General Debate 28 February 2009

February 28th, 2009 at 9:07 am by David Farrar
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39 Responses to “General Debate 28 February 2009”

  1. billyborker (1,102) Says:

    So where are the Big Ideas from jonkey’s job summit?

    A 9 day fortnight, with the 10th day to be used for training, starting with the hospitallity industry!

    In case jonkey hadn’t noticed, most hospitallity employees are casuals who don’t work a regular 40 hour week. And a lot of them are students, working to pay their way while they are already engaged in training.

    Is this the best they could come up with?

    Slash and burn worker’s wages while those who are currently fucking what were once good busiensses still get their mega salaries and bonuses. No wage cuts for those ar the top of F&P, Telecom, Fontera, et al. Oh no, that would never do.

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  2. billyborker (1,102) Says:

    jonkey’s other great idea – a cycleway from Cape reianga to Bluff! Looks like the Greens have him well and truly captured. This sounds just like those “shift that pile of rocks to there” crap of the 20′s and 30′s. Where do the cycles come from, jonkey? How about funding a bike factory?

    What next? Vouchers instead of wages?

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  3. big bruv (11,207) Says:

    billy

    “What next? Vouchers instead of wages”

    Vouchers for beneficiaries is a great idea, well done.

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  4. billyborker (1,102) Says:

    Meanwhile, NZ signs another job destroying “free trade” deal with Asiannations. That’s right, just hand them another free kick to take the last few remaining, decent, productive jobs from NZ.

    But that’s OK, we can still listen to employers moaning about poor productivity while they export the most productive jobs.

    Tarrifs are good, tarrifs level the playing field.

    [DPF: Wow I didn't think people like you still existed. We're totally dependent on trade to survive and you want to make it easier for countries to block our exports]

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  5. billyborker (1,102) Says:

    Vouchers for beneficiaries is a great idea, well done.

    Only in the warped minds of the control freaks that are the Rabid Right, bigbruv. People like you and redbaiter who love ordering people around find vouchers acceptable; those of us who want a functioning community don’t.

    That’s the thing with you right wingers, you hate seeing people have freedom to choose.

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  6. wreck1080 (2,851) Says:

    A cycle way the length of NZ? They are going crazy , what a stupid idea. This is creating jobs for the sake of creating jobs and nothing else.

    I think , building a new hydroplant somewhere is more to my liking.

    Any, just my opinion.

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  7. Redbaiter (13,197) Says:

    “That’s the thing with you right wingers, you hate seeing people have freedom to choose.”

    Mr Farrar, how about getting rid of this trolling infantile narcissistic fuckwit. Four posts of utter idiocy in ten minutes. What is this? Borkerblog?

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  8. big bruv (11,207) Says:

    Billy

    Beneficiaries have freedom of choice, they have the freedom to get out and find a fucking job.

    If they want cash they can do what I and millions of other kiwi’s do, they can earn it.

    Only in the warped mind of a pinko would it be acceptable to pay people for sitting on their backsides while the rest of the community support them.

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  9. billyborker (1,102) Says:

    Redbaiter – diddums!

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  10. kiki (425) Says:

    Zero income tax, vouchers for beneficiaries and scholarships for childrens education. Also scrap the minimum wage and have compulsury health insurance and personal superanuation.

    Remove cross subsidies in things like power use and transport and require people to pay for their actions

    Why collect all those “special” people when Roger Douglas is sitting there waiting to be asked.

    We are not owed a living in this world we earn it

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  11. big bruv (11,207) Says:

    Well said Kiki..

    The other thing I would like to see happen is the removal of fringe benefit tax.

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  12. reid (13,567) Says:

    People like you and redbaiter who love ordering people around find vouchers acceptable; those of us who want a functioning community don’t.

    Well billy, I want a functioning community and I think vouchers are great and should have been implemented years ago.

    The fact that the title on the name tag at my work desk reads “Obergruppenfuhrer” and I have a map of Poland on my wall, has nothing to do with it.

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  13. reid (13,567) Says:

    Have to say too that this 1 day in 9 spent on training is idiotic.

    Newsflash: Improving workforce skill set will NOT!@!%$^#@*& immediately address the issues we’re going to be facing over the next 5-10 years.

    Unless of course you want to re-train them to work in secure industries like health care and environmental technology. I doubt their current employers would be too keen on that.

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  14. Don the Kiwi (958) Says:

    See billyporker at9.48

    Has not enough brains to think up a reasoned retort, so immitates his beloved erstwhile leader, recently deposed and consigned to the scrap heap of history.

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  15. billyborker (1,102) Says:

    Right on, reid.

    Sacking the idiots at the top and replacing them with low cost alternatives in India is the way to go. Outsource all CEO, CFO and CIO jobs to India. Sack and do not replace every HR manager in the country.

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  16. cha (2,345) Says:

    Taxing pot could become a political toking point

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  17. Doug (397) Says:

    BillyBonker

    Did you not read the 9-day fortnight was an idea put up by your friendly lefty Union.
    You have not been fully indoctrinated yet you better get up to speed.

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  18. reid (13,567) Says:

    Well, as others have said above, this idiotic cycle track idea should be also doomed for oblivion, I would hope.

    I mean, what profound stupidity for the media to even talk about it as if it was a serious proposition, let alone for the Summit to waste any time discussing it.

    Duh.

    As others have said above, the sole criteria is the future productivity of the infrastructure that we build with our money.

    Duh.

    A fucking cycle track would only accommodate tourists who aren’t going to be coming and at most a few thousand people who rode it during summer each year. Resulting in an estimated ROI of negative eleventy gajillion%.

    Fucking duh.

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  19. cha (2,345) Says:

    A fucking cycle track would only accommodate tourists who aren’t going to be coming and at most a few thousand people who rode it during summer each year. Resulting in an estimated ROI of negative eleventy gajillion.

    Seconded!

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  20. gomango (88) Says:

    So I have just received an email from a broker selling Vision Securities Ltd offer of 18 month debentures at 7.0% What’s more, this is covered under the Government Guarantee Deposit Scheme.

    Reading the fine print – a commission of 3% is payable to intermediaries. Checking the last annual report for Vision Securities, they had about 10% non current loans as of March 2008. How could that have improved over the last year……..

    So on top of the three percent they are paying to brokers plus the three percent they are paying to treasury plus the seven percent they are paying to debenture holders (thats 13% cost of funds before vision makes a profit) where on earth are they lending to property developers at? And how likely are those developers likely to pay back – is more of the lend and hope property values rise thinking?

    Two questions for people to answer – and I’m not picking on Vision here – last I heard there were around 70(!!!!!!!!!!!!) issuers covered by the Treasury scheme.

    Question 1. What happens when investors want their money back at maturity just prior to the deposit scheme rolling off.

    Question 2. Why are my tax dollars supporting debt issuers who have business models that a) don’t work and b) aren’t vitally important to our economy – many of those firms in the deposit guarantee scheme have tiny (by bank standards) balance sheets.

    My answer to Question 1 is that the government will be pushed to extend the scheme. My fervent hope is BIll English resists that, but that will result in the Crown owning a whole heap of unfinished or unsold property developments after having repaid investors covered by the deposit scheme. Would love to see the contingent liability for this that Treasury is allowing for.

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  21. thedavincimode (4,707) Says:

    Mr Borker, you appear to have a lot of anger. Try getting a pet. A little fluffy bunny perhaps, or better still, a gerbil.

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  22. Captain Crab (351) Says:

    “those of us who want a functioning community”

    Borker, you think you have achieved that in the last nine years with your way?
    Your hypocracy is rank. You dont believe in freedom at all. Keep the beneficiaries in dole/dpb poverty and make them slaves to the benefit so you can control their vote is what you leftys are about.

    Reid, I disagree. The cycle track on the old railway lines in the SI is a major tourist attraction. These days people will be looking for cheaper but still fun holidays. Also I reckon a lot of NZers would do it. Great family camping trip.

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  23. Patrick Starr (3,673) Says:

    “Resulting in an estimated ROI of negative eleventy gajillion%. Fucking duh.”

    and whats to say you cant stick toll booths on it

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  24. baxter (893) Says:

    CAPTAIN;……..I also think the cycle track is worth considering, all sorts of small businesses around cycle hire, maintenance, accomodation, refreshments, clothing, etc , may be created or stimulated, labour intensive jobs from North Cape to Bluff. Whether the infrastructure can be done of 50 Mill or not may be the question but the proposal certainly warrants consideration.Perhaps they could just do the South Island first or even part of it as a trial before committing to the North.

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  25. grumpyoldhori (2,345) Says:

    billyborker, come on lad think, making uniforms or dish washers is hardly making high value products.
    We are never going to be able to compete on bloody price via wages so
    it is long over due that we looked at countries like Finland and see what
    they make.
    Tariffs, so you want other countries to put tariffs against what we export ?

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  26. Nookin (2,514) Says:

    The suggested cycle Trail does not deserve the out of hand condemnation dumped on it. Compared alongside other suggestions coming out of a brainstorming meeting, it might, on further investigation, drop down the list of priorities when assessed on a cost benefit basis. It does, however, deserve further investigation. Those of you who want to consign it to the trash bin of idiot ideas without any investigation should consider, as Captain Crab has, the positive effects that the Central Otago rail trail has had on small rural Otago communities. Consider also the growing number of events based on or incorporating cycling and which are being promoted throughout the country. Quite aside from the personal enjoyment one gets from participation, most communities benefit financially and most communities support them. I suspect that a cycleway throughout New Zealand would be extremely widely used.

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  27. reid (13,567) Says:

    Mr Borker, you appear to have a lot of anger. Try getting a pet. A little fluffy bunny perhaps, or better still, a gerbil.

    Heard a vet on the radio saying gerbils aren’t allowed into the country, davinci.

    Possibly for this very reason.

    SouthPark has a lot to answer for, doesn’t it. Encouraging hate crimes against gerbils, for a start.

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  28. PhilBest (5,060) Says:

    I am all for a cycleway all the way from Cape Reinga to Bluff, as an add-on to a dual carriageway (at least, more in places) for motor vehicles…..Our “State Highway Number One” is a national disgrace for an allegedly first world country.

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  29. AG (1,580) Says:

    reid,

    From the ERMA website. This might help narrow down the available pet list …

    ———–

    The HSNO Act (Second Schedule) lists new organisms that are completely prohibited for importation, release or development. Below is the current list of these ‘Prohibited New Organisms’.

    Any snake of any species whatever.
    Any venomous reptile, venomous amphibian, venomous fish, or venomous invertebrate (with venomous defined as capable of inflicting poisonous wounds harmful to human health).
    Any American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis gmelini).
    Any red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).
    Any musquash (or muskrat) (Ondatra zibethica)
    Any coypu or nutria (Myocastor coypus).
    Any beaver (Castor canadensis).
    Any gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).
    Any prairie dog (Cyonomys spp.).
    Any pocket gopher (Geomys spp. and Thomomys spp.).
    Any red or silver fox (Vulpes vulpes).
    Any Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus).
    Any mongoose (family Herpestidae) other than Suricata suricatta.
    Any member of the family Mustelidae, subfamily Mustelinae, other than ferrets (Mustela furo), weasels (Mustela nivalis), and stoats (Mustela erminea), and subfamily Lutrinae, other than oriental small clawed otter (Anblonyx cinereus).
    Any mole (family Talpidae).
    Any member of the family Esocidae (eg, pikes, muskellunge).
    Any member of the families Phalangeridae and Petauridae, other than the Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula).
    Any stickleback (Gasterosteus spp.).
    Any giant African snail (Achatina spp.).
    Any predatory snail (Euglandina rosea).
    Any cane toad (Bufo marinus).
    Negro root (Cassia occidentalis).
    Skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea).
    Cymbopogon schoenanthus.
    Cynanchum (all species), eg, Indian swallowart.
    Hairy thorn apple (Datura metel).
    Ephedra sinica.
    Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula).
    Star of Bethlehem, Pua-hoku (Hippobroma longiflora).
    Poverty weed (Iva axillaris).
    Any member of the family Loranthaceae (eg mistletoe), other than Alepis flavida, Lleostylus micranthus, Peraxilla colensoi, Peraxilla tetrapetala, Trilepidea adamsii, and Tupeia antarctica.
    Any member of the genus Korthalsella other than Korthalsella clavata, Korthalsella lindsayi, and Korthalsella salicornioides.
    Butterbur (Petasites hybridus).
    Witchweed (all species) (Striga).
    Strychnine (Strychnos nux-vomica).
    Tourrettia volubilis.
    Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris).

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  30. Scott (1,388) Says:

    Cycle track needs considering. I think it could be a great assett to attract tourists-its green and eco friendly so it fits in with our clean green image. Also something that quite a few New Zealanders would get into.

    The walk way in New Plymouth has been a great success and has opened up the whole foreshore to the tourists and to locals. In the same way the cycle track may open up vast areas of the country for people to enjoy.

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  31. AG (1,580) Says:

    “In the same way the cycle track may open up vast areas of the country for people to enjoy.”

    Agreed, if it is like the Central Otago Rail Trail (i.e. very gentle uphill/downhill gradients; regular places to stop for food/drink; plentiful (and quality) accommodation options). This has really given a second life to many otherwise marginal communities along its route. But I do wonder whether the cycleway will be able to meet these criteria the entire length of the country, or will there be largish “dead zones” where there isn’t the already-existing communities needed to provide infrastructural support? Further, will it be possible to cover some terrain (the Central North Island, say; or Blenheim-Central Otago) without having large and steep inclines, which effectively would rule out the majority of those who presently do the Central Otago Trail.

    Don’t get me wrong … I like the concept. I just wonder if it may not be a bit trickier to make work in practice.

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  32. reid (13,567) Says:

    “Cycle track needs considering.”

    Why? What’s the expected ROI relative to alternative investment?

    “The suggested cycle Trail does not deserve the out of hand condemnation dumped on it.”

    Yes, it does. If you’re talking point solutions in a few places, that’s a different question to a national track down SH1. Completely wacko and fucked, the latter. The former worth consideration on case-by-case basis.

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  33. MT_Tinman (2,228) Says:

    I have no problem with a cycle track the length of the nation but would impose two conditions;

    1/ Beneficiaries are told to use the fucking thing instead of being given handouts to buy cars, travel to meet friends etc.

    2/ Bloody cyclists pay for the damned thing.

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  34. MT_Tinman (2,228) Says:

    # billyborker (262) Says:
    February 28th, 2009 at 9:40 am

    That’s the thing with you right wingers, you hate seeing people have freedom to choose.

    By christ Billy, you got something correct for a change.

    Us right wingers hate seeing people have freedom to choose how they spend OUR money.

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  35. thedavincimode (4,707) Says:

    AG identifies some species banned from importation.

    There seems to be a glaring omission from this list that ought to be remedied ASAP given the huge capacity for detrimental impact on our environment. I refer of course to the Red Banded Sticky Fingered Git (Cullenus Envious Arseholis).

    Some might suggest that certain indigenous species ought to be controlled and not kept as pets. One such species attracting very little attention since November 08 is the Leaping Demented Seagull (Goffus Locumis Dementia). However, most experts seem to agree that if ignored, this particular species will eventually just go away; perhaps to flap about somewhere in the corridors of the United Nations begging for scraps of recognition with another such undesirable species (Klerkis Revoltus).

    Of course, it goes without saying that such species would undoubtedly attract the affections of the nice Mr Borker, which is why I suggested the gerbil. But the little fluffy rabbit would do nicely for him and I’m sure he would enjoy stroking it.

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  36. bringbackthebiff (106) Says:

    Tourist Wedding Trip ends in Bashing

    This is just sick. I am ashamed to be a kiwi

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  37. Viking2 (9,489) Says:

    Nine day fortnight. Will that apply to every business regardless of how busy they are or not? What about the farmers and the business owners? What will they get and more importantly how will that help to pay the rent?
    Dream World stuff.

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  38. baxter (893) Says:

    VIKING………As I understand it the nine day fortnite only applies as an alternative to redundancy within an established workforce.

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  39. gnadsmasher (45) Says:

    Some serious questioning of the ASEAN FTA going on here: http://www.kiwipolitico.com/2009/02/are-ftas-ok.

    Anyone with concern for individual as well as collective rights needs to check it out.

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