What do you reckon?

Written By: - Date published: 11:25 am, April 30th, 2015 - 33 comments
Categories: internet, interweb, Media, newspapers, radio, tv, uncategorized, youtube - Tags:

Television, radio and newspapers invite comments. So do blogs. Being heard is important to many people, whether it is an opinion about something broad (like politics) or more personal, like an issue at work, or in a relationship.

Some who comment here do so because they want to air their views, their world view, others want to change things, others think their comment, or other people’s comments are part of a larger party affiliated agenda, there are many reasons for people to express their views

I post because there are issues I care about. I have cared about most of them for over 2 decades, so my “caring” is not new. If 1 person reads one thing I write on 1 of the things I care about and thinks slightly differently about it than they did before, I consider I have achieved something of what I come here for. Mostly I learn from others who post.

But let’s all remember (I include myself in particular) that all of us who make comments on this and other blogs can sometimes get carried away with our own sense of importance, cos we have a chance to say “what we reckon” about stuff.

In the end we are just offering up our versions of  what do you reckon? Enjoy

 

33 comments on “What do you reckon? ”

  1. Hateatea 1

    I try to limit myself to commenting on things that I am reasonably knowledgeable about, hence math / science / technology / financial posts are fairly safe from me.

    The internet can sometimes seem to have made people more opinionated but I think it is more likely that every opinionated person in the world is now able to reach dozens more people with their knowledge, prejudices, and sometimes ill-considered rants.

    Anyway, that’s what I reckon!

    PS Why do so many of them have bad grammar and appalling spelling?

    • tracey 1.1

      I don’t know but I am grading second year students from a Tertiary at the moment… so I don’t see it changing too soon.

      Did you enjoy the video?

      • Hateatea 1.1.1

        Yes, I did, thank you. New to me as I don’t watch a lot of comedy / satire these days.

      • Once was Tim 1.1.2

        Interesting @ Tracey. I very recently used to do likewise. Are you Wellington based? I sure as hell hope you have a better moderation process than one of my experiences.
        I never usually indulge in ‘social media’ generally, but certain things these days just really fucking piss me off (such as the demise of the NuZull democracy; the current load of fuckwits at the helm; the demise of the 4th Estate, PSB, the ‘Public Sphere and their commodification); Phyllis Stein and her missus (I woudn’t mind so much if it had the intelligence of a Diller*); and even the Mitchell and Web thing – which I saw when first broadcast).

        * two of her quotes btw seem quite apt these days when I think of our national embarrassment:

        “The only thing domestic about me is I was born in this country.”
        and
        “It’s a good thing beauty is only skin deep, or I’d be rotten to the core.”

        Pardon the venom but I really hate the inherently dishonest, the corrupt and the self-entitled. They always come undone tho’ – I just wish it always happened when they were still alive.

        • tracey 1.1.2.1

          No problem. I am Auckland based.

          We have a decent enough moderation system but at least so far no one has written in text speak… (my pet peeve).

          “I never usually indulge in ‘social media’ generally, but certain things these days just really fucking piss me off (such as the demise of the NuZull democracy; the current load of fuckwits at the helm; the demise of the 4th Estate, PSB, the ‘Public Sphere and their commodification);”

          I hear you!!!!!

  2. b waghorn 2

    I reckon that videos pretty funny.
    Posting has stopped me swearing at the TV (which drives the wife crazy)
    I think that blogs have a power to change the world in ways that we haven’t fully understood yet.

    • tracey 2.1

      I confess I am a bit of a David Mitchell fan

      • Rosie 2.1.1

        Me too. I can’t seem to find anything new online at the moment. Have you?
        Also enjoy Charlie Brooker for his scathing political satire but BBC canned his Weekly Wipe show.
        10 o clock live used to be good with Charlie Brooker, David Mitchell, Lauren Laverne and a fourth person whom I can’t recall. No new ones of that either.

      • higherstandard 2.1.2

        He is also outstanding on “Would I lie to you” and ” “Peep show”

        Cambridge has produced so many outstanding comics.

        • tracey 2.1.2.1

          Agree @ both

          He also played apart in Jam and Jerusalem.

          Not for the faint hearted… is

          You have been Watching – relgion

  3. Rosie 3

    Lols!!!

    I remember that Mitchell and Webb Look skit. In general “I reckon” they are on to it with their social and political observations. I enjoy their cynicism. I wonder if their UK audience is more or less inclined than us have an Opinion on Everything.
    I know my English in laws who are big talk back listeners/letter writers with an Opinion on Everything are far more waggy finger/I reckon, than most NZer’s I meet. It actually makes them more interesting to talk to, as you can get a conversation going fairly quickly and they are ok with a little bit of disagreement as that seems par for the course with them. They don’t take it on board and make judgements. Less so with NZer’s, as we can get a bit precious about stuff.

    The bit about banging away on the keyboard in the skit reminds me of the kind of people that comment on stuff.co.nz.

  4. arkie 4

    This is my favourite Mitchell and Webb sketch

  5. Rosemary McDonald 5

    tracey…you’re right on the mark.

    When our interweb has sorted out its download issues I will watch the videos.

    I am a seldom commenter….but an avid reader of others’ comments and links.

    The next new interweb feature I would like to see is the capacity to tell if the person commenting has actually read, in full, the article or comment about which they are commenting.

    (Feel free to correct grammar!)

    • tracey 5.1

      Hi Rosemary

      You can usually tell from what a person writes whether they have or haven’t read the opening post (including links) and other stuff. They out themselves soon enough.

      I understand back when karol used to write here (still a great loss karol if you are reading) that some of the threads with the lowest number of comments could have a very large reader number. At this stage this feature sits behind the scenes.

  6. adam 6

    Thanks Tracey – That gave me many a good giggle.

  7. ianmac 7

    Enjoy Mr Mitchell even when he has become a chubby chops.
    Those of us who are out of the mainstream workforce enjoy keeping in touch via the excellent blogs such as The Standard. A bit funny reading the exchanges between baiters and the baitees but the important issues are there to read and comment on even when we do not really know the full story. But other writers fill us in.

  8. Pat 8

    I reckon david Mitchell should run for PM….I also reckon hes far too intelligent to contemplate the idea….I reckon

  9. vto 9

    I reckon the reasons blobs are used are many and varied. And also mixed up.

  10. Weepus beard 11

    I comment here because I’m terrified that conservative ideological injustices by stealth are being perpetrated daily by the current New Zealand government, and I take comfort that other socially responsible people are aware of it and are voicing their opinion.

  11. I read here because I realise that something is rotten in the state of Denmark New Zealand, and getting the collective insight from others helps me identify what is so rotten (not that I always agree with everyone’s opinions here!).
    I comment here because a problem shared is a problem halved! Having a voice is fundamental to a democracy (ironic that the voice is veiled behind a blog identity).
    At times I get frustrated that my views are in the minority in NZ society – I have lived elsewhere, and in various countries my views were not consideredin any way radical, classified simplistically as “left wing” (which is used as a dirty word in the MSM) nor considered marginalised or anarchistic. I am consoled to find like minded people, and also realise I feel alienated (from 49% of NZ society) because of that “something rotten”.
    Politics ebbs and flows, swings from progressive ideas and ceative policies to improve society (usually with a heavy monetary cost) back to more conservative reigning in of government activities due to austerity and a need to keep finances in check. To me, I am not usually bothered by the government of the day – swings and roundabouts. Governments do not last forever.
    Political regimes hiwever can do lasting damage to society, and this is a phase we are in at the moment with Key’s regime – particularly creating artificial barriers between people, and alienating people.

    The ‘rotten’ thing is attempted political control of a particular message throughout NZ society. It is an attempt to fudge truth, facts and dampen discourse, for political control (think Mike Hoskins, Bob Jones, whale oil, Dirty Politics and National Party propaganda).
    Overall I think that this matters because it creates a “dull” conservative society, lacking intellectual rigour which is the touchstone of human creativity and expression.
    Life without freedom of expression, freedom to exchange ideas, freedom to build on ideas is regression.

    As your post shows Tracey, we desperately need the voice of satire. We are a deeply creative people in NZ, yet there is an attempt to politically control those expressions, when it doesn’t suit the political narrative.

    • Tracey 12.1

      I was contemplating this morning as I watched Johnathon Paxman on Graham Norton.

      He talked about something Cameron had said about the impending 100th anniversary for the Brits of the battle of the Somme (this was shot a year ago). he admonished Cameron as an idiot fo rusing the word “celebrate” to describe the deaths of 750,000 men in WWI for Britain… so many injured.

      It made me think that the Brits and the Aussies have cottoned on to, and are turning off the Crosby Textor crafted politicians and political methods. But we are not.

      My artner wondered aloud if it is cos Kiwis have turned so far off politics and politicians that they only hear the occassional comment and that is all they can base their vote on. She said if it wasn’t for me (withering on, although she didnt use those words 😉 ) she would tune in very little to politics and politicians in particular because she thinks it is a waste of energy getting that negative. Interesting.

      Whereas I thought we were maybe more conservative than our cousins or more gullible (usually gullible has to do with trusting, yet Key’s trust rating has fallen far faster than his popularity).

      I am coming to accept that 49% of the population want a society with men like Key in it. That 49% see his behaviours (over 7 years) as ok and deseirable in a leader. And I do accept that. I don’t agree and I will speak against it.

      I was also at 4am watching an IPL match. The batsmen touched gloves (Morrison called it “glove love”). It made me think about the days when batsmen didn’t do that. Then two did, then more International players did and now when you go to Premier Club games or Under 8’s they all do it. Prominent people get copied.

CommentsOpinions

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

FeedsPartyGovtMedia

  • Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low.  The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    36 mins ago
  • Holding careless builders accountable

    The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Further action to tackle driver licence wait times

    The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses

    The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations

    Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui

    Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses

    This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval

    Kia uru kahikatea te tū.  Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track to boost renewable electricity

    The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track to drive transport projects forward

    The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track projects released

    The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ruakākā recreation centre opened

    A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago

    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation

    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property

    The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Government support for residential construction market announced

    The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say.    “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New appointment to the EPA board

    Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects

    The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes

    Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future.    “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity

    The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable

    Parents and caregivers are now able to claim for FamilyBoost, which provides low-to-middle-income families with young children payments to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs.  “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we are supporting families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, by helping ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration

    This week’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) has concluded with a renewed commitment to regional security of all types, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. Defence Ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga gathered in Auckland to discuss defence and security cooperation in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings

    Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. “This is good news on two fronts – it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the Minerals West Coast Forum

    Introduction Good morning! What a pleasure to be back in the stunning West Coast at one of my favourite events in the calendar.  Every time I come back here, I’m reminded of the Coast’s natural beauty, valuable resources, and great people. Yet, every time I come back here, I’m also ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Positive progress on Government health targets

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets.  Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Supporting better access to data for Kiwis

    The launch of a new data tool will provide Kiwis with better access to important data, Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “To grow our economy and improve productivity we must adopt smarter ways of working, which means taking a more data driven approach to decision-making.  “As Statistics Minister one of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Progressing remote building inspections

    The Government is progressing plans to increase the use of remote inspections to make the building and consenting process more efficient and affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.  “We know that the building and construction sector suffers from a lack of innovation. According to a recent report, productivity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • PPTA accepts charter schools

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the PPTA putting a proposal to members at its annual conference to change its constitution and allow membership of teachers who work in charter schools. “The PPTA has had a come to Jesus moment on charter schools. This is a major departure from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed

    David Clarke has been announced as the Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). David Clarke is a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law and he has over 20 years experience in governance roles in commercial, public and charitable sectors. He also is a current TAIC Commissioner. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea

    The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced.  “This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland

    Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed

    In a triple whammy of good news, 1 October heralds the beginning of the funding of two major health products and a welcome contribution to early childhood fees, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Keytruda is the first drug to be funded and made available from the $604 million boost we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Children’s Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care.  “The opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minor variations no longer major problem

    It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Previously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New diplomatic appointments

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced seven diplomatic appointments.   “Protecting and advancing New Zealand’s interests abroad is an extremely important role for our diplomats,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to announce the appointment of seven senior diplomats to these overseas missions.”   The appointments are:   Andrew ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • SuperGold Information Hub live

    The first iteration of the SuperGold Information Hub is now on-line, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today. “The SuperGold Hub is an online portal offering up-to-date information on all of the offers available to SuperGold cardholders. “We know the SuperGold card is valued, and most people know its use ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-10-08T21:21:11+00:00