General Debate 6 June 2018

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William of Ockham

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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jun/03/shetland-seabirds-climate-change-catastrophe-terns-kittiwakes-puffins
Eerie silence falls on Shetland cliffs that once echoed to seabirds’ cries
Climate change has caused a catastrophic drop in the numbers of terns, kittiwakes and puffins

Sumburgh Head lies at the southern tip of mainland Shetland. This dramatic 100-metre-high rocky spur, crowned with a lighthouse built by Robert Louis Stevenson’s grandfather, has a reputation for being one of the biggest and most accessible seabird colonies in Britain.

Thousands of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars gather there every spring to breed, covering almost every square inch of rock or grass with teeming, screeching birds and their young.

Or at least they used to – for this year Sumburgh Head is a quiet and largely deserted place. Where seabirds once swooped and cried in their thousands, only a handful of birds wheel round the cliffs. The silence is uncanny – the result of a crash in seabird numbers that has been in progress for several years but which has now reached an unprecedented, catastrophic low.

One of the nation’s most important conservation centres has been denuded of its wildlife, a victim – according to scientists – of climate change, which has disrupted food chains in the North Sea and North Atlantic and left many seabirds without a source of sustenance. The result has been an apocalyptic drop in numbers of Arctic terns, kittiwakes and many other birds.

This grim description is backed by figures that reveal the staggering decreases in seabird numbers in Shetland, the most northerly part of the British Isles. In 2000, there were more than 33,000 puffins on the island in early spring. That figure dropped to 570 last year and there are no signs of any recovery this year, although it is still early in the season.

One of its puffins was found to have to fly more than 400km to find food. “That is more than 10 times further than we thought they were flying,” added Dunn. “Journeys like that are hugely energy consuming and leave the birds very weakened. Not only that, they bring back fish that are much less nutritious than the ones they caught in the good old days when Shetland had plenty of puffins.”[continues]

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/10/earths-sixth-mass-extinction-event-already-underway-scientists-warn

A “biological annihilation” of wildlife in recent decades means a sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history is under way and is more severe than previously feared, according to research.

Scientists analysed both common and rare species and found billions of regional or local populations have been lost. They blame human overpopulation and overconsumption for the crisis and warn that it threatens the survival of human civilisation, with just a short window of time in which to act.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, eschews the normally sober tone of scientific papers and calls the massive loss of wildlife a “biological annihilation” that represents a “frightening assault on the foundations of human civilisation”.

http://www.pnas.org/content/114/30/E6089
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June 6, 2018 8:00am
- Captain Mainwaring
  
  Come on gang, let’s give this idiot the Hugh treatment.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:05am
  - mikenmildagain
    
    When I was at primary school, foolish children like you would organise a ‘gang’ too. Luckily, most people grow out of such a phase.
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:09am
  - William of Ockham
    
    Trump says he has ‘absolute right’ to pardon himself
    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12064328
    
    Jawohl Mein Fuhrer
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:10am
    - Harkman
      
      The President does have the power of a monarch, just for fours years though and Congress can get rid of him through a simple vote. But Trump is actually correct.
      
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      June 6, 2018 5:08pm
      - cha
        
        He’s going to lie on his arm until his hand goes numb so it feels like someone else is pardoning him.
        
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        June 6, 2018 5:28pm
    - KevOB
      
      He probably has. How can anyone be Head of State and be challenged by the riff raff?
      
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      June 6, 2018 5:16pm
- softail 1450
  
  W O O, you are joking expecting the majority of folk to have the time to read that fricking novel.
  Why do you waste your time Billie?
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:10am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  Its overfishing of the sandeels.
  https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/61/5/788/866027
  
  Been a well-known problem around the Shetlands for yonks.
  
  Oh, and time for the Spanish fishing armada to largarse.
  http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2015/06/13/row-developing-over-fishing-grounds
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:15am
  - William of Ockham
    
    The A – B – C – D for deniers: Anything But Carbon Dioxide.
    
    Environmental groups argued for a closure of the fishery as a precautionary measure. Subsequent research indicated that the decrease in the sandeel population was not caused by fishing but by environmentally induced fluctuations in recruitment ( Kunzlik, 1989 ; Wright, 1996 ).
    https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/61/5/788/866027
    
    You really think you can put the global community of scientists right.
    
    Nobble Prize in the mail.
    
    For invincible ignorance and intractable stupidity.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:40am
    - KevOB
      
      Isn’t it hopeful that the nasty global warming is scheduled to go shortly. The IPCC models are built on balsa wood and hit the ground as projectiles. They’re full of holes too where data is sparse or imagined in computers. Also they admit in TAR they are dealing with chaotic system and can’t really make any sense out of it all. The poor floating point calcs must be going berko with all the rounding issues on multitudinous iterations.
      
      Meanwhile the neutron count is pointing to it possible getting colder. Cloud moderation of global temperatures in the equatorial regions is also coming up to proof status. That’s really amazing.
      
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      June 6, 2018 5:26pm
      - rightoverlabour
        
        I read of a correlation between Volcanic activity and reduced Solar activity. Hawaii, Guatemala and even Ruapehu seem to have got the memo. Reduced solar activity added to increased volcanic activity could result in some noticeable cooling. Added to the reduction in CFCs ( that were a genuine source of warming), we may have lost some of the culprits responsible for the observed temperature increases that have flattened out recently. Of course, the IPCC worshippers will have none of this….
        
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        June 6, 2018 7:59pm
- kevn
  
  Wock… Appalling overfishing is the root reason.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:27am
artemisia

Oh dear, democracy at risk in Northcote, “an affront to democracy” even. A candidate declining to appear at a televised meeting. Twice!

What could Mr Bidois’ reason possibly be?

The programme’s moderator, author and documentary maker Bryan Bruce, (who also happens to live in the electorate) said that while the Labour, Green and Democrats for Social Credit had all turned up for the lively debate Mr Bidois had declined to take part, not once, but twice.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1806/S00023/northcote-national-candidate-no-show-at-debate.htm
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June 6, 2018 8:03am
- softail 1450
  
  artemisia, Would you gather in a small room with that bunch of clowns? you would be guaranteed to catch something.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:14am
  - RW Capitalist
    
    Yes, stupidity is a terminal disease.
    You could die laughing.
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:44am
    - Longknives
      
      “an affront to democracy”
      
      Funny that.
      Mr Bruce’s beloved Labour/Green Government is currently being slammed for that themselves-
      
      https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/104474838/arderns-rush-to-announce-oil-exploration-ban-risks-her-moral-high-ground
      
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      June 6, 2018 9:32am
      - RW Capitalist
        
        Moral high ground?
        1. Where she is standing, is not high ground, it’s knee deep in the swamp.
        2. Not even sure she can spell the word “moral” as she, being in the “Labour party”, has never actually seen an example of it.
        
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        June 6, 2018 9:47am
  - artemisia
    
    I would stay well away from Bryan Bruce unless my opinions coincided with his.
    
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    June 6, 2018 12:44pm
- stinkypete
  
  maybe because the organiser is a knob
  
  https://thespinoff.co.nz/tv/25-05-2016/on-bryan-bruces-truly-diabolical-education-documentary/
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:33am
  - Harkman
    
    I complained about this nob under the BSA to tv3, heard nothing back so I complained to the BSA. After about 2 months the BSA got back to me saying tv3 never received my complaint and thus they side with tv3. I got a forensic computer expert to go through and see if I did lodge a complaint to media works and the guy found that I did indeed complain because I got to a “thank you for your submission, we endeavour to get back to your in the next 20 workings days” etc. The BSA is BS, it is a crooked leftwing policing mechanism and needs to go.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:12am
  - Nigel Kearney
    
    If the spinoff criticises someone for being ideologically too far left, I’d say a National candidate avoiding an event organised by that person was a good decision.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:50am
- KiWombat
  
  Has anybody ever heard of this TV channel?
  
  It says in the article channel 83 – but we don’t have that many down here !! And when I tuned to channel 83 TV says “no service.”
  
  Maybe it’s just an Auckland thing !
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:11am
- Chris2
  
  Did the TV interviewer (Bruce) ask the Labour candidate why he lied about having an MBA from AUT?
  
  And why he removed the claim from his Linkedin profile after being selected as Labour’s candidate?
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:52am
Inandout

Apologies from Simon on Meth decision and now HNZ head blubbers an apology. This is wonderful news for Garner as he has National where he wants them.
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June 6, 2018 8:05am
- brett68
  
  Bridges is a fool.
  He’s handed the media a huge stick to bash National with.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:12am
  - Happychappy
    
    Without posting my support of Simon Bridges I wonder who is the fool brett68 as in the time you have been on Kiwiblog you have posted your dislike for John Key, Bill English and Simon Bridges but show your support for Judith Collins. Just wondering are you blubber from whale oil.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:58am
    - brett68
      
      Yeah, I’m Cameron Slater. 🙄
      
      Christ Man, don’t be such an uncritical sycophant, I support Collins because she’s the correct choice for Leader.
      
      National has to get over 50% support to win in 2020, they will not get that with Bridges.
      
      Collins will drag across enough female votes from Labour to get over 50%, those female votes are what will win it for National at the next election.
      
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      June 6, 2018 10:15am
      - rockape
        
        Funny, not many in the National party agree with you. The 3 top choices were Bridges, Adams and Joyce with Collins well being on about 3%. It aint ever going to happen!~
        
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        June 6, 2018 11:09am
      - Don the Kiwi
        
        And lose as much support from the left of centre votes who would not vote for Judith.
        It’s a balancing game.
        
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        June 6, 2018 11:12am
      - brett68
        
        Shows the stupidity of National.
        
        As for Collins being divisive , Jesus look at Bridges, you either like or loath the guy.
        
        Did Nationals support collapse when Key left?, it Nationals support collapse when English left?, no it didn’t because there’s no where to go for anyone right of center.
        
        44-45% is the base for National,but they need to grow it past 50%, Bridges cannot do that because he doesn’t appeal to females.
        
        There’s only two people who can do that, Collins or Adams.
        
        I prefer Collins because she’s a better politician than Adams.
        
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        June 6, 2018 11:21am
- Lance
  
  Cause illegally smoking a mind altering drug is such a righteous activity. A mind altering drug linked to violent behaviour no less
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:13am
  - Chris R
    
    Yes that is the true point of all this. The tests were to gauge the after effects of a CRIME yet the idiotic media has turned it into a health and welfare issue for which National is to blame regarding evictions based on faulty science. I wonder whether the media can ever apply the blow-torch to the Greens and Jacinda regarding their loose grip on equally faulty science…climate change v natural weather patterns?
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:22am
    - Classic Liberal
      
      Claim this morning though on Red Radio that people were being thrown out of state houses when Meth traces were found, though there *had been no baseline test*. So the crime could have happened under previous tenancies. Not OK, if that’s true.
      
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      June 6, 2018 10:44am
      - artemisia
        
        Tenancy Tribunal recent decisions on meth testing / contamination in Housing NZ homes. These are the 5 most recent decisions as of today, and include only meth related costs. There are many more decisions. Those who want more detail can check the decisions which are publicly available. These 5 are extremely detailed. Full decisions available here –
        
        https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/TT/
        
        1. Application Number: 4127229, Pukekohe. Methamphetamine testing on 7 February 2018 $2,880.59. Baseline test done prior to tenancy start. Adjudicator was told that the tenant and her partner were charged for possession of stolen goods and drug paraphernalia. Housing NZ is allowed to apply for further costs of meth remediation.
        
        2. Application Number: 4115822, Christchurch. $14,347.35 less $130 bond. Tenant was the first occupant, new build.
        
        3. Application Number: 4122007, Onehunga. $4,828.19. “The landlord’s representative produced documentary hearsay evidence of drug use in the premises during the tenancy. Together with the test readings, this evidence is persuasive that the tenant is responsible for the contamination.”
        
        4. Application Number: 4113282, Hamilton. This case was brought by the tenant against Housing NZ, basically it wasn’t her. Very detailed decision by the adjudicator – tenant’s case dismissed.
        
        5. Application Number: 4040396. Cross Application Number: 4043622. Otahuhu. $13,331.95. Tenant case dismissed. Interesting because though pre tenancy testing was not done. Previous elderly tenants of 11 years. “Despite no meth testing being carried out prior to xxx tenancy, I am satisfied on the logically probative evidence of used meth pipes being found in xxx son’s bedroom that the high levels of meth recorded in the bedroom had occurred during xxx tenancy rather than anytime prior to her tenancy.”
        
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        June 6, 2018 11:33am
      - Classic Liberal
        
        Thanks artemesia, that’s very interesting. Just shows that you can’t just trust the media, even when they ‘try’ to be balanced and fair, every story has a lot more detail when you really look into it.
        
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        June 6, 2018 11:52am
      - Shaun the Sheep
        
        Hang on a minute …
        In the beginning, didn’t meth testing come about because people were moving into houses and getting sick?
        Testing revealed levels of residual meth in the property which was scientifically linked to the illness of the occupants. The science was settled, right?
        Whatever happened to those folk?
        Did they get sick without scientific cause now that the science has unsettled on the meth-bad position and resettled on the meth-not-bad position.
        Knowing that science is settled is so reassuring.
        
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        June 6, 2018 7:42pm
      - Maggy Wassilieff
        
        The 2010 Min of Health Guidelines for the Remediation of Clandestine Meth-Lab sites didn’t just appear out of the ether.
        There must have been a reason a 176p report with Guidelines was commissioned.
        
        About 20 States in the USA had recognised that illicit meth lab sites posed a public health and environmental hazard. NZ seemed to follow their guidelines (albeit with expert input from within NZ).
        http://www.moh.govt.nz/notebook/nbbooks.nsf/0/97DCB4331641B346CC2577AB000515FC/$file/guidelines-remediation-clandestine-meth-lab-sites.pdf
        
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        June 6, 2018 8:05pm
- Gravelroad
  
  Apologies if this has been already noted, but, wasn’t Prof Gluckman the science advisor for the previous National govt?
  How come this great revelation wasn’t made some time ago then?
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:14am
  - VicParking
    
    Because Gluckman provides Science on Demand
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:35am
    - RW Capitalist
      
      Same as all climate change alarmists.
      
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      June 6, 2018 8:46am
  - niggly
    
    Gluckman explained that when he was introduced to the new COL Ministers, Twyford “suspected” there was a problem with the meth testing levels so set Gluckman & his team off to investigate.
    
    This was already an issue that Twyford was mouthing off about when he was in Opposition, so now Twyford had his chance and as luck would have it for a change for Twyford the report came back in his favor.
    
    Except of course one cannot help wonder about the direction the COL set for Gluckman and his team, after all if National was using the recognised Australian standard (0.5 microgram per 100 square centimetres), which then increased to 1.5 (Californian standard) when Labour and Twyford took power, it seems to be an incredible leap to jump to 15 microgram per 100 square centimetres as per the reports recommendation. It would be good to locate the report to see how that figure was arrived at.
    
    Anyway, of course Twyford is milking all this for more than its worth in order to finally get some “good” publicity for a change and use it to bash National, one suspects the one-hit wonder boy Twyford will become like a scratched record and repeat and repeat this …. so in some respects it is good that Bridges conceded yesterday that they were wrong when last in Govt (but only as per the advice they were given, so not National’s fault), as now poor old Twyford will have to shutup somewhat as he can no longer realistically continue his attacks on National with such great effect, oh dear how sad, Twyford will have to find something else to moan about now!
    
    https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018647571/there-s-a-lesson-in-this-pms-science-advisor-on-meth-evictions
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:51am
- Justitia
  
  Bridges really doesn’t have a clue. Most kiwis would be happy that meth users who thereby breached their rental agreements were evicted, and most wouldn’t want to sleep in a house where P had been used. He has scored yet another own goal. Resign yourselves to a decade of “Captain’s Call” Jacinda and her ship of fools.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:18am
  - VicParking
    
    Agreed, Simon should grow a pair.
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:37am
    - sooty
      
      Or let Judith swing hers!
      
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      June 6, 2018 8:54am
  - Longknives
    
    Absolutely everyone I know (And that includes my Labour Voting family members) have no sympathy whatsoever for Criminal Meth Freaks who get themselves evicted from their HNZ digs..
    Grow some balls Bridges.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:35am
    - Classic Liberal
      
      But we sure don’t want them in private rentals!
      
      Is only answer to put users into treatment facilities?
      
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      June 6, 2018 10:50am
      - sooty
        
        Angry wants to stop building the super max prison and let the inmates out.
        
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        June 6, 2018 3:38pm
- ldypen
  
  Simon can’t cut it.. waste of space move on!
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:54am
- kowtow
  
  Allowing the media to set the agenda seems to be a weakness of these centre left “leaders”.
  
  Notional need to grow a pair and get really aggressive , like Brash did ( Orewa) and instead of going along with the “progressive” agenda and whatever their latest focus group tells them they need to get in touch with their support base who no doubt would have zero sympathy for druggees destroying our property.
  
  No apology to criminal drug users who destroy their own lives and the public’s property .
  
  Notional might even get across the line without any support party!
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:30am
rangitoto

So the Don is taking the axe to US$ 150B of wasteful government spending. The insane CoL here are doing the opposite.
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June 6, 2018 8:11am
Rodney Randall

Here are the archived interviews Chris Lynch conducted with Prof Paul Moon and Lindsay Perigo yesterday.

Prof Paul Moon on HRC.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings/audio/paul-moon-its-a-good-thing-we-question-everything/

Lindsay Perigo on Disharmonious Speech
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings/audio/is-freedom-of-speech-under-threat/
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June 6, 2018 8:11am
- Justitia
  
  Rodney, thank you so much for these clips. I have listened to both Paul Moon and Lindsay Perigo – inspiring.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:43am
  - Rodney Randall
    
    You’re welcome.
    
    Mandatory listening for anyone interested in the dangerous moves being made by the shady folk at the Nz HRC.
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:48am
  - Longknives
    
    Perigo is a very clever man.
    I wish we heard more from him…
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:36am
    - Rodney Randall
      
      Indeed.
      
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      June 6, 2018 10:20am
    - UrbanNeocolonialist
      
      The last good Political interviewer NZ ever had.
      
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      June 6, 2018 4:12pm
hullkiwi

Twitford can’t solve a housing crisis , so he has to engineer a new distraction for the media to focus on.

However, (to her credit on Morning Report) Cindy was trying to play matters down. Why, because Twitford has over hyped things again.

Of the 300 (people/families?) evicted from state houses for meth contamination, Cindy knows (& probably Twitford knows) that in some cases it was not just smoking the stuff. And as a result some will not be in line for compensation despite the media beat up and the questions from the likes of Espiner & Ferguson.
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June 6, 2018 8:12am
- kowtow
  
  He could ease the “housing crisis” by cutting our soon to be increased refugee intake to zero.
  
  Charity begins at home , but that would mean no sinecures at the UN for retired pollies and their mates.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:22am
- Simon
  
  “Twitford can’t solve a housing crisis ”
  
  Please give Twitford a break. On the planet Twitford is from he claims there is no housing crisis. Now if Labo can only recreate those same conditions here on earth.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:26am
  - VicParking
    
    Build the Ten Bridges up North. That will allow at least twenty family’s a Mold and P free place to live.
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:40am
    - softail 1450
      
      V P ,hilarious ,complete with running water,lol.
      
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      June 6, 2018 8:51am
  - RW Capitalist
    
    Is that the planet where the occupants have 2 heads.
    OH NO…silly me.
    He’s from the one where they have two FACES.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:53am
Paulus

It is seriously suggested yesterday that a clause in the Coalition Agreement includes an agreement that Peters will be granted an electorate Labour seat so that the coalition along with the Greens will continue at the next election. This is why Peters is not interested in the polls for his party.
Is this one of the reasons the agreement is still secret to the proletariat ?
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June 6, 2018 8:12am
- rangitoto
  
  Seriously what seat would they offer him?
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:16am
  - Monique Watson
    
    Ohariu. Still up for grabs.
    
    Or the Maori seats are cancelled resulting in a redistribution meaning WP gets Te Tai Hauāuru.
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:20am
    - Nigel Kearney
      
      Ohariu is not a Labour seat. It’s a well educated electorate with a significant asian population. Peters would have no chance there.
      
      National didn’t try to win it and Dunne betrayed his voters one last time by pulling out too late for National to change track. Even so, O’Connor just scraped in and National won the party vote easily.
      
      I actually voted for O’Connor just on the theory he is a bit less offensive than the Labour list person who might get in otherwise. Obviously the same doesn’t apply to Winston.
      
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      June 6, 2018 9:59am
      - RF
        
        O’Connor is turning out to be a disappointment for Labour.
        
        If you don’t believe me you should watch him in action in the house. The eye rolling and fixed stares on his colleagues faces say it all. He acts like a hell fire and brimstone preacher.
        
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        June 6, 2018 10:54am
  - oldgolfer
    
    A small white one, out the back.
    
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    June 6, 2018 12:28pm
- Gravelroad
  
  That would not surprise me at all.
  An acquaintance who was a NZF candidate at the last election is VERY confident of success next time and is already in the loop for baubles……
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:36am
- VicParking
  
  And why the COL is spending billions up North.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:40am
- KevOB
  
  Is such an agreement treasonous?
  
  The present govt lot ride very close to the boundaries.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:50am
- niggly
  
  The urban liberal seats (that Labour holds) won’t vote Winston (or not enough will hold their nose to get him over the line).
  
  Surely the best Labour could do would be to stand some of their Northland candidates aside for both Winston and Shane Jones (like Andy did with Willow-Jean Prime in 2015)?
  
  If so expect more of Shane Jone’s bribes to be dished out to Northland over the next 2 & 1/2 years – I suspect we literally ain’t seen nothing yet in that regard, despite the big spends so far!
  
  What a shame the NZWinstonFirst Party is now “unable” to call out what appears to be blatant corruption! Ooops, there goes their credibility … again!
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:06am
- ex-golfer
  
  Northland.
  If you combine Winston and the Labour candidates votes in 2017 it would be an easy one to manipulate ala Epsom style.
  
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  June 6, 2018 1:31pm
Monique Watson

Can we kick that prick who posts his dribble first up? I suspect it’s the same prick who trolled a decade ago in a different incarnation.
Or as my son says to his brother about his other brother: “Let’s stick a million corgis up his arse and let him fight his way to the moon”!
One of the best sledges I have ever heard.
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June 6, 2018 8:13am
- Captain Mainwaring
  
  We did kick him, he’s gone already.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:40am
  - Captain Mainwaring
    
    But now he’s back. Not sure how that happened.
    
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    June 6, 2018 4:10pm
oldpark

Trying to work out is the appointment of the guy known as Jim Bolger to run the Coalition of Confusion and Chaos new proposed Collective Bargaining System. Is it Funny Peculiar or Funny Ha!Ha!
Bolger has been resurrected from his time as a so called Labour Minister of the 1970s.
The trade union industrial relations for that time was completely chaotic.
Yet here in 2018 once more it appears that the Antediluvian Trade Union agreements of that age could be born again.
Even worse having Bolger in charge of such possible complete over the top agreements is his own track record.
He got dumped as Leader of National Government in the 1990s and in that time was the architect of the NZs hated MMP system.
Wonder was that taken into account when the Coalition of Corruption and Chaos interviewed him for the position.Probably helped Bolger as NZ self appointed Dictator Peters are bosom buddies. Nuff said.
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June 6, 2018 8:21am
- kowtow
  
  The blue and red teams like us to think they oppose each other , and the lying media love to play along,but make no mistake there must be some “back channel” arrangements where they look after each other in these appointments.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:25am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  It reminds me of the way big companies/Government Departments put up a lovely young lass to be the spokesfluff when they’ve made a major balls-up.
  
  You know damn well that those in the thick of it are off camera.
  
  Bolger is Labour’s smokescreen for this next screw-up.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:30am
  - Harkman
    
    I know, I’m usually cooking at 6PM and can’t hear from a distance but what is Jim Bulger doing? Now he obviously subscribes to the “capitalism failed” gag while doing extremely well personally. Just ridiculous. Another swamp creature.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:18am
- RW Capitalist
  
  In 1982 they had the perfect description of this impact of this govt. and the result
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3X3rKtruSg
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:55am
- softail 1450
  
  oldpark ,you dont get a nose like bolgers from drinking wine, thats a whiskey nose, very similar to that ballbag peters.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:57am
  - RF
    
    Bolger always amused me when he mixed with overseas dignitaries as within minutes he mimicked their accents.
    
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    June 6, 2018 11:02am
- lilman
  
  Family history going back 70 plus years with the Bolgers.
  So I know him and my parents whom schooled with Jim know him well.
  He is without doubt become the single biggest trougher of them all.
  He nowdays never does ANYTHING without an acceptable outcome financially for the Bolger slush fund.
  He has become such a disappointment that local actively avoid him socially as he has sold out for the dollar.
  Jim has shown his colours for years now and this latest move is no surprise.
  
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  June 6, 2018 2:27pm
  - RF
    
    He was a tad slow. Years ago there was a power crisis as the South Island lakes were very low.
    
    Spud had been out of the country and when he arrived back media at the airport questioned him about the forthcoming power crisis. He did not have a clue what was going on and I do not believe that no one had given him the heads up as it was a serious problem.
    
    Labour are welcome to him.
    
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    June 6, 2018 3:47pm
EAD_TWO

Interesting debate currently going on in Judaism – should everybody be loved or should even the best of the goyim be killed?

https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-jewish-leaders-stop-teaching-bigotry-start-emphasizing-equality-1.5382276

What kind of Judaism should be taught to our children? Should it be the Judaism of Rabbi Akiva, who taught, sighting Genesis 9:6, “Beloved is man, for he was created in the image of God,” (Pirkei Avot 3:18) or the Judaism of his disciple Shimon ben Yohai, who said, “Even the best of Gentiles should be killed”? (J.T. Kiddushin, 4:11, 66c)

Perhaps the later is why so many Jewish people support mass immigration (only into Gentile countries though)
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June 6, 2018 8:22am
- mandk
  
  Silly.
  
  That’s a bit like saying there is a debate going on in Christianity because the misguided and unloving members of Greensboro Baptist Church think that homosexuals should be stoned to death.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:40am
  - EAD_TWO
    
    But these are words from the Jewish holy book the Talmud. I know a lot of people here site passages from the Koran but do you think the Talmud should not be up for critical examination as well or as that so called “anti-semitism”?
    
    Drawing an analogy to the Greenboro Baptist church is like saying all Jews views are the same as the ultra-orthodox sect that think all the goyim are evil:
    
    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/three-year-old-ultra-orthodox-jewish-children-told-the-non-jews-are-evil-in-worksheet-produced-by-10481682.html
    
    Finally mandk, what are your thoughts on Israels supreme Rabbi telling his followers that the Goyim are cattle born only to serve Jews?
    
    https://www.jta.org/2010/10/18/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/sephardi-leader-yosef-non-jews-exist-to-serve-jews
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:47am
    - VicParking
      
      Idiot. Mandk has given an absurd example to point out your stupid one. If you search the web you can cut and paste and example of any stupid idea.
      If you have a point of view explain it in your own words and people might read it. By quoting all should show is that you have no personal understanding and are just pushing another quote from your “Troll of the week” notes.
      
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      June 6, 2018 8:57am
      - EAD_TWO
        
        The problem Vicparking, is that “if I use my own words”, I’m labelled a “Nazi” hence why I reference source material on this subject.
        
        There seems to be a very strange double standard applied to evidence to back a claim for this subject compared to all others……
        
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        June 6, 2018 9:06am
      - Classic Liberal
        
        Dass Eadelein doesn’t get it: Judaism has developed over centuries to soften the harsher laws. The huge majority of Jews are fairly secular, mainly cultural Jews and would never support crazy old laws.
        
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        June 6, 2018 11:04am
      - EAD_TWO
        
        Judaism really has evolved hasn’t it Classic Illiberal:
        
        https://www.timesofisrael.com/most-israeli-jews-agree-africans-are-a-cancer/
        
        Fifty-two percent of Jewish Israelis identify with the statement by MK Miri Regev last month that African migrants are “a cancer in the body” of the nation, and over a third condone anti-migrant violence,
        
        Shouldn’t they be “celebrating diversity” like the Goyim are supposed to do?
        
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        June 6, 2018 11:55am
      - VicParking
        
        EAD_TWO: maybe you are labeled a Nazi because you views are deemed by the readers a “Nazi Like”. Have you ever thought of that?
        
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        June 6, 2018 12:54pm
      - EAD_TWO
        
        @ Vicparking,
        
        In reality, its down to the conditioning of “the readers” to react angrily whenever someone mentions Jews in an unflattering light, no matter if fact or fiction, which is the cause of labelling me “Nazi” (a term first coined by a Communist in the 1920s to describe a member of the German National Socialist Party)
        
        Its funny watching the extreme cognitive dissonance step in and instead of reflecting on what I share, their conditioning makes them angry and the knee jerk reaction of course is “anti semite” or “Nazi”
        
        Just like Pavlovian dogs.
        
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        June 6, 2018 1:59pm
- Rodney Randall
  
  https://frammentivocalimo.blogspot.com/2016/05/jewish-leaders-must-stop-teaching.html?m=1
  
  Interesting article featuring those texts and apparent moves by Jewish council to ‘address’ the problems they pose?
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:50am
Fletch

The century-old Miss America contest will no longer be judged on looks, but on stuff the contestants say…

Instead of showing off in a bathing suit, each contestant will interact with the judges to “highlight her achievements and goals in life and how she will use her talents, passion and ambition to perform the job of Miss America,” the organization said.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/were-not-going-judge-you-your-appearance-miss-america-pageant-ditching-bikini-competition

Yeh, people really are going to tune in for that….
Liberals are getting more politically correct, yet they didn’t care about Weinstein for years even though everybody knew. Guess what? Some women are more attractive than others. There, I’ve said it. It doesn’t make them better or worse than other women.
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June 6, 2018 8:24am
- softail 1450
  
  Fletch ,the elephant man could claim he was a female and could be a shoe in for miss universe,
  “WTF has our world come to” ? stupid fucking liberals.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:42am
  - Lance
    
    Maybe Rosanne Bar?
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:12am
- VicParking
  
  They will still be allowed to wear Lipstick (sign they are sexually ready), Rouge (A sign of sexual arousal), augmented breasts, Fake eye lashes and
  High healed shoes.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:03am
  - backster
    
    Preggies allowed.?
    
    4 0
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    June 6, 2018 11:35am
- Gravelroad
  
  The Mr Gay World 2018 contest was held in South Africa recently.
  The NZ entrant, Ricky Devine White, was runner-up.
  He is pictured in our local paper doing a bodybuilder type pose during the contest judging wearing not much in the way of clothing but with plenty of shiny muscles on display……..
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:17am
- MCos
  
  TV ratings, which is what it’s all about, are gradually fading away. Last year they had less than a third of the viewers of Sunday Night Football.
  If the formula still worked you can be sure nothing would change, but those days are long gone.
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:20pm
Right of way is Way of Right

Labour is doing nothing right at the moment, but at least are are doing something, which is more than the current front bench of National is doing, Judith Collins excepted! Melissa Lee has done more damage to this government than Simon Bridges has! When he got the top job, I expected Bridges to come out firing.

He has not been the leader we need in the National party. I have failed to discern any noticeable character strengths in him. I was concerned when he got the job, but I was willing to extend the benefit of the doubt.

Times up Simon, time to deliver, or to make way!
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June 6, 2018 8:24am
- KevOB
  
  You never send a leader out as executioner. National are doing OK.
  
  Labour COL are disintegrating faster than any previous govt. It would be fair odds they will not make it to 2020. The next few weeks will be fun as Winston steps up to the plate only to find H2 there.
  
  Keep the heat on them and crack their fragility. A return to the 70’s? Not bloomin likely…
  ☑️☑️
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:59am
  - RW Capitalist
    
    If you want to win, never get in the way of your opponent when they are self destructing.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:13am
- VicParking
  
  He has been weak and without balls. One wonders if he was selected as he has identified as Maori.
  
  10 7
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  June 6, 2018 9:04am
  - brett68
    
    Big reason, the brains trust seem to be under the illusion that the Maori party will make a comeback and provide enough votes to get National across the line.
    
    Having Bridges in charge is supposed to make National more palatable to Maori voters .
    
    What they aren’t taking into account is that Maori generally vote for whoever gives them the largest handouts, which is Labour by a country mile.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:46am
    - Lance
      
      Are you sure about that?
      The Maoris are rather pissed at the CoL right now and are telling them in no uncertain terms that smoke and mirrors won’t cut it.
      Popcorn times ahead
      
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      June 6, 2018 10:17am
      - brett68
        
        Maori tribal leaders who were getting big hand outs from National? or your average Maori on the Maori roll?
        
        Maori breed like rabbits, they’ll love Labour with it’s big increase in WFF and it’s “heating allowance”.
        https://www.labour.org.nz/familiespackage
        
        They’ll also be really enthusiastic about the changes coming up at work and income.
        
        No more having to name the baby daddy, no more having to look for work, welfare fraud,who cares! Labour certainly doesn’t.
        
        Going to take a fair bit to top that.
        
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        June 6, 2018 10:54am
- DigNap15
  
  I voted Natioanal.
  But I am very pleased that Labour is cutting back on student immigrants seeking to gain residence.
  Now we just need to send the ones that are here back
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:46am
  - backster
    
    Yeah all the Professors are on Labours’ review panels so they are short on teaching staff.
    
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    June 6, 2018 11:40am
kowtow

Soft sentencing and a failure to pursue teaches the criminal underclass that crime does pay.

The UK has lost it , coming soon to Aotearoa, formerly New Zealand.

‘The latest statistics from the Metropolitan police show that in the 12-months up to May this year, there were 22,025 crimes carried out by criminals on scooters – equivalent to 60 a day and a 49.8 per cent increase compared to the year earlier when 14,699 similar offences took place.’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/05/police-fear-career-lives-could-ruined-pursue-moped-gangs/
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June 6, 2018 8:33am
Keeping Stock

Jacinda Ardern told Mike Hosking this morning that the decision to ban oil and gas exploration DID go to Cabinet for a vote. However half an hour later, Stuart Nash told Mike Hosking that there was NO vote on the ban, and that Cabinet received a briefing from Megan Woods explaining why the decision had been made.

They can’t BOTH be telling the truth, so was there a vote, or was this decision a fait accompli by the time it got to Cabinet? I know which version I believe, and sadly, it is not that of the Prime Minister.
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June 6, 2018 8:36am
- Captain Mainwaring
  
  The media needs to keep digging on this until either Ardern or Nash admits to telling a porky.
  But they won’t, will they.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:45am
  - KevOB
    
    Can’t call the Police to establish the truth which must be in the Cabinet Office. Other will have have to make vigorous enquiries.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:06am
  - kowtow
    
    The media will continue to obsess over Trump/Putin/Netanyahu ( strangely never Xi ) , anything but what really matters to the voter here .
    
    They’re still going on about Roseanne Barr , ffs.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:16am
    - softail 1450
      
      kowtow,and the US msm have already forgotten that filthy pig samantha bee that abused the presidents daughter and got an award the very next night,FFS.
      
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      June 6, 2018 9:43am
  - Paulus
    
    Nash will have already been bollocked – how dare he contradict his Cleopatra.
    
    17 2
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    June 6, 2018 9:21am
  - UrbanNeocolonialist
    
    Give them some credit, most media in NZ have at least reported this story. Better than we would usually hope for.
    
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    June 6, 2018 12:12pm
- Monique Watson
  
  The Labour Party and the Greens officially merge. It’s like the bastard offspring of Bert and Ernie’s, two generations down.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:46am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  Oh gosh, KS.
  
  “It’s possible to exist in politics without lying.”
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPJ1MO-kT0g
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:49am
  - calendar girl
    
    Thanks, Maggy. You’re providing a much-needed service in reminding us of this insult to the nation.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:44am
  - Odakyu-sen
    
    I think that politics is about the creation of “truth” when the “truth” cannot be known. For example, how should society be structured and governed? How should people live their lives?
    
    If this is so, then what is held by one political belief system to be the “truth” will be regarded by another as “lies.”
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:51am
- Ross12
  
  So KS what you are saying is they cannot even get a cover up by lying, done right.
  freethinker posted yesterday that Woods said on radio that is was a verbal report –yet another version.
  Bridges should get someone on the job immediately to research media comments on this and just list them for everyone to see.He’ll never get a better opportunity.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:01am
  - KevOB
    
    Does a military board of enquiry need to investigate?
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:08am
  - VicParking
    
    Bridges won’t, he might upset Jacinda.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:09am
- RW Capitalist
  
  Not only does the left hand not know what the right hand is doing.
  The left hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.
  But when it comes to labour, we know that the right hand is involved in sexual self gratification.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:11am
- KevinH
  
  According to Ginny Anderson on TV1 Breakfast this morning the matter was brought to cabinet as an oral item following discussion between key stake holders.
  Ginny made the comparison that normally a paper would be presented for discussion, and that in regards to Meth testing National similarly made a decision comparable to the oil and gas ban.
  Of course that is an erroneous comparison and does not deflect from the fact that fundamental processes such as consultation and analysis were not observed in that decision regarding the oil and gas ban.
  There is a lesson here for the inexperienced cabinet, you do not make decisions on the fly, particularly with industry sector groups. What is required is a thorough analysis, pros and cons, consultation and strategy, none of which were observed in this case.
  At stake is your credibility, if you act like a fool industry will treat like one.
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:29am
  - Ross12
    
    “following discussion between key stake holders”
    
    That is BS. Otherwise why was the industry taken by surprise.
    
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    June 6, 2018 1:01pm
  - KevOB
    
    The dissembly emerging is evidence that we had the truth at the outset. This was a Regal announcement to pukeroo the Oil Industry and buy Green support. Winston for his own reason seems complicit too. A Royal Troika?
    
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    June 6, 2018 5:42pm
- backster
  
  Megan Wood also said in reply to Larry’s standin last evening that Winston was adamant in his support for the decision.
  
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  June 6, 2018 11:45am
Left Right and Centre

General people shoving more puke down my throat . . .

Hey – it’s all things Matariki !!
Let’s make it a public holiday – in winter – yay !!

And then – it’s the Matariki matress sale / gift catalogue / everything heavily reduced week.

Why have I never even heard the word until the last two-three years ? pfffff
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June 6, 2018 8:41am
- Longknives
  
  “Why have I never even heard the word until the last two-three years?”
  
  Because it was only made up a few years ago L,R &C.
  https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/104443908/matariki-should-be-made-a-national-public-holiday-for-new-zealanders-to-celebrate
  
  How about that?- Hope you have your LGBTQ coloured kite ready to fly in celebration…
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:42am
  - RW Capitalist
    
    Excuse me….can I be sick for a minute? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….AHHH that’s better, thanks.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:21am
Monique Watson

Under the headlines of Whadda fuck”? What does; “Almost had your baby, mean?

Miscalculation of dates. That’s what it means.
And as I called, yesterday; Now On Maternity Leave.
Which means WP is in charge.
Be afraid. Be Very Afraid.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12065292
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June 6, 2018 8:42am
- KevOB
  
  It is reported that Winston is only to get the Acting PM job when Taxcinda goes to hospital to have the child. It seems he can’t be trusted.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:10am
  - Monique Watson
    
    I know right? I picked up on that and it’s genuine bullshit as she’s been to hospital and that should mean the official passing of the baton. Having a kid isn’t just rolling it in glitter as it passes out of the birth canal, or gets cut out.
    It’s more often than not, false warnings, inductions and a spell in hospital first.
    Spin Doctors are working this gig to sell to the public.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:33am
    - Classic Liberal
      
      Haha, I wonder if the downtickers are Lefties? How dare they doubt an experienced, strong woman’s words on this issue? Sexist pigs!
      
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      June 6, 2018 11:25am
    - KevOB
      
      It says a lot for Taxcinda’s trust in Winston. I hope he breaks it and her. She doesn’t know what she is doing unless she already has a ceaser planned in a hour or so. How will she manage afterwards?–that is full of unknowns and probable surprises. Potential for lessons in humility.
      
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      June 6, 2018 5:38pm
- VicParking
  
  Did he think her water broke but she just pissed herself? Did he almond milk give her a tummy pain? Did she swoon while watching HeartBreak Island? We want the news. The whole Muslim community are not eating in anticipation. My dealer has run out of P because people are stocking up to celebrate. The $2 store has run out of party poppers. New News please. There should be a camera crew at each hospital she is near. Step up TAB we want betting options. Will it have gills?
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:19am
VicParking

Boldger on Red Radio. He has gone Left into the depths of Hell.
Personal attacks on people who have criticised him.
National should pull there heads in.
Living wage for all.
I was the greatest.
Dodged the only hard question.
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June 6, 2018 8:48am
- MrTips
  
  The man is a twat. Single-handedly destroyed the true conservative movement in NZ during the 90s. But hey, he’s an old white guy so JAG will tell him where to go won’t she? Oh wait, it seems some old white guys, like Cullen and Bolger, have their uses by providing something for the leash to hang on to.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:04am
- RW Capitalist
  
  and unemployment for EVERYONE hoora…….h????
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:06am
- softail 1450
  
  V P, bolger is a troughing piece of shit,a vile old bastard that cant wrench himself from the public tit.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:50am
Simon

Arirang news.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzznO4xSV8BKnUBPyswtCUw

For reasonable middle of the road coverage of Trump Kim summit and nuke issue.

Western MSM utter crap. Complete fucking off the charts crap in covering anything Trump. So for nukes in Korean peninsula Arirang news.

Their guest commentators are generally insightful and way more informed compared to the crap that pretends to be media in the West.
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June 6, 2018 8:49am
Than

The evidence of how utterly, incredibly dumb the oil/gas decision was just keeps piling up;

Government was warned that ban on new oil permits could raise global greenhouse emissions

Government warned oil decision could have ‘chilling effect’ on investment in Taranaki

Repeat after me greenies – banning oil and gas exploration (by itself) will do absolutely nothing to reduce emissions. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. It could very easily have the exact opposite effect. And its economic effects will be devastating to the Taranaki region. It *will* cost many jobs and harm many families.

All so the selfish, deceitful princess currently disgracing the office of Prime Minster could get a headline before her jaunt to Europe.
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June 6, 2018 8:51am
- VicParking
  
  A bit like the Greens “We should stop eating meat so there is more to ship overseas”
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:21am
  - Classic Liberal
    
    Beef and Lamb guy on Red Radio this morning was excellent, refused to say this ‘meat free’ day would be a good idea. Emphasised that quality meat in reasonable quantities was a good part of a balanced diet. Guyon could not get him to pander to the Green nonsense.
    
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    June 6, 2018 11:31am
- Harkman
  
  Gosh Greenpeace ads are insensitive at the moment. Then there was this North American ring-in on the news last night, Emily Hunter, telling us how to live our lives.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:42am
- ldypen
  
  The ban will be felt nation wide, imagine building a house.. do you go gas for water heating and cooking… or now just electricity? Bet the importers and sellers of gas appliances are already seeing a drop off in demand.
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:06am
Left Right and Centre

300km/h through Upper Hutt on motorbikes ? Even that’s too much time to spend there *wink*
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June 6, 2018 8:52am
srylands

https://i.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/104376648/christchurch-cycleway-nearing-completion-after-houses-demolished

Christchurch CC is spending $252 million on cycleways. Add Wellington and Auckland alone and we are probably looking at $1 billion plus on cycleways. Much of this paid by NZTA presumably out of petrol excise.

I know a lot of recreational cyclists. But I don’t see many as commuters. I am currently collocated with a client in Wellington. There are maybe 700 people in the building. There are cycle racks provided. Yesterday there were 8 bikes there.

I have not seen any cost benefit analysis of these cycleways. Maybe they are a great investment. But I just taken aback by the scale of the investment vs the numbers of potential users.
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June 6, 2018 8:54am
- brett68
  
  It’s all to appease the UN.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:05am
- artemisia
  
  Even if a proper cost benefit analysis is done on cycleways (note “proper” not spuriously one sided by the usual suspects) is there ever a post implementation review? Like were the assumptions, costs, benefits in the CBA met? Or not.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:18am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  Wellington is putting $70M into cycleways in the next 10 years.
  They can’t seem to get anything right though.
  https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/104476002/more-ideas-for-cycleways-through-wellingtons-suburbs
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:28am
  - rangitoto
    
    How dreadful. According to the Guardian, cycleways are racist. Only pale stale middle aged whitey males ever use them. Haven’t WCC got the message from the Corbanista’s/
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:41am
  - Classic Liberal
    
    Wellington, FFS! I used to walk up and down those hills when I was young. Good fun, but there is no way even as a fit youngster I could have cycled up them!
    
    Chch, maybe, as it’s flat. Have lived in nice flat places where cycling really was great.
    
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    June 6, 2018 11:35am
    - Ross12
      
      They are tearing around the hills on electric bike now CL. but they do not need cycle lanes as they no different to a 50cc scooter.
      
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      June 6, 2018 1:04pm
- Harkman
  
  Christchurch is an utter catastrophe now. They’ve ruined so many streets.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:44am
- cmm
  
  I travel the route from the CBD to Sumner a few times a week. A couple of months back (ie when the weather was still good), I did some counting of the road users over a few days to see what sort of patronage the various transport options had.
  
  The way I did it was to count 250 passengers in cars as a benchmark and also count the number of cyclists and the number of bus passengers.
  
  I did this 5 times, 1250 car passengers all up.
  
  During that time there were approx 76 bus passengers – an average of about 7 per bus. That’s not sustainable in any model.
  
  There were also 17 cyclists.
  
  Parts of that stretch of road really splurge on cycling – there are both dedicated off-road cycleways as well as areas of the roads designated as cycle lanes.
  
  All those resources, but not many cyclists.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:47am
  - srylands
    
    I have nothing against cycling. Quite the opposite.
    
    But these slogans from JAG about investing in “active transport modes” are fanciful. I simply do not believe that Auckland’s transport problems are going to be fixed by investing hundreds of millions of dollars on cycleways. I would very much like to see analysis that concludes otherwise.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:48am
    - RF
      
      You would think that JAG would at least be able to afford a classy looking bike or even an E bike.
      
      No.. she prefers to ride an old banger complete with basket that is a dead ringer for one my late granny used to ride.
      
      Is she trying to portray the image of a poor person ?
      
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      June 6, 2018 11:33am
  - UrbanNeocolonialist
    
    And the flattest easiest route you could ever hope for as a cyclist. Cycling proponents are stuck in Field-of-dreams mode (build it and they will come). But it is just not going to happen, as unlike the European centres they laude and due to central planners malign influence we do not have the distributed retail/business/housing setup that Europeans enjoy, instead having retail precincts, housing precincts and business precincts that are widely separated, and not suitable for fast easy cycling commuting. We also have immobile house-owners who don’t work locally as much as they do in Europe and a shit load of parents doing school and after-school activity runs.
    
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    June 6, 2018 12:07pm
Left Right and Centre

Here’s the face of your national poverty problem people – before they were under a bridge . . .

Tenancy Tribunal papers show Griffiths was evicted from a flat in Island Bay in January owing $3392 in rent.

Griffiths, who works as a “payment solutions specialist”, then moved to Newtown.

kcuf me – too funny !!
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June 6, 2018 8:58am
RW Capitalist

CAPITAL GAINS TAX:
ANALYSIS OF REFORM OPTIONS
FOR AUSTRALIA
Alan Reynolds
Senior Fellow and Director of
Economic Research, Hudson Institute
(Washington D.C., United States)

Source,of gain. Taxable capital gain ($m).% of tot.
Shares …………………….1,106………….……… 38
Trust distributions……. 577…………………. 20
More than one category 502…………………. 17
Real estate……………….. 377…………………. 13
Nonlisted personal assets144………………….. 5
Goodwill on the sale of a bus.74…………………. 3
Plant & equipment…………. 42 ………………….1
Other……………………………. 78…………………. 3
Total…………………………….. 2899………………. 100

Note that, the big thing Labour have been pushing “Real Estate” is only 4th on the list.
The big one is shares, which is the way Kiwisaver and National super, largely make their money.
Special note: Trusts will no longer be safe from the tax man,ie they can now tax your whole family via this. “more than one category” will include shares.
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June 6, 2018 9:02am
- KevOB
  
  A follower of Hugh?
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:14am
  - RW Capitalist
    
    Nope, otherwise I would have posted the link.
    I prefer to put it out there, with comment, in the hope that you will do the same.
    Over the last couple of days, I have put out excerpts of this 99 page report, that is directly relevant to this govt.’s (group of circus clowns) ambitions and stupidity.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:34am
    - Classic Liberal
      
      I value your input, Capitalist. I don’t understand why more Kiwis aren’t worried about CGT, because it will affect every Mum and Dad rental investment and be particularly bad for older people *and* their inheritors, the middle generation that has been counting on inheriting that rental one day.
      
      And, if Labour bring in what they have threatened in the past, everyone running a little business from home will pay CGT on that part of the home. Lots of women running a little business while looking after the family. Suddenly CGT will get them and husbands to think ‘is this little business really worth the CGT we’ll have to now pay on our home?’
      
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      June 6, 2018 11:42am
      - RW Capitalist
        
        “inheriting the rental”
        Makes CGT, basically an inheritance tax.
        All business’ should be worried
        To implement CGT on business’ you first need to know what the value of the business is at the start.
        So ALL business’ will need to PAY to have their business valued at the implementation of the law, that is not a small cost (especially to small business)
        include AMWAY style business’ too.
        Then you will be taxed on the increased value, should you sell it. Considering many sell their business for retirement funds. CGT will force them to work longer and get less.
        
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        June 6, 2018 12:26pm
      - artemisia
        
        The CGT was a big fizzer for Labour in 2011 and 2014. It was dumped by Mr Little for that reason even though it was tweaked on the fly (eg baches in, then out, small businesses in then out but only sometimes).
        
        Despite what the tax working group comes up with, Labour will be very wary of going into the 2020 election with a broad CGT. Because votes. As you point out, CL, a huge number of people will be affected in the pocket. There are about 600,000 private rentals, for example, most landlords have 1 or 2 places only so not big corporates or property traders (who will already be paying CGT).
        
        The bright-line test is a defacto CGT, being income tax on capital gains. Usually at a higher rate than the 15% Labour previously proposed. It is also easy to avoid.
        
        I expect some sort of CGT but fudged like the bright-line test. This government needs more income.
        
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        June 6, 2018 12:55pm
- Paulus
  
  You forgot the Unrealised Capital Gain on your house. Our lot looking at that currently.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:25am
JibberJabber

Da `erald, only a couple of months late with a April 1st headline,
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12064914
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June 6, 2018 9:21am
- RW Capitalist
  
  A few years ago, someone wrote a book, “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus”
  I never read it because I though, “how bloody obvious”.
  Don’t the French have a saying “Vive La difference”
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:37am
MCos

Fifty years since Robert Kennedy was murdered.
I wonder if Nixon would have come up against him in the forthcoming presidential election & who would have prevailed?
Nixon became president and will be forever tainted by Watergate. If Kennedy had prevailed Vietnam could likely have been a millstone around his neck. America doesn’t like losers.
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June 6, 2018 9:36am
- Longknives
  
  I see there is a Conspiracy Theory doing the rounds that the nice young Islamic fellow who shot Bobby Kennedy is innocent and was framed by evil White Men.
  
  For Fuck’s Sake..
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:45am
  - KevinH
    
    Sirhan Sirhan may have been drugged, there were aspects of his behaviour which suggest that:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjFpVhiZy_I
    
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/true-crime/wp/2018/06/04/the-assassination-of-bobby-kennedy-was-sirhan-sirhan-hypnotized-to-be-the-fall-guy/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.5de147bb5b6b
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:41am
  - MCos
    
    The chap’s not Muslim, he is or was Christian.
    That’s something I never knew until until I looked at a couple of sources.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:43am
  - cha
    
    That nice young Christian fellow Sirhan was born Greek Orthodox and he’s since been both a Baptist and Seventh-day Adventist.
    
    https://web.archive.org/web/20100103081231/http://www.crimemagazine.com/robert-kennedy-assassination-unraveling-conspiracy-theories
    
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    June 6, 2018 1:04pm
stephieboy

Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Time to set aside the whingeing and bitching (by the usual suspects )too far, far more important affairs of state,

Jacinda Ardern to remain in charge of NZ until she gets to hospital

Prime MInister Jacinda Ardern won’t hand over the country to acting prime minister Winston Peters until the point she arrives at hospital to give birth, it has been confirmed.

In a statement detailing Ardern’s post-pregnancy plans, it has also been confirmed that she is planning to give birth at Auckland Hospital, but there are contingency plans in case the baby comes when she is out of town.

Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford have also detailed how they will handle publicity around the birth – as they brace for a deluge of domestic and international media interest.

The baby is due on June 17.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104467973/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-plans-to-have-baby-at-auckland-hospital
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June 6, 2018 9:37am
- RW Capitalist
  
  “Jacinda Ardern to remain in charge of NZ until she gets to hospital”
  So the woman who pretended to not want the job, is now hanging on to it for grim death (our economies….grim death).
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:40am
- Harkman
  
  She’s a Wills & Kate wannabe. Just pathetic.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:46am
  - RalphT
    
    She’s ~~a Wills & Kate wannabe.~~ Just pathetic.
    
    FIFY
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:55am
  - kowtow
    
    She is a princess wannabe.
    
    That’s why she affected the Faucahontas of the South Seas look with the feather cape in England.
    
    Beyond parody.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:06am
  - stephieboy
    
    HArkman, that’s an interesting and useful angle. However” Just pathetic ” does not fit.
    
    More Just “gorgeous” for our adopted royals.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:10am
  - RF
    
    After hearing that the boyfriend is taking advice from the real royal family concerning arranging a bidding war with media for access and photographs, my dear intelligent wife commented that it reminded her of the Kardashian family.
    
    By George she’s got it.
    
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    June 6, 2018 11:41am
    - sooty
      
      All the money from the gossip mags etc, is that listed in her pecuniary interest or is it just trouserd by the fisherman friend?
      
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      June 6, 2018 3:54pm
Longknives

So yesterday the Prime Minister and her rather odd partner (the one with the penchant for telling strangely conflicting stories) released a ‘Please Respect our Privacy’ statement.

Today we get Gayford tweeting to the Worldabout a ‘false alarm’ and Ardern ranting on about the pending birth and Gayford building a deck etc etc

These two egotists are so addicted to the gushing and attention they wouldn’t know the meaning of privacy.
Have some dignity for Christ’s sake..
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June 6, 2018 9:50am
- itstricky
  
  ADS
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:53am
- KevOB
  
  NZ’s own Kardashians.
  Is Winston going to wet the baby’s head?
  
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  June 6, 2018 5:54pm
Keeping Stock

Right; I have transcribed this from the Newstalk ZB on demand feed:

Hosking: Now Stuart, talk me through this oil decision of yours, did it go to Cabinet?

Nash: No. (interrupts)

Hosking: How did it go to Cabinet, what advice did you get etcetera?

Nash: It went to a higher authority, so what happened Mike, you’ll remember there was an election, and then there was a negotiation period between all the parties. Out of that negotiation came an agreement between Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens and this is one of those things that came out of those negotiations, so it went to an even higher authority than Cabinet believe it or not.

Hosking: So it didn’t go to Cabinet?

Nash: Well, we were briefed about this so we knew what was happenening. We didn’t watch the news and suddenly go “Goodness me, that’s a new one” so we were well aware that it was happening. But as you saw when the Prime Minister made the announcement there was James Shaw there, there was Shane Jones there so it wasn’t a contentious decision where the coalition members were scrapping it out.

Hosking: So did you vote on it in Cabinet. Were there any papers or was it just a coalition decision, we’ve decided, that’s that?

Nash: No, it was discussed in Cabinet and I don’t want to break Cabinet confidence of course but as mentioned there was nothing contentious about the coalition partners, it was one of those items that had been agreed by the partners during the coalition deal.

http://120.138.20.16/WeekOnDemand/ZB/auckland/2018.06.06-08.00.00-S.mp3

Like Peter denying Jesus three times, Stuart Nash has three times denied there was a vote in Cabinet. Jacinda Ardern insists there was a vote. Who’s telling the truth, and who isn’t?
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June 6, 2018 9:54am
- RalphT
  
  ” Who’s telling the truth, and who isn’t?”
  
  Obviously it’s Nash; Jacinda never lies, remember?
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:58am
  - Keeping Stock
    
    Pass me a Tui…
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:09am
- ex-golfer
  
  Ardern is using the technicality of an “oral item” being presented at Cabinet by the Minister.
  This process is similar to that followed when a cabinet paper is presented, but it is done verbally by the responsible Minister.
  Ardern said they took advice from the Cabinet office who said an oral item would be suitable.
  I doubt this very much.
  Oral items are normally low level, insignificant decisions that do not require a lot of consultation or discussion.
  
  Section 5.12 of the Cabinet Manual states:
  The following matters must be submitted to Cabinet (through the appropriate committee):
  – significant policy issues;
  – controversial matters;
  – proposals that affect the government’s financial position, or important financial commitments;
  
  This item does not appear to have been put through the appropriate Cabinet Committee.
  I would suggest it meets the test of those three requirements above.
  This is shabby governance – designed to give the PM a platform before her trip to Europe.
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:22am
  - RW Capitalist
    
    From the Clinton play book?
    Q: Did you wipe your sever?
    A: What? You mean with a cloth?
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:58am
  - Keeping Stock
    
    I agree completely ex-golfer. The timing of the decision, just before them PM left for Europe, was two-fold:
    
    1) It gave her a platform to parade before European politicians and media as a paragon of virtue on climate change, and
    2) It saved her from having to front up to the people of Taranaki, those most directly affected by the decision.
    
    By doing so, her carefully crafted “good girl” image was largely unharmed, whilst Andrew Little was sent to New Plymouth to cop the fallout. It’s a plan so cunning it might have been devised by Helen Clark and Heather Simpson; oh, wait…
    
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    June 6, 2018 12:12pm
    - stephieboy
      
      Keeping Stock , current permits will still continue for Taranakiand she has already visited the region to hear concerns and answer questions ,
      
      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104212979/prime-minister-offers-reassurance-to-oil-and-gas-workers-during-taranaki-visit
      
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      June 6, 2018 12:20pm
      - Keeping Stock
        
        As you know Stephie, she visited Taranaki a full SIX WEEKS after announcing the decision. While there, she met hand-selected representatives.
        
        And yes, current permits will continue. But why would companies invest in further exploration, even if the hold permits, when the government of the day has effectively told them they’re no longer wanted.?
        
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        June 6, 2018 1:24pm
    - artemisia
      
      Damage done. Even if the issue is fudged by this government, and even if reversed by a future government, why would anyone invest millions in an uncertain political environment? Where the rug can be whipped out from under any old time.
      
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      June 6, 2018 2:00pm
- KevOB
  
  A secret agreement cannot give any govt a mandate. The COL is self destructing.
  
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  June 6, 2018 5:57pm
Harkman

Anyone paying any attention to this Anthony Pedan saga?

Did he say an unfunny joke to Abby Wilson at the Commonwealth games or something?

“He had a relationship with an athlete” they never minded when Sarah Ulmer did the same.

“He’s a bully” to coach elite athletes you need to push them and bully them eg Arthur Lydiard, Dick Tonks, Duncan Laing just look at Trump’s mate Indian coach Bobby Knight, he’s always screaming at his players. More nonsense from tvnz leftists.
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June 6, 2018 9:58am
- RW Capitalist
  
  The proof is awaiting us, in the results.
  If they win less after him?
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:59am
  - Harkman
    
    Yes, good call.
    
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    June 6, 2018 3:13pm
- ex-golfer
  
  Interesting theory on this issue:
  Its all been raised by snowflake athletes who did not make the grade – hence they are now kicking up a stink and laying it at the feet of Pedan – who by results alone shows he was doing a good job.
  He was not sole selector.
  He did not control the $ invested by High Performance sport NZ into cycling.
  I get the feeling this is a beat up – probably the start of the “I participate, therefore I win” generation who have not been taught what failure means emerging.
  
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  June 6, 2018 1:42pm
MCos

Eighty years ago later this year the National Party contested it’s second General Election in NZ and were thumped by Labour who had recently passed the Social Security Act, which would come into force after the election.
This was the basis of our present Welfare State with a much improved unemployment benefit, pension & a number of other benefits plus a public health system; paid for by big tax increases.
National were opposed.
As usual Labour struggled to make the numbers work, but WWII saved the day.
National came to power not long after the war, but didn’t dare dismantle the system and there you have it.
(Walter Nash was the Finance Minister in 1938. I bought his biography for $2 at Avondale Market and found out about that most far retching piece of legislation in NZ history)
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June 6, 2018 9:59am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  far retching piece of legislation
  
  Well, that’s not how I would describe it.
  But we will take your word that that is how you feel about it.
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:08am
  - stephieboy
    
    MW, it must have been groundbreaking assisting you raise a family making ends meet in more ways than one.
    
    BYW Labour lost traction when Sidney Holland was astute enough to retain that act. Thus began the golden era of consensus politics.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:17am
    - RalphT
      
      I wonder if Bill Holland was related to Sid Holland, the National PM from 1949 to 1957?
      
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      June 6, 2018 10:21am
    - Maggy Wassilieff
      
      Do you have a comprehension problem, stephieboy?
      I have written quite clearly that I would not describe the Social Security Act as a far retching piece of legislation.
      
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      June 6, 2018 10:34am
  - MCos
    
    I took a look at what I’d written and realised, too late, I’d used the wrong word.
    
    ‘far reaching legislation’
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:32am
    - RW Capitalist
      
      Believe you were right the first time.
      Mr Freud agrees with me.
      
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      June 6, 2018 11:01am
simpleton1

Good for laugh, as some people walk among us 🙂 When we get the word, with their goats, chickens and burkas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efox-uWtjwg

Living Next Door To Ali – Parody Song (joke)
3m 31secs
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June 6, 2018 10:29am
Manolo

The Krauts are up in arms:
http://www.france24.com/en/20180605-calls-grow-germany-expulsion-disputed-us-envoy-0
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June 6, 2018 10:37am
Captain Mainwaring

Opposition is mounting towards the ludicrous tram to Auckland Airport idea. This man is talking sense.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/104412552/transport-minister-phil-twyford-says-light-rail-not-primarily-for-tourists

Check the picture of the trams on Dominion Road. One lane for traffic on each side of the trams. That means no cycle lane, no bus lane and no kerbside parking. And look in the foreground – the tram track is right against the kerb – no room for cars either.
How the Hell is that ever going to work?
Twitford and Genter have rocks for brains.
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June 6, 2018 10:58am
- RW Capitalist
  
  I don’t know how many houses are in Dominion Rd
  (the highest number address I found was 1200)
  My point is, will they have to compulsory purchase 600 houses/ shops etc to make it wide enough?
  At say $650000 per house, will that add $390mill to the price?
  
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  June 6, 2018 11:09am
  - KevinH
    
    Sydney’s tram project a complete stuff up:
    
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-19/sydney-light-rail-is-one-year-behind-schedule/9674512
    
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    June 6, 2018 12:12pm
  - alex Masterley
    
    AC has over the years bought significant numbers of properties. Including one i owned. I wonder if AC pays rates on those properties to itself.
    In the main, for the last time light rail was mooted.
    As far as I can recall there is a light rail designation along Dominion Road so the ghosts of plans past are still clanking around.
    
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    June 6, 2018 5:15pm
- brett68
  
  They’ll just ban cars from Dominion rd.
  
  Honestly, how do they plan to build the thing?, there’s no room for construction as well as motor vehicles.
  
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  June 6, 2018 11:12am
- RalphT
  
  I must need my eyes checked, Captain. I could swear that in that picture there’s a giant sheep at the foot of the Sky Tower.
  
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  June 6, 2018 1:16pm
  - Longknives
    
    It’s definitely there Ralph.
    *Though I’ve had a couple of drinks already..
    
    3 0
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    June 6, 2018 3:24pm
    - RalphT
      
      Yes, I need to stop having those lunchtime beers…
      
      1 0
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      June 6, 2018 3:27pm
- ex-golfer
  
  JAGS master plan will be for the lanes for traffic on either side will be reallocated as cycleways and cars will be permanently banned from Dominion Road.
  Vive comrade!
  
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  June 6, 2018 2:02pm
Captain Mainwaring

Where did they find this Katrina Bennett who reads the news on Newstalk ZB? She’s invented two new place names – Arimutaka Hill, Arotorua.
13 1
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June 6, 2018 11:04am
- RalphT
  
  Is she perhaps a ho?
  
  7 0
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  June 6, 2018 1:17pm
  - VicParking
    
    Looking for a Dameship
    
    6 0
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    June 6, 2018 3:19pm
- greybeard
  
  I have sent emails to her employer The Radio Bureau several times on that very subject, but of course had no response. I have heard her refer to Arangitikei as well.
  And I notice that the normally-precise Ivanka Zonich seems to have discovered a new suburb in Wellington called “Totterer Park”.
  So many more new places to visit, Captain !
  
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  June 6, 2018 3:50pm
  - Captain Mainwaring
    
    Yes greybeard, I must go to Arangiora, Areefton, Aremuera, Aruatoria, Araglan, Araetihi, Aranfurly, Aroxburgh and Ariverton. They must be interesting places.
    Thanks for your good work.
    
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    June 6, 2018 4:31pm
BeaB

Carol Hirschfield has landed herself a plum job at Stuff.
Nice to know they are openly admitting truth doesn’t matter to them.
26 1
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June 6, 2018 11:22am
Swifty

I see ztev is back:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrlL6uIoHQA

How long will he take to defame someone this time?
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June 6, 2018 12:04pm
- Gravelroad
  
  And mikewasmild and muttonbird.
  Oh well, it was good while their absence lasted.
  I guess we will be back to trawling through the tedious stuff about what John Key did/didn’t do, said, thought etc.
  Nothing new or interesting ever from the M&M’s.
  
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  June 6, 2018 4:51pm
Monique Watson

Ever seen cold dark hate peer out from someone’s eyes?

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12065370
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June 6, 2018 12:24pm
Simon

Hillary is gone burger. Then a little later Zero.

The Obama turds at FBI / DOJ are turning on each other. Delicious.
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June 6, 2018 12:46pm
cha

Oh….

George Papadopoulos’ wife, Simona Mangiante, said her husband was not involved in collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government and that he pleaded guilty in the special counsel’s investigation to avoid facing charges that he was an agent of the Israeli government.

[…]

Mangiante also said Papadopoulos “pled guilty because [Mueller’s prosecutors] threatened to charge him with being an Israeli agent.”

http://dailycaller.com/2018/06/04/mangiante-papadopoulos-collusion/
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June 6, 2018 1:42pm
cha

Huawei is the Chinese teleco identified by US intelligence as a national security threat and if this report is correct, Facebook knew Huawei were the bad guys when they cuddled up to them.

Die, Facebook.

Facebook has data-sharing partnerships with at least four Chinese electronics companies, including a manufacturing giant that has a close relationship with China’s government, the social media company said on Tuesday.

The agreements, which date to at least 2010, gave private access to some user data to Huawei, a telecommunications equipment company that has been flagged by American intelligence officials as a national security threat, as well as to Lenovo, Oppo and TCL.

The four partnerships remain in effect, but Facebook officials said in an interview that the company would wind down the Huawei deal by the end of the week.

Facebook gave access to the Chinese device makers along with other manufacturers — including Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry and Samsung — whose agreements were disclosed by The New York Times on Sunday.

The deals gave Facebook an early foothold in the mobile market starting in 2007, before stand-alone Facebook apps worked well on phones, and allowed device makers to offer some Facebook features, such as address books, “like” buttons and status updates.

Facebook officials said the agreements with the Chinese companies allowed them access similar to what was offered to BlackBerry, which could retrieve detailed information on both device users and all of their friends — including work and education history, relationship status and likes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/05/technology/facebook-device-partnerships-china.html
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June 6, 2018 2:53pm
- Jack5
  
  Huawei is investing in New Zealand.
  
  https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/90636313/chinese-giant-huawei-to-build-cloud-computing-data-centre-in-nz
  
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  June 6, 2018 4:27pm
  - Captain Mainwaring
    
    My wife has a Huawei phone. The Chinese Government knows exactly where she is at all times.
    
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    June 6, 2018 4:33pm
Maggy Wassilieff

Killer pomegranates

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-44378911
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June 6, 2018 3:15pm
- nasska
  
  Vegetarians live dangerously. Bacteria in sprouts, E. coli in lettuce, hepatitis from spring onions & tomatoes bearing salmonella. There’s evidence of cyclosporiasis via raspberries & now the pomegranates are out to get you.
  
  Revenge of the killer fruit & veg! Be very afraid Govege….be very afraid! 🙂
  
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  June 6, 2018 4:25pm
Manolo

Nicaragua, another socialist country, crumbles:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/nicaraguas-political-crisis-descends-into-dark-days-1528235963

A surge of violence has snuffed out economic activity and dimmed prospects to peacefully resolve a political crisis here that began as a protest against tax increases and turned into a revolt against Nicaragua’s longtime leader Daniel Ortega.

Since mid-April, more than 100 people have been killed in confrontations with police during mass protests and what human-rights groups say are paramilitary gangs aligned with Mr. Ortega’s government.
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June 6, 2018 3:26pm
Longknives

Stuff’s wannabe Clementine Ford-Kylie Klein Nixon, took some time out from her weekly hysterical rant about ‘White Men’ to attack Dancing with the Stars over some raunchy dance moves…And she made an absolute fool of herself!

https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/104472848/dancing-with-the-stars-the-last-workplace-in-new-zealand-where-groping-is-ok

Yep she is basically suggesting that a Professional Dancer slapping some D List celebrity’s bum (in a rehearsed and choreographed routine) is a #MeToo type controversy!
Interesting that Stuff have removed the comments- 100% of them were mocking Ms Klein Nixon..

I would strongly suggest that Kylie Klein Nixon never visit Rio (Where raunchy dancing is the norm) and never,ever go to a Pride Parade (Where it gets even ‘raunchier’- they simulate sex acts)
In fact- I wonder if she’s ever seen that old Patrick Swayze film..what was it called?
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June 6, 2018 4:56pm
ex-golfer

The law of reaping what one sows strikes again……Sir Bob Jones has filed defamation proceedings against Ranee Maihi who started a petition seeking the removal of his Knighthood.

Bet she didn’t see that one coming!

Someone has previously noted that she has since left NZ and now lives in Canada???
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June 6, 2018 4:59pm
- Longknives
  
  Go Sir Bob!!!
  *Do you still get NZ on Air Taxpayer $$ in Canada? Or will this Maihi character be forced to enter the real world?
  
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  June 6, 2018 5:06pm
- itstricky
  
  Doesn’t that make him the same sort of snowflake that he allegedly abides?
  
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  June 6, 2018 6:08pm
  - Maggy Wassilieff
    
    I don’t think he abides snowflakes.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:20pm
Hugh Pavletich

… NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL (TORY) PARTY … STILL UNDERSTANDABLY GUILY ABOUT HOUSING …

Posted at … https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2018/06/links-6-june-2018/#comment-3118758 … and … https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2018/06/links-6-june-2018/#comment-3118762

National leader Simon Bridges suggests NZ has a housing crisis but declines an interview with interest.co.nz to explain brief comment in RNZ interview | interest.co.nz

https://www.interest.co.nz/property/94145/national-leader-simon-bridges-suggests-nz-has-housing-crisis-declines-interview

… It was a crisis for National in Opposition back on 2007 …

John Key – Housing Reform – 2007 (Youtube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWPgoAI1cLE

Key: Speech to New Zealand Contractors Federation | Scoop News

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0708/S00336.htm

… concluding …

… This is an issue that should concern all New Zealanders. It threatens a fundamental part of our culture, it threatens our communities and, ultimately, it threatens our economy.

The good news is that we can turn the situation around. We can deal with the fundamental issues driving the home affordability crisis. Not just with rinky-dink schemes, but with sound long-term solutions to an issue that has long-term implications for New Zealand’s economy and society.

National has a plan for doing this and we will be resolute in our commitment to the goal of ensuring more young Kiwis can aspire to buy their own home.

It’s a worthy goal and one I hope you will support us in achieving. Thank-you.
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June 6, 2018 5:05pm
- Hugh Pavletich
  
  Key lied and can – kicked for 9 long years … while the housing market inflated by another $400 billion + … unnecessarily …
  
  Housing: Mr Key – Get on the Programme | Scoop News
  
  http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1212/S00041/housing-mr-key-get-on-the-programme.htm
  
  … What I wrote late January 2017, at the time of the release of the Demographia Survey …
  
  New Zealand’s housing consensus:
  Where is the political leadership ? – Hugh Pavletich
  
  http://pc.blogspot.com/2017/01/auckland-worlds-fourth-hardest-to-buy.html
  
  … extract …
  
  … Auckland’s median house price was $427,500 when Mr Key’s Government came to office late 2008 (refer 2009 5th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey ).
  
  If prices had even been held at this level … with a sound mix of land releases and progressive bond financing of infrastructure … and with Auckland’s current median household income of $83,000, Auckland’s median multiple today would be 5.1 not the current 10.
  
  Median house prices are currently way out of control at around $830,000.
  
  Better still … if prices had been allowed to gently ease since late 2008 (as polling has illustrated most New Zealanders prefer … and currently getting underway in Greater Christchurch, led by easing rentals), then Auckland today would be well on the road to restoring housing affordability.
  
  Auckland’s house prices would now be around 4 times household incomes, not the egregious 10 times incomes they are.
  
  The median house price would be about $330,000 … not the current stratospheric and grossly irresponsible $830,000 !
  
  Political failure of epic proportions ! … read more via hyperlink above …
  
  Lessons from Greater Christchurch …
  
  Lincoln (South Christchurch): From mill town to boom town … John McCrone … The Press
  
  https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/103331085/lincoln-from-mill-town-to-boom-town
  
  It was supposed to be a post-quake phenomenon, yet there is little sign of it slowing. Why are rural fringe towns like Lincoln still growing so fast? JOHN McCRONE reports.
  
  The contrast is striking. In central Christchurch, Fletcher Living is taking forever to get going on its East Frame townhouse and apartment block development.
  
  Government and council have agreed that denser inner city housing is vital to making a success of the earthquake rebuild. Yet despite inking a deal with Fletcher to build nearly 1000 homes back in 2015, the first 20 properties won’t be finished until late this year.
  
  The buyers just don’t seem to be there for them. And so the East Frame development has been uphill all the way.
  
  However, take the road half an hour out of town to Lincoln and the story is the opposite. This once sleepy village has exploded with subdivisions. Its residential footprint is now 10 times what it was 20 years ago. … read more via hyperlink above …
  
  READ MORE:
  * Rolleston: Time to take it seriously
  * Christchurch’s $600 million motorways
  * Christchurch’s next problem: bringing residents back into the CBD
  * Government ‘locked in’ to contract for delay-riddled east frame
  
  … which is why the National Party (Kiwi Tories) got trashed in the 2017 election… refer …
  
  GONE GONE GOING SECTION
  http://www.PerformanceUrbanPlanning.org
  
  A home truth for the Tories: fix the housing crisis or lose power for ever … The Spectator
  
  https://www.spectator.co.uk/2018/04/a-home-truth-for-the-tories-fix-the-housing-crisis-or-lose-power-for-ever/
  
  Much rot is spoken about how the young have it so bad. In fact, this generation is healthier, richer and better-educated than any before — as well as being better-behaved and more conscientious than their parents were. But the one area where they do struggle is in buying a house. The asset boom of recent years has disfigured the economy, sending property prices soaring and conferring vast wealth on pensioners while giving the young a mountain to climb. Home ownership rates stand at a 30-year low. And the proportion of 25- to 34-year-olds in private rented accommodation has almost doubled in the last ten years. … read more via hyperlink above …
  
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  June 6, 2018 5:08pm
rangitoto

London crims on the loose.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5809657/Wild-West-London-Sixty-moped-attacks-day-drug-crime-rise.html

I guess this is why Andy and Taxinda want to repeal the three strikes. London is leaving us behind.
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June 6, 2018 5:28pm
- RF
  
  Ardern initially trumpeted that she worked for Tony Blair so she would know first hand concerning crime and social problems in London.
  
  Later she back tracked this to working for his team and not actually meeting him.
  
  After further questions this was revised to may be worked in the same building as Blair’s team..
  
  More BS from the SLG.
  
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  June 6, 2018 6:43pm
nasska

Say what you like but social conservatives are a determined if demented facet of NZ political life. A Phoenix better resembling a singed budgerigar made it’s debut recently. Namely:

…..”On a wild and rainy Monday we managed to gather around 50 members and supporters for the launch of our new name, New Conservative.”……

The rag tag pack of child bashers, bible thumpers & control freaks are gripped by a group delusion that what Kiwis , really, truly want is to return to the Christianity saturated days of mid 20th century NZ.

With Christian conservatives track record of child abuse, sadism & paedophillia voting for the loons is an act of aggression against the nation’s kids!

Hat tip…. Peter George
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June 6, 2018 6:06pm
- mikenmildagain
  
  The bios of some of these fruitcakes are entertaining:
  
  He travelled for 3 years immediately after graduating from Lincoln University, wanting to make sure that there wasn’t a better place to live than New Zealand. If there is, he hasn’t been there and he went to all the logical places that he could imagine getting close.
  
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  June 6, 2018 6:17pm
  - nasska
    
    At least he doesn’t seem to be given to rash, spur of the moment decision making! 🙂
    
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    June 6, 2018 6:22pm
    - mikenmildagain
      
      It is just a little depressing that after a good education (Lincoln, but you know what I mean) he was still unable to to work out that NZ is Godzone without personally travelling to other places.
      
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      June 6, 2018 6:35pm
      - nasska
        
        How true Mike. I too bitch & grizzle but it’s not a bad place to be. 🙂
        
        4 0
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        June 6, 2018 6:40pm
      - EAD_TWO
        
        What happened to the original Mikenmild with 33k+ comments?
        
        Did he get shoahed b/c of too many strikes and become a Kiwiblog person non grata or did he cause the comment counter on WordPress to break once he got to 33,333?
        
        1 tick for not trying to hide behind another alias ✔
        
        6 0
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        June 6, 2018 6:46pm
      - itstricky
        
        And what’s your excuse? More Jew bashing? Oh, yes, I see, it was.
        
        2 3
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        June 6, 2018 9:29pm
- itstricky
  
  Hat tip…. Peter George
  
  Watching the new guys, with the ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality, try to figure out Griff, is hilarious.
  
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  June 6, 2018 9:25pm
Viking2

Sir Bob Jones has filed defamation proceedings against the woman who started a petition calling for his knighthood to be revoked after he penned a controversial column earlier this year.

He filed defamation papers against Renae Maihi in Wellington on Wednesday, according to NZME.

Ms Maihi started a petition in February after Sir Bob wrote an NBR column which included a call for a Māori Gratitude Day to replace Waitangi Day as a national holiday.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/06/sir-bob-jones-files-defamation-action-after-petition-for-knighthood-to-be-revoked-report.html

Wonder if he needs a give a Little page. It would be overwhealmed with cash.
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June 6, 2018 6:26pm
- sooty
  
  Well done Sir Bob!
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:10pm
- Rodney Randall
  
  She’s buggering off to Canada
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:54pm
- itstricky
  
  Sir Bob Jones has filed defamation proceedings
  
  Snowflake.
  
  Wonder if he needs a give a Little page.
  
  Isn’t that what SJWs do?
  
  2 3
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  June 6, 2018 9:31pm
  - mikenmildagain
    
    Typical bully-boy behaviour. Respect for the NBR giving him the long overdue push.
    
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    June 6, 2018 9:54pm
  - Rodney Randall
    
    It was most odd how tens of thousands signed Maihi’s petition and only a handful turned up to parliament?
    
    After all the online death threats left up on Renae’s fb page for days on end, it is ironic that the very things she found offensive were the very things she tacitly endorsed.
    
    Her plans to exit the country, according to her fb page, may well have to take a back seat.
    
    There will be no death threats allowed in court Renae.
    I have the screenshots.
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:08pm
Viking2

Re-entry to the Pike River mine drift may take longer than expected.

Pike River Recovery Andrew Little told a parliamentary committee he expected re-entry into the West Coast mine – where 29 men died after an explosion in 2010 – to take longer than first thought.

Re-entry could start at the end of 2018, but would be completed after March 2019 – the original deadline he had set for the Pike River Recovery Agency.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104507208/pike-river-mine-reentry-to-take-longer-than-expected?cid=facebook.post.104507208

Chief operating officer Dinghy Pattinson said the manager would be responsible for project health and safety management.

“We are looking for someone with engineering, infrastructure development and project management qualifications, or significant industry experience. Their job will be to make sure our projects comply with regulatory requirements, are on time and within budget.”

The agency is also in the process of seeking a specialist supplier to both assist with developing detailed plans, and to undertake, if approved, the manned re-entry and recovery works. The supplier is also likely to undertake mine sealing and rehabilitation works at the completion of the project.

==============================
So another labour sinkhole then.Lots of well paid managers who are looking for experts of all kinds to blame when it all comes unstuck.
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June 6, 2018 6:29pm
- sooty
  
  Turkeys don’t vote for an early christmas. They are going to keep the nose in the trough as long as possible, it’s the labour way.
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:08pm
- rangitoto
  
  Ha ha. Laugh if if they can’t find anyone to take on the job. The insurance premiums to cover the massive claims if something goes wrong would scare off any sane engineers.
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:17pm
- KevOB
  
  How is any employee, contractor, worker or supplier going to avoid liability if a future catastrophe occurs? Little might be joined in any legal action too.
  
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  June 6, 2018 10:35pm
Muttonbird

Nice ratepayer bailout for the failed Bella Vista development. Tauranga residents should be furious about this, all of who are now having to pay for slack right-wing policy.

As I understand it this was yet another catastrophe brought about by zero regulation by the Tauranga council who preferred to allow cowboy developers and builders to self regulate on key sign-offs.

This behaviour is staple for the last National government who love to cut red tape whenever they see it. The leaky building crisis was brought about by the National government previous to the last one.

Let’s be clear here. The way to building safe and strong future communities is not to cut red tape and allow greedy bogans to check their own work.

You have to wonder what the mp for Tauranga’s role in all this hands-off governance is. What’s his name now? I forget…

https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/104480340/jilted-bella-vista-homeowners-to-learn-their-fate-after-tauranga-council-meeting
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June 6, 2018 6:37pm
- rangitoto
  
  What else would you expect from a lefty council.
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:18pm
  - Muttonbird
    
    Is it a lefty council, rangitoto? Hard to imagine with a hard right dumb-arse as mp for the town.
    
    1 12
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    June 6, 2018 7:44pm
  - sam green
    
    Lefty council in Tauranga? ???????
    
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    June 6, 2018 10:06pm
- krazykiwi
  
  On the drive-by smear-o-meter (1-10) that scores a barely detectable 0.00001. The council failed to provide the enforcement service for which they charged a mandatory fee. Stump up? Yes they should, and better now than having the courts rule against them.
  
  6 0
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  June 6, 2018 7:34pm
- Awww C-mon
  
  So fucking clueless…
  
  All lefties know fuck all about most things but about this, your miles of the pace
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:51pm
  - Muttonbird
    
    I can spell you’re, however.
    
    3 7
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    June 6, 2018 8:01pm
    - Awww C-mon
      
      Well, I’m sure your union mates in the teaching profession will be swelling with pride at a job well done.
      
      You’ve just proven what a self-righteous little bitch you are though
      
      7 1
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      June 6, 2018 8:19pm
      - Muttonbird
        
        Full stop after though.
        
        Here to help!
        
        5 3
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        June 6, 2018 8:46pm
      - Awww C-mon
        
        of all da tings u r, hur 2 hlp aint 1
        
        Bi-arch
        
        5 1
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        June 6, 2018 8:51pm
- DigNap15
  
  You are wrong there.
  The councils take thousands and is supposed to check that things are done right.
  Why do we pay for council fees, developer fees, lims, codes of compliance etc.
  They are not worth the paper they are written on.
  Get rid of them all and all the useless council staff and house prices will drop and our rates also.
  
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  June 7, 2018 7:59am
ex-golfer

Another backtrack:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104507208/pike-river-mine-reentry-to-take-longer-than-expected

Life in opposition is so easy, making promises all over the place with little responsibilty for them…….until those promises come home to roost when reality kicks in.

Seems the families have quickly fallen into line with their Labour masters too:

“Safety comes first … I’d rather we get it right than rush it through. I have full faith it’s going to happen. We have waited eight years a few more months doesn’t matter,” re-entry campaigner and family member Anna Osborne said.

What an amazing turn-around from demanding John Key instigate re-entry immediately.
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June 6, 2018 6:46pm
- ex-golfer
  
  Apologies Viking2 – didn’t see your post!
  
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  June 6, 2018 7:05pm
nasska

NEWS FLASH FROM AN ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE:

Young white kids in Britain are molesting gangs of Pakistani Muslim men. The government has praised their efforts.
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June 6, 2018 6:59pm
Fletch

In case you missed it, the new song you must have in your head that allows you compress the correct number of beats-per-minute that must be maintained during CPR is The Macarena. It used to be Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees.

https://www.facebook.com/Breakfaston1/videos/10156307077757719/?hc_location=ufi

Anyway, one of the funniest episodes of the Office (American version) has them learning CPR 😆

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmb1tqYqyII
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June 6, 2018 7:29pm
krazykiwi

Awww bless them. Housing NZ will no long evict people who use illicit drugs in their properties.

That’s so lovely of them. Perhaps they could pop around and help with the laundry? Do a few dishes? Maybe give their guests some hugs and some encouraging words?
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June 6, 2018 7:30pm
- ex-golfer
  
  FFS – another step down the path towards a New Zealand full of ghettos of losers with no sense of responsibility.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:01pm
Rodney Randall

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-06-05/merkel-backs-macrons-european-army-initiative

Merkel Backs Macron’s European Army Initiative.
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June 6, 2018 7:51pm
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  Gee, I wonder if Erdogan will be invited to join the gang.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:26pm
- thedavincimode
  
  Great news for Trumpy who will be only too happy to stop writing out the NATO cheques.
  
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  June 6, 2018 8:52pm
  - mikenmildagain
    
    Sure, Trump’s instincts coincidentally align with Putin’s interests there.
    
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    June 6, 2018 8:59pm
nasska

…..”Mounting a year-long fake news campaign can cost about $400,000 (£315,000), suggests a report.”….

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-40287399

Yet according to the NZ Herald subscription service buying access to multiple fake news campaigns can cost as little as $18.80/week.

We don’t know how lucky we are!
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June 6, 2018 8:20pm
skyblue

Has the ‘First’ Bastard been born yet.
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June 15, 2018 10:05am

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