General Debate 30 August 2012

August 30th, 2012 at 8:00 am by Kokila Patel
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94 Responses to “General Debate 30 August 2012”

  1. nasska (6,387) Says:

    “The Bill” passed its first reading! Christians are advised to leave early for work as edging crab wise along the footpath, arses to the wall to prevent surprise marriage proposals and/or sodomy attacks, will take time to perfect. :)

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  2. hj (3,841) Says:

    We should say YES to Big Australia.
    No
    4. Because it will make us poorer, not richer; and we don’t need more workers or a younger population.

    A very detailed study for the former Bureau of Immigration Research found the net cost to government budgets for an annual migrant intake of 114,000 was well over $3 billion dollars, or about $34,500 (in 1992 dollars) per immigrant. So the existing population needs to spend at least $200,000 on infrastructure for each new person added to Australia. If this is not spent before the new people arrive, we get the congested roads, hospital queues, overcrowded trains that we see in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
    http://yourview.org.au/issues/19-We-should-say-YES-to-Big-Australia

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  3. hj (3,841) Says:

    Another subsidy for developers

    Auckland gets the lion’s share of funding with about $2.7b.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/7572944/230m-for-our-roads

    Thankyou Keith (“Our policy is the opposite of Winston Peters”) Locke of the [what colour is that? ] Party.

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  4. Yvette (2,416) Says:

    I have a little difficulty with the way laws are written.
    I have looked at the wording of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill and fail to see mention of any provision allowing Roman Catholic marriage celebrants, for example, to marry heterosexual couples but decline to wed a same sex couple.
    Therefore I assume that declining to marry someone for any particular reason is contained in the Marriage Act 1955 (the principal Act) but I do not see where.
    Can anyone please indicate the section or clauses that cover this?

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  5. bhudson (3,506) Says:

    And now for something completely different…

    Another journo who focuses on the important things. Or not…

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/7560815/Pensioners-sports-car-buy-irks-journo

    Maybe she Should do a few doughnuts outside his house at 2am. Perhaps that would make him more comfortable with her choice of car.

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  6. bhudson (3,506) Says:

    Yvette,

    From the Marriage Act

    29 Licence authorises but not obliges marriage celebrant to solemnise marriage

    A marriage licence shall authorise but not oblige any marriage celebrant to solemnise the marriage to which it relates

    Very clear I think

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  7. bhudson (3,506) Says:

    And now a return to normal [of late] broadcasting…

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7576898/Incest-cases-more-prevalent-sex-therapist

    No doubt there will some around here saying that it is all a slippery slope and last night’s vote is proof that this will be next…

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  8. Yvette (2,416) Says:

    bhudson – thank you

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  9. Keeping Stock (8,808) Says:

    Notwithstanding that bhudson, it wouldn’t take much to insert a clause into the Bill that clarifies the situation for everyone.

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  10. OECD rank 22 kiwi (2,673) Says:

    RIP Sergey Ovchinnikov

    Suicide after Olympic failure? Russia’s volleyball coach found hanged in hotel

    Very sad news.

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  11. Keeping Stock (8,808) Says:

    There was an excellent piece on Stuff yesterday from the new Afghanistan ambassador to New Zealand and Australia. If anyone doubts that we are doing anything worthwhile there, this should send out a clear message that our presence in Bamiyan IS making a difference

    http://keepingstock.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/an-afghani-perspective.html

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  12. hj (3,841) Says:

    Don’t Worry, There’s Plenty of Oil

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  13. flipper (1,658) Says:

    Keeping….

    The Ambassador earlier appeared on TVOne and bounced the silly female airhead/twit who that suggested HE should apologise for the NZ Army deaths.
    His response was dignified and supportive of the NZDF.

    Pity our MSM forget about national loyalty.

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  14. Manolo (9,927) Says:

    Was there ever any doubt the American MSM is rooting for the Messiah?
    http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2012/08/yahoo-news-fires-david-chalian-source-133662.html?hp=l3

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  15. Pete George (17,596) Says:

    Yvette – further to bhudson, from Louisa Wall’s speech last night:

    To any person concerned about their own beliefs and how they wish to celebrate marriage, it is important to always remember that this bill allows a couple to only obtain a marriage licence.

    It does not mean that a minister or celebrant must marry the couple. Section 29 of the Marriage Act 1955 says that, and this will not change.

    So the bill would change nothing other than allowing a few more people to obtain a marriage licence.

    As happens now, people wanting to get married will find an appropriate, willing person to marry them. It would be ludicrous to force an unwilling celebrant to officiate.

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  16. bhudson (3,506) Says:

    KS,

    it wouldn’t take much to insert a clause into the Bill that clarifies the situation for everyone.

    While I aporeciate your desire for it to be crystal clear (and, in fact, agree) I think you will find that ‘fine legal minds’ would contend it is already clear as it stands. That being the case, I wouldn’t want to clutter legislation with unnecessary clauses.

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  17. kowtow (4,441) Says:

    After ISAF abandons Afghanistan the ambassador will be applying for residency.

    The bullshit language of last nights homo marriage debate was truely Orwellian. Now we are instructed by the political elite that the Bill moves to it’s democratic stage and the public has it’s say……..yeah right’

    I whole heartedly agree with Winston that referenda are required on these issues.Now that’s democratic.

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  18. kowtow (4,441) Says:

    And I wouldn’t want to clutter legislation with un necessary causes.

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  19. Craig Ranapia (1,911) Says:

    Peter George:
    As happens now, people wanting to get married will find an appropriate, willing person to marry them. It would be ludicrous to force an unwilling celebrant to officiate.

    Quite – if I decide to enter into a civil marriage, the last person I’d approach would be my parish priest. Even if I was heterosexual, he’d (quite properly) not be willing to perform a Catholic rite in a Catholic church where one party (my partner) is a Protestant with precisely zero intention to “go over to Rome”. Don’t have any problem with that, and neither does Louisa Wall. Any alleged Christian who claims otherwise needs a refresher course in the Ten Commandments – particularly the one about not bearing false witness.

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  20. Viking2 (9,483) Says:

    This is a clear statement of the situation.

    Quote of the year.

    Ms Wall told the House she respected people’s religious beliefs but while religion can discriminate, the state should not and can not.

    There fixed it. now go and do something useful that earns tax.

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  21. Pete George (17,596) Says:

    Now we are instructed by the political elite that the Bill moves to it’s democratic stage and the public has it’s say

    Much of the public have already been having their say, many MPs have been receptive to feedback on this bill. This has been the most interactive I’ve seen MPs and the public. Representative democracy is working well.

    Referenda should be reserved for major decisions. If they were held for relatively minor issues like this (and the alcohol reform bill) then governance would become far too slow and cumbersome.

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  22. hinamanu (2,347) Says:

    NPR scam artists caught red handed

    The best journalism bribery can buy

    Now NPR analyst/reporters have been caught red handed receiving favors from Wall Street.

    http://www.realecontv.com/videos/media-con-artists/npr-scam-artists-caught-red-handed.html

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  23. James Stephenson (1,468) Says:

    It would be ludicrous to force an unwilling celebrant to officiate.

    Yeah right. This is the gay lobby we’re talking about, even Maori activists could take lessons in actively looking to be offended about stuff. Some poor schmo of a celebrant is going to be publicly vilified and I’m betting sooner, rather than later.

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  24. my 2 cents (1,085) Says:

    “Representative democracy is working well.”

    PG Bullshit, what don’t you understand about 80%?

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  25. my 2 cents (1,085) Says:

    “I whole heartedly agree with Winston that referenda are required on these issues.Now that’s democratic.”

    Kowtow, you missed the word “binding”, Just a little slip but remember John Keys “criminalise”??

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  26. Weihana (3,179) Says:

    hj (2,765) Says:
    August 30th, 2012 at 8:03 am

    We should say YES to Big Australia.
    No
    4. Because it will make us poorer, not richer; and we don’t need more workers or a younger population.

    A very detailed study for the former Bureau of Immigration Research found the net cost to government budgets for an annual migrant intake of 114,000 was well over $3 billion dollars, or about $34,500 (in 1992 dollars) per immigrant. So the existing population needs to spend at least $200,000 on infrastructure for each new person added to Australia. If this is not spent before the new people arrive, we get the congested roads, hospital queues, overcrowded trains that we see in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
    http://yourview.org.au/issues/19-We-should-say-YES-to-Big-Australia

    Vote Immigration is about 200 million per year. Residence approvals are targeted at about 50,000 per year. So ignoring the fact that immigration services encompass much more than simply approving residence applications, one might say that each migrant costs $4000. Of course such a calculation is ridiculous given that we have over 2 million arrivals each year and applicant’s for residence pay to have their applications assessed.

    So what is the breakdown of these supposed costs? While humanitarian migrants are likely to cost money, they are a small minority of migrants whereas most are business and skilled migrants who contribute to our economy and the tax take that the government brings in.

    Granted, your reference is to Australia but I doubt the situation is much different when comparing our situation with theirs.

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  27. hinamanu (2,347) Says:

    ZBIGNIEW BRZEZINSKY FEARS The GLOBAL AWAKENING

    At a recent Council on Foreign Relations speech in Montreal, co-founder with David Rockefeller of the Trilateral Commission and regular Bilderberg attendee Zbigniew Brzezinski warned that a “global political awakening,” in combination with infighting amongst the elite, was threatening to derail the move towards a one world government.

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  28. kowtow (4,441) Says:

    craig ranapia

    At the conclusion of Walls second speech she could not help herself but to attack the “church” on it’s view of homosexuality as sin,that was unnecessary and somewhat telling.

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  29. David Garrett (3,808) Says:

    FFS…this is GENERAL debate….there is a thread – in fact two of them – set up today just for you chaps who want to endlessly discuss “marriage equality”….[fine progressive phrase there...whoever came up with that is a master spin meister]….

    So…warm enough yet to plant potatoes in the Auckland area?…Look out for Rodney Hide’s upcoming column on “Maori” rivers…it is a blinder….

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  30. Weihana (3,179) Says:

    Keeping Stock (8,034) Says:
    August 30th, 2012 at 8:41 am

    There was an excellent piece on Stuff yesterday from the new Afghanistan ambassador to New Zealand and Australia. If anyone doubts that we are doing anything worthwhile there, this should send out a clear message that our presence in Bamiyan IS making a difference

    http://keepingstock.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/an-afghani-perspective.html

    So what is the “Afghani Perspective” if I offend Islam? Shall I be hanged? Sentenced to 20 years in jail? Or banished from the country?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayed_Perwiz_Kambakhsh

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  31. hj (3,841) Says:

    @ Weihana

    I didn’t see any reference for those figures but since he is arguing against Dr Oliver Hartwich I assume he has one. He is talking about the cost of infrastructure, however.
    http://yourview.org.au/issues/19-We-should-say-YES-to-Big-Australia

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  32. my 2 cents (1,085) Says:

    Kowtow
    “Somewhat!”

    hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

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  33. my 2 cents (1,085) Says:

    Weihana (2,294) Says:
    August 30th, 2012 at 9:46 am
    yeah big hand to NZDF.

    Doesn’t change that Jihadis are devout Muslims though, not fanatics.

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  34. Griff (4,915) Says:

    Nasska
    Owesome first comment set the tone for the day

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  35. Brian Smaller (3,835) Says:

    Another Dom Post sob story about a family with two earners on min wage as cleaners, but supporting five children (4 of them grandkids). If they have custody they can get WFF. My estimate using the IRD calculator is that assuming two people on min wage earn about $60K, and with five dependent children that would give them another $351 a week in their hands. More if they earn less than $60K between them.

    These stories need to be fact checked.

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  36. backster (1,779) Says:

    This item in yesterdays Herald was of interest http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10830162 it concerns a major drugs raid involving a British person known as ‘the Banker’ and a person of unknown race known as a multi millionaire ‘Kingpin’ their identities are under a blanket of Judicial Suppression. The drugs were sourced from China, Thailand, and other Eastern countries. The raid was on rooms at the Metropolis Tower.
    It must be a sleazy address it had previously been raided by no less than 7 government agencies on another occasion where the premises (the whole 35th floor) owned by multi millionaire Bill Lui @ Yan @ Ying Ming many other aliases a close friend of Dover Samuels, Shane Jones, and other Labour MPs resided. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10817959 I understand the source of Mr Lui’s wealth is obscure.

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  37. Weihana (3,179) Says:

    hj,

    “He is talking about the cost of infrastructure, however.”

    Yet migrants contribute to the public funds from which such infrastructure is built so I don’t quite understand the logic there. The claim sounds unlikely at the very least. Indeed migrants have to prove themselves to be above average in terms of their productive potential whereas natural citizens can just pop out babies on the benefit who can grow up to produce more babies on the benefit.

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  38. Manolo (9,927) Says:

    Thank you, Brian. The link to the story you mentioned: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7576404/Family-struggle-on-minimum-wage

    Not having money doesn’t seem to be a problem to continue reproducing like rabbits.
    Some will never learn and are deservedly destined to the bottom of the heap.

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  39. Pete George (17,596) Says:

    Theere’s another story that needs fact checked. Whale has further exposed Shearer Admits Rufus Paynter Is Ergh..Maybe… Not Real. That’s been suspected for some time.

    But another Labour story came up in parliament last night, this one from David Clark when introducing his $15 Minimum Wage bill. You might need some tissues handy when you read about Wendy – the roof painter’s ex wife?

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  40. Manolo (9,927) Says:

    How do you justify this guy’s salary?
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7576383/Wellington-council-quiet-over-CEO-position

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  41. Weihana (3,179) Says:

    Manolo (7,204) Says:
    August 30th, 2012 at 10:20 am

    Not having money doesn’t seem to be a problem to continue reproducing like rabbits.
    Some will never learn and are deservedly destined to the bottom of the heap.

    The young ones are their grandchildren apparently. Where are the parents? What kind of son or daughter lets mum scrub toilets because they want to breed without being responsible for the consequences?

    I’m not getting any younger and would love to have a child but there is no way I’m going to bring one into this world without having thought long and hard about their financial security. However, a clearly impoverished family produces these children one after the other like a production line. 1, 2, 4 and 5. FFS.

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  42. Grendel (787) Says:

    Brian, i did the numbers a while back when someone was whining about not having any money.

    two full time workers on min wage with a school aged child recieve just under $1000 nett per week with wages and WFF (did nto check for any other allowances but its likely).

    you should be able to rent and live easily (maybe not luxury but comfortable) on $1000 nett per week.

    anyone claiming otherwise is either politicising or seeking excuses for poor personal choices.

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  43. Keeping Stock (8,808) Says:

    @ Pete George (10.21am) – it would seem that David Shearer has some explaining to do, given the collateral damage that the Rufus Paynter parable has caused for the Labour Party. But I daresay David Cunliffe will just be sitting back, waiting, and quietly smiling to himself…

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  44. b1gdaddynz (188) Says:

    Weihana – That is the thing I don’t understand; we have been considering having a child together for 2 years (she has 18 year old twin boys and I have a 9 year old daughter from previous relationships) but our financial situation currently doesn’t justify it and I wouldn’t want any of our kids to miss out. But people who are on benefits or minimum wage seem to have children without any consideration (this is an observation, I do know a lot of people this applies to but isn’t presented as fact) and then complain that they can’t afford them. Isn’t it cruel?

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  45. iMP (1,318) Says:

    DPF, congrats on your win last night. Looking fwd to Round Two. Now, to the other spotty banana in the basket. Two shorts links below to challenge your position on euthanasia (be interested in what you think).

    http://conzervative.wordpress.com/2012/08/30/most-amazing-story-youll-view-vid-pro-quo-3

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  46. Jimbob (616) Says:

    Barry Coleman sells the NBR. This guy knows when to get out.

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  47. hj (3,841) Says:

    Weihana (2,299) Says:

    Yet migrants contribute to the public funds from which such infrastructure is built so I don’t quite understand the logic there. The claim sounds unlikely at the very least. Indeed migrants have to prove themselves to be above average in terms of their productive potential whereas natural citizens can just pop out babies on the benefit who can grow up to produce more babies on the benefit.
    ……………………..
    Each migrant increases the demand for roading, schools, sewage, electricty. I don’t know by how much but imagine if we reach a tipping point (eg harbour tunnel)?
    The Savings Working Group considered it an issue. These days we just take eg in Chc the Curletts Road overpass for granted but they are all needed because of population growth 80% net over the last 20 years has been from offshore.

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  48. hj (3,841) Says:

    Watched this yesterday

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  49. Viking2 (9,483) Says:

    I note the post about the White Mouse. anexample of a person who fought against conspiracy and force and stood up for freedom

    Shame our own government can’t do the same when faced with a bully.

    Fear for NZ-US ties factor in Dotcom moves
    By David Fisher
    5:30 AM Thursday Aug 30, 2012

    Dotcom has said the emails show the case against him was politically driven.

    Concerns over New Zealand’s diplomatic relations with the United States were a factor in the Government’s decision-making during the legal battle over Kim Dotcom’s assets.

    The link between the Dotcom case and the relationship with the US has emerged from heavily censored official documents obtained by the Herald under the Official Information Act.

    They show the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFat)was included in meetings to brief officials on how aspects of the case could affect relations with the US.

    At issue was whether the New Zealand Government would meet a High Court demand to give a written assurance of legal liability if Dotcom later took a damages claim.

    If it did not give the undertaking, it faced the possibility that Dotcom would be given back all the assets seized in the dramatic January raid on his Coatesville mansion.

    The documents obtained covered the process that led to Cabinet ministers nominating the police force as the agency to be sued if Dotcom took a case against New Zealand.

    In an email on March 5 – before the first meeting on the issue – the Crown Law Office’s criminal team leader, Madeleine Laracy, wrote: “Penny Ridings [international legal adviser from MFat] will be there to enunciate the implications in terms of the diplomatic relationship with the USA were NZ for this reason not able to pursue the FRO [foreign restraining order] proceedings.”

    Much of the information from the Ministry of Justice was censored because it “would likely prejudice the international relations of the government of New Zealand”.

    Information withheld included an email on March 23 from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade titled: “Meeting with [US] Ambassador [David] Huebner: Talking Points on Extradition.”

    Dotcom has said the emails show the case against him was politically driven.

    “This is a highly political case. There is no doubt in my mind that from the beginning the executive of New Zealand was deeply involved in everything that has happened.”

    Dotcom said he had always maintained the case against Megaupload was driven by US politicians acting at the urging of Hollywood.

    “This has been a desire from the top and the desire has been answered.”

    Dotcom was arrested at the request of the FBI in a global operation against his Megaupload filesharing company.

    His assets and fortune were seized under a civil order to restrain the alleged proceeds of crime.

    When it emerged that the Crown Law Office had used the wrong sort of legal order, the High Court said any new order would be granted only after an “undertaking of liability”.

    At least five Government ministers were involved in the email trail resulting in the police department accepting it would be the legal respondent for an “undertaking as to damages”.

    Police Minister Anne Tolley and Attorney-General Chris Finlayson were directly involved, and the papers show Finance Minister Bill English was also copied in on emails.

    Justice Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Murray McCully were also kept informed.

    Dotcom has secured the use of $6 million from seized funds to pay for his lawyers and cover living costs.

    A decision from the High Court at Auckland has cleared the way for him to pay current and future legal bills of $3.6 million – a ruling that has trumped efforts by the police to shut down the internet tycoon’s access to seized funds.

    The money comes from a $10 million bond that was seized by the government on behalf of the United States as part of its internet piracy case against Dotcom and those involved in his Megaupload file-sharing company.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10830413

    Still some of us believed this was the case right from the beginning. I an personally affected by another case going on in the States where the SEC has walked in and shut down a company I have been working with. Dubious grounds for their action but they rule. People have lost money and incomes because the USA Attorneys can hijack any legal process if it suits them by using tame judges and without any rebuttal at the hearing.. Lots of cash needed to fight them.

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  50. Weihana (3,179) Says:

    hj (2,771) Says:
    August 30th, 2012 at 11:56 am

    Each migrant increases the demand for roading, schools, sewage, electricty. I don’t know by how much but imagine if we reach a tipping point (eg harbour tunnel)?
    The Savings Working Group considered it an issue. These days we just take eg in Chc the Curletts Road overpass for granted but they are all needed because of population growth 80% net over the last 20 years has been from offshore.

    True, but I think you are ignoring the balance. They are less likely to be young children requiring state funded education and they are less likely to be elderly requiring a state funded pension. We are always adding to the population, but the difference is they tip the balance in favour of young working age people with recognized qualifications and skills in demand.

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  51. hj (3,841) Says:

    ” We are always adding to the population, but the difference is they tip the balance in favour of young working age people with recognized qualifications and skills in demand.”

    Greg Clydsdale claimed theses are gib stoppers etc for the building trade.

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  52. publicwatchdog (1,368) Says:

    NBR doesn’t seem to have the same commitment to ‘freedom of expression’ as you do on Kiwiblog David?

    My comment below on NBR appears to have vanished without trace!
    :(

    _________________________________________________________________________________________________

    http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/act-youth-wing-questions-banks-drinking-age-stance-ck-127160

    NBR staff | Thursday August 30, 2012 |

    “ACT’s youth wing, which delivered high-profile logistical support as John Banks campaigned for Epsom, has broken with its leader over the drinking age.

    Asked if was true ACT on Campus would refuse to campaign for Mr Banks unless he voted to keep the drinking age at 18, president Hayden Fitzgerald told NBR, Yes that is correct. If John chooses to vote in favour of a split age tonight then we will reconsider our support for him.”

    Mr Banks is so far unmoved by the threat. His press secretary told NBR at midday “He will vote split.”
    ___________________________________________________________________________________________

    MY COMMENT:

    Looking forward to ACT on Campus supporting the ACT party principle of ‘one law for all’ and supporting the call for an inquiry into the prosecutions relating to the Huljich Kiwisaver Scheme registered prospectuses dated 22 August 2008 and 18 September 2009.

    Which contained untrue statements and were signed by both John Banks and Don Brash, both former fellow Directors of Huljich Wealth Management (NZ) Ltd – who were never charged – by either the former Securities Commission, the Finance Markets Authority, the SFO or the NZ Police.

    The petition calling for this inquiry is currently (as I understand it) still an ‘item of business’ before the Commerce Select Committee.

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’

    http://www.pennybright4epsom.org.nz

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  53. Keeping Stock (8,808) Says:

    @ Penny Bright; shit happens :D

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  54. Griff (4,915) Says:

    If only penny tarnish would vanish without trace!

    just like *censored has

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  55. graham (1,897) Says:

    @ Penny – It’s hard to beat something like that, but I *think* I may have found some news of equal importance and relevance for all to consider with suitable gravitas.

    http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/article/-/14704783/the-ridges-comes-to-our/

    They’ve been described as New Zealand’s answer to the Kardashians and they’re set to hit your screens very soon. Will you admit to watching ‘The Ridges’ or will you be viewing this guilty pleasure under cover of darkness? Here’s what to expect from New Zealand’s most famous celebrity family.

    Which is the more important, the more fascinating? Penny’s personal vendettas – or the trials and tribulations of Sally Ridge? It is a hard call, to be sure.

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  56. Elaycee (3,510) Says:

    graham:

    Which is the more important, the more fascinating? Penny’s personal vendettas – or the trials and tribulations of Sally Ridge? It is a hard call, to be sure.

    At least with the Ridges, they’ll disappear when the remote is turned off….. :D

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  57. nasska (6,387) Says:

    graham

    Time & botox have taken a heavy toll but on balance I think that Sally would be more likely to tick my boxes.

    The good news is that you’ll face little competition in your quest for the hand of the fair Water Woman & the dead cat wrapped around her head.

    Good luck!

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  58. David Garrett (3,808) Says:

    Nasska: As plastic as Ridge the Elder is, I have to concur…imagine spending a night being screeched at by Penny…on second thoughts, don’t…it doesnt bear thinking about…

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  59. Manolo (9,927) Says:

    He’s right to despise these people: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/netanyahu-slams-disgrace-tehran-summit-180643348.html

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  60. nasska (6,387) Says:

    David G

    …”imagine spending a night being screeched at”…..

    It would take a braver bloke than I. Mind you young ‘graham’ might prove to be the man for the job…..seems to be a bit busy at the moment but when he comes back we’ll see if he’s up to it.

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  61. Manolo (9,927) Says:

    Kapiti Island handed over to iwi (along with a paltry sum):

    “Porirua-based iwi Ngati Toa is to sign a $75m Treaty of Waitangi settlement which will give them Kapiti and Taputeranga islands, as well as recognition as creators of the world’s most famous haka.”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7579869/Ngati-Toa-settlement-gives-islands-haka-right

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  62. Nookin (2,514) Says:

    OMG. My world has come apart. It seems I can no longer rely on the objectivity of the news media.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/7579697/Judge-slams-road-rage-banker-conviction

    Penny
    Why don’t you bugger off to Wanganui and help that poor prick who is being trespassed from all these council owned sites? You clearly espouse one rule for all.

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  63. graham (1,897) Says:

    nasska:

    No.

    Got it? Just … “no”. As in, NO. Negative. Uh-uh, no way, hasta la vista baby, in your dreams, when hell freezes over, when the world stops spinning, snowball’s chance in hell, 10 PRINT “NO” 20 GOTO 10, I don’t think so …

    Or, in other words … No.

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  64. nasska (6,387) Says:

    graham

    Coward! :)

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  65. publicwatchdog (1,368) Says:

    Hi Kiwibloggers! :)

    SO lovely to get those little nibbles – proves I’m on-target :)

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________

    See how long THIS comment lasts!

    http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/treasury-picks-big-brokers-banks-run-retail-component-partial-privatisations-bd-127182#comment-535790

    Any ‘Register of Interests’ for those (unelected) Treasury staff who have ‘named all of the major broking firms and biggest banks to run the retail investor component of the government’s plan to sell down stakes in its energy companies’?

    Any untoward ‘conflicts of interest’ between those who have ‘named’ these ‘major broking firms and biggest banks to run the retail investor component of the government’s plan to sell down stakes in its energy companies’ and those who have been ‘named’?

    “BUSINESSDESK: Treasury has named all of the major broking firms and biggest banks to run the retail investor component of the government’s plan to sell down stakes in its energy companies.

    Interested retail investors in the Mighty River Power sale, tentatively set for some time this year, will be run by ASB Bank, ANZ National Bank, Craigs Investment Partners and Forsyth Barr, according to the post-award contract published on the Government Electronic Tenders Service.

    “They were chosen from a larger line-up from which Treasury officials will choose managers for subsequent sales, including Bank of New Zealand, Goldman Sachs NZ, JBWere NZ, Macquarie Capital (NZ), Westpac NZ, Kiwibank and First NZ Capital.”

    “First New Zealand Capital working with Credit Suisse Australia, Macquarie Capital NZ and Goldman Sachs NZ with JBWere are the joint lead managers for the MRP sale.”

    “UBS New Zealand, Forsyth Barr working with Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and Craigs Investment Partners are also available for subsequent offers.”

    ANYBODY CHECKING FOR ANY ‘UNTOWARD CONFLICTS OF INTEREST’ – HERE IN NEW ZEALAND ‘PERCEIVED’ TO BE ‘THE LEAST CORRUPT COUNTRY IN THE WORLD?

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’

    http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com

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  66. graham (1,897) Says:

    Penny Bright, on target in the same way as the Titanic and the Costa Concordia …

    Consistently hitting the nail squarely on the side …

    As accurate as a typical article out of “Woman’s Day” …

    As relevant to most NZers as Sally Ridge …

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  67. Yvette (2,416) Says:

    Penny – ANYBODY CHECKING FOR ANY ‘UNTOWARD CONFLICTS OF INTEREST’ – HERE IN NEW ZEALAND ‘PERCEIVED’ TO BE ‘THE LEAST CORRUPT COUNTRY IN THE WORLD?

    No, Penny. Have you? And if so what did you find?

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  68. Nookin (2,514) Says:

    Here is an interesting passage. Not sure why I posted it. Maybe something to do with recent posts.

    Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves arrogant behavior, a lack of empathy for other people, and a need for admiration-all of which must be consistently evident at work and in relationships. People who are narcissistic are frequently described as cocky, self-centered, manipulative, and demanding. Narcissists may concentrate on unlikely personal outcomes (e.g., fame) and may be convinced that they deserve special treatment. Related Personality Disorders: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic. Narcissism is a less extreme version of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Narcissism involves cockiness, manipulativeness, selfishness, power motives, and vanity-a love of mirrors. Related personality traits include: Psychopathy, Machiavellianism.

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  69. publicwatchdog (1,368) Says:

    Poor Nookin – I wouldn’t be so hard on yourself?

    ;)

    Penny
    ________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Nookin (2,106) Says:
    August 30th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
    Here is an interesting passage. Not sure why I posted it. Maybe something to do with recent posts.

    Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves arrogant behavior, a lack of empathy for other people, and a need for admiration-all of which must be consistently evident at work and in relationships. People who are narcissistic are frequently described as cocky, self-centered, manipulative, and demanding. Narcissists may concentrate on unlikely personal outcomes (e.g., fame) and may be convinced that they deserve special treatment. Related Personality Disorders: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic. Narcissism is a less extreme version of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Narcissism involves cockiness, manipulativeness, selfishness, power motives, and vanity-a love of mirrors. Related personality traits include: Psychopathy, Machiavellianism.

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  70. kowtow (4,441) Says:

    3 Australians killed by an Afghan “ally”.

    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/three-australians-killed-in-rogue-attack/story-e6frg6nf-1226461392363

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  71. David Garrett (3,808) Says:

    Good Lord…just like he who shall not be mentioned…ANY attention is deemed to be good, no matter how derisive…I think they call it “negative reinforcement” ??

    “Call me a complete wanker, but you are still attending to me”…I think that’s how it works…

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  72. publicwatchdog (1,368) Says:

    How about THIS comment to whip the wee Kiwiblog toothless goldfish into a nibbling frenzy?

    (This comment was posted on NBR – but didn’t last very long :(

    If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again? ;)

    http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/auckland-council-widens-fy-loss-expenses-outpace-growth-income-bd-127156#comment-535871
    _______________________________________________________________________________________________

    Come on NBR – how are these NOT fair comments?

    How many of the 5000 contracts to 12,500 suppliers (across Auckland Council and all the CCOs apart from Auckland Transport and Watercare) are member companies of the unelected Committee for Auckland – of which unelected Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay is a member?

    http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz/membership

    Remember how some of us ‘blew the whistle until our eyeballs bled’ – and tried to warn citizens and ratepayers how the Auckland $UPERCITY was a SUPER RIPOFF, and how it was all about bigger contracts for fewer but bigger private contractors?

    Here were the warnings!

    http://www.stopthesupercity.org.nz

    http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’

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  73. graham (1,897) Says:

    “arrogant behavior” – What, like trampling over other people when you’re convinced you’re right, accusing police and judges of getting it wrong and claiming YOU’VE got it right, that sort of thing?

    “demanding” – as in, demanding that the Polic, SFO, judges, Governor-General, whoever, accede to your DEMANDS.

    “convinced that they deserve special treatment” – DON’T ARREST ME, I’VE GOT A RIGHT TO PROTEST LIKE THIS!!!

    “Histrionic” – so, who watched the TV when the Occupiers were hauled away … anybody notice ‘someone’ weeping at the unfairness of it all?

    “vanity-a love of mirrors” – or perhaps, a love of setting up multiple websites to follow your own little agendas.

    .
    .
    .

    Nope, can’t think who that would describe …

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  74. publicwatchdog (1,368) Says:

    Ok David Garrett – I’ll play your silly game.

    You’re a complete wanker.

    Happy now?

    ;)

    Kind regards,

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’

    http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com

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  75. graham (1,897) Says:

    Penny Bright, as honest as a three-dollar coin …

    DID OccupyAuckland ever pay for the electricity they STOLE, Penny?

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  76. Nookin (2,514) Says:

    You totally ignored my question about Wanganui, Penny. Clear proof that you do not believe in one rule for all. Or is it because of the infamy such a cause would heap on you?

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  77. Pauleastbay (3,726) Says:

    Just got home form wotk, I’m still married, the social fabric of the Eastern Bay of Plenty appears to be no more torn than it was previously, no outbursts of random gayness have been reported, the sun looks like it is setting in the west and it will be dark soon.

    All pretty much as it was yesterday, last week and last year

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  78. Elaycee (3,510) Says:

    Penny Not-So:

    Here were the warnings!

    http://www.stopthesupercity.org.zzzz

    http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.zzzz

    Not exactly successful campaigns though…. were they?

    And neither was this one:

    http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.hic

    :D

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  79. chiz (974) Says:

    Naked salutes to Prince Harry

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  80. Yvette (2,416) Says:

    Again Penny –
    Treasury has named all of the major broking firms and biggest banks to run the retail investor component of the government’s plan to sell down stakes in its energy companies.
    ANYBODY CHECKING FOR ANY ‘UNTOWARD CONFLICTS OF INTEREST’ – HERE IN NEW ZEALAND ‘PERCEIVED’ TO BE ‘THE LEAST CORRUPT COUNTRY IN THE WORLD?

    No, Penny. Have you? And if so what did you find?
    None?

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  81. David Garrett (3,808) Says:

    Isn’t “complete lack of self insight” one of the symptoms of those disorders?

    But shit, here we go again..giving the troll far more attention than it deserves…and upon which it thrives…

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  82. nasska (6,387) Says:

    David G

    You have to sympathise……it wouldn’t be much of a view at the best of times.

    If the other suspect has managed to utilise one of his passenger service licences make sure that you look right, left & then right again before you cross the road. His driving skills may be a little rusty. :)

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  83. David Garrett (3,808) Says:

    Nasska: I am loathe to give the other one some reinforcement…but I do confess to being puzzled…Kiwiblog was half his life! The only mainstream blog from which he was NOT banned…and then pouf! disappears….

    Still, mustn’t grumble as the poms say…nice and peaceful, aint it? We can even have the odd good discussion…

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  84. noskire (714) Says:

    publicwatchdog (1,059) Says:
    August 30th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
    Ok David Garrett – I’ll play your silly game.

    You’re a complete wanker.

    Happy now?

    Kind regards,

    Penny Bright

    So who/what’s an incomplete wanker then?

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  85. Viking2 (9,483) Says:

    We should be concerned about this. And guess who has their fingers in this fish pie. Read on.
    Not a conspiracy thoerist at all but. fish, Maori, scampi, Peters, Summinovich,Chinese, Jones, cowboy hats et al.

    Each net shoot would take around 1000 tonnes of fish – against around 100 tonnes for the average sized trawler in New Zealand.

    Super trawler arriving amidst high security
    MICHAEL FIELD
    Last updated 13:29 30/08/2012

    One of the world’s largest super trawlers is due in Australia today to take Tasman Sea jack mackerel in an operation that terrifies environmentalists.
    (and many more of us.)

    The 9500 tonne 142 metre Dutch owned Margiris is in Port Flinders in South Australia with a quota from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to take 18,000-tonnes of mainly mackerel and some redbait, due this morning.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/7580214/Super-trawler-arriving-amidst-high-security

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  86. nasska (6,387) Says:

    Bruce and Sheila wanted to join the church’s local parish.
    The priest told them, We have a special requirement for new member couples. You must abstain from sex for one whole month.’
    Bruce moaned about the idea of not getting a root for a whole month but Sheila insisted that they could do it.
    So they agreed, but after only two-and-a-half weeks they returned to the church.
    When the priest ushered them into his office, Sheila was crying and Bruce was obviously very depressed….
    ‘You are back so soon…Is there a problem?’ the priest enquired.
    We are terribly ashamed to admit that we did not manage to abstain from sex for the required month.’ Bruce replied sadly.
    The priest calmly asked him what happened.
    ‘Well, the first week was difficult…. however, we managed to abstain through sheer willpower. The second week was terrible, but with the use of prayer, we still managed to abstain. However, the third week was unbearable. We tried cold showers, watching live Parliamentary sittings, prayer, reading from the Bible….anything to keep our minds off Carnal Thoughts……. then one afternoon Sheila reached for a can of paint and dropped it. When she bent over to pick it up, I was overcome with lust and I just rooted her right then and there. I absolutely shagged her brains out for over an hour and when we were done we were both drenched in sweat,’ admitted Bruce, shamefacedly.
    The priest lowered his head and said sternly, ‘You understand this means you will not be welcome here at our parish.’
    ‘We know.’ said Bruce, hanging his head, ‘and they told us the same thing at Mitre 10.’

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  87. nickb (2,182) Says:

    Do any wellingtonians have recommendations as to great restaurants / general things to do there? Coming down for a holiday this weekend. Thanks in advance

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  88. krazykiwi (9,188) Says:

    nickb – drinks and a move at Roxy Cinema. A walk on Mt Victoria town belt. Ice cream from Cafe Eis on Oriental Bay. The Harbourside Market on Sunday morning. Cafe’s on Cuba St. Anything really… it’ll just be good to escape the Tron ;)

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  89. Viking2 (9,483) Says:

    Auckland Council reports it has now lost NZ$343 million after tax in its first 20 months

    Auckland Council reports NZ$233 mln annual loss after tax; Has now lost NZ$343 million after tax in its first 20 months
    Posted in Bonds Updated August 30, 2012 – 10:09am, Gareth Vaughan

    The Auckland Council lost NZ$233 million after tax in its first full year of operation with the lion’s share of the loss blamed on unrealised costs stemming from fixing future interest rates at current low levels. The council has now lost NZ$343 million after tax in its first 20 months of operation.

    by Gareth Vaughan | 30 Aug 12, 4:04pm

    On that, I’ve added this in:
    A council spokeswoman told interest.co.nz the NZ$167 million hit to the bottom line from interest rate swaps on loans stemmed from a combination of new swaps and swaps inherited from legacy councils. She described the contracts as “forward starting fixed rate paid (borrowing) interest rate swaps.”
    “The contracts are spread across a number of banks as you would expect with a diversified portfolio. The physical debt portfolio is currently NZ$4 billion in size and projected to increase to NZ$8.5 billion in size. It is prudent to hedge a portion of this increase in projected debt to reduce council’s risk to an increase in interest rates,” the spokeswoman said.

    http://www.interest.co.nz/bonds/60899/auckland-council-reports-nz233-mln-annual-loss-after-tax-has-now-lost-nz343-million-afte

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  90. Johnboy (10,738) Says:

    Anyone know any Vets who are also Marriage Celebrants? :)

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  91. Viking2 (9,483) Says:

    nickb; check this then. Up and going Kiwi gal.
    Seriously wealthy business.

    http://www.interest.co.nz/business/60900/i-want-turn-posse-billion-dollar-company-says-kiwi-australia-eyes-facebook-and-heavy-

    Leveraging off Facebook, it enables friends to recommend their favourite retailer, restaurant, gym, beauty clinic and the like, in return for rewards.

    Since its Sydney debut in June more than 3,000 stores have been listed around the world by its members and the number is growing by 250 a day.

    Campbell, 35, describes posse.com as a social media game that makes people’s real world better; social commerce with fun; gamifying retail.

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  92. my 2 cents (1,085) Says:

    Nickb

    Ortega in Marjirebanks St behind the Embassey Theatre is my favorite.
    Seriously good fish (as good as Martin Bosely and cheaper) but the best for me is their steak with cafe de paris butter.
    Their chocmouse and crepes also good too.
    we usually let them sort the wine course by course with just two of us.
    better to sit in the front for conversation as in the back it gets loud.
    Upstairs is cool if you have a group.

    I’d also recommend Ambeli two doors up for a group upstairs.
    more pricy.

    Martin Bosely is great too and lunch is super if you have good weather, the food is good though pricy.

    I like Logan Brown too though we only use it for family celebrations and the same for The Hippopotamus at the Museum hotel.

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  93. Yvette (2,416) Says:

    Johnboy, which war?

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  94. Viking2 (9,483) Says:

    Another Labour own Goal.

    Solid Energy ‘wasted millions’
    MICHAEL BERRY
    Last updated 05:00 31/08/2012

    West Coast miners’ jobs are on the line because Solid Energy wasted millions of dollars on a failing biofuels business, West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O’Connor claims.

    Solid Energy is getting back to its roots and shedding its renewable energy businesses which are yet to make a profit after nearly $100 million of investment and years of development.

    remind us again who it was that bought us Global warming and Peak Oil and lumped us with the ETS.

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