or citizens currently in jail there on terrorism charges for a range of conspiracies. A number trained in Islamist camps. our close political, social and economic links justifies maintaining a close watch on such events and for similar risks in NZ.
as for the requirement for court standards of evidence, you’ve never visited a blog before have you?
ps i didnt see no double negative
insider.
If only you had the same concern for the number of suicides which occur in NZ monthly. That’s a real ongoing tragedy in society, not the terror you are trying to spread through irresponsible comments.
I think you need to recall that when the police watched and collected data on supposed “terrorists in our midst” even one time National Party cabinet minister Ross Meurant described the resulting group think by police (and possibly the GCSB – now that we are aware of illegal spying on citizens by that organisation) that emanated as being ‘lost in the forest’ of their owned hyped up imaginations.
I daresay that there are people in NZ who could be persuaded to act against the country with malign intent – but I don’t see how the other 4.2 million of should cede rights to privacy when existing legislation caters for warranted surveillance.
We’re small, out of the way, and tend build more stuff than we blow up (even when we’re taking part in… questionable wars).
Export that.
This.
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130731/11295424020/senator-leahy-calls-bullst-claim-that-metadata-collection-stopped-any-terrorist-attacks.shtml
Yes, Gordon Campbell outstanding as usual.
Exactly. And who amongst the now-claiming-to-be-fourth-estate-and-for-press-freedom MSM journalists, will say as bluntly as G Campbell that the emperor has no clothes. How many times does Key deny all knowledge before he’s sacked for incompetence.
And now key says some kiwis were trained by al queda… the circle is complete
It used to be ‘reds under the bed’. Now it is ‘islamic terrorists’. It is interesting the key is bringing up
al qaeda. Does that make him a zionist / neocon propagandist ?
Nailed it.
It is a bit sad, that, “journalists” /National party propaganda peddlers are only interested in peoples privacy when it affects them.
The Spy scandel stories just keep coming today
Daivd Fisher’s latest in the last hour or so – NZSIS can spy on journalists
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10906598
and NRT’s take on this article
http://www.norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/sis-spies-on-journalists.html
Not to be left out – Vernon Small’s take on the Vance issue
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/8989867/Parliamentary-Service-in-need-of-shakeup
Time for a shake up.
Kweewee and his collection of bohunks think they in the business of running NZ but it doesn’t work like that and there are checks and balances to keep people like them at bay.
Vernon Small is right, for once, and the parliamentary service needs renewal and the people need a new government.
It would not surprise me if a person in Key’s inner or outer circle has a dual role which involves being a government and a GCSB employee or a government and a SIS employee. It could be the tea lady or the toliet cleaner.
Heard his latest?
He’s not going to appear before this latest inquiry because he’s only a bit player. Yeah that’s right, the PM who ordered the inquiries is only a bit player. 🙄
Labour can come out blasting on this one…
“Key evasive, has self-judged inquiry before it even starts”
Played right this can force Key into a very embarrassing climb down.
“Played right this can force Key into a very embarrassing climb down.”
How about resignation?
I think this thing has legs, yes. Just need a sustained and capable Opposition offensive strategy.
Anyone beginning to see a global pattern here? Every time the TPTB want more control somewhere they play the Al Qaeda card. If that doesn’t work it’s the WMD ruse and if that doesn’t work maybe a nice little false flag incident. But hey conspiracies in backrooms between corporate bigwigs and government officials do not happen. No Sir!!!
Nah, nobody except you has noticed. None of the previous posts mentioned it. Thanks for informing us.
Oh, if it isn’t Murray Olsen. The man who loves to censure and ridicule people all over the place. Mister scientific. LOL. Keep at it matey.
Twitter is reporting that Geoff Thorn, head of Parliamentary Services, has resigned. Dotcom takes another one out …
I wonder which National crony will be appointed into the role. Judith Collins must be running out of friends looking for some sweet government job by now.
Parliamentary Service head Geoff Thorn resigns
And what’s the bet that with his three months payout he is on the international flights out of Auckland tonight “for a long planned holiday???” so that he doesn’t have to front the committee?
If we’re all being watched, tracked, will Police speed traps be needed when they can just use GPS phones in cars to measure speeds.
But worse, what gives with Google and Facebook, as we all start switching to encryption and using encrypted social sites, how will they track us to push their adverts on to us? Will they be able to sue the govt for billions, as evidently its going to cost them eyes on their pages.
With the new Key doctrine, arguable legality, where you find a person to come up with an argument that makes illegality arguable, will government be able to inspect any information it has collected illegally? Only then to retrospectively find some one to apply the Key doctrine, like has been done in the Lance breach. like KimDotcom….
People are already asking if the executives in companies like Google and Facebook witheld information from governance boards and investors alike.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/nsa-spying-directly-harms-internet-companies-silicon-valley-california-and-the-entire-u-s-economy/5344541
this is now a major story for beltway politics but however – have your moment of glory. What this has meant a decent person has resigned today. I am sickened that the left have conjured a situation where quite frankly an innocent person is now been made to look unethical.
There is more to follow and here is the worst bit – some very prominent people in the opposition are about to be found out.
I am picking 4 resignations.
the opposition gave Vance’s phone records to the office of the PM? I await the disclosure eagerly.
Fair call
I’m not up with the news. Are you saying that John Key has resigned today? Or what – if it is someone innocent who has been made to look unethical it can’t be him.
Geoff Thorn, head of parliamentary services has resigned.
Right, Russel. Keep up the pressure.
[deleted]
[lprent: Already banned and now subject to an extra 8 weeks ]
got a link for what dunne said and where he said it ? thx
I’d be happy if Fair call had a coherent sentence.
You need to read between their lines [of coke]
Well I guess we will never know. If all them 8 weeks are cumulative, cos he won’t be back till after the election 2017.
Nah, I just tend to double up their previous ‘sentence’ unless I have previously warned about what the next one will be. Until it gets too long and then I just make it a permanent ban and start trying to eradicate their ability to leave comments.
It was when he wrote a long paragraph that I recognised the rather insane style that I’d already banned. I left the only other comments where “fair call” said actually something useful for the argument when I tracked back down comments left since the banning.
My general rules about people coming back these days during a ban is that I don’t target adaptability and for people to reinvent themselves. They cannot use their banned handle. But if someone “new” comes in then I (as moderator) will only examine their back history iff I recognize the style that they got banned for or if they do something that steps over the policy bounds. Either of these is a prima facie evidence of dumb stupidity and gets rewarded accordingly.
This strategy affords me (as non-moderator) considerable amusement because I obviously often have suspicions about who people “were” going back to patterns from the last 6 years. I’m not as good at recognizing style patterns with as much certainty as some others. However I’m getting a whole lot better with all of the practice I get.
As moderator of course it also reduces my immediate workloads, and in a longer term I view it as an exercise of “evolution in action”. I slowly help either prune the wireheads who can’t adapt from my part of the blogosphere. Or help others to adapt to circumstances by being an evil bastard who provides the immovable object that they have to work around. There are quite a few people around who eventually decided that they could live without me noticing them while in moderator role.
Of course that amuses me as well. Helps me work off those *awful* authoritarian and totally sarcastic instincts that I seem to have acquired in a relatively harmless hobby sort of a way. I do so get upset when the trolls don’t come around for me to play with. And (says he virtuously) it constitutes as a public service…
(snigger) 😈
Whereas you seem to be happy with an actual corporatist.
The Parliamentary Services boss is going. Start of the process of throwing pawns to the wolves as the kitchen starts getting too hot. My pick is that the pecking order (depending on proof of interference) goes PM office functionary, then speaker, then PM office boss, then Key (although key won’t go).
Get those pills down you pronto Fair call.
All newspapers should refuse to publish tomorrow
lol
that’ll happen naturally in a decade or two. Technology moves ever onwards…
The civil religion of progress? That’s coming to an end too.
But -Nothing to hide, nothing to fear…right?
Wasn’t this the favourite mantra of the Gestapo and SS?
Oh well, never mind.
Heil Key. I mean hi Key.
Dunne is on Campbell Live at 7pm. Could be very interesting.
And yet it wasn’t. I’m so tired of these creeps having just enough wiggle room to slither through scandal after scandal with no effect to the opinion polls.
Five years into Government, the opinion polls aren’t about National and Key any more, geoff.
Yeah well that’s part of the problem too. But you cant explain everything because of a lack of decent Labour leadership. If the population wasn’t so fucking ignorant and apathetic they’d still vote for a shitty Labour over National. And yes I’m well aware that that situation is the result of us marinating in a dog-eat-dog, pro-privatisation, anti-union, right-wing, brine for some 30 years.
I think it’s very dangerous to start thinking of the electorate as a mindless mass who are too stupid to know what’s good for them.
The population may not be politically engaged most of the time, just wanting a government that keeps the electricity and the water running – but don’t start thinking of them as idiots.
Even if they’re mere “consumers” as the neolibs would have it, they know crap product when they see it.
If you’re a socialist, then you have to believe in the needs, will and intelligence of the people.
The fault or at least the burden then does lie with those who claim to be the “representatives”.
They’ve got to carry the burden – that’s what we pay taxes to see that they do. They aren’t paid to have meals at Bellamy’s, they’re paid to represent us – it’s a job and a duty.
Look at their salaries when people are starving and have no pity for them, make no excuses for them. Demand that they DO THEIR FUCKING JOB.
That’s me Rhino, living dangerously.
mindless mass who are too stupid to know what’s good for them.
History is littered with examples of populations failing to know what is good for them. That’s almost the entire point of history (those who fail to learn the lessons of history blah blah blah…)
If you’re a socialist, then you have to believe in the needs, will and intelligence of the people.
How am I supposed to believe in those ideals when the majority consistently votes for ideas that I think are bereft of merit?
The fault or at least the burden then does lie with those who claim to be the “representatives”.
They’ve got to carry the burden – that’s what we pay taxes to see that they do. They aren’t paid to have meals at Bellamy’s, they’re paid to represent us – it’s a job and a duty.
Look at their salaries when people are starving and have no pity for them, make no excuses for them. Demand that they DO THEIR FUCKING JOB.
No disagreement there.
You are absolutely correct that we cannot explain everything via the single issue of the leader. Labour’s issues are a tripartite.
1) The Leadership (implicit within this are issues around the quality of caucus and the selection of MPs).
2) The Party, which no longer draws perspectives, attitudes or people from a broad cross section of NZ.
3) The 21st Century Labour Mission. It doesn’t have one, apart from implementing neoliberalism (and the upcoming neo-feudalism), a little more gently.
Shearer looked like he was trying to remember his lines on 3News, re-spy scandals. Din’t look like his heart was in it.
Norman was more convincing.
I hate how all you people are so anti-Labour and anti-Shearer. Can’t you please be good apparatchiks and minions for once.
Sorry, I’m, not yellow and if you shake me, I won’t be a good glowstick. That said, if Gru was leading Labour and Margo, Edith and Agnes and a unicorn were on the front bench, I’d vote for them.
The statement “Vance’s admission that this burns so much because it happened to her personally is crucial. We all feel this way, more concerned about our own well-being than others.” sums up some peoples view of the behavious of a wide specturm of the media over the past 5 years.
The media is pissed off because Key is now screwing them. They are as mad a hell.
Good. But stop and think about the many other things that have gone on that burns other people and makes them mad as hell. Seems there as not bee a heck of a lot on indepth scrutiny of the Key govt up to now.
The media is pissed off, good. Now, go away and do a proper job of digging into stories rather than giving that ‘nice man John Key’ an easy ride. Whether you do it because you have a vendetta, or whether because you now realise how other people have felt for a period time, just go and do a proper job.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/496175/20130801/gchq-nsa-national-security-agency-donations-spying.htm
From your link . . .
. . . and yet when those people working at the core of this “soul harvesting” ever dare to speak truth through the Fourth Estate they are pilloried and subject to charges of treason by those who hold the secrets we really need to see.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jul/29/poll-nsa-surveillance-privacy-pew