Kiwiblog

I’m one of four panelists on Backbenches tonight. Joining me are:

• Morgan Godfrey, the NZ blogger with the most Mana
• Professor Ana Gilling from Victoria University
• Mark Unsworth, supremely evil lobbyist

Tonight’s show is not the normal one with politicians arguing their parties are great and good, but the four of us analysing the campaign and the election.

We will be talking about the highs and lows of the campaign, who has been most effective at getting their message across, what have been the big issues. We’ll rate each party’s campaign, and also talk about some of the scandals from the Tea Party to damaged hoardings to tactical voting.

If you are in Wellington, pop along to the Backbencher pub if interested. On air from 9.10 pm to 10 pm live on TVNZ7.

THIS WEEK ON BACK BENCHES … WALLACE CHAPMAN, DAMIAN  CHRISTIE, THE BACK BENCHES PANEL AND SPECIAL GUESTS DISCUSS THE WEEK’S HOTTEST  TOPICS.

CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD … A year since the first Christchurchearthquake and a lot has been accomplished but what more needs to be done?  Is the  rebuild of Christchurch  happening as quickly as it should and what about the people of Bexley?  The EQC has a huge number of claims to deal with plus their reserves are  exhausted with the Government saying repairing Christchurch will cost double the original estimates. Will the new city  look completely different and what time frame are we talking about?

PACIFIC FORUM … Starts Wednesday in Auckland.  It’s the 40^th anniversary  with the first one taking place in Auckland  in 1971.  Prime Minister John Key says he’ll be “absolutely stunned” if Pacific Island  leaders have changed their position on Fiji.  Over the weekend a  number of leaders expressed support for Fiji wanting its membership of the  Pacific Forum restored.   In the past New  Zealand and Australia have been accused of  being bullies … is that valid?  Would it be more effective to keep Fiji  within the forum?  The other big issue is Climate change.  United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is warning if nothing is done the islands  of the pacific face economic and social instability.  Is this the real worry the ocean waves that are more dangerous than any army?  Is New Zealand  doing enough?  A number of Islands could  disappear will a lot more Pacific people be coming here to live?

Join us for a night of LIVE pub politics from the Back Bencher pub: Wednesday 7^th of September.  Our Panel … Rahui Katene Maori Party, Labour’s Stuart Nash and Jacqui Dean from National.

Back Benches screens on TVNZ 7 Wednesdays at 9.05pm with encore screenings on Thursdays at 9.05am and 1.05pm, Saturdays at 10.05pm, Sundays at 10.05am and 2.05pm

THIS WEEK ON BACK BENCHES: IT IS THE SCIENCE & INNOVATION SPECIAL. Watch Wallace Chapman, Damian Christie, the Back Benches Panel and special guests!

“We’re a country of innovators. We’re known for and are proud of our No. 8 Wire mentality. It may get things done, but is it holding us back? Back Benches is answering your questions in this Science & Innovation Special on August 31^st. Why is it important for us to move beyond the No. 8 wire? How do we transform the backyard inventor into a world class successful businessman?

How do we compete against countries like China and India where Sciences and Maths are a priority? What can teachers do to fight against the idea these subjects are boring? How do we make, as one Kiwi Scientist suggests, Science sexy?

How can innovations change our biggest industry—Agriculture? Improve Agriculture for the better—better for the environment, better for farmers, better for the bottom line, and most importantly better for our wallets? How do we become world-leaders?

National says their investing our dollars in Science & Innovation while Labour says it’s not enough.  Is it about spending more money or spending it more efficiently? Or is it really about making a huge cultural shift? We’ll find out as only Back Benches can with our MPs, experts, and you the audience.”

Join us for a night of LIVE pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: Wednesday, 31^st of August. Our Panel: ACT MP Heather Roy, Green Party MP David Clendon, Labour MP David Shearer and National MP Dr. Paul Hutchison.

THIS WEEK ON BACK BENCHES: Watch Wallace Chapman, Damian Christie, the Back Benches Panel and special guests discuss the week’s hottest topics!

CHOICE—JUST AROUND THE CORNER?: The filibuster’s been broken so is choice just around the corner? Will the Voluntary Student Membership bill pass? Could this be the death knell of University Student Unions? Or will this separate the wheat from the chaff? And what does it mean for Student media? How important is our student media? Does student radio and magazines need to be separately funded rather than through Student Membership dues?

SAVED!:  It was facing cuts up to 60% but the release of the Early Childhood Education Taskforce report means that playcentre and parent-led ECE services are safe from cuts. But what about other ECE services?

Join us for a night of LIVE pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: Wednesday, 10^th of August. Our Panel: ACT MP Heather Roy, Green MP Gareth Hughes, Labour MP David Parker and National MP Amy Adams.

Back Benches screens on Wednesdays at 9.05pm with encore screenings on Thursdays at 9.05am and 1.05pm, Saturdays at 10.05pm, Sundays at 10.05am and 2.05pm – TVNZ 7

Andrea Vance at Stuff reports:

National backbencher Paul Quinn has apologised for remarking “there is a real issue with young ladies getting drunk” during a debate about rape.

The list MP defended his comments by saying he misunderstood the question because of background noise.

And he was forced to issue an apology on Twitter after a storm of negative feedback on the micro-blogging network.

He posted: “Sorry I did not hear what she had said. So my answer was totally out of context and I know that short skirts are not provocation.”

It is very very noisy in the pub at Backbenches.  Adam Bennett in the NZ Herald reports:

Greens co-leader Russel Norman, who was sitting next to Mr Quinn, said the National MP had turned to him and told him he had been unable to hear the presentation properly.

“He seemed genuine,” he said

I think Russel’s comments make it very clear that Paul did not hear the context to the question.

In terms of the substance, I always find it useful to differenitiate between blame and safety. In terms of blame, the victim is never to blame for being raped. Nothing justifies rape = ever.

The Lady Garden blogs:

For the record, I could give a dude a blowjob in a bar bathroom, and if he then forced himself on me, it wouldn’t be my fault. Get it?

I agree entirely.

To use a well known example, if Mike Tyson invites you back to his hotel room at 2 am, and then has sex with you against his will, you are not to blame, he is. And in this case he was convicted of rape as he should have been.

However if a female friend of mine told me that Mike Tyson has asked her back to his hotel room at 2 am, my advice would be not to go – or at least not to go alone, as you might not be safe.

Likewise if you get invited to a party at the Mongrel Mob fortress, again my advice would be not to go. If you did go, and got raped, it would be entirely the responsibility of the Mongrel Mob rapists, but as we do not live in a perfect world, reducing risk is often a sensible thing to do.

This is not just about rape. If I was wearing a $20,000 Rolex and had $50,000 of cash on me, and attended said Mongrel Mob party, then there is an increased risk I’ll get beaten up and robbed. I would be the victim, and 100% not to blame. The muggers would be to blame. However I’d probably conclude not to attend any more Mongrel Mob parties with Rolexes.

It is NEVER a rape-victim’s fault that they were attacked. The responsibility lies with the criminal, and the criminal alone. Clothes, behaviour, what they’ve had to drink, their sexual past, proclivities, and promises are no fucking excuse, and don’t come into it at all.

I agree. They are no excuse, and all the blame lies with the criminal. It is atrocious that some men can’t accept this, and commit rape. It is a hideous crime.

However, and I say this with genuine concern, one does have to accept we don’t live in a perfect crime free world. And it is worth taking steps to minimise the probability of crime. No I don’t mean dressing like nuns and being a teetotaller. I do mean however being aware that if you get pissed, you may not be as able to prevent a crime occuring. So if you are getting pissed, maybe make sure you have a more sober friend with you.

Whn going home after a night out, consider the relative dangers of walking home vis a taxi. There are some suburbs that would not be particularly safe for either men or women to be going through at 3 am. if you get mugged or raped, of course you are not to blame because you took a short cut through (for example) Cannons Creek. But knowing we do not live in a crime free society, it might be a good idea not to do so.

It would be nice if we could leave our front doors unlocked and the car keys in our cars, without them being stolen. And if they are stolen, the thief is to blame. But generally I wouldn’t recommend people leave their car keys in their ignition.

Now again, I am in no way saying that women should not go out, should not drink alcohol, should not wear what they like, just to minimise the chance of rape.  All I’m trying to say is there are some evil bastards out there, and to use some common sense when out on the town – to look after each other.

MPs

• David Shearer, Labour
• Katrina Shanks, National
• Heather Roy, ACT
• Keith Locke, Greens

Topics

• The cost of a University education
• The increasing specialisation of Universities
• Doctors flying to Aus for 8 grand weekends

9.10 pm Wednesday on TVNZ7 or live at the Backbencher

Special guest Emeritus Prof Jim Flynn – world renown for his work on IQ. Also the Childrens Commissioner.

Panel:

• Charles Chauvel (Lab)
• Michael Woodhouse (Nat)
• Catherine Delahunty ( Greens)

Topics: Libya, paid parental leave, NZ books and book month, and more..

Backbenches are giving away an e-reader wed night also.

Filed live in the Backbencher from 9.10 pm on Wednesday.

Wednesday at Back Benches starting 9.10 pm

• Carmel Sepuloni ( Lab)
• Louise Upston (Nat)
• Kevin Hague (Greens)

Topics include Oil prices, Welfare working group, Chch Heritage.

Also if you can make it early, there is a charity photo auction chaired by Chris Tremain from 6 pm. Proceeds for the earthquake and a chance to pick up some affordable art.

Come along next Wednesday, 9 March at 6pm to The Backbencher, opposite Parliament for a charity photo auction. We have a large number of photographic prints, in a wide range of styles up for grabs. There will be something for everyone, from photos of live gigs to landscapes to alternative and vintage photographic techniques. All proceeds will be going to Christchurch Earthquake charity funds. Support the people of Christchurch, and purchase something unique and interesting. All details can be found on the facebook event page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191765294190401.

We are intending to make a catalog available by the weekend, as well for those who are unable to be there, we are willing to accept absentee bids. Those who are interested in either of these can contact me by email on mjpbeveridge@gmail.com.

Backbenches at 9.10 pm on Wednesday 2 March will of course be focusing on Christchurch.

Bring along a fiver and we’ll try and raise a bit of cash to send to the Red Cross. Damian and I will raffle off a stack of NZ music CDs, as well as a beautiful hard back book by acclaimed NZ Magnum photographer Brian Brake.

The Panel – Gareth Hughes (Greens), Darren Hughes ( Labour) Peter Dunne ( United Future ) John Hayes ( National). Come around 8.30 pm, starts 9 pm, we’d love to see you there.

Back Benches is back in Wellington on Wednesday. At the Backbencher Pub at 9.10 pm. Come early for a pre-show drink or two.

MPs are:

• Annette King, Labour
• Chester Borrows, National
• John Boscawen, ACT
• Metiria Turei, Greens

The year in review episode of Backbenches screens tonight on TVNZ 7 at 9 pm. We filed it last week.

We were asked to make various picks and predictions. In the end, we didn’t have time to do all of them on air, so I figure might as well reveal all my picks here.

• Best Scandal – David Garrett, noting all the others were basically about MPs expenses
• Best of 2010 – the fact the Canterbury Earthquake happened at 4 am
• Worst of 2010 – the Pike River tragedy
• Best Govt action – the tax package that got rid of the loopholes, increased the incentives for people to save, plus finally killed off Michael Cullen’s envy tax
• Worst Govt action – doing a deal with Labour to bring back the Electoral Finance Act
• Best Opposition action – was tempted to say not rolling Phil Goff, but I’d pick David Cunliffe’s speech where he promoted public-private partnerships and the potential for private sector investment in new subsidiaries of SOEs. I thought that was a significant step away from demonising the private sector.
• Worst Opposition action – voting unanimously to give Gerry Brownlee the power to suspend or repeal around 2,000 laws if they proved inconvenient.
• Best Backbencher – Te Ururoa Flavell – an absolute workhorse for the Maori Party, growing in stature and the next male co-leader
• Best Maverick – the entire ACT Caucus, whom I likened to the Adamms Family, which prompted Heather Roy to proclaim she had never been a Goth
• Best Rising Star – my local MP Grant Robertson, whom I predicted was the next Labour Pirime Minister
• Biggest Loser: Chris Carter, mainly for the incompetence of delivering hsi own secret letter to the press gallery with his handwriting on the envelopes
• Biggest Waste of Space: Ashraf Choudhary, the invisible man
• Biggest Surprise: Shane Jones, for not knowing that you can get free pronography on the Internet, so no need to use the hotel service
• Best Minister: Tony Ryall – got unamious parliamenbtary support for his structural improvements
• Who should be dropped from the list: Rajen Prasad who was ranked No 12 in 2008 – a lot normally reserved for superstars. Also near invisible
• Biggest events in 2011: Botany by-election, May budget, September Rugby World Cup
• Biggest issues in 2011: Economy, wages, jobs, welfare reform, savings policy
• 2011 campaign: A fairly short campaign after the Rugby World Cup and a fairly disinterested population

On the show, you’ll also get the picks and predictions from Bomber Bradbury, TVNZ’s Jess Mutch and Mark Unsworth. Was my first time on the panel, and enjoyed it greatly even though my voice was rather squeeky from the press gallery party the night before.

A reminder that the final episode of Backbenches for 2010 is being filmed tonight. It will air next Wednesday.

The episode starts filimg at 8 pm. Come along for a year end drink if you are free. The show is a year in review with Bomber Bradbury from Tumeke/Citizen A, Jess Mutch from TVNZ, myself and Mark Unsworth on the panel.

Find out who our picks are for:

• Best backbencher
• Best maverick
• Best rising star
• Biggest loser
• Biggest waste of space
• Biggest surprise
• Best Minister
• Who should be dropped from the list

Plus we’ll talk about the best and worst of 2010 and what to look out for in 2011.

On Thu 16 Dec, Backbenches are filming their 2010 year in review program. It is at 8 pm, instead of the normal 9 pm, as it will show the following Wednesday.

Instead of it being four MPs, the panel will consist of four commentators – Bomber Bradbury from Tumeke/Citizen A, Jess Mutch from TVNZ, myself and Mark Unsworth.

The first segment will be the best and worst scandals of 2010. There are so many to choose from!

The second segment will be the best and worst generally from the Government and the Opposition.

And in the third segment we rate the MPs – the best backbencher, the best maverick, best rising star, biggest loser, biggest waste of space, biggest surprise best minister and who should be dropped from the list.

And finally we will look ahead to 2011 – the biggest events, biggest issues, and biggest contests as we see them.

Should be lots of fun, and some good diversity of views. Come along if you are in Wellington, and free.

At Backbenchers last night there was a discussion on lifting the retirement age from 65 to 67. They asked one table how many years off retirement they are. One girl said 46 years so I guess she was 19. Then they asked the more elderly gentleman how many years from retirement he was, and he responded that as he was 89 I guess I am already retired.

A round of applause for him, as people impressed that at 89 years old you’re coming to the pub, having a beer and watching Backbenchers.

At the end of the night he came up to me when he left and said how much he enjoys the blog, and reads it pretty much every day. Pretty thrilled to get such cool feedback, and meet what may be KB’s oldest reader.

It got me wondering. Who is the oldest and the youngest reader of Kiwiblog? If you are over 89 or under 18 feel free to state your age – either in comments – or if you are shy, by e-mail.

TONIGHT ON BACK BENCHES: Watch Wallace Chapman, Damian Christie, the Back Benches Panel and special guests go head to head over the week’s hottest topics!

HADEN FUMBLES: Rugby World Cup Ambassador Andy Haden keeps his role despite being under fire for describing the Crusaders recruitment policies as, “Once they’ve recruited three, that’s it. That’s their ceiling. Three darkies-no more.” Do we have a problem with race? Are we a racist nation? Apparently, Helen Clark thinks so according to actor, Sir Ian McKellen. How much further do we need to go for equality?

TOOTH ACHES: Trips to the Dentist can cause more pain in the pocket than in the mouth. Do we ignore our oral health? Is going to the dentist too expensive? Is it time for the Government to provide assistance for dental care for adults, too? And do we need to make sure all of our water is Fluoridated?

WHALE TALES: Peter Bethune is on trial in Japan accused of charges related to the incident between his powerboat, the Ady Gil, and a Japanese Whaling ship. And on Wednesday, Greenpeace is delivering a petition to Parliament in support of Saving the Whales. What should be our official position be on Whaling? And can the Government do anything to help Peter Bethune in his defence?

Join us for a night of LIVE pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: Wednesday, 2^ND of June. Our Panel: ACT MP John Boscawen, Progressive Party Leader Jim Anderton, Labour MP David Shearer, and National MP Nicky Wagner.

We film LIVE so come to the Backbenchers Pub across the street from Parliament from 7:30pm to be part of the discussion or tune into TVNZ 7 at 9:10pm to watch the programme. TVNZ 7 is now available on Freeviewch. 7) or on the SKY Platform (ch. 97). Or you can watch online at TVNZ.CO.NZ/BACK-BENCHES (

Backbenches this week will be discussing the Palmer report and issues such as the drinking age.

Come along before it is illegal, or the tax gets hiked 50%!

Wednesday at 9 pm in the Backbencher or on TVNZ 7.

MPs are:

• David Bennett, National
• Carmel Sepuloni, Labour
• Sue Kedgeley, Greens

The live-to-air pub politics TV show is heading to Dunners for a Dunedin special.

WHEN: April 14, Wednesday night at 9.10 pm ( come around 8-30)

WHERE: The Robbie 374 George St, Dunedin

Panellists:
MICHAEL WOODHOUSE – NATIONAL
METERIA TUREI – CO LEADER GREENS
HEATHER ROY – ACT
CLARE CURRAN – LABOUR

The Mayor and other guests in the audience..come for a beer!

BACK BENCHES – WALLACE CHAPMAN & GUESTS | TVNZ7 & SKY 97 | WED 9.10 PM & FRIDAY AT 9.10 PM. FREE ENTRY..

Tonight on TVNZ 7 or live at the Backbencher at 9 pm

• Jacqui Dean, National
• Gareth Hughes Greens
• Chris Hipkins, Labour

One of the topics will be Euthanasia, with a soapbox from Lesley Martin.

9 pm this Wednesday on TVNZ7 or live at the Backbencher.

• Amy Adams, National
• Darien Fenton, Labour
• Keith Locke, Green

Topics include whether to ban smoking (good luck with that one) the Super Gold Card.

Tonight at 9 pm on TVNZ7 or live at the Backbencher.

• Grant Robertson, Labour
• Paul Quinn, National
• Russel Norman, Greens

Topics:

CUTTING THE FAT: McDonalds and Weight Watchers have joined forces to fight obesity. Is this a deal with the devil or a way to help obese people make the proper choices when eating out in the real world? Kiwis are the 2^nd fattest in the world after the United States. What else are we doing to cutting obesity in New Zealand?

SNIPPING CHILD ABUSERS: David Garrett has suggested that parents found guilty of abusing their children should be offered $5,000 to be sterilised. These comments have people up in arms but what do we do about people who abuse their children? How do we stop the cycle of violence?

9 pm Wednesday on TVNZ7 or live at the Backbencher.

Panel is:

• Trevor Mallard, Labour
• Peter Dunne, United Future
• Katrina Shanks, National
• Gareth Hughes, Greens

Benjamin Easton (unemployed activist who just had DOLE cancelled) will be doing the one minute soapbox.

9 pm on Wednesday on TVNZ7 or live at the Backbencher.

• Sue Kedgley, Greens
• Damien O’Connor, Labour
• Louise Upston, National

Topics are police powers and mining.

At 6 pm off to an ASPG event at Parliament on how the relationship between Parliament and the Executive — how it has evolved over the past 20 years and where the relationship might head over the next 20.

At 9 pm will be at Backbenches, where I’ll be doing a 60 second soapbox on the issue of the NZ Flag. I’ll even have some Canadian and Australian flags with me as visual props!

Tomorrow morning I’m one of three submitters appearing on the Electoral (Administration) Bill between 10 am and 11 am in Bowen House. This is the bill that merges the Electoral Commission with the Chief Electoral Office. The major issue all three submitters (The other two are Andrew Geddis and the NZ Law Society) have raised are that the new Commission should be an Independent Officer of Parliament, or the very least the appointment of Commissioners should not be decided by the Minister of Justice, but require parliamentary agreement.

Backbenches returns to TVNZ7 and the Backbencher at 9 pm on Wednesday.

The MPs for the first week back are:

• Hekia Parata, National
• Clayton Cosgrove, Labour
• John Boscawen, ACT
• Metiria Turei, Greens

Sue Bradford is on Backbenches tonight – one of her last acts as an MP.

The panel is:

• Sue Bradford, Greens
• John Boscawen, ACT
• Annette King, Labour
• Chester Borrows, National

Topics include:

• Educational Standards and the 3 Rs
• Should you eat your family dog as they are worse for the environment than a 4.6L land cruiser?

Backbenches screens at 9.10 pm on TVNZ7, or watch live at the Backbencher.