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117 Responses to “General Debate 23 September 2010”
Is there a competition going for the nuttiest local body election candidate?
If so, here’s the Christchurch nominee…. (I particularly like the fact that he appears to be campaigning for better quality prostitutes. Perhaps it’s their poor quality that has resulted in so many of them getting murdered down here)
Michael Hansen
Economic Euthenics
Economic refers to business and trade, while Euthenics is the science of the improvement of living standards – eg – better houses, appliances, TVs cars, tradesmen, strippers, prostitutes and priests.
I represent the poor people of Christchurch who can’t afford to bet and booze, and cut the groceries to pay the power bill, can’t afford to fix their car/truck and have to go everywhere by bus, walk or bike. Rate blow-outs such as the new town hall, the Commonwealth Games QE2 complex, the football stadium, and Noddy buildings, are going to be followed by Ngai Tahu’s likely City Land claim, of 60 billion. The Government will have to help as Christchurch is a large tax base.
I support bus shelters at every permanent bus st with wooden seats, more pensioner housing, and putting the city’s drunken homeless in Sunnyside mental prison.
Webbie, I suppose if it is a publically traded company one cannot select ones shareholders. The problem is when his 7% becomes 51.
BTW their is some added insight into Islam for the lame brains in your other links. We fought National Socialism in Germany, The Soviet Socialist’s, the spread of Socialism throughout the world (and lost much), now it is the duty of the younger generations to fight off the evil totaliarianism that is spreading like a cancer – those of Islam and of Progressivism (present day Socialists), each using the other.
Altough to be sure there really should be a boxing match organised. Dontate the proceeds to the save the trees fund to help trees on the NS recover from being peed on since apparently every real man there does it.
“But France is French, they’ll fight tooth and nail for French culture.”
Your evidence for this would be what, they will run up the white flag to prevent property damage to Paris the moment anything built by BMW crosses the Somme?
Sharia law was already in the old Kenyan constitution, but never mind the facts, that would just not make such a good story.
So the new consitition merely held on to the status quo in that regard. To say that Obama introduced Sharia Law in Kenya is just plainly a lie.
You need to read a bit more other than your paranoid websites.
I have never had a lot of time for Dave Garrett, as i thought he came across as a bit of a smart-arse, but i’m not entirely sure that he should have been hung out to dry for offences that occured a long time ago.
Having said that, i have nothing but admiration for the way that he has conducted himself. If reports that he is about to resign from Parliament are true, then i salute you sir, for you have acted with integrity and done the right thing. There are a number of rock-dwellers who will do anything to hang on to “the baubles of office” and they could well reflect on your actions.
Neil its a fundemental principle of our justice system that you only get dealt once ofr an offence. This episode is a shameful example of the media contriving a mob of pitchfork armed knukle draggers and to the eternal shame of the New Zealand public, they are those knuckle draggers and they played their part willingly.
I’ve wondered if the Garrett attacks were overkill and unfair too. Once he resigned he has seemed to have acted properly – but in his week off he has been venting to a newspaper, some comments are a little disturbing.
As for the original offending, Mr Garrett said it was a thrill to beat the system and he did not think about the consequences.
“You have to remember I was 26…and living a very different life to the one I am today. I was single, had no children and gave absolutely no thought at all to the consequences of this action.
“But it was literally half my life ago. How can I learn a lesson from what I did 26 years ago?”
I have two key problems with this:
- he still (now) thinks it’s a thrill to “beat the system”.
- he doesn’t see how he can learn a lesson – sounds like denying responsibility to me
I don’t think those are good attributes to see in a politician, especially one whose main aim was to get tough on those who got a thrill (or something) from beating the system. But it perhaps shows why he thinks prisoner rehab is futile, if he can’t learn from his crimes why should anyone else?
Pete George (7,124) Says:
September 23rd, 2010 at 9:55 am
I’ve wondered if the Garrett attacks were overkill and unfair too. Once he resigned he has seemed to have acted properly – but in his week off he has been venting to a newspaper, some comments are a little disturbing.
Newspaper? His exclusive interview is with Truth. Now isn’t that ironic.
Well at least they can’t say it’s the MSM
Good honest China again, you know the one we wanted and have a free trade agreement with.
Soldiers set their dogs on one girl, who was mauled and killed in front of her parents. The military said this was a warning to others to keep away from the fields; at least seven people caught near the fields were killed by the military in the last month alone and their bodies dumped.
Lucky Sibanda, a local man, showed me the wounds on his back where he was attacked by dogs after the military caught him by the fields. ‘These Chinese men have hard hearts,’ he said. ‘They are taking away diamonds that could save this country. I hate them.’
The disclosures make a mockery of the Kimberley Process-the diamond watchdog set up in the wake of the diamond war in Sierra Leone-to allow Mugabe to sell gems from Marange-which is in the remotest, most inaccessible part of his impoverished nation
On the disaster that has happened in Southland this Lambing season.
Random Thoughts:
This is the main income stream for a sheep farm being set up as the reproductive ewe drops the little body into the world to grow into money.
The date for lambing is planned for, some twelve months ago and set in concrete five months ago.
That date is set with consideration for marketing the product, the normal expected grass growth, weather expectations in an average season, income from surviving lambs and stock health, nutrition etc.
Lambing in a shed will suit a European farmer with massive subsidies and extremely small flocks that are totally uneconomic here in NZ.
Any lambing indoors will create massive health, hygiene,and nutrition requirements.
Trying to select a date for birthing different to previous seasons will in all likleyhood result in jumping into trouble rather than avoiding it.
The almost annual viewing of such an unfolding disaster will vary from region to region from season to season but will be presented by the media as an annual occurrence when in fact Southland farmers in the gun this year are talking about a gap of some fifteen years since they were last clobbered. Hawkes Bay has lambing starting in May and the South Island High Country will be in October with many districts setting their dates in between and any one of them can suffer a disaster of rain, snow, wind, drought or any combination of the above that can kill thousands of lambs in a few hours.
Very few of the owners of the dying lambs, their fellow staff and all those connected will be anything other than totally gutted and exhausted by the unfolding disaster and any suggestion of uncaring greedy farmers will be a big kick in the guts to them all.
The piles of dead lambs being gathered up portray a concentrated aspect of the unfolding tragedy that the recovery of a very small economic gain that has developed from processing the pelts of the dead newborns but was hidden in past years as the little bodies were left to decay and return to the fertility cycle of the soil but are now a headline creating pile of death that the media revels in.
When the media portray a human disaster such as that in Darfur, they warn of scenes that will be deemed upsetting and then proceed to show heavily censored footage that minimises the actual truth of mans inhumanity to man but with thousands of dead lambs being brought to a point for processing we get the whole shebang in graphic detail along with illinformed and emotive half truths.
Shit happens and armchair critics with zero understanding of the reality of livestock farming should just shut the fuck up and perhaps instead, offer a hand of assistance instead of trivialising what will be a severe economic, social, emotional and for some, a potentially bankrupting event equal to the quake that struck Canterbury on the 4th of September, in the scale of consequences.
My thoughts are with all those trying to fight the ravages of nature as they battle to minimise the disaster unfolding.
Gravedodger, maybe the whale savers in Northland would have been better going to Southland and helped saved a few lambs.
This series of storms are at the worst possible time for Southland. I agree, there will be a lot of farmers working at least as hard as anyone in the earthquake zone. And they aren’t covered by the EQC.
It is well past the time that the Charities Commission revoked their charitable status. If these activities are “for the benefit of the community” then fuck me
Bulldog Collins as police minister may have failed to dent the criminal gangs, but she has created a lynch-em atmosphere for young folk who like driving fast.
In today’s Christchurch Press, I read a boy racer who skidded through an intersection to evade pursuing police was jailed for seven months.
Stupid bloke. Should have just gone out and done something where the penalties are light. For example, he could have bashed an innocent teenager, or joined a gang and distributed P.
Will we see Collins firing up a publicity and enforcement campaign against the patched scum of NZ’s entrenched criminal gangs and their triad mates? Yeah right.
If it was Roy who outed Garrett as the scum he is, it was a lovely knife right into the back of Hide, well done Roy, we socialists need not teach you any dirty tricks.
Of course you are still stuffed Roy, because you went along with the cover up of Garrett’s crime to those peasant voters.
So you are happy grumpy that the only politican that can foot it with that left footed turkey who wants to give hori’s possession of NZ has made a mistake.
Well fuck me why would we be surprised.
Pales in comparison with the rape, incest and baby killing of that group.
At least that baby was already dead from some cause other than being beaten to death. Or maybe it wasn’t which would explain all the victim shit that’s come to the surface.
Howlow do you socialist scum really get to.
V2- beware of trolls- PG, GOH, all of the extreme left wing scum (and their idiot low IQ acolytes like Paul) who post their irrational and poorly informed crap here. Ask yourself if its really worth it. By all means use them to get a message out but engaging with them in the expectation of making some kind of logical point is utterly futile. Just take it easy.
Attention Maurice Williamson, who recently called racist the opposition to the sale of the Crafar farms to Natural Dairy.
China is demanding all foreign firms that want to participate in its electric car market hand over what the Wall Street Journal calls their proprietary electric vehicle technology. That is, their intellectual property, their knowledge, the fruits of their research.
China is the world’s largest car market and is growing rapidly, and Beijing is clearly planning already for a move to electric cars.
Under Williamson’s philosophy, the American protest about this seizure of intellectual property would be racist. Perhaps Williamson should protest to the US congressman who is taking a stand on the issue, Michigan’s John Dingell.
NZ firms planning to take technology to China, should also take note.
Talking of racism, Williamson’s section of the Beehive.Govt site makes interesting reading. His portfolio gives him a wide range of boards on which he makes or confirms appointments. I note that he has maintained the imbalance (on a population basis) on the Geographic Place Names Board. He appointed four new members: Archie Taiaroa, of Taumarunui (I think this gentleman may have since died), Rikirangi Gage, of Opotiki, Jennifer Vernon, of Ngaruawahia, and Basil Morrison, of Paeroa. He also reappointed Sir Tipene O’Regan, Michael Roche, and David Barnes.
“The new appointees will bring a range of expertise and perspectives on New Zealand society and history to the Board,” Williamson says on the Beehive site.
In other words, Williamson is maintaining the drive to rename as many NZ English place names as possible with Maori titles.
Even more interesting, I find on the site that Williamson appointed Felicity Price a “full lay member” of the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board. The mind boggles as to what “full lay” means, but we can assume it means she’s an amateur when it comes to surveying. I think Price is a Christchurch public relations professional, who may have been a journalist earlier, and who may also be a minor novelist. What she knows about surveying would surely fit on the back of a Post-It note.
However, I reckon Price must have present or previous connections with the National Party.
Pete George, maybe I’m just a bit charitable, but I took Garrett’s comment to refer to the time of the offending, the thrill was when he did it at age 26, not the thrill now. I do think to assumer he means today is a bit of a stretch, frankly. And the implication to me is that he has learned his lesson from the incident and that he’s not sure that there’s more he could learn now. And that would seem true, except to learn that there’s no excuses accepted when you’re on the right, whereas politicians on the left have near automatic free passes from the great majority of the media.
It is well past the time that the Charities Commission revoked [Greenpeace's] charitable status. If these activities are “for the benefit of the community” then fuck me
Garth George displays questionable moral judgement again. Referring to identity theft, he opines:
I have little patience with all the emotional claptrap surrounding what is inaccurately called “identity theft”.
The child’s identity was not stolen 26 years ago, it was simply borrowed, and that harmed neither the child nor his parents, particularly since the false passport was never used.
So according to this fundamentalist, evolution and climate change denying moral arbiter, it’s OK to steal “borrow” someone’s identity so long as one doesn’t actually use it. In fact, Mr George, the truth is that Garret committed a crime that carries a degree of penalty, and if the fraudulent passport had actually been used then, depending on the circumstances, the penalty may have been much more onerous.
It’s a bit like the difference between threatening to kill and actually killing. Both are serious offences, but perhaps not according to George.
Talking of killing, yet another UN report exposing Israel’s blatant breaches of international law. These breaches often include gratuitous murder of unarmed civilians, as happens in the Occupied Palestine Territories regularly.
Naturally, Israel accuses every instance of legitimate criticism of its actions as “bias” but its bluster doesn’t hide the fact that it is heading fast toward rogue state status and even its most devoted ally will one day jettison that support.
Another who is failing to face reality is Chris Carter, who should follow Garrett’s example and resign today. IMHO.
If making comments about dead babies spins your wheels, go for it.
Your dogmatic ravings are very sad and I have said before ,if having a large tally of comments is your only validation as a human being ,who am I to detract from that.
Never the less that comment of V 2′s was and still is that of an arsehole
Moron. He did not say it was “not OK”. He said it was not the big deal that the politically partisan gang of leftists called the mainstream media made of it. Always the straw man, for without it you have nothing.
Partisan leftists like you Luc too are nobody to be offering serious opines of judgment. Given your extreme and feverish left wing perspective on every subject, its amazing you apparently can’t see how worthless your opinions are on an issue relating to a politician you perceive as far right. But then when have leftists ever been open to logic?
whereas politicians on the left have near automatic free passes from the great majority of the media.
Good to see that Benson-Pope is still supported by the media, as is Philip Field, Clark wasn’t hounded over a car she didn’t drive and a painting she didn’t paint, Carter is being promoted as a shoe-in for a return to caucus, Goff is rated an odds-on chance in the next election….
Do you think journalists really think like “that’s a lefty story, I’ll ignore it and some competing media is welcome to make a spectacle of it instead”?
LUC HANSEN:……..Another serious and current case of Identity theft has occurred. An Indian lady resident in Pukekohe did not authorise the Labour Council candidate to include her name among the 306 registered voters on the roll as living at that candidates address…..
Like others I mourn the passing of Graham Hunt in my view the most credible commentator on both business matters and current affairs.
“Good to see that Benson-Pope is still supported by the media,”
The media only go after the left when they are embarrassed into it, or to not do so would seriously endanger their masquerade as objective reporters.
The proof of this exists in the lame half hearted way they pursue leftist politicians as opposed to the vicious intensity that accompanies their attacks on anyone they perceive as “right wing” or Conservative.
Forget your pathetic attempts to smokescreen your treacherous media buddies Mr. George. Their time is over, and they only retain credibility in the minds of their comrades, or the poor saps who, stuck behind a Berlin wall of propaganda, have no means of recognising what poisonous partisan agents of Progressivism they really are.
As I have been challenged to use more facts to back my assertions I did some research on another topic, posted here because it’s a bit off-topic. Interesting to see some candidates using “party” affiliation as a promotional slogan.
Proven Leadership
A Prudent Approach
Collaborative Decision Making
Love Tauranga, Vote Love
Change brings fresh new change
Actions Not Words – haha
Our city needs change
More Democracy Less Bureaucracy
Better Council, Better City
Common Sense Approach
Change Your Council – if they succeed I wonder if they change party next election
For H-Evans Sake Put Tauranga First
Integrity, Intelligence, Information
- http://www.electionz.com/elections/TaurangaCC/candidates.htm
Luc will take any opportunity to smear Israel. Even using paragons of virtue such as the biased UN Human Rights council that has little credibilty.
For an alternative view,see below. The resolution was Islamic and Arab inspired.
There’s been a bit of discussion about a NZ Tea Party. Much as I endorse this in the US, I can’t see it working here. Am I correct in understanding that the Tea Party does not support any political party, but endorses individuals who have particular values and attitudes?
Sort of krazy, they are basically against too much government. But things are getting a bit intermingled in the US. There are many different Tea Party groups with different ideas, agendas and methods. Some are trying to use the GOP, and the GOP is trying to take advantage of parts of the Tea Party (when they’re not opposing them).
I agree about NZ, totally different political and religious landscape. Some may try and make it happen here but there is much more acceptance of what is happening here politically than in the US.
“Am I correct in understanding that the Tea Party does not support any political party, but endorses individuals who have particular values and attitudes?”
Partly- the other side is that the objective is to remove those from the political front who threaten those values and attitudes, especially those politicians who profess to adhere to them, but betray them once elected.
It may work here, but making it supremely difficult is the left’s firm hold on information, and their means to so easily mould public opinion by way of state propaganda units like the TV One newsroom. This stinking Chavez style institution would need a complete clean out before democracy could be relied upon once again.
At the moment, too many gullible and easily influenced morons are fed bullshit by these insidiously evil people and do not realise it. Anyone who has overseas experience can see it so starkly, but those who have nothing with which to make the comparison, remain easily manipulated by these Progressive propagandists posing as journalists and reporters.
Good honest China again, you know the one we wanted and have a free trade agreement with.
Indeed, Mike.
Why would we sign up to a free trade agreement with such a corrupt regime; one whose hands are stained with the blood of the innocent? Beggars belief. No surprise that this was a Labour/Klark initiative.
Right, so the reason a Tea Party wouldn’t be as effective here as the US is because of whipping IMO. There’s no point in trying to influence MPs (electorate or list) when the party whips lash MP’s into doing their leaders bidding. I think your point about the MSM is very valid. Just watch them trot out that ‘far-right’ smear at anything to the right of communist.
so the reason a Tea Party wouldn’t be as effective here
It’s before it gets to that, there is not the same widespread deep seated dissatisfaction with government here as there is in the US, so no pressing need to start up a revolutionary movement.
In the US approval of politicians across the board is historically low:
Public approval of Congress now sits at 18 percent, lower than it has been in any prior midterm election year since Gallup started polling public approval of Congress in 1974
Funnily: 4 Sep 2010 … Washington: US president Barack Obama’s approval rating has improved from 43 to 46 percent, according to a new poll by Fox News
Here, outside a few blogs and unions, there is not any strong annoyance with government being expressed. What would be the focal point for an uprising? The smile is crooked? The wave is wimpy?
Luc will take any opportunity to smear Israel. Even using paragons of virtue such as the biased UN Human Rights council that has little credibilty.
For an alternative view,see below. The resolution was Islamic and Arab inspired.
As you said, Kowtow, “The resolution was Islamic and Arab inspired.”
And it is interesting to see which countries voted which way, and it is perhaps MORE interesting to see who abstained or absenced themselves. From your link:
Who Voted For It: Those countries voting in favor of the resolution included China, Cuba, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Russia. The U.S., Italy and Netherlands voted against it. France, Britain, Japan, Belgium, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, South Korea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Zambia, and Madagacar all abstained or deliberately chose to absent themselves.
One has to ask the question why exactly countries such as Britain and France chose to abstain? Condemnation (of Israel) by omission?
The report does not have any legal force and the UN human rights council, which has been accused of a disproportionate focus on Israel, is viewed with scepticism by many western countries because it is dominated by the developing world. [...]
Israel, which refused to co-operate with the inquiry, said the report is biased.
“The Human Rights Council blamed Israel prior to the investigation and it is no surprise that they condemn after,” said Andy David, a spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry. [...]
Israel is working with another UN inquiry under the former leaders of New Zealand and Colombia, Geoffrey Palmer and Alvaro Uribe, that is still in progress.
The Jewish state is also carrying out its own inquiry into the attack on Mavi Mamara.
Last month, Israel’s military commander, Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, defended his forces’ use of live ammunition during the assault on the ship, saying that commandos had not expected to meet such violence from the activists and were forced to defend themselves when they came under attack.
“Israel is a democratic and law-abiding country that carefully observes international law and, when need be, knows how to investigate itself,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. “That is how Israel has always acted, and that is the way in which investigations were conducted following Operation Cast Lead, launched to protect the inhabitants of southern Israel from rockets and terror attacks carried out by Hamas from Gaza.”
It will be interesting to see what comes out of the other UN enquiry under Geoffrey Palmer and Alvaro Uribe – but I won’t hold my breath regarding it portraying Israel under any better light than the current UNHRC enquiry.
Israel really just needsto get on and do whatever is necessary to defend her citizenry from Islamic terrorism, and if the UN and other nations of the world condemn her for doing so she needs to respond by the raising of the middle digit.
That the nation of Israel and the conservative Judeo-Christian Right continue to be attacked by the Progressive Left and their partner in crime, Islamic terrorism and immigration, is of no surprise to those of us who have open eyes. We’ve seen this day coming from way off.
“Ms Smith said DOC was looking at their options, with the mammals likely to be taken by truck to the more sheltered Rarawa Beach, about an hour south.”
I hope this fucking idiocy is not something the taxpayer is funding. Beached whales should be taken care of by voluntary donations.
Police have lost control of the streets, the forces’ watchdog warns as new figures show that an estimated 14 million incidents of anti-social behaviour take place each year – one every two seconds.
Sir Denis O’Connor, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, says the rowdy and abusive behaviour of yobs is a “disease” within communities that has been allowed to “fester” because police have retreated from the streets in the past two decades.
Pardon the mixed metaphor, but police are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. The real “disease” is widespread family disintegration leading to emotionally unstable and boundary-intolerant children who transition from dysfunctional yobs into dysfunctional, breeding adults.
Of course anyone who promotes stable, loving biological family units as a starting point for stable society are loudly condemned as fringe lunatics by the liberal/progressive MSM.
Of course anyone who promotes stable, loving biological family units as a starting point for stable society are loudly condemned as fringe lunatics by the liberal/progressive MSM.
An emotionally unstable and boundary-intolerant statement? Unless you can back up with some facts of course.
krazy – it’s not just that there are those causes, but also that the public has been warned off from getting involved.
“We all want civility restored to society and the public rely heavily on the police to help this happen. But the police cannot do this on their own,” says Sir Denis. “The public won’t tackle anti-social behaviour on the streets while they fear reprisals.
Here in NZ I’d be very reluctant to get involved to try and break up a fight or prevent an assault, simply because I’d rather not risk being arrested myself. Until that attitude changes then I think police have to realise they can’t expect too much public support.
I dont know if anyone else has retired parents/grandparents in the same position, but I want to share a story about my grandparents that shows what big government is doing to our country.
My grandparents are hard working law abiding folk, retired about 15 years ago and receive Super plus a modest amount of interest from investments. They own a modest 3 bedroom beachfront property up in Doubtless Bay, which they are now having to think of selling to buy an even smaller place. I was having a good chat to my grandad today, who is as apolitical as you can get. But he told me that the reasons he is having to sell the house that he built with his own hands are:
1. He has recently received a letter from the Far North District Council advising that rates are to go up again this year. Currently for his small 3 bedroom house they pay $2600 per year (over $50 per week). For this extortionate amount they get no kerbside rubbish collection (nearest tip is 20min drive away), no footpaths, even on the state highway. No water (have to pay extortinoate amounts for tank water top ups when it runs out) inadequate drainage, etc etc. Basically I can not see a single local government service provided to them which is of use. Not even any libraries etc near.
2. They have received a letter from their medical insurer advising them their premiums are to go up to compensate for the GST rise. They are now on the brink of being unable to afford private insurance, which will put a burden back on the public system. Previously they have never cost the state a cent medical-wise.
3. They have received a letter from their house and contents insurer advising them that their premiums are to go up to compensate for GST.
4. They have received a letter from their power company advising that the cost of power is going up due to the ETS and GST.
5. Due to our centrally controlled interest rates, over the last few years their investments have barely kept up with inflation and CPI increases (if it hasnt actually gone backwards).
6. Due to the economic recession caused by global socialism, they cannot see themselves being able to sell their house anytime soon, and not anywhere near GV.
I realise this is a rant, but I have two main questions.
When is this kind of shit going going to end?
What is National going to do about any of the above? My view is absolutely sweet fuck all.
And if any National cheerleaders say “oh, they are getting a tax cut on 1 October”, I am going to off myself.
good link kk.
I have to say, out of all the Western societies plagued by government debt and socialism, I think the UK is the most fucked. Crime and welfare dependency there is out of control by all accounts.
And not to minimise the effects of the “homegrown yobbo”, I wonder just what proportion of those “14 million incidents of anti-social behaviour” which occur annually are the result of immigrants (especially Muslim youths) who refuse to assimilate into their host nation’s culture, and who view the nationals of their new host country as fair game? For example, the disproportionate number of rapes of European women by immigrant Muslim men (or their sons).
It’s a shame the article didn’t give a break down of those 14 million incidents …
But I agree – the UK and Europe is going to hell in a handbasket, whatever the statistical breakdown.
nickb – without wanting you to off yourself, could you let me know IF they are getting any post-tax income increase on Oct 1? I was of the understanding that super-annuitants would be no worse off. Am keen to know if that was true or not?
@nick – UK is pretty bad, but Greece is probably worse if scope to “self-heal” is considered. Sad about your grandparents. I suspect that lots of people who voted for Key feeling well pissed off at the moment. To answer your question, I don’t think it is going to end any time soon. Our futures are constantly mortgaged by ‘leaders’ who know any genuine attempt to re-structure our economy will be political suicide, and their short-term gain is of higher importance.
Of course anyone who promotes stable, loving biological family units as a starting point for stable society are loudly condemned as fringe lunatics by the liberal/progressive MSM.
Admittedly not exactly sure what you’re referring to, but merely advocating “stable, loving biological family units” is not something that really makes the news, in my experience. What does make the news is those actively opposing situations they don’t like – this is not always done well, hence the newsworthy-ness.
I dont know if anyone else has retired parents/grandparents in the same position, but I want to share a story about my grandparents that shows what big government is doing to our country. …
However bad it is for your grandparents, and it IS bad (my dad said something similar just recently), you can guarantee that when you and I get to retirement age (probably 70 for me, and 80 for you) things will be a whole lot more grim. Rather than a gold watch, they’ll probably give us a pill to take after dinner to alleviate whatever burden we will place on those who are still contributing to the system.
No doubt they will get some small kind of income tax cut on their super RN. Not too sure if the RWT rates are aligning with the personal tax rates.
Fair question, the point I am making is that in my grandparents case any tax cut will be entirely eaten up (and then some) by the other associated rises I pointed to.
Especially rates. WTF do councils do with the money? I am constantly amazed by how councils can extort so much money off citizens, seemingly provide such shocking and run down services to the public, and then run up debts in the hundreds of millions. I would expect a room full of monkeys with down’s syndrome to be more careful with cash.
krazy I agree, I read that article you posted on here a week or so back… truly scary. Greece will be bought to its knees by its own greed and ineptitude. IIRC it is about to default on government bonds?
@nick – councils and government are the only ‘businesses’ that can total up their anticipated expenses and then set their income to match. There’s little real world sanity checking, save for a passing thought or two about any potential for ballot-box revenge. But when the alternative is just the same. And yes, I think Greece may be about to default. Finish that degree and head somewhere where socialism’s poison hasn’t yet spread
Typical non-rebuttals above from the Islamophobes and the genocide proponents like kowtow and KK.
The committee was set up with a specific brief to study the actions of all the participants in the flotilla incident in the context of international law and have produced a comprehensive report.
You can download the report by going here, scroll down to find the report reference:
A/HRC/15/21 Report of the international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance
and in the right hand column click on the “E” for English.
I’ve been glancing through it, and noteworthy so far is how the evidence of the IDF, Bibi and Barak to their own Turkel inquiry has been taken into account (and held against them).
So come on guys, how about some rebuttal analysis of the actual report instead of just kneejerk abuse of all and sundry.
And do remember, the committee members were two well qualified British lawyers, Knights of the Realm, no less, and a Malaysian. To accuse these people of belonging to yet another of your pathetic conspiracies is just laughable.
I see Garrett goes at midnight, as he should. Has Carter done the honourable thing yet?
National Super changes from Oct 2010 – A Married, Civil Union or Defacto Couple (both qualify) will get a weekly Super increase of $21.64 from 1 October. Not sure how they would be affected by tax decreases.
No Red, from most on here, I don’t expect serious debate. I expect risible abuse, so thanks for confirming my predisposition.
However, some may be capable of serious thought, and I would welcome an informed analysis/rebuttal of the evidence and legal arguments presented by this panel of experts.
Phhht – the HRC should be listed as a terrorist organisation. The result was already decided before they even did their investigation. Hamas is the main problem, and anyone supporting them is guilty of prolonging the ‘humanitarian crisis’.
The ‘aid flotilla’ was at best a publicity stunt, but more realistically an act of war against Israel.
Former MP Winston Peters says he “looks like a saint” after ACT leader Rodney Hide’s handling of the scandal rocking the political party.
“We always did have our finances in order, how many political parties have had the SFO [Serious Fraud Office], the police and the electoral commission – all three bodies – investigate the party’s finances only to find there was nothing.”
[nickb 3:34] If ACT are in the next parliament, they could do worse than push throught a bill to remove the power of “general competence” from councils. They should be restricted to drains,sewerage, roads, and trash collection. All of which should be tendered out to private companies. Local body charges should be pegged to the rate of inflation.
The government of this country, local and national, are a fucking joke and have about as much hope of cutting public spending as Philippe Croizon has of cutting his own toe nails.
joana, you are just parroting the bias line – there is one reason and one reason only why UN committees consistently find against Israel. It’s because Israel consistently breaches international law (while at the same time claiming to be an upstanding member of the international community).
Here is the closing paragraph of the report:
278. The Mission sincerely hopes that no impediment will be put in the way of those who
suffered loss as a result of the unlawful actions of the Israeli military to be compensated
adequately and promptly. It is hoped that there will be swift action by the Government of
Israel. This will go a long way to reversing the regrettable reputation which that country has
for impunity and intransigence in international affairs. It will also assist those who
genuinely sympathise with their situation to support them without being stigmatised.
(emphasis added)
Contrary to the mindless blatherings of many here, I am not anymore pro-Palestinian than I am pro-Israel. I am pro-equality and pro-human rights, including the right of self-determination accorded the European Jews of historic Palestine but denied to the indigenous Palestinians. And I am pro-a just settlement. Israel’s arrogant offers (and the US and Europe’s complicity) simply aim to continue the injustice.
Right Now Here in NZ I’d be very reluctant to get involved to try and break up a fight or prevent an assault, simply because I’d rather not risk being arrested myself. Until that attitude changes then I think police have to realise they can’t expect too much public support.
I wish ACT had chosen Stephen Franks as leader and not Hide, I doubt they would have the problems they have now. He has written very eruditely about this issue at his blog.
That the Leadership of the NZPolice is politically compromised just makes this a whole lot worse.
I don’t know how Key is going to fix this.
Different subject but
“I cannot stand another radio commentator talking about the Fonterra $6.70 payout.”
50/50 sharemilkers get one half of the milk payout. The milk payout is NOT $6.70 it is $6.10. That is a decent difference. And shareholders in Fonterra get a total dividend of 27 cents per share. They paid eight cents back in May, so the other 19 cents will be paid on 20th October.
Those are the facts, so that $6.70 price is a crock of bulls’ excrement.
The news media has been sucked in by Fonterra’s public relations people. People who are usually referred to as paid liars. Have a look at Fonterra’s financial statements and see what tax that company pays on the huge profit they have announced. It is fuck all. That is because most of their profit is illusory.
Fonterra’s management must learn that the value of a company’s shares is linked to the honesty of their directorate, so don’t expect much improvement on their shares which presently have a 5.97% dividend yield. Compare that to Telecom’s 11%+ dividend yield.
Oh dear, please tell me when I should stop crying into my beer for the “poor farmers”.
Meanwhile, David Carter has told Southland farmers that we mugs (aka tax payers) are once again going to bail them out with more of our bloody money.
Why do successive governments prop these greedy bastards up?, they should have insurance like every other small business person in NZ, we constantly hear that we should be kissing the backside of the rural sector yet they are never slow in sticking their hands in my pockets come a drought or flooding.
“Meanwhile, David Carter has told Southland farmers that we mugs (aka tax payers) are once again going to bail them out with more of our bloody money.”
There are a hell of a lot of people far less deserving of taxpayer money than farmers, and they’re getting it dished out to them in the billions. Lets stop giving it to them first, and then maybe the need to bail out farmers will evaporate all on its own.
And they’re not “greedy”. This is just more of the cowardly falsities that typify your posts to this forum.
Slow economy makes rate hikes unlikely – Key
NZPA
Last updated 12:12 23/09/2010
Prime Minister John Key doesn’t expect the Reserve Bank will be in a hurry to raise interest rates now that the latest economic statistics have shown a lower than expected increase in gross domestic product (GDP).
Statistics New Zealand reported today economic activity edged up in the June quarter, with GDP rising 0.2 percent following a 0.5 percent rise in the March quarter.
So are we surprised at all. No and this last couple of weeks its slid back again.
How long before the Nats. feel the hurt and start doing something. Our invisible deficit has rocketed up with companies pulling their money out.
nickb (1,416) Says:
September 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I dont know if anyone else has retired parents/grandparents in the same position, but I want to share a story about my grandparents that shows what big government is doing to our country.
Common story.
In their case the Local Mayor managed to stuff up a DHB, has just been removed from a chairmans job at Transpower. and possibly others.
The winged statue is designed to retract in the event of a collision, but fears have been raised that the mechanism may fail if the ornament gets rusty.
“There is a potential for the ‘B’ hood ornament’s retracting mechanism to become corroded. This may lead to the ‘B’ hood ornament not retracting as intended when a vehicle is involved in a crash,” a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
Is UK government looking where to cut wasteful spending? Start with the bureaucrats at NHTSA.
Oh shit. Does the name Broad ring any bells. Especially Broad from deep south?
WHO IS HILARY CALVERT?
WHO IS HILARY CALVERT?
Ms Calvert, 55, was a sole practice lawyer, specialising in property law, until recently. She lives in Dunedin with her husband of 30 years, Alastair Broad. They have three adult children.
She is landlord of several student flats – one of her tenants is a daughter of former ACT deputy Heather Roy.
Luc’s mate Mahmoud is talking up war, and dissing the holocaust … again:
Mr Ahmadinejad was again questioned about the killing of millions of Jews in Nazi death camps during the Second World War. He described it as “a historical event used to create a pretext for war.”
He described it as “a historical event used to create a pretext for war.”
While I disagree with many of Ahmadinejad’s pronouncements, I fail to see the untruth in this one. He is certainly guilty of diminishing the holocaust as it is not really a historical event when many are still alive who survived it, but he is not denying it.
And don’t you remember your mate Bibi’s last embarrassing address to the UN, crying victim over the Holocaust to excuse his barbarous and illegal acts against the true indigenous peoples of Palestine?
What a spineless whining coward you are. The day you make an allegation on here that is even faintly based upon reality or logic is the day pigs pilot space ships to an outer galaxy. All you ever do is set up strawmen and then argue against them. Pathetic dumbarse.
This is the annus horribilus year for New Zealand.
How the govt justifies extortionate taxes and dwindling rights for education to Kiwis is mind boggling.
What’s going to happen next year.
“The media only go after the left when they are embarrassed into it, or to not do so would seriously endanger their masquerade as objective reporters.”
Which must be why the media are pro royalty. Otherwise they would have blown up Prince Phillips quote he wants to be reincarnted as a virus and wipe out half the worlds population.
The SF author, Elizabeth Moon, has also been slated as racist around the internet for comments she made on her blog about Islam. (http://e-moon60.livejournal.com/335480.html)
What is with the conflation of Islam with a race? Islam is a religion. Those men may very well be racist. Burning the Koran does not show this. Nor does it seem to incite racial hatred. Elizabeth Moon may very well be racist, but all she has shown in her blog post at the very most is xenophobia/anti-Islam sentiment. I do not understand.
Islam is not a race nor is it a religion. It is a murdering, evil ideology. All sorts of concessions are demanded on the basis of it being a religion. Thinking it is a religion is a trap for the naive.
A religion can’t be an evil, murdering ideology? If you’ve seen earlier posts from me on the topic of religion, you should know I make few to no concessions for any religion. It should be treated as any other belief.
September 23rd, 2010 at 7:41 am
Don’t keep us in suspense DPF – what happened at Albany yesterday afternoon?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 7:48 am
Is it mandatory for leftards to have a frontal lobotomy?
Vote:This is what you advocate.
http://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2010/09/22/living-under-sharia/
September 23rd, 2010 at 7:48 am
Yes, was there a drunken buffoon there? Making a cock of himself, and bringing Clowns all over the World into disrepute.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 7:49 am
For those that think Obama is not muslim, have a think about this.
Vote:http://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2010/08/07/obama-uses-23m-u-s-taxpayer-dollars-to-usher-in-sharia-courts-in-kenya/
September 23rd, 2010 at 7:57 am
Yes WW, the creeping sharia is more of a threat to civilisation than any global warming crap.
Vote:Thanks for the link.
September 23rd, 2010 at 8:08 am
Is there a competition going for the nuttiest local body election candidate?
If so, here’s the Christchurch nominee…. (I particularly like the fact that he appears to be campaigning for better quality prostitutes. Perhaps it’s their poor quality that has resulted in so many of them getting murdered down here)
Michael Hansen
Economic Euthenics
Economic refers to business and trade, while Euthenics is the science of the improvement of living standards – eg – better houses, appliances, TVs cars, tradesmen, strippers, prostitutes and priests.
I represent the poor people of Christchurch who can’t afford to bet and booze, and cut the groceries to pay the power bill, can’t afford to fix their car/truck and have to go everywhere by bus, walk or bike. Rate blow-outs such as the new town hall, the Commonwealth Games QE2 complex, the football stadium, and Noddy buildings, are going to be followed by Ngai Tahu’s likely City Land claim, of 60 billion. The Government will have to help as Christchurch is a large tax base.
I support bus shelters at every permanent bus st with wooden seats, more pensioner housing, and putting the city’s drunken homeless in Sunnyside mental prison.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 8:27 am
Better get your sandals and knee pads out Dad!
This post and it’s comments make you wonder if America has enough intelligent voters to ever get out of the shit they are in.
Vote:http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/08/fox-shareholder-funded-mosque-imam/
September 23rd, 2010 at 9:00 am
What happened in Albany yesterday????
Did Williams lose it and bitch slap Whale
And did Whale knock him into yesterday
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 9:05 am
Webbie, I suppose if it is a publically traded company one cannot select ones shareholders. The problem is when his 7% becomes 51.
BTW their is some added insight into Islam for the lame brains in your other links. We fought National Socialism in Germany, The Soviet Socialist’s, the spread of Socialism throughout the world (and lost much), now it is the duty of the younger generations to fight off the evil totaliarianism that is spreading like a cancer – those of Islam and of Progressivism (present day Socialists), each using the other.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 9:09 am
At least France has banned the Burqha and they’re a socialist nation.
But France is French, they’ll fight tooth and nail for French culture.
“She’ll be right” seems to be lost from our lexicon as well. Thats good.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 9:12 am
Williams wouldn’t last 2 seconds againt whale.
Altough to be sure there really should be a boxing match organised. Dontate the proceeds to the save the trees fund to help trees on the NS recover from being peed on since apparently every real man there does it.
“But France is French, they’ll fight tooth and nail for French culture.”
Vote:Your evidence for this would be what, they will run up the white flag to prevent property damage to Paris the moment anything built by BMW crosses the Somme?
September 23rd, 2010 at 9:37 am
Sharia law was already in the old Kenyan constitution, but never mind the facts, that would just not make such a good story.
So the new consitition merely held on to the status quo in that regard. To say that Obama introduced Sharia Law in Kenya is just plainly a lie.
You need to read a bit more other than your paranoid websites.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/06/AR2010070605449.html
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 9:41 am
I have never had a lot of time for Dave Garrett, as i thought he came across as a bit of a smart-arse, but i’m not entirely sure that he should have been hung out to dry for offences that occured a long time ago.
Having said that, i have nothing but admiration for the way that he has conducted himself. If reports that he is about to resign from Parliament are true, then i salute you sir, for you have acted with integrity and done the right thing. There are a number of rock-dwellers who will do anything to hang on to “the baubles of office” and they could well reflect on your actions.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 9:44 am
Neil its a fundemental principle of our justice system that you only get dealt once ofr an offence. This episode is a shameful example of the media contriving a mob of pitchfork armed knukle draggers and to the eternal shame of the New Zealand public, they are those knuckle draggers and they played their part willingly.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 9:55 am
I’ve wondered if the Garrett attacks were overkill and unfair too. Once he resigned he has seemed to have acted properly – but in his week off he has been venting to a newspaper, some comments are a little disturbing.
I have two key problems with this:
- he still (now) thinks it’s a thrill to “beat the system”.
- he doesn’t see how he can learn a lesson – sounds like denying responsibility to me
I don’t think those are good attributes to see in a politician, especially one whose main aim was to get tough on those who got a thrill (or something) from beating the system. But it perhaps shows why he thinks prisoner rehab is futile, if he can’t learn from his crimes why should anyone else?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 9:57 am
Very sad news about Graeme Hunt
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10675549
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:04 am
Newspaper? His exclusive interview is with Truth. Now isn’t that ironic.
Vote:Well at least they can’t say it’s the MSM
September 23rd, 2010 at 10:18 am
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/09/robert_mugabes_bloody_diamond.html
Good honest China again, you know the one we wanted and have a free trade agreement with.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:20 am
Stunned by the news about Graeme Hunt. The last time I saw him he seemed in fine fettle.
Brian and Guy Fawkes: What is with your permanent boners in relation to Williams? Get a hobby.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:24 am
Wheres RRM?
Nothing to say on this today? Was vocal enough yesterday.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Murray @ 9.44
Bu,t if we are all going to be honest here ,if the Garret scene was a Labour scene, we would be screaming for blood here,true?
I know I would be.
Pete has it right ,there are some very disturbing comments this morning…the thrill of committing the crime et al….
Very disturbing
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:33 am
On the disaster that has happened in Southland this Lambing season.
Vote:Random Thoughts:
This is the main income stream for a sheep farm being set up as the reproductive ewe drops the little body into the world to grow into money.
The date for lambing is planned for, some twelve months ago and set in concrete five months ago.
That date is set with consideration for marketing the product, the normal expected grass growth, weather expectations in an average season, income from surviving lambs and stock health, nutrition etc.
Lambing in a shed will suit a European farmer with massive subsidies and extremely small flocks that are totally uneconomic here in NZ.
Any lambing indoors will create massive health, hygiene,and nutrition requirements.
Trying to select a date for birthing different to previous seasons will in all likleyhood result in jumping into trouble rather than avoiding it.
The almost annual viewing of such an unfolding disaster will vary from region to region from season to season but will be presented by the media as an annual occurrence when in fact Southland farmers in the gun this year are talking about a gap of some fifteen years since they were last clobbered. Hawkes Bay has lambing starting in May and the South Island High Country will be in October with many districts setting their dates in between and any one of them can suffer a disaster of rain, snow, wind, drought or any combination of the above that can kill thousands of lambs in a few hours.
Very few of the owners of the dying lambs, their fellow staff and all those connected will be anything other than totally gutted and exhausted by the unfolding disaster and any suggestion of uncaring greedy farmers will be a big kick in the guts to them all.
The piles of dead lambs being gathered up portray a concentrated aspect of the unfolding tragedy that the recovery of a very small economic gain that has developed from processing the pelts of the dead newborns but was hidden in past years as the little bodies were left to decay and return to the fertility cycle of the soil but are now a headline creating pile of death that the media revels in.
When the media portray a human disaster such as that in Darfur, they warn of scenes that will be deemed upsetting and then proceed to show heavily censored footage that minimises the actual truth of mans inhumanity to man but with thousands of dead lambs being brought to a point for processing we get the whole shebang in graphic detail along with illinformed and emotive half truths.
Shit happens and armchair critics with zero understanding of the reality of livestock farming should just shut the fuck up and perhaps instead, offer a hand of assistance instead of trivialising what will be a severe economic, social, emotional and for some, a potentially bankrupting event equal to the quake that struck Canterbury on the 4th of September, in the scale of consequences.
My thoughts are with all those trying to fight the ravages of nature as they battle to minimise the disaster unfolding.
September 23rd, 2010 at 10:35 am
No actually Paul I wouldn’t. You might work that way I don’t.
I don’t give Key free passes and when Helen Clark did the right thing I said so. That was twice in 9 years so lucky me.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:37 am
@Rodders
Oh, that is a shock. Sad news indeed.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:40 am
Gravedodger, maybe the whale savers in Northland would have been better going to Southland and helped saved a few lambs.
This series of storms are at the worst possible time for Southland. I agree, there will be a lot of farmers working at least as hard as anyone in the earthquake zone. And they aren’t covered by the EQC.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:42 am
Look at what one of NZ’s most well known “charities” is up to with its donations:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/4159204/Fonterra-HQ-evacuated
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10675553
It is well past the time that the Charities Commission revoked their charitable status. If these activities are “for the benefit of the community” then fuck me
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 10:50 am
Bulldog Collins as police minister may have failed to dent the criminal gangs, but she has created a lynch-em atmosphere for young folk who like driving fast.
In today’s Christchurch Press, I read a boy racer who skidded through an intersection to evade pursuing police was jailed for seven months.
Stupid bloke. Should have just gone out and done something where the penalties are light. For example, he could have bashed an innocent teenager, or joined a gang and distributed P.
Will we see Collins firing up a publicity and enforcement campaign against the patched scum of NZ’s entrenched criminal gangs and their triad mates? Yeah right.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:05 am
Yes, very sad about Graeme Hunt. Very sad indeed.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:12 am
If it was Roy who outed Garrett as the scum he is, it was a lovely knife right into the back of Hide, well done Roy, we socialists need not teach you any dirty tricks.
Of course you are still stuffed Roy, because you went along with the cover up of Garrett’s crime to those peasant voters.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:19 am
So you are happy grumpy that the only politican that can foot it with that left footed turkey who wants to give hori’s possession of NZ has made a mistake.
Vote:Well fuck me why would we be surprised.
Pales in comparison with the rape, incest and baby killing of that group.
At least that baby was already dead from some cause other than being beaten to death. Or maybe it wasn’t which would explain all the victim shit that’s come to the surface.
Howlow do you socialist scum really get to.
September 23rd, 2010 at 11:23 am
You’re right Grumpy all politicians are low life self serving scum , denomination makes no difference
V 2 what an arsehole comment
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:26 am
How low do you want to go?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:36 am
V2- beware of trolls- PG, GOH, all of the extreme left wing scum (and their idiot low IQ acolytes like Paul) who post their irrational and poorly informed crap here. Ask yourself if its really worth it. By all means use them to get a message out but engaging with them in the expectation of making some kind of logical point is utterly futile. Just take it easy.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Attention Maurice Williamson, who recently called racist the opposition to the sale of the Crafar farms to Natural Dairy.
China is demanding all foreign firms that want to participate in its electric car market hand over what the Wall Street Journal calls their proprietary electric vehicle technology. That is, their intellectual property, their knowledge, the fruits of their research.
China is the world’s largest car market and is growing rapidly, and Beijing is clearly planning already for a move to electric cars.
Under Williamson’s philosophy, the American protest about this seizure of intellectual property would be racist. Perhaps Williamson should protest to the US congressman who is taking a stand on the issue, Michigan’s John Dingell.
NZ firms planning to take technology to China, should also take note.
Talking of racism, Williamson’s section of the Beehive.Govt site makes interesting reading. His portfolio gives him a wide range of boards on which he makes or confirms appointments. I note that he has maintained the imbalance (on a population basis) on the Geographic Place Names Board. He appointed four new members: Archie Taiaroa, of Taumarunui (I think this gentleman may have since died), Rikirangi Gage, of Opotiki, Jennifer Vernon, of Ngaruawahia, and Basil Morrison, of Paeroa. He also reappointed Sir Tipene O’Regan, Michael Roche, and David Barnes.
“The new appointees will bring a range of expertise and perspectives on New Zealand society and history to the Board,” Williamson says on the Beehive site.
In other words, Williamson is maintaining the drive to rename as many NZ English place names as possible with Maori titles.
Even more interesting, I find on the site that Williamson appointed Felicity Price a “full lay member” of the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board. The mind boggles as to what “full lay” means, but we can assume it means she’s an amateur when it comes to surveying. I think Price is a Christchurch public relations professional, who may have been a journalist earlier, and who may also be a minor novelist. What she knows about surveying would surely fit on the back of a Post-It note.
However, I reckon Price must have present or previous connections with the National Party.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:42 am
Pete George, maybe I’m just a bit charitable, but I took Garrett’s comment to refer to the time of the offending, the thrill was when he did it at age 26, not the thrill now. I do think to assumer he means today is a bit of a stretch, frankly. And the implication to me is that he has learned his lesson from the incident and that he’s not sure that there’s more he could learn now. And that would seem true, except to learn that there’s no excuses accepted when you’re on the right, whereas politicians on the left have near automatic free passes from the great majority of the media.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:42 am
Do try to keep up: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/politics/3860440/Greenpeace-challenges-rejection-as-charity
Vote:http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2010/06/is_greenpeace_a_charity.html
September 23rd, 2010 at 11:43 am
Garth George displays questionable moral judgement again. Referring to identity theft, he opines:
So according to this fundamentalist, evolution and climate change denying moral arbiter, it’s OK to
steal“borrow” someone’s identity so long as one doesn’t actually use it. In fact, Mr George, the truth is that Garret committed a crime that carries a degree of penalty, and if the fraudulent passport had actually been used then, depending on the circumstances, the penalty may have been much more onerous.It’s a bit like the difference between threatening to kill and actually killing. Both are serious offences, but perhaps not according to George.
Talking of killing, yet another UN report exposing Israel’s blatant breaches of international law. These breaches often include gratuitous murder of unarmed civilians, as happens in the Occupied Palestine Territories regularly.
Naturally, Israel accuses every instance of legitimate criticism of its actions as “bias” but its bluster doesn’t hide the fact that it is heading fast toward rogue state status and even its most devoted ally will one day jettison that support.
Another who is failing to face reality is Chris Carter, who should follow Garrett’s example and resign today. IMHO.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:43 am
Red
If making comments about dead babies spins your wheels, go for it.
Your dogmatic ravings are very sad and I have said before ,if having a large tally of comments is your only validation as a human being ,who am I to detract from that.
Never the less that comment of V 2′s was and still is that of an arsehole
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:45 am
This is the most interesting quote:
Isn’t the ACT law and order policy based on the assumption that criminals know the consequences of their actions, and thus don’t deserve any mercy?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:45 am
Not surprised you’re supporting the tone of V2′s post RedBorat, it’s your sort of low.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:47 am
Luc you are as bad as them.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:54 am
“it’s OK to steal “borrow” someone’s identity ”
Moron. He did not say it was “not OK”. He said it was not the big deal that the politically partisan gang of leftists called the mainstream media made of it. Always the straw man, for without it you have nothing.
Partisan leftists like you Luc too are nobody to be offering serious opines of judgment. Given your extreme and feverish left wing perspective on every subject, its amazing you apparently can’t see how worthless your opinions are on an issue relating to a politician you perceive as far right. But then when have leftists ever been open to logic?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Good to see that Benson-Pope is still supported by the media, as is Philip Field, Clark wasn’t hounded over a car she didn’t drive and a painting she didn’t paint, Carter is being promoted as a shoe-in for a return to caucus, Goff is rated an odds-on chance in the next election….
Do you think journalists really think like “that’s a lefty story, I’ll ignore it and some competing media is welcome to make a spectacle of it instead”?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 11:59 am
LUC HANSEN:……..Another serious and current case of Identity theft has occurred. An Indian lady resident in Pukekohe did not authorise the Labour Council candidate to include her name among the 306 registered voters on the roll as living at that candidates address…..
Like others I mourn the passing of Graham Hunt in my view the most credible commentator on both business matters and current affairs.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
“Good to see that Benson-Pope is still supported by the media,”
The media only go after the left when they are embarrassed into it, or to not do so would seriously endanger their masquerade as objective reporters.
The proof of this exists in the lame half hearted way they pursue leftist politicians as opposed to the vicious intensity that accompanies their attacks on anyone they perceive as “right wing” or Conservative.
Forget your pathetic attempts to smokescreen your treacherous media buddies Mr. George. Their time is over, and they only retain credibility in the minds of their comrades, or the poor saps who, stuck behind a Berlin wall of propaganda, have no means of recognising what poisonous partisan agents of Progressivism they really are.
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/evening_news_ratings/evening_news_ratings_20092010_season__174003.asp
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 12:34 pm
As I have been challenged to use more facts to back my assertions I did some research on another topic, posted here because it’s a bit off-topic. Interesting to see some candidates using “party” affiliation as a promotional slogan.
Proven Leadership
A Prudent Approach
Collaborative Decision Making
Love Tauranga, Vote Love
Change brings fresh new change
Actions Not Words – haha
Our city needs change
More Democracy Less Bureaucracy
Better Council, Better City
Common Sense Approach
Change Your Council – if they succeed I wonder if they change party next election
For H-Evans Sake Put Tauranga First
Integrity, Intelligence, Information
- http://www.electionz.com/elections/TaurangaCC/candidates.htm
But no Tea Party.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Luc will take any opportunity to smear Israel. Even using paragons of virtue such as the biased UN Human Rights council that has little credibilty.
For an alternative view,see below. The resolution was Islamic and Arab inspired.
http://www.unwatch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=bdKKISNqEmG&b=1316871&ct=8423627
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:02 pm
There’s been a bit of discussion about a NZ Tea Party. Much as I endorse this in the US, I can’t see it working here. Am I correct in understanding that the Tea Party does not support any political party, but endorses individuals who have particular values and attitudes?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Sort of krazy, they are basically against too much government. But things are getting a bit intermingled in the US. There are many different Tea Party groups with different ideas, agendas and methods. Some are trying to use the GOP, and the GOP is trying to take advantage of parts of the Tea Party (when they’re not opposing them).
I agree about NZ, totally different political and religious landscape. Some may try and make it happen here but there is much more acceptance of what is happening here politically than in the US.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
“Am I correct in understanding that the Tea Party does not support any political party, but endorses individuals who have particular values and attitudes?”
Partly- the other side is that the objective is to remove those from the political front who threaten those values and attitudes, especially those politicians who profess to adhere to them, but betray them once elected.
It may work here, but making it supremely difficult is the left’s firm hold on information, and their means to so easily mould public opinion by way of state propaganda units like the TV One newsroom. This stinking Chavez style institution would need a complete clean out before democracy could be relied upon once again.
At the moment, too many gullible and easily influenced morons are fed bullshit by these insidiously evil people and do not realise it. Anyone who has overseas experience can see it so starkly, but those who have nothing with which to make the comparison, remain easily manipulated by these Progressive propagandists posing as journalists and reporters.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
MikeNZ 10:18 am,
Indeed, Mike.
Vote:Why would we sign up to a free trade agreement with such a corrupt regime; one whose hands are stained with the blood of the innocent? Beggars belief. No surprise that this was a Labour/Klark initiative.
September 23rd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
“Sort of krazy, they are basically against too much government.”
Why don’t you go away you chronic communist troll. You would not have the faintest idea in hell what they are about.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Right, so the reason a Tea Party wouldn’t be as effective here as the US is because of whipping IMO. There’s no point in trying to influence MPs (electorate or list) when the party whips lash MP’s into doing their leaders bidding. I think your point about the MSM is very valid. Just watch them trot out that ‘far-right’ smear at anything to the right of communist.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Happy Sukkot to all the Jewish readers, hope your new year is starting well and will be prosperous in all the realms you’re involved in.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
It’s before it gets to that, there is not the same widespread deep seated dissatisfaction with government here as there is in the US, so no pressing need to start up a revolutionary movement.
In the US approval of politicians across the board is historically low:
Funnily: 4 Sep 2010 … Washington: US president Barack Obama’s approval rating has improved from 43 to 46 percent, according to a new poll by Fox News
Here, outside a few blogs and unions, there is not any strong annoyance with government being expressed. What would be the focal point for an uprising? The smile is crooked? The wave is wimpy?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
“the reason a Tea Party wouldn’t be as effective here as the US is because of whipping IMO.”
They have whips in the US.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 1:54 pm
kowtow 12:48 pm,
As you said, Kowtow, “The resolution was Islamic and Arab inspired.”
And it is interesting to see which countries voted which way, and it is perhaps MORE interesting to see who abstained or absenced themselves. From your link:
One has to ask the question why exactly countries such as Britain and France chose to abstain? Condemnation (of Israel) by omission?
And more from the Guardian:
It will be interesting to see what comes out of the other UN enquiry under Geoffrey Palmer and Alvaro Uribe – but I won’t hold my breath regarding it portraying Israel under any better light than the current UNHRC enquiry.
Israel really just needsto get on and do whatever is necessary to defend her citizenry from Islamic terrorism, and if the UN and other nations of the world condemn her for doing so she needs to respond by the raising of the middle digit.
That the nation of Israel and the conservative Judeo-Christian Right continue to be attacked by the Progressive Left and their partner in crime, Islamic terrorism and immigration, is of no surprise to those of us who have open eyes. We’ve seen this day coming from way off.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
“Ms Smith said DOC was looking at their options, with the mammals likely to be taken by truck to the more sheltered Rarawa Beach, about an hour south.”
I hope this fucking idiocy is not something the taxpayer is funding. Beached whales should be taken care of by voluntary donations.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Get thee behind me, Satan…
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/4160042/Megachurch-gay-sex-scandal
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Part of Doc”s operating budget includes an allocation for rescuing whales.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Pardon the mixed metaphor, but police are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. The real “disease” is widespread family disintegration leading to emotionally unstable and boundary-intolerant children who transition from dysfunctional yobs into dysfunctional, breeding adults.
Of course anyone who promotes stable, loving biological family units as a starting point for stable society are loudly condemned as fringe lunatics by the liberal/progressive MSM.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
An emotionally unstable and boundary-intolerant statement? Unless you can back up with some facts of course.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
@Pete – Do your own research. There’s plenty of evidence. Google will help.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:13 pm
krazy – it’s not just that there are those causes, but also that the public has been warned off from getting involved.
Here in NZ I’d be very reluctant to get involved to try and break up a fight or prevent an assault, simply because I’d rather not risk being arrested myself. Until that attitude changes then I think police have to realise they can’t expect too much public support.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I dont know if anyone else has retired parents/grandparents in the same position, but I want to share a story about my grandparents that shows what big government is doing to our country.
My grandparents are hard working law abiding folk, retired about 15 years ago and receive Super plus a modest amount of interest from investments. They own a modest 3 bedroom beachfront property up in Doubtless Bay, which they are now having to think of selling to buy an even smaller place. I was having a good chat to my grandad today, who is as apolitical as you can get. But he told me that the reasons he is having to sell the house that he built with his own hands are:
1. He has recently received a letter from the Far North District Council advising that rates are to go up again this year. Currently for his small 3 bedroom house they pay $2600 per year (over $50 per week). For this extortionate amount they get no kerbside rubbish collection (nearest tip is 20min drive away), no footpaths, even on the state highway. No water (have to pay extortinoate amounts for tank water top ups when it runs out) inadequate drainage, etc etc. Basically I can not see a single local government service provided to them which is of use. Not even any libraries etc near.
2. They have received a letter from their medical insurer advising them their premiums are to go up to compensate for the GST rise. They are now on the brink of being unable to afford private insurance, which will put a burden back on the public system. Previously they have never cost the state a cent medical-wise.
3. They have received a letter from their house and contents insurer advising them that their premiums are to go up to compensate for GST.
4. They have received a letter from their power company advising that the cost of power is going up due to the ETS and GST.
5. Due to our centrally controlled interest rates, over the last few years their investments have barely kept up with inflation and CPI increases (if it hasnt actually gone backwards).
6. Due to the economic recession caused by global socialism, they cannot see themselves being able to sell their house anytime soon, and not anywhere near GV.
I realise this is a rant, but I have two main questions.
When is this kind of shit going going to end?
What is National going to do about any of the above? My view is absolutely sweet fuck all.
And if any National cheerleaders say “oh, they are getting a tax cut on 1 October”, I am going to off myself.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:18 pm
good link kk.
Vote:I have to say, out of all the Western societies plagued by government debt and socialism, I think the UK is the most fucked. Crime and welfare dependency there is out of control by all accounts.
September 23rd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
krazykiwi 2:55 pm,
And not to minimise the effects of the “homegrown yobbo”, I wonder just what proportion of those “14 million incidents of anti-social behaviour” which occur annually are the result of immigrants (especially Muslim youths) who refuse to assimilate into their host nation’s culture, and who view the nationals of their new host country as fair game? For example, the disproportionate number of rapes of European women by immigrant Muslim men (or their sons).
It’s a shame the article didn’t give a break down of those 14 million incidents …
But I agree – the UK and Europe is going to hell in a handbasket, whatever the statistical breakdown.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
nickb – without wanting you to off yourself, could you let me know IF they are getting any post-tax income increase on Oct 1? I was of the understanding that super-annuitants would be no worse off. Am keen to know if that was true or not?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@nick – UK is pretty bad, but Greece is probably worse if scope to “self-heal” is considered. Sad about your grandparents. I suspect that lots of people who voted for Key feeling well pissed off at the moment. To answer your question, I don’t think it is going to end any time soon. Our futures are constantly mortgaged by ‘leaders’ who know any genuine attempt to re-structure our economy will be political suicide, and their short-term gain is of higher importance.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Admittedly not exactly sure what you’re referring to, but merely advocating “stable, loving biological family units” is not something that really makes the news, in my experience. What does make the news is those actively opposing situations they don’t like – this is not always done well, hence the newsworthy-ness.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
nickb 3:16 pm,
However bad it is for your grandparents, and it IS bad (my dad said something similar just recently), you can guarantee that when you and I get to retirement age (probably 70 for me, and 80 for you) things will be a whole lot more grim. Rather than a gold watch, they’ll probably give us a pill to take after dinner to alleviate whatever burden we will place on those who are still contributing to the system.
“Happy retirement – here’s your pill”.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:34 pm
No doubt they will get some small kind of income tax cut on their super RN. Not too sure if the RWT rates are aligning with the personal tax rates.
Fair question, the point I am making is that in my grandparents case any tax cut will be entirely eaten up (and then some) by the other associated rises I pointed to.
Especially rates. WTF do councils do with the money? I am constantly amazed by how councils can extort so much money off citizens, seemingly provide such shocking and run down services to the public, and then run up debts in the hundreds of millions. I would expect a room full of monkeys with down’s syndrome to be more careful with cash.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
krazy I agree, I read that article you posted on here a week or so back… truly scary. Greece will be bought to its knees by its own greed and ineptitude. IIRC it is about to default on government bonds?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Kris- If NZ gets much worse I don’t plan on sticking around to find out.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
@nick – councils and government are the only ‘businesses’ that can total up their anticipated expenses and then set their income to match. There’s little real world sanity checking, save for a passing thought or two about any potential for ballot-box revenge. But when the alternative is just the same. And yes, I think Greece may be about to default. Finish that degree and head somewhere where socialism’s poison hasn’t yet spread
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Typical non-rebuttals above from the Islamophobes and the genocide proponents like kowtow and KK.
The committee was set up with a specific brief to study the actions of all the participants in the flotilla incident in the context of international law and have produced a comprehensive report.
You can download the report by going here, scroll down to find the report reference:
and in the right hand column click on the “E” for English.
I’ve been glancing through it, and noteworthy so far is how the evidence of the IDF, Bibi and Barak to their own Turkel inquiry has been taken into account (and held against them).
So come on guys, how about some rebuttal analysis of the actual report instead of just kneejerk abuse of all and sundry.
And do remember, the committee members were two well qualified British lawyers, Knights of the Realm, no less, and a Malaysian. To accuse these people of belonging to yet another of your pathetic conspiracies is just laughable.
I see Garrett goes at midnight, as he should. Has Carter done the honourable thing yet?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
National Super changes from Oct 2010 – A Married, Civil Union or Defacto Couple (both qualify) will get a weekly Super increase of $21.64 from 1 October. Not sure how they would be affected by tax decreases.
Table 1 – New Zealand Superannuation/Veteran’s Pension – M tax rate
I agree that local body rates need to be controlled far better.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
“Typical non-rebuttals above from the Islamophobes and the genocide proponents like kowtow and KK.”
..and after this cowardly smear you expect serious debate???
“So come on guys, how about some rebuttal analysis of the actual report instead of just kneejerk abuse of all and sundry.”
I think you’ve got this blog confused with another. I doubt anyone here is too interested in crossing swords with sick trolls like you.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Why Greece Should Default
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
No Red, from most on here, I don’t expect serious debate. I expect risible abuse, so thanks for confirming my predisposition.
However, some may be capable of serious thought, and I would welcome an informed analysis/rebuttal of the evidence and legal arguments presented by this panel of experts.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
“However, some may be capable of serious thought, ”
We all are. The point you missed was my reference to the futility of sharing them with brain damaged extreme left trolls like you.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Phhht – the HRC should be listed as a terrorist organisation. The result was already decided before they even did their investigation. Hamas is the main problem, and anyone supporting them is guilty of prolonging the ‘humanitarian crisis’.
Vote:The ‘aid flotilla’ was at best a publicity stunt, but more realistically an act of war against Israel.
September 23rd, 2010 at 4:13 pm
“Why Greece should default” – because I’d make several hundred dollars on iPredict. Case closed.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Maxim Institute: Playing Fast and Loose with the Constitution
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Such a cute pair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXiFsB4SYlc&feature=player_embedded
Vote:And I’m not including Elmo.
September 23rd, 2010 at 4:37 pm
So you don’t know anything about Malaysia either Luc…
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
[Mike NZ 1:33] I’ll second that! Shalom guys!
cheers
David Prosser
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Epsom? Te Atatu? There’s a few possibilities, ripe for the picking. What about Mana? Probably not.
How depressing, wherever he stands with his zimmer frame.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
[nickb 3:34] If ACT are in the next parliament, they could do worse than push throught a bill to remove the power of “general competence” from councils. They should be restricted to drains,sewerage, roads, and trash collection. All of which should be tendered out to private companies. Local body charges should be pegged to the rate of inflation.
cheers
David Prosser
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I hear you nickb.
The government of this country, local and national, are a fucking joke and have about as much hope of cutting public spending as Philippe Croizon has of cutting his own toe nails.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 5:27 pm
redbaiter
11,521 valueless posts.
joana, you are just parroting the bias line – there is one reason and one reason only why UN committees consistently find against Israel. It’s because Israel consistently breaches international law (while at the same time claiming to be an upstanding member of the international community).
Here is the closing paragraph of the report:
(emphasis added)
Contrary to the mindless blatherings of many here, I am not anymore pro-Palestinian than I am pro-Israel. I am pro-equality and pro-human rights, including the right of self-determination accorded the European Jews of historic Palestine but denied to the indigenous Palestinians. And I am pro-a just settlement. Israel’s arrogant offers (and the US and Europe’s complicity) simply aim to continue the injustice.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Right Now
Here in NZ I’d be very reluctant to get involved to try and break up a fight or prevent an assault, simply because I’d rather not risk being arrested myself. Until that attitude changes then I think police have to realise they can’t expect too much public support.
I wish ACT had chosen Stephen Franks as leader and not Hide, I doubt they would have the problems they have now. He has written very eruditely about this issue at his blog.
Vote:That the Leadership of the NZPolice is politically compromised just makes this a whole lot worse.
I don’t know how Key is going to fix this.
September 23rd, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Different subject but
Vote:“I cannot stand another radio commentator talking about the Fonterra $6.70 payout.”
50/50 sharemilkers get one half of the milk payout. The milk payout is NOT $6.70 it is $6.10. That is a decent difference. And shareholders in Fonterra get a total dividend of 27 cents per share. They paid eight cents back in May, so the other 19 cents will be paid on 20th October.
Those are the facts, so that $6.70 price is a crock of bulls’ excrement.
The news media has been sucked in by Fonterra’s public relations people. People who are usually referred to as paid liars. Have a look at Fonterra’s financial statements and see what tax that company pays on the huge profit they have announced. It is fuck all. That is because most of their profit is illusory.
Fonterra’s management must learn that the value of a company’s shares is linked to the honesty of their directorate, so don’t expect much improvement on their shares which presently have a 5.97% dividend yield. Compare that to Telecom’s 11%+ dividend yield.
September 23rd, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Tauhei
Oh dear, please tell me when I should stop crying into my beer for the “poor farmers”.
Meanwhile, David Carter has told Southland farmers that we mugs (aka tax payers) are once again going to bail them out with more of our bloody money.
Why do successive governments prop these greedy bastards up?, they should have insurance like every other small business person in NZ, we constantly hear that we should be kissing the backside of the rural sector yet they are never slow in sticking their hands in my pockets come a drought or flooding.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 6:38 pm
“Meanwhile, David Carter has told Southland farmers that we mugs (aka tax payers) are once again going to bail them out with more of our bloody money.”
There are a hell of a lot of people far less deserving of taxpayer money than farmers, and they’re getting it dished out to them in the billions. Lets stop giving it to them first, and then maybe the need to bail out farmers will evaporate all on its own.
And they’re not “greedy”. This is just more of the cowardly falsities that typify your posts to this forum.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Redbaiter (11,523) Says:
September 23rd, 2010 at 6:38 pm
There are a hell of a lot of people far less deserving of taxpayer money than farmers,
name them.
And they’re not “greedy”.
So what are they? Terminally stupid?
Just. Tell. The. Truth.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Slow economy makes rate hikes unlikely – Key
NZPA
Last updated 12:12 23/09/2010
Prime Minister John Key doesn’t expect the Reserve Bank will be in a hurry to raise interest rates now that the latest economic statistics have shown a lower than expected increase in gross domestic product (GDP).
Statistics New Zealand reported today economic activity edged up in the June quarter, with GDP rising 0.2 percent following a 0.5 percent rise in the March quarter.
So are we surprised at all. No and this last couple of weeks its slid back again.
How long before the Nats. feel the hurt and start doing something. Our invisible deficit has rocketed up with companies pulling their money out.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
nickb (1,416) Says:
September 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I dont know if anyone else has retired parents/grandparents in the same position, but I want to share a story about my grandparents that shows what big government is doing to our country.
Common story.
In their case the Local Mayor managed to stuff up a DHB, has just been removed from a chairmans job at Transpower. and possibly others.
Who’d have thought?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
MySurnameIsPiesse – The truth about your identity please. Chop chop.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 6:55 pm
MyNameIsPaulPiesse is a file at Papanui Police Station. Give them a buzz Paul.My daughter made the complaint.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Oh FFS : Bentley to recall cars over fears ‘Flying B’ could impale pedestrians
Is UK government looking where to cut wasteful spending? Start with the bureaucrats at NHTSA.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Oh shit. Does the name Broad ring any bells. Especially Broad from deep south?
WHO IS HILARY CALVERT?
WHO IS HILARY CALVERT?
Ms Calvert, 55, was a sole practice lawyer, specialising in property law, until recently. She lives in Dunedin with her husband of 30 years, Alastair Broad. They have three adult children.
She is landlord of several student flats – one of her tenants is a daughter of former ACT deputy Heather Roy.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Luc’s mate Mahmoud is talking up war, and dissing the holocaust … again:
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Does Berserk Ebola really think he can reform the UNHRC?
Ebola’s foreign policy is an abject failure which weakens the US’ position relative to Russia and China and makes us less safer as the days pass.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 7:56 pm
While I disagree with many of Ahmadinejad’s pronouncements, I fail to see the untruth in this one. He is certainly guilty of diminishing the holocaust as it is not really a historical event when many are still alive who survived it, but he is not denying it.
And don’t you remember your mate Bibi’s last embarrassing address to the UN, crying victim over the Holocaust to excuse his barbarous and illegal acts against the true indigenous peoples of Palestine?
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Gold! Pure gold.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 8:03 pm
LSM
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/09/hypocritical_newspaper_editors.html
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Grand Prize Dhimmi Award!
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/09/dear_editor_nothing_wrong_with.html
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Tom
????
My meaning is that the Holocaust is still a current event.
Are you agreeing with me? My, my!
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 8:16 pm
“There are a hell of a lot of people far less deserving of taxpayer money than farmers”
Oh yes!, just as I suspected, you are no more a conservative than John Key.
The abuse of tax payer funds is OK just as long as it is a cause you agree with.
What a hypocrite you are.
Vote:September 23rd, 2010 at 8:20 pm
“What a hypocrite you are.”
What a spineless whining coward you are. The day you make an allegation on here that is even faintly based upon reality or logic is the day pigs pilot space ships to an outer galaxy. All you ever do is set up strawmen and then argue against them. Pathetic dumbarse.
Vote:September 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am
This is the annus horribilus year for New Zealand.
How the govt justifies extortionate taxes and dwindling rights for education to Kiwis is mind boggling.
What’s going to happen next year.
“The media only go after the left when they are embarrassed into it, or to not do so would seriously endanger their masquerade as objective reporters.”
Which must be why the media are pro royalty. Otherwise they would have blown up Prince Phillips quote he wants to be reincarnted as a virus and wipe out half the worlds population.
Vote:September 24th, 2010 at 8:43 am Vote:
September 24th, 2010 at 9:09 am
“Six Tyneside men have been arrested after filming themselves apparently burning copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
…
They were arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and released on bail pending further inquiries.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-11396980
The SF author, Elizabeth Moon, has also been slated as racist around the internet for comments she made on her blog about Islam. (http://e-moon60.livejournal.com/335480.html)
What is with the conflation of Islam with a race? Islam is a religion. Those men may very well be racist. Burning the Koran does not show this. Nor does it seem to incite racial hatred. Elizabeth Moon may very well be racist, but all she has shown in her blog post at the very most is xenophobia/anti-Islam sentiment. I do not understand.
Vote:September 24th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Islam is not a race nor is it a religion. It is a murdering, evil ideology. All sorts of concessions are demanded on the basis of it being a religion. Thinking it is a religion is a trap for the naive.
Vote:September 24th, 2010 at 9:39 am
It could be said that any religion is a trap for the naive.
Vote:September 24th, 2010 at 10:49 am
A religion can’t be an evil, murdering ideology? If you’ve seen earlier posts from me on the topic of religion, you should know I make few to no concessions for any religion. It should be treated as any other belief.
Vote: