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February 4, 2022 8:00am by Kokila Patel

General Debate 04 February 2022

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General Debate

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Warren

The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern might be opening the New Zealand border but is it to little to late.
Coronavirus: Omicron red light setting to knock GDP, strong economic tailwinds ‘dying out’- forcast.
The strong economic tailwinds that have supported the country throughout the pandemic appear to be fading as the country grapples with rising inflationary a controlled Labour market informetries cheif forecaster Gareth Kiernan said.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2022/02/coronavirus-omicron-red-light-setting-to-knock-gdp-strong-economic-tailwinds-dying-out-forecast.html
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February 4, 2022 8:00am
- lastmanstanding
  
  Some random questions.
  
  1. Why were there none of the usual talking head medical experts on TV One last night to comment on the border opening.
  
  2. Was this because Cindy ordered the media not to interview them lest they disapproved.
  
  3. Why are the borders opening when the medical experts have predicted Omicron will be rampant in the next few weeks and months.
  
  4. Is the border opening a sign that lock downs and all the other restrictions had nothing to so with health science and everything to do with a PM and Government drunk on power.
  
  5. Was the border opening because of the Bellis case and that the upcoming Court case will find the Government in breach of several NZ laws and international laws and because of the recent polls.
  
  6. Will the border opening restore Cindys fairy dust and increase the Government approval ratings.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:31am
  - DeepBlue
    
    #6. Nooooooooo
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:36am
    - tui47
      
      Too late. Economy is diving. Most sensible New Zealanders can now she is useless. Her performance at the border announcement was all PR (and it was a performance) and attempt to turn the bad press around. It doesn’t matter how much of a “breath of fresh air” she was incompetence is dangerous. With possible rent control imminent National are only going to rise in the polls.
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:57am
  - dcrane
    
    I’ll bet they wanted to continue with “Omicron elimination” through this winter. But the Nordic countries and the UK dropping most restrictions, in light of the mildness of omicron symptoms, was creating severe headwinds. Internal polls signaling what we saw in Roy Morgan probably finished off their hopes.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:53am
  - Gordon Shumway
    
    I mean, the answer to 3 is obvious isn’t it? Why “keep it out” when it’s already here and border cases will make absolutely no difference to its growth/peak in NZ.
    
    If heaps of people are underreporting here (and that seems likely), why keep borders closed and keep screwing our largest export earner (tourism).
    
    Also, why waste time and money enforcing quarantine on healthy people. No one makes me quarantine after I go to Countdown, so why make me quarantine after I fly in a plane?
    
    Are there any other diseases, already established in NZ, that we test for at our borders?
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:12am
    - rockape
      
      I seem to remember Jacinda saying at the start of omicron that just one case would lead to thousands of infections.
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:37am
      - Ehlana
        
        Presumably, that’s all variants work. There’s a first one, and, if it a successful little virus, it goes on to replicate across thousands or even millions of hosts.
        
        The intelligent question, of course, is what harm does it do them?
        
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        February 4, 2022 11:54am
      - Sir Cullen's Sidekick
        
        Some so called modellers are predicting 1000 cases every day….Not sure what the pink haired one is predicting.
        
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        February 4, 2022 2:47pm
      - Jim
        
        I bet it’s here and spread broader than reported, but so mild that most (non vulnerable) people are just living with it, perhaps unaware.
        
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        February 4, 2022 8:46pm
  - Paulus
    
    Cindy cannot be in breach of several NZ and International laws.
    She thinks she is above any laws anyway, so will legislate out of any laws that do not suit her.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:31am
    - Master Mariner
      
      “Cindy cannot be in breach of several NZ and International laws.”
      
      Too late I’m afraid.
      
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      February 4, 2022 12:45pm
      - Steve Otto(North Shore)
        
        Jaspinda’s rules supercede International Law, or so she thinks
        
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        February 4, 2022 1:16pm
  - Mr_Blobby
    
    You really must stop watching the local news.
    
    Just get on with life, take the necessary precaution to protect against the stupidity, completely ignore the wall to wall fear pron.
    
    I promise you, you will fell a lot better, more relaxed, life is good, the world will keep spinning around the sun, life goes on.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:32am
    - Jimbob
      
      Did that in late 2020 when the cat was out of the bag that the same people behind climate change were running the COVID show.
      
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      February 4, 2022 1:38pm
  - alloytoo
    
    #3 Bit of a moot point, Omicron will have torn through the population long before the borders open.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:33am
    - Jim
      
      Based on international data omicron only takes between 6-9 weeks to blow through at 90%+ infection of the population. We know it’s here in NZ, but symptoms may be less due to summer season (vitamin D) and possibly vaccine efficacy. All I can see is societal and business strangulation due to low confidence and hyped fear.
      
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      February 4, 2022 7:04pm
  - Steve Otto(North Shore)
    
    3. This is the way to increase the fear porn, and therefore socialist control.
    Control is the only thing the Govt is interested in – they don’t give a fuck about citizen’s health
    
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    February 4, 2022 1:13pm
  - Harry Knuts
    
    the medical experts are only there to support the PM when she enforces lockdowns and the likes and helps install fear. not there for positive move towards opening up – doesn’t fit their fearmongering personalities
    
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    February 4, 2022 3:19pm
  - Ra Henare
    
    Very Interesting.
    ACC processing gazillions of claims for Vaccine injury!
    This after the Prime Minister and her Cabal saying the Vaccine is safe and effective.
    
    Wait until the NZ media decide to have a field day with this
    
    https://dailytelegraph.co.nz/opinion/what-came-unstuck-in-new-zealand-lessons-for-the-world/
    
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    February 4, 2022 4:01pm
    - Jim
      
      There’s something not right here. Medsafe is reporting a 500-600% increase in myocarditis diagnosis since August 21 ( lockdown level 4). Looking forward to the January data reported on 16 Feb.
      https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/COVID-19/vaccine-report-overview.asp
      
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      February 4, 2022 8:52pm
- Weetbix3ways
  
  Socialist policies always work fine until the pre-existing wealth runs out.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:33am
  - Bridgenag
    
    Has anyone posted the new song ….From The Daily Telegraph
    
    Rumble — New Zealanders are sick of Jacinda Ardern wrecking their country!
    Emo Empire – Another Nasty Socialist
    Spotify, Itunes and http://www.emoempire.net
    http://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/emoempire/rock-against-jacinda
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:56am
- rockape
  
  The tailwinds were generated by the money printing press. As that starts to run out, so do the tailwinds. Tailwinds will shortly be replaced by a crash as a tailspin eventuates.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:19am
  - Master Mariner
    
    Scorched Earth Policy.
    
    Saddam Hussein would off been proud.
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:49am
  - Jim
    
    Mortgage interest rates will see 10% again
    
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    February 4, 2022 7:07pm
- Ra Henare
  
  Would be really really interested in finding some serious research on why NZ Covid fatalities are so low,
  
  For the life of me I can NOT believe that lockdowns and all the restrictions caused it.
  
  To trot out the oft used phrase
  Correlation is not causation
  
  I have read a number of opinions that refer to impacts of climate. Ie moderate warm and sunny
  High Levels of Ozone(which kill the virus).
  Kiwis outdoors lifestyle
  Low density accommodation.
  (This might be a contributing factor in PI contagion?)
  etc etc
  
  I would have thought that there should be many studies to see why NZ was so successful?
  
  PS. I get pissed of at Government/Media using UK, USA and NSW case count as reasons for their restriction decisions. Cherry picking of the worse kind. They ignore other countries doing well.
  Taiwan is my Gold standard and has been since the beginning.
  But there are many other examples of covid under control with out Jacindamania lockdowns/restrictions.
  
  The red traffic light is a joke when they say its containing Covid. That was never its purpose.
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:36pm
krazykiwi

Anyone into cliff diving should check out Facebook’s share price. Down 25% overnight. That’s a value loss greater than the market cap of GM or Boeing
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February 4, 2022 8:01am
- ClanMcleod
  
  Apparently it has cost Zuckerberg 31 billion. I’m guessing he isn’t losing any sleep. Down to his last 95 billion. No new superyacht this year!
  
  https://financialpost.com/personal-finance/high-net-worth/mark-zuckerbergs-fortune-plunges-by-31-billion-after-meta-shock
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:43am
  - kowtow
    
    Yep ,
    
    ‘Private philanthropy stepped into the breach. An assortment of foundations contributed tens of millions in election-administration funding. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative chipped in $300 million.’
    
    He put in 300 mil to oust Trump. Drop in the ocean to these guys.
    
    https://time.com/5936036/secret-2020-election-campaign/
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:25am
  - Steve Otto(North Shore)
    
    Facebook fact checkers will be around to have a chat with you shortly. They don’t like the truth, opinions are more important. Disobey and you get jail//
    
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    February 4, 2022 1:21pm
  - Jim
    
    He’ll make up every dollar and more by selling every digital facet your children’s lives.
    
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    February 4, 2022 7:11pm
- In Vino Veritas
  
  No surprises krazy, it’s basically and advert company. I read their S1 that went to SEC when they were going to list, and their North American and European markets were plateauing. The forecast growth was via Asia and the rest of the world. Therefore no surprises why Zuckerberg sucks up to the Chinese Government.
  The other interesting thing was demographics. Seniors are the fastest growing group on Facebook. Younger people are leaving.
  
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  February 4, 2022 1:28pm
- Jimbob
  
  The guy running this show is the biggest con man on the planet.
  
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  February 4, 2022 1:41pm
pdm

I heard Mike Hosking say there were two polls out this week.

Roy Morgan was one but what was the other one?
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February 4, 2022 8:02am
- Captain Mainwaring
  
  Must have been TV1.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:14am
  - G152
    
    Or a true poll indicating liebors actual position
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:31am
  - pdm
    
    Thought so Capt. – thanks for confirming.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:58am
- curry4me
  
  pdm: The Colmar Brunton poll on One Ewes. It has a new name though. It’s the better of the two.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:44am
Chris Morgan

First two minutes of Dr John Campbell’s video today focusses on NZ. Sums it up well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2qSrcq-Jz0
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February 4, 2022 8:10am
- info@cruzpro.com
  
  Excellent video. Thanks.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:23am
- Benedict Yu
  
  Yes he demolishes the rationale for phased reopening. Why is the government saying that even in October new arrivals are self isolate?
  
  And how many Australians will come in winter to ski in Queenstown if they need to isolate for a week? ZERO
  
  I loved when he speculated that the virus could agree to infect people in a phased way to suit the politics of the New Zealand government. ?????
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:31am
  - ClanMcleod
    
    Surely the virus knows who the PM of NZ is and how “kind and caring” she is and wouldn’t dare disrupt her plans????? Never!
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:51am
    - Ehlana
      
      Well, so far this year, it has disrupted her wedding plans and put her into self-isolation.
      
      Maybe the Omicron variant hasn’t read the handbook?
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:20am
      - mawm
        
        Which one? Das Capital or Mein Kampf?
        
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        February 4, 2022 9:44am
      - Don Beckett
        
        1984 & Animal Farm.
        
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        February 4, 2022 10:26am
      - Steve Otto(North Shore)
        
        Self isolation is code for ‘oma rapeti, oma rapeti, oma oma oma’
        
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        February 4, 2022 1:25pm
    - Sir Cullen's Sidekick
      
      May be virus will also be part of 5 million.
      
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      February 4, 2022 2:49pm
  - bronny1
    
    It’s about control. Jacinda has done such a good job of controlling her subjects with fear, she thinks she can do the same with the virus.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:53am
    - cmm
      
      Exactly right.
      
      Remember than for her being PM of Little old Aotearoa/NZ is just a wee stepping stone for the UN. Annoying, but necessary.
      
      Being able to control people will look good on her CV.
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:08am
      - Stellaboxer
        
        I actually think she may have ruined any future career plans judging by the foreign press coverage she is beginning to receive. She will probably follow her former boss Blair into a never ending circuit of preaching to the choir for money and the odd article in womens magazines. A fitting end but alas it may mean having her grinning mouche glaring at you every time you sit in a health providers waiting room for years to come.
        
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        February 4, 2022 9:55am
      - Paulus
        
        Cindy is now bad news overseas too, so the UN will not employ her anyway.
        Her extensive world trip (former Honeymoon) shortly is to try and expolit her “beauty”.
        It may not work though now.
        Hope she gets a job somewhere other than here.
        
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        February 4, 2022 10:35am
      - Steve Otto(North Shore)
        
        Socialist use many methods for control – some are not very nice – History
        
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        February 4, 2022 1:26pm
    - Ruawai
      
      People are cancelling domestic travel because the government has spread fear that if you get Omicron while away you will have to self isolate away from home, yet from 28 Feb NZers returning from Australia will be able to hop on a plane when they arrive in NZ and travel domestically to their home to self isolate and some of these people will unknowingly have Omicron. No consistency.
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:06am
  - Jim
    
    #followingjacindascience
    
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    February 4, 2022 7:13pm
- ClanMcleod
  
  An excellent summary by Dr John of the current situation in Jacindaland. He rarely raises an eyebrow, normally very staid, but the look on his face when discussing Ardern’s insanity is priceless. If anyone doesn’t understand what “incredulous” means, refer them to the first 2 minutes of this video!!
  Well done that man.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:37am
Benedict Yu

I had a chat to my close associate last night about the new policy that allows misbehaving Kàinga Ora tenants to be evicted under a three strikes policy.

It turns out that nobody on the ground at Kàinga Ora knew about this policy announcement until they read it in the media. They are now trying to figure out how it will be implemented.

It will take a while to play out. But it appears that there will be many hoops to jump through to evict someone. It will require sign off at a senior level in the organisation.

Being able to move someone to another property is sometimes useful. But as my associate points out, you are simply relocating the problem, not fixing it.

For the tenancy managers the operational details are important. For example to issue a “strike” what is the threshold? How does it need to be recorded?

So, in summary, the policy is not yet designed at an operational level. It looks like it was a reactive decision in response to the negative news stories. It could be a while before you see anyone evicted.
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February 4, 2022 8:11am
- mandk
  
  What will happen is that the 90 day rule will apply.
  
  Tenancy managers will be instructed to be careful not log 3 stikes against any tenant in any 90 day period.
  
  And everything will carry on as before.
  
  Scumbag KO tenants will continue to make the lives of their decent, law-abiding neighbour’s a misery.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:18am
  - Mr_Blobby
    
    Maybe give the law abiding neighbor’s some KFC vouchers, that should do it.
    
    The bad tenants would probably complain that they had been discriminated against because the did not get any.\
    
    But it is doing something, right.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:41am
- cmm
  
  It’s one of those “being seen to be doing something” policies. Unless they’ve worked out exactly how they will do it, then it’s not really policy and it won’t be enacted.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:24am
  - Benedict Yu
    
    Especially if the tenancy managers need to write a memorandum and appear before a committee. They will just give up.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:33am
    - Gravelroad
      
      “Appear before a committee”?
      Surely a multi party working group is called for?
      A couple of years of flying participants round the country for hui at great expense will fix it.
      Also providing a boost for caterers, hotels and taxis.
      
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      February 4, 2022 8:47am
    - cmm
      
      You know how cops are supposed to have goals of how many traffic infringements to hand out? Well likely KO will have a reverse goal as part of their performance indicators.
      
      If you issue too many strikes, or get too many tenants moved on, then you will be labelled as vindictive and “retrained” and required to “improve” by the next performance review.
      
      And, no, I am not joking.
      
      I know two mental health nurses who were beaten up and put in hospital, but were then told the patients that beat them up were the real victims here and it would help the patients’ healing if the nurse (ie. the person beaten up) apologised to the patient (that did the beating). Both refused to do this and were labelled as problematic and uncaring to the patients. Both were essentially forced to leave.
      
      No doubt the same pressures will be put on KO staff too.
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:15am
      - Ehlana
        
        cmm, what exactly were they meant to apologise for?
        
        Seems like the patients were not the most mentally unfit people in this scenario.
        
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        February 4, 2022 9:31am
      - cmm
        
        Ehlana: “The system” (ie. all the bureaucrats etc) protects itself.
        
        If there is an incident (eg a staff member being beaten up), then “the system” does not want to admit it has problems, so the staff members are pressurized into accepting the blame.
        
        That is what this is really about.
        
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        February 4, 2022 9:44am
      - PeeJay
        
        Sorry cmm – fat finger hit report by mistake.
        
        100% agree with your comments mate.
        
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        February 4, 2022 11:37am
- pdm
  
  But but BY – Labour is getting rid of 3 strikes.
  
  Perhaps someone should have told Poto.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:33am
- Libertarians are right
  
  It’s a pretty simple policy to implement really.
  Scumbag KO renters aren’t uncommon so all they’ll end up doing is sending them around in a merry-go-round. As a neighbour, if you successfully get a loser kicked out (at great risk to yourself), they’ll just be replaced with another loser that got kicked out of a different KO house. And, they’ll probably know that you complained about the last person.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:38am
  - alloytoo
    
    Perhaps this is a good use for a permanent MIQ facility………just a thought…..
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:35am
  - oldfella
    
    LAR, reminds me of that childhood musical chairs game. In this case it will be a game of ‘musical scumbags’. When the music (probably rap) stops, they all move houses. But in the interests of equity, no houses are removed from the circle, and no one has to actually drop out.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:39am
- rouppe
  
  They are now trying to figure out how it will be implemented.
  
  Like this, maybe?
  
  Which should have been happening from the get go.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:40am
- kowtow
  
  When it suits ’em they have a 3 strikes to pretend they are dealing with unruly tenants making life impossible for others ;
  
  but they are doing away with 3 strikes that’s there to make life better for society and protect us from violent criminals …..
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:41am
- artemisia
  
  What I heard on the wireless is that the process will be as set out in the Residential Tenancies Act. It is quite prescriptive requiring documentation in precise form and evidence presented to the Tenancy Tribunal for a decision. A decision that may or may not be termination, especially if tears and promises are involved.
  
  Remains to be seen if / how it will be ‘adjusted’ for Kainga Ora. And whether it also applies to Community Housing Providers.
  
  If it does not apply to CHPs perhaps there is a solution for KO – pay bigly to take tenants off the KO books. Problem solved, sorry about the new neighbours.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:01am
  - rouppe
    
    Which is clearly achievable
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:57am
- Prince
  
  Why is Three Strikes a good policy to resolve repetitive anti-social violent tenants and protect innocent neighbours, but not good policy to control repetitive anti-social violent offenders and protect the public ?
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:50am
- Ruawai
  
  Like everything this govt do, they announce it first then scramble around in an attempt to implement the announcements.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:08am
- PeeJay
  
  Make no mistake, not one tenant will be evicted because of this knee jerk policy, not one tenant. There might, just might, be the odd relocation, but this is merely moving the problem from one KO complex to another KO complex.
  
  No labour / green government is ever going to evict state tenants.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:40am
mandk

I have to admit I have some sneaking admiration for Hipkins.

He was on Hoskins this morning, couldn’t answer a single question, and just spoke complete dribble.

But he kept going and will, no doubt, be back for more at some point.

No wonder Ardern rates him so highly. He does a great job fronting for her and taking the flak she should be taking.
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February 4, 2022 8:13am
- Captain Mainwaring
  
  Who is Hoskins? The man’s name is Hosking.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:27am
  - mandk
    
    Typo, dear boy.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:37am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  He couldn’t answer any of Lisa Owen’s questions about how self-isolation of arrivals to NZ was going to be monitored.
  
  https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018829217/self-isolation-plan-for-travellers-will-rely-on-good-will
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:35am
  - Cinematic
    
    I can assure you that with extensive international travel planned this year my goodwill on return will be in dramatically short supply.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:57am
  - tui47
    
    So they are most likely pretending they are doing something to protect the public. A performance. Like their other policies, perception is the most important thing to this incompetent Government. Pretending to do something is more important than actually having an effective policy!
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:05pm
- rouppe
  
  First, it’s Hosking. Or Hosking’s show.
  
  Second, Hipkins was a train wreck. “Oh some modelling is better than no modelling”. Are you serious?
  
  The modelling is so wrong as to be dangerous. That is worse than no modelling
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:43am
  - Janabelle
    
    Is Hipkins as sceptical of the Climate Change modellers and their findings which in 30 odd years have not yet predicted anything that has been accurate or anywhere near it
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:21am
    - rouppe
      
      Maybe, but there are still fires and clouds to hide behind.
      
      The great thing about the Waitangi Day prediction is it was so close, and clearly backed by the “experts”, and now so comprehensively debunked
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:59am
  - Prince
    
    A typical Govt response to most things.
    There is a problem.
    We have to do something.
    This is something.
    Therefore we have to do it.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:52am
  - Nickc2
    
    Hipkins admitted the modeling was shit, but he used taxpayers’ money to pay for it.
    These Student Union Pollies haven’t got a fucking clue when it comes to being responsible for anything. They all talk through both sides of their mouth simultaneously but in the end, they’re talking shit and can’t/don’t do anything.
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:20am
    - Batman
      
      There’s a difference between being sceptical and knowing something is shit. You likely know that, Nick.
      
      It is modelling, which is to say that it is not a rock solid prediction machine. It relies on the inputs and assumptions made, and also what criteria are asked for.
      
      The tantrums about modelling are just an easy target for those looking for a cheap gotcha that doesn’t require moderately deep thinking (otherwise it would fall over in two seconds).
      
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      February 4, 2022 12:12pm
      - Nickc2
        
        One has to be over skeptical when modeling is called for by Politicians though.
        They will only accept the outcome they want and expect and will insist variables/processes are changed/manipulated until a desired outcome is repeatedly produced in their favour whereby they can say “outcomes were modeled.”
        
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        February 4, 2022 12:20pm
      - Batman
        
        That’s an overly cynical take on all politicians imo, but this is a political blog and the opponents are in government so probably not surprising!
        
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        February 4, 2022 12:41pm
  - Bobba Fret
    
    I agree the modelling is so inaccurate that none would be better. Unless it is designed to scare people?
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:37am
  - virtualmark
    
    I wouldn’t say the modelling has been wrong.
    
    I would say that, right from the start of Covid in Feb 2020, the modelling has been looking at what would likely happen **if we didn’t do anything**. The purpose of that modelling is to show how strong a rationale there is at that time for things like lockdowns.
    
    Walking around the CBD of two of our major cities this week it’s clear that many people are voluntarily locking themselves down. That has to be slowing down the transmission of Omicron.
    
    But note that’s a voluntary thing, not a Government thing. AFAIK the only restriction the Govt is placing is to stop gatherings of more than 100 people. Apart from that you can do what you like.
    
    (I suspect the Government would be okay with getting Omicron through the population now, in summer and with recent vaccinations/boosters, but I don’t think they’ll ever say that out loud).
    
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    February 4, 2022 4:12pm
    - leoj
      
      You forgot masks.
      Everyone, even many Cindy-lovers (if they’re honest) detest the wearing of masks.
      It’s easy to spot a Labour/Greens moron.
      They’re the ones wearing masks in the open air, while mowing the lawn and while driving alone in their cars.
      The country has far too many of these pathetic, mindless, dunce voters.
      
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      February 4, 2022 6:26pm
      - marcw
        
        I know many people wear a dust mask while mowing the lawns – perhaps it would be more helpful if you get on with your own life and stop making judgements about other people getting on with theirs.
        
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        February 4, 2022 6:43pm
  - virtualmark
    
    The Hosking:Hipkins interview was a train wreck, but I’ve got to say Hosking contributed to the wreck just as much as Hipkins did. The interview wasn’t edifying radio for either of them.
    
    Hosking is just as biased an interviewer as Susie Ferguson is on Morning Report, just in the opposite partisan direction. Neither Hosking or Ferguson are as good at interviewing as old-timers like Ian Fraser or Lindsay Perigo were.
    
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    February 4, 2022 4:26pm
  - Jim
    
    At high speed between two trains . Hipkins said “some businesses are more essential than others” sounded like Orwell’s Animal Farm: some animals are more equal than others.
    Then he said: “I’ve always been sceptical of the modelling” demonstrated a shameful disregard for his position of public office, use of $6M of public funds and overall societal trust.
    Incompetence personified.
    
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    February 4, 2022 7:21pm
- Tony Stuart
  
  Matthew Hooton summed the interview up well:
  
  Matthew Hooton MatthewHootonNZ
  Replying to @TonyStuart55 @NZMorningReport
  and @NewstalkZB
  Hipkins got in a last minute try there, and lost 97-5.
  
  https://twitter.com/MatthewHootonNZ/status/1489301755855011841
  
  I responded that Hipkins would probably consider that a victory, as he was the last one to score!
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:09am
  - DeepBlue
    
    Like Prince Andrew, Minister Hipkins’ interview is to be known as the cluster that brought down their Queen.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:45am
    - Jim
      
      Hoskings’ interview was very entertaining but not quite as catastrophic as ex-HRH, when arrogant Andrew demonstrated a total lack of self awareness. Conversely I’m sure Hipkin’s was fully aware that he ‘never got off the ropes and was technically knocked our’ during that interview as (no doubt) he had to dutifully report to Ardern (for a debriefing).
      
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      February 4, 2022 7:27pm
  - Sir Cullen's Sidekick
    
    If you take anything Hooten says seriously, then you should get your head checked out by Poto Williams.
    
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    February 4, 2022 3:09pm
- nathie
  
  I could not believe it when Hipkins, when pressed by Hosking more than once, could not give Sir Ian Taylor credit for organising (in quick haste) millions of R.A.T. test kits (which Labour then approved and piggy backed on and increased numbers).
  
  “Reading between the lines” it suggests Labour wants to take full credit … despite missing the boat, ordering/timeframe wise, until Ian Taylor got on the phone to suppliers.
  
  Expect Saint Jacinda to make a “special announcement” soon on how Labour “went hard and fast” and obtained (“hard to get”) RAT tests “to save NZ’ers”.
  
  (Nevermind they were being told a year ago to get their A’s into G and order them)!
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:41am
  - oldfella
    
    Nathie, this is what Ian Taylor’s said in his article in the horrid today…
    +
    Having been involved closely over the previous week in connecting Government officials with a supplier whose offer to supply millions of tests had gone unanswered for weeks, I was surprised to see that, for some reason, the press release played down the immediate impact that this supplier, Kudu Spectrum, would have on both the numbers and the cost of the RATs coming into the country.
    The press release had the Kudu Spectrum number at 27 million. The actual number is 66.15 million. That’s 65 million for the Government and 1.5 million placed by 26 businesses that also took up the Kudu Spectrum offer so they could replace the tests that had been requisitioned by the MOH.
    Rather than acknowledging the role businesses had played in helping the Government find this number of tests in such a short time, the press release went on to claim that the Government also had evidence that proved they had not requisitioned any tests already ordered by businesses.
    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/sir-ian-taylor-encouraging-signs-in-jacinda-arderns-miq-announcement-but-the-devil-may-be-in-the-detail/DHNYXOE4KZIIJ6S2CROI5A53NI/
    (behind a firewall)
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:49am
    - nathie
      
      Thank you for this Oldfella much appreciated … wow, just wow, Labour doubles-down on their deceit, they have no shame, what next!
      
      That Labour Ministers lie about this, straight faced when interviewed by the MSM, and practically get away with it is outrageous.
      
      When they don’t need to – what’s wrong with them?
      
      Sir Ian Taylor – an achiever, a do-er, a man of his word and someone that we can admire for his fortitude when dealing with the govt. Labour (Robbo, Hipkins,Ardern), not so!
      
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      February 4, 2022 4:27pm
  - Observer of Life
    
    And apparently more PPE being shipped in urgently – N95 masks maybe??
    
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    February 4, 2022 4:27pm
- ClanMcleod
  
  It takes a special kind of stupid to be able to maintain your dribbling in the face of simple and logical questions for which you have no answer. Bravo chippy, bravo.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:41am
- Mr_Blobby
  
  mandk you really must stop watching this B grade propaganda.
  
  You will be more relaxed and feel a lot better about life.
  
  When you run into the scared little sheeple running around scared of their own shadow, just smile.
  
  Maybe ask yourself, how did it possibly come to this.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:49am
Maggy Wassilieff

A new Maori entity – The Maori Spectrum Working Group- has just been given 20% of the 5G Commercial Spectrum and $32Million by this Labour Government.

https://pointofordernz.wordpress.com/2022/02/03/most-media-are-tuned-into-the-border-reopening-only-some-have-picked-up-on-partnership-being-pushed-with-32m-into-it/
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February 4, 2022 8:13am
- Benedict Yu
  
  Well Maori owned all the radio spectrum before 1840. So 20 percent seems fair. ??????????????
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:19am
  - Yabster
    
    Yep Taonga is very wide reaching don’t you know- it basically includes anything that might be worth money even if it wasn’t around in 1840- will be paying Maori for space travel next… when articles refer to Maori of course its actually referring to Iwi elite- not alot of trickle down happening…
    
    PS read the stuff article on this last night about 11 comments most very sarcastic and asking why would we pay Maori this etc – that same article has now got comments closed and theres one comment “Awesome” – Stuff is a fuckin disgrace- more fool me for reading it.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:31am
  - Bob
    
    Yes , how do you think they navigated to NZ without the aid of GPS systems and airwave borne ADF systems. They were well ahead of the ‘stall pale male anglo-saxon’ regime
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:49am
- cmm
  
  So that $32M does not appear to be “rent” or “payment” for the use of spectrum. Rather it seems to be a slush fund for the running of the Working Group.
  
  Once the Working Group has done their “work”, the actual extortion will really start.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:27am
  - pdm
    
    cmm – extortion.
    
    What an approriate word for these sorts of rorts.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:35am
  - Nickc2
    
    Now they’re really trashing the joint before they’re out on their arses.
    The trouble is, there’s no political party in opposition with the ballz to call this for what it is and announce they’ll rescind it when in office. It’ll be a vote-winner in waiting but as previously intimated, who’ll call it?
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:46am
- andrew davies
  
  Didn’t you know. 20% of the scientists who discovered the spectrum were Maori.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:01am
  - Nickc2
    
    Once this is in situe, couldn’t we just make a small modification to 5G, call it 6G and scrap all references to 5G. Surelly, that’ll make all gifts of 5G to any self interest goup null and void.
    Asking for a friend.
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:52am
- graham
  
  It will be fascinating to see exactly what Maori will actually do with this chunk of the spectrum, and how it will differ to what, say, Spark or Vodafone might do with it.
  
  According to Minister David Clark, the agreement “recognises the critical role Maori are able to bring to the telecommunications sector.” Hmm. I can’t help wondering just what that “critical role” is, and again how it differs from the “critical role” that our Chinese or South African or Indian communities might be able to bring if they were given 20% of the spectrum free of charge.
  
  Minister Clark also stated that the Maori Spectrum entity will advocate for Maori interests in radio spectrum, which includes various aspects such as (of course) “revitalisation of te reo Maori”.
  
  The curious part of me can’t help but wonder … with:
  – the Crown funding Maori-language programming on radio and television (21 iwi-run radio stations, Maori Television and sister channel Te Reo)
  – a Maori language revitalisation strategy (aims to have 85% of New Zealanders valuing te reo Maori, and one million of us talking in te reo Maori by 2040
  – pretty much every Government department using Maori in their communications and publications
  – the newsreaders on One News throwing in random Maori words constantly
  – and now, apparently, the use of the radio spectrum to continue in the work of getting us all to speak Maori
  
  … why aren’t we all virtually bilingual in English and Maori by now??
  
  Apparently, we’re told, there’s just so many people in New Zealand who are pleading to be taught Maori, begging to learn it, that with all this money and resources and effort being pumped into it, SURELY those people who really are interested would find it incredibly easy to access learning.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:08am
  - Cassandra
    
    Maori will treat like their fishing “taonga” ie rent it to the highest bidder.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:28am
  - Fuzzysnuggleduck
    
    I wonder if Maori can sell their part of the spectrum?
    Their critical role will be to clip the ticket.
    
    I can’t see an Iwi mobile data provider and network operator springing in to life, and have to wonder why that would even be a thing which in itself is desirable, or seen as naturally coming from Treaty ‘partnership’.
    Labour seems completely focused on the wrong things, even for what I presume their supporters would overwhelmingly want.
    Building a seperate state and economy based on race-priviledge, as opposed to building homes, infrastructure, or improving general standard of living.
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:17am
  - leoj
    
    Too easy.
    The maori caucus will then force the govt to pass a law mandating that all radios plus laptops and tablets’ radio listening software are permanently stuck on one of the maori radio station frequencies.
    
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    February 4, 2022 6:39pm
- Master Mariner
  
  Much the same as 3 waters, Another disguised Treaty settlement amongst a myriad of other “settlements”.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:51am
- dcrane
  
  Obviously racist policy since it should be 50% /s
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:55am
- curry4me
  
  Maggy Wassilieff: The brotocracy will be pre-ordering new SUVs, and redecorating their offices. Maybe pre-booking trips to Rarotonga, Fiji, or Oz. Meanwhile, Joe and Jane sixpack will not see a cent.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:52am
kowtow

A study finds lockdown doesn’t work and the report is largely ignored . No surprises there.

‘Experts today accused the British media of ‘maintaining pandemic fear’ by failing to cover a new report which found lockdowns had virtually no impact on Covid deaths in the UK, US and Europe.’

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10472321/So-did-British-media-largely-fail-cover-study-lockdowns-didnt-work.html

These reports are important as many will now push the line that lockdown and MiQ saved thousands , as they already are claiming.
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February 4, 2022 8:15am
- Diogenes
  
  Zerohedge provide a very good cover of this. The original study originated at Johns Hopkins University, and one of their professors is slamming the institution for failing to report on it.
  More at https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/watch-johns-hopkins-prof-slams-media-own-institution-hiding-bombshell-study-found
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:29am
- ClanMcleod
  
  The evidence is stacking up to the point it cannot be ignored any longer. Unless you’re princess Jaxinda of the hermit kingdom Ow Tea Ah Rower. With your knights Chippy, Prince Ash, the sage Baker and their knaves you can stop anything, anytime. Viruses!! Begone!!! And just like that all viruses were banished from the Kingdom of the princess and they all lived happily ever after. Yay!
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:45am
Benedict Yu

I heard Andrew Little interviewed by Heather DPA on the radio last night. She asked him about shortages of health workers. He went into angry mode and blamed 9 years of neglect by the last government. ???????????
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February 4, 2022 8:17am
- cmm
  
  Pity she didn’t ask him about the pulse oximeters he promised. I wonder whether that ever got past the announcement phase.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:20am
  - Joely Doe
    
    Got mine from a very friendly shop on AliExpress.
    Shipped from Australia and arrived within 10 days – pretty good for the current times, I thought.
    They were the same brand and an updated model from the ones we use in clinic so was able to check calibration against NZ issued ones.
    They were bang on and a third of the NZ price – only $18!
    Have passed on to every member of the household travelling back to various Uni’s, in case of need – doubtful though, for the coming cold season…
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:18am
    - DeepBlue
      
      That was Delta plan, now we have The Big O Stages.
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:53am
  - Prince
    
    Looks like bloody National didn’t order those either.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:54am
    - Ehlana
      
      It was a deliberate ploy to make Labour look bad, don’t you know.
      
      8 0
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      February 4, 2022 12:40pm
  - Paulus
    
    Pulse Oximeters seen in my Pharmacy this morning.
    Only $66.95.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:40am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  The last government was the Labour -NZ First Coalition Government led by Jacinda Ardern.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:28am
  - Captain Mainwaring
    
    That’s splitting hairs Maggy. You know which Government he was referring to.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:32am
    - Maggy Wassilieff
      
      You mean Little and Labour have been running the same excuse for the last 4.5 years and still haven’t tackled the problem?
      
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      February 4, 2022 8:39am
      - Sir Cullen's Sidekick
        
        It is because the sheeple who support Labour still believe what they say.
        
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        February 4, 2022 3:22pm
    - pdm
      
      Capt – are you sure Angry Andy (the absentee Health Minister) would know the difference.
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:11am
  - Opie
    
    Led is a bit generous when describing her involvement in this nonsense
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:35am
  - cmm
    
    Angry Andy essentially thinks like a person in permanent opposition.
    
    For him, being leader of the opposition was the perfect gig, but Cindy came and stuffed it up.
    
    Leader of the opposition gets paid the same as a cabinet minister but there are none of those pesky responsibilities.
    
    While he was opposition leader, he’d occasionally come out of his cave and say “Not good enough, Kiwis deserve better.” then go back into his cave and pull in the coin.
    
    Now he’s essentially trying to do the same thing, still no work, still blaming others and just the words have changed: “9 years of neglect.” etc. and still pulling in the same coin.
    
    I bet he wishes he could rewind the clock 5 years and be leader of the opposition again.
    
    There’s never been a lazier minister ever, except for the rest of them.
    
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    February 4, 2022 2:14pm
- Captain Mainwaring
  
  In a similar vein I note that the useless Michael Wood is blaming National for the non-opening of Transmission Gully. WTF? If it wasn’t for National it would never have got started.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:30am
  - Ehlana
    
    Of course it’s National’s fault. If they hadn’t built it, there would be no issue about opening it, would there?
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:49am
  - Tricati
    
    Correct, and my understanding a number of delays were due to technical issues requiring expert input, but due to the intransigent Lock Down imposed when our borders were closed, these overseas experts could not visit the site to do their analysis – That’s got sweet FA to do with National.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:06am
  - Bob
    
    The real issue is that once the development of TG is signed off, the government then has to pay the BALANCE of the contract price; country is bankrupt so can’t pay!
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:36am
- Gravelroad
  
  Didn’t hear it but shortly after was in the car and HDPF seemed pissed off about it. Apparently she was judged to have been showing “attitude”!
  I , for one, am pleased that there is someone out there prepared to call out the likes of the bullying Little man.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:35am
  - DeepBlue
    
    Heather was really cool and collected in the interview. She stopped her follow up questions and just let a few seconds of radio silence go so the angry shouty Little’s words could echo over the airwaves.
    
    He sounded like the man he truly is. The nasty party has returned.
    
    We worth a listen.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:57am
    - Jim
      
      Heard and agree but Hoskins’ interview (this morning) was stellar by comparison
      
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      February 4, 2022 7:44pm
- Tony Stuart
  
  He also suggested that HDPA has “an attitude problem”. Coming from “Angry” Andrew Little, that’s especially rich. Not long after he became an MP in 2011, he blew up de luxe on Michael Laws’ talkback programme, which was the catalyst to his nickname. Have a listen:
  
  https://soundcloud.com/whaleoil/michael-laws-sets-of-andrew
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:46am
  - Opie
    
    I like the finishing shot – “thanks so much for showing us why the people of new plymouth didnt vote you into parliament”
    
    I dont think he has ever been voted in has he? Yet we let this guy run our health system?
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:20am
    - Captain Mainwaring
      
      Correct Opie. Never been voted into anything. In fact the second time he stood for New Plymouth he got beaten by twice as much. His mother lives there and votes National.
      An odious little prick.
      
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      February 4, 2022 12:25pm
      - Tony Stuart
        
        Yep. Jonathan Young won the seat from Harry Duynhoven in 2008, and it was the most marginal seat in New Zealand. Little stood against Young in 2011 and lost by 5000, and when he stood again in 2014, Young had a majority of almost 10,000.
        
        Little hasn’t contested an electorate since then, and in 2017, only got back in from the list by a whisker.
        
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        February 4, 2022 4:38pm
- DeepBlue
  
  Angry all right… he basically started yelling at each question and accusing HDPA of bias and untruths.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:49am
- Mr_Blobby
  
  The vaccine mandate had “absolutely no effect on the shortage, I suppose.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:53am
- Bob
  
  I thought that they last government was only of three years duration; the Ardern/Peters coalition.
  No wonder the country is a mess, nine years of Ardern/Peters!
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:33am
cmm

Yeah, I know there’s a long list of contenders worthy of consideration, but perhaps the dumbest idea this week is the idea to build a national quarrantine service to do MIQ “right” in future pandemics.

This looks like it can only be the output of Cindy’s Magic Thinking Brain.

This service is to have dedicated trained staff and purpose built facilities primed and waiting to spring into action in a pandemic.

This will, apparently, provide a more robust MIQ that won’t let a virus leak out.

Where to start?

Let’s say we get a two year pandemic (that’s how long they normally last) every 30 years. That means these facilities would be unused over 90% of the time, but they would still need to be kept maintained all the time and the staff kept up with training, diversity hiring etc.

I suppose it is possible they could be multi-role buildings, but would people really want to go stay at the Virus Inn?

Mainly though, it is dreaming to think that a virus can be prevented from “leaking”. Cell phones and drugs get into prisons – which are far more controlled environments – so thinking you can stop an invisible, tiny thing like a virus is beyond ridiculous.

The costs of building these facilities – and staffing them – would have far better outcomes for the country if spent on improving general hospitals – or a wealth of other things.

But, like light rail, Kiwibuild, etc etc, they’ll probably never get past the talking stage and spending a few million on Powerpoints and Maori consultation.

That’s my proposal for dumb idea of the week – so far – still two days to find an improvement.
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February 4, 2022 8:17am
- kowtow
  
  In a way this story epitomises how crazy the whole kungflu govt responses have been.
  
  Catch the bug while in quarantine in order to get out of Q , because the bug is so terrible you have to be locked up not to spread it , but you’ll happily be exposed to it while locked up.
  
  Kafka would be impressed.
  
  https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/infecting-each-other-ticket-out-miq
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:24am
- Nickc2
  
  Such facilities could be leased to Kāinga Ora when there’s no pandemic. What could possibly go wrong?
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:30am
  - cmm
    
    I’m sure Cindy’s DJ mates would love to stay a couple of weeks in a meth house.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:46am
    - Nickc2
      
      Really, just her mates?
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:09am
  - mawm
    
    Such facilities, like the ones in Australia will be used for dissidents – the so called antivaxers now and the socially discredited in the future. Call them by their proper name – concentration/re education camps!
    
    Yet another conspiracy theory on its way to becoming reality.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:03am
  - alloytoo
    
    There is an argument to be made that by centralizing the challenging people in one spot it will be easier and more efficient to supply wrap around social support, health and transport services.
    
    I’ll make that argument if it gets them away from the vulnerable members of the general public.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:44am
- 70andstilllearning
  
  “……. they’ll probably never get past the talking stage and spending a few million on Powerpoints and Maori consultation.”
  
  cmm – it might be a “few million” for each individual “idea” that they’ve announced over the last four odd years but adding those up I hate to think what the cumulative total actually is, and most of it will be for the “consultations”.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:38am
- Master Mariner
  
  It should of been the same as all the “quarantine” Islands scatterered around NZ for recent arrivals in the 1800’s by sailing ships. Set up tent towns by the army or civil defense.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:45am
  - cmm
    
    I can’t see the Wiggles and DJs going for that.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:18am
- Mr_Blobby
  
  When not being used as a prison, they could be rented out to tourists etc.
  
  No internal ventilation, only windows, no amenities like Gyms, saunas, spa pool and swimming pools.
  
  A fenced in walking circuit.
  
  Located well away from any population centers.
  
  Barb wire security fences to keep out the local criminals.
  
  Yeah that could work.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:58am
- Jim
  
  Unless she knows Bill and has ‘info on the next one’
  
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  February 4, 2022 7:48pm
Frank the tank

It appears Te Reo Luxon wants to go centre/centre left and Seymour wants to go centre right/right. Good.
They finally appear to have got it regarding MMP.
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February 4, 2022 8:17am
- DeepBlue
  
  Very noticeable this week. They seem to have got together to sort out the pincer attack.
  
  I’d say Luxon has done a lot of strategy work over January, while Jacinda slept.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:00am
- curry4me
  
  Frank the tank: Will this be after Seymour is canonised by the Branch Covidians?
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:01am
Maggie Pie

Anyone else catch Jacinda on 7Sharp last night?

WOW!! Whatever she’s on I want some!!
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February 4, 2022 8:17am
- Captain Mainwaring
  
  7Sharp is on TV1 which doesn’t work on my TV.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:33am
  - kowtow
    
    Smart tv .
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:44am
    - mawm
      
      To watch Jacinda! You’d probably need to dumb the set down a bit. //
      
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      February 4, 2022 10:05am
  - kevn
    
    @Captn… 7 Sharp is not allowed to work in our home.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:54am
  - ClanMcleod
    
    Shit, I thought those things were only for Netflix and streaming movies? People still watch “television” stories made by government funded entities????
    
    Last time I watched “television” Charlene was still in Neighbours and hadn’t become a “pop star” yet.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:52am
    - Mr_Blobby
      
      Very wise.
      
      Not sure what is worse a churnalist who cant as a proper question, or wall to wall fear pron.
      
      Definitely not good for anybody’s mental health.
      
      Best to turn it off and ignore it.
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:02am
- Maggie Pie
  
  See what you think 😀
  
  https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/seven-sharp/clips/jacinda-ardern-reveals-her-thoughts-on-five-stage-border-reopening-plan
  
  25 2
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  February 4, 2022 9:09am
  - Opie
    
    She is an airhead.
    
    35 1
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    February 4, 2022 9:42am
    - pdm
      
      Opie – she is not lonely in Caucus though because Labour is full of airheads.
      
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      February 4, 2022 10:03am
  - Captain Mainwaring
    
    Maggie, I would normally have looked at your link but I’ve given up watching that dreadful woman making pronouncements because it tends to ruin the rest of my day.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:46am
  - Bridgenag
    
    Sorry ……… Too depressing to contemplate
    
    15 1
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    February 4, 2022 10:16am
  - Frank the tank
    
    My thoughts ( I was playing clash of clans while the ‘News” hour was on):
    
    1). A dosage of something has ‘absolutely’ been increased
    2). Newsboy appeared like he was sitting on a large carrot and forcing smiles.
    3). Poor woman’s Judy Bailey is clearly still in the cult of 2 million.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:26am
  - patreon_36178434
    
    Like others I long ago gave up on 7 Sharp. But I did take advantage of Maggie’s link for the barely
    two minutes I could last
    That woman is seriously disturbed
    And disturbing
    There used to be asylums…….
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:36am
  - Flossie
    
    I honestly thought she came across as being either drunk, or on drugs. Seriously weird!
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:44am
  - Ron Jeremy
    
    She’s such a fuckwit
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:23am
- Positan
  
  Her constant smiling as she addressed matters that were “non-smiling-serious” was as graphically fatuous as I’ve seen yet.
  
  Somehow she believes such vacuousness is appealing.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:34am
  - ClanMcleod
    
    Ardern is a sociopath. It’s clear in this video of her discussing suicide in NZ while grinning non stop at her recent WEF appearance. The WEF where she qualified as a “global young leader” under Klaus Schwab. I know, I know, it’s a “conspiracy theory…”
    
    https://odysee.com/@MAVERICKTRUTHTV:8/Why-is-she-smiling:d
    
    If someone tied her hands behind her back she would be struck dumb. Please.
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:08am
- alex Masterley
  
  What is this 7 Sharp of which you speak?
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:36am
  - Yabster
    
    add it to the dogs “breakfeast” show as no go shows for me as well as the tv3 equilvalents.. complete garbage.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:53am
- Prince
  
  Didn’t see it but I can imagine.
  On a scale of 1-10, how grovelling were the hosts ?
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:57am
  - Flossie
    
    Surprisingly they didn’t appear to me anyway to be overly enthralled with their guest. It was quite strange at the end when JA said to them “thanks for your time”
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:06pm
    - ClanMcleod
      
      Probably compulsory to interview her and give her PR time on the pain of death. Or at least on pain of her not giving you any more bailouts and your overpaid job as an Ardern shill could be under threat.
      
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      February 4, 2022 3:33pm
- mara
  
  Probably only available on a specialist’s prescription.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:57am
- bravefart
  
  My guess is some serious anti anxiety drugs
  
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  February 4, 2022 1:58pm
Maggy Wassilieff

Has Labour forgotten what it means to be a NZer?

Labour forgets that New Zealand is not just Māori and Pakeha. There are now as many Asians as Māori and half as many Pacific Islanders calling New Zealand home. We need to reinvent the Kiwi identity as an outward looking, multi-ethnic nation state committed to liberal democracy above all else.

No society where people have different political rights based on birth has ever succeeded. Actually, all the good political movements of the past 400 years have been about equality. This pervasive drift to division has to stop.

That involves a blunt reality. Nobody is born special in New Zealand. There cannot be two types of people, Tangata Whenua, here by right, and Tangata Tiriti, here by the grace of the Treaty. All people born in this country, and who immigrate here, have a right to one five millionth of the opportunity it has to offer.

https://www.bassettbrashandhide.com/post/david-seymour-the-kiwi-identity
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February 4, 2022 8:18am
- Scott
  
  Can I just say great speech to David Seymour with his state of the nation!
  https://www.act.org.nz/speech_state_of_the_nation_2022?utm_campaign=sotn_fundraiser&utm_medium=email&utm_source=actnz
  
  Well worth a read in full, focussing on personal freedom and individual responsibility. Not two standards of citizenship based on race. Children being able to go to the school of their choice. Lots of great things that would make NZ a better place.
  
  And I’m sorry National leader, Chris Luxon is all in on the conversion therapy Bill. Arthur will be able to become Martha. What Arthur won’t be able to do is seek counselling and advice about staying Arthur. Even his own parent could be in legal jepordy for encouraging her son to stay her son.
  People who are heterosexual can be counselled to become gay. But not the other way. No sir!
  
  This attack on the family and counsellors and pastors is blatant. But hey Chris is all in. Sad!
  
  I’m seriously considering Act come next election.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:25am
  - kowtow
    
    A quote in yesterday’s Whoreald has him saying ;
    ” I am a proud supporter of the LGBTQI + community.I want New Zealand to be a country that celebrates and supports diversity including our rainbow community”
    
    All well and good but what does supporting and celebrating alphabet soup involve . Men in wimmins’ sports , preferred pronouns in the civil service ,quotas in the police, military , etc
    
    I will be voting Act as they’re the only party that seems to have given any real thought to political equality in this country.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:19am
    - Prince
      
      Sure. Why didn’t he say “I despise the LGBTQI communities and will use the power of the State to crush then when I have power”.
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:59am
  - Warren
    
    For fucks sake it is a problem for National either way they go ,so it’s none of your business what others want to do.
    I am in my seventies and i was against Homosexuals but it passed into law and I have met many that came out afterwards that I class as mutual friends. If Parents want this to happen it’s there right and if others are of a legal age to make that decision they are also right, so for Chris Luxon to give his MP’S a conscience vote good on him.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:38am
    - Scott
      
      Warren, my dear chap. It is my business because these people won’t leave you alone. It won’t affect my children who are adults now but what about my grandchildren? Boys asked if they want to remain boys. Girls encouraged to become boys. Puberty blockers, parents questioned by police for affirming their son to be a boy.
      Churches in trouble for counselling homosexual who come to them for help.
      War has been declared on the family. Chaos reigns.
      
      We must fight!
      
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      February 4, 2022 10:56am
      - Warren
        
        Let’s get one thing right Scott, some parents cause a lot of the problems by putting them on a pedestal and making out they are angels instead of talking to them about the facts of life earlier giving them sound advise. Then you have the parent that abuses and torments their children’s action, I am not saying they are right or wrong but a lot of this is in there upbringing and the pressures that come with it, I have 2 daughters in there 40’s seven teenage Grandchildren and one Great Grandchild and I already know one of them is bent but I have talked to him about it without stressing it is wrong and have faith in his judgement.Now hear is another situation the Catholic Church forbid abortion over the years and I have someone that was really dear to me get pregnant In her early teens and no mater what her argument with the church about her mistake they would not allow a abortion, this person then committed suicide and I believe it was murder because the Church never gave her a option.
        I still believe parents had there choice to make a family without the church or politicains making there decisions and that is how it should be .
        
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        February 4, 2022 3:07pm
  - Positan
    
    It was indeed a great speech and, in addressing so many desperately needed-to-be-stated policy matters head-on, it has left the once-seen-as-competent National Party in the dust after the long silences that have followed Luxon’s election to leadership.
    
    As a result of Seymour’s speech, I’d put money on ACT surpassing National’s popularity in the next poll.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:44am
    - Sacha
      
      But ACT is still a one-man band -we don’t know anything about the other MPs as we never get to hear or see them in the media.
      Oh, there was a woman who got a bit of good publicity early last year, but she disappeared as quickly as she arrived.
      
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      February 4, 2022 10:17am
      - Positan
        
        Surely the fact that that “one-man” is prepared to state out loud the very things that the electorate is not only demanding, but literally screaming out for, is a far better indicator of political substance than that of National which is either pretending that those problems don’t exist – or lacks the electoral guts to come out and declare them?
        
        Staying mum and keeping a weather eye out for whom you’re likely to offend is no indication of capability when it comes to political leadership.
        
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        February 4, 2022 11:47am
      - Observer of Life
        
        I have listened to all his MP’s talk on various subjects now and they seem very sensible, practical and good people. They’re getting these 3 years of experience under their belts before the next election. Hopefully that will prove useful to carry on from 2023. My gripe with them is encouraging the vax-to-the-max though they now have (of late) been saying a big no to mandates. They will not however look at alternate information as it comes to hand. They seem to believe the government experts are all knowing and wise.
        
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        February 4, 2022 4:54pm
  - curry4me
    
    Scott: Anything about kids not having to be double jabbed, masked, and boostered for a cold?
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:03am
    - Scott
      
      Curry – not specifically covered in Seymour’s speech. I grant you he could have said more. But he was hard hitting on covid and the border.
      There is a lot of compromise here but that’s understandable. The old ladies at the cafe still love jacinda and are terrified of covid after two years of non stop fear Porn.
      So where I’m sitting right now, Seymour is speaking more sense than anyone.
      
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      February 4, 2022 12:30pm
      - curry4me
        
        Scott: ACT would likely go up another 5% if they jumped off the Covid train. It looks like those who don’t approve of the unvaxxed being treated like untermenschen need to look elsewhere. It looks like ‘my body my choice has become my body, Stalinda’s choice. ACT approves. That’s why I’m so anti.
        
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        February 4, 2022 1:04pm
      - ClanMcleod
        
        If he came off the fence and declared he would end vax mandates and vax passes I believe he would get another 6 – 10 points on what he already has and would be a power that would have to be reckoned with. I believe many who may think vaccines are good don’t actually think medical apartheid is good also.
        
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        February 4, 2022 3:36pm
    - mawm
      
      He totally avoided the issue of covid passes and creating a two tiered society, that he has strongly supported, even as he was talking about what people left behind to migrate to NZ – Class and caste systems, and apartheid.
      
      He can’t have it both ways – support a society divided by unwarranted vaccine passes and highlight those divided by colour or class. He’d have to come out with an apology and change of mind if he wants my vote.
      
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      February 4, 2022 1:05pm
- Blog-aholic
  
  Yes that Seymour speech certainly nails it.
  What I found interesting were his comments that the TOW is being buried in the Labour Government policies as a co-governance agenda, BUT in the Labour Party constitution the TOW is barely mentioned and never as a partnership.
  
  Surely Labour party members (and journalists) should be asking questions about the complete shift away from the constitution without consultation???
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:32am
  - Yabster
    
    Agree – have voted National all my life and Luxon is going in the right direction but unless National come out and repel all of the separatist Labour policies I will be voting ACT – as he states:
    
    Another cycle of National holding the line, so Labour can pick up right where it left off last time, just won’t do.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:59am
- westernScientest
  
  His state of the nation speech yesterday:
  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6IkhU47MiE
  
  Hardly touches on covid, instead looking forward, rather refreshing.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:38am
  - Surely Knott
    
    Probably doesn’t touch on covid because his policies and approach on covid have been so authoritarian and divisive and completely at odds with his freedom liberal brand. Sad because it now leaves liberals with no option.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:33am
    - curry4me
      
      Surely Knott: Nailed it. I didn’t leave ACT. They left me.
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:04am
    - ClanMcleod
      
      I’m hoping he’s smelling the wind and deciding when to jump off the sinking ship. The moment he does, dumps mandates and vax passports, I’m all over him and his party. Bring it on Davo.
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:11am
      - curry4me
        
        ClanMcleod: Such a measure might attract my support again. Time will tell.
        
        8 1
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        February 4, 2022 1:06pm
- 70andstilllearning
  
  Not quite on the topic directly Maggy but did anyone see the Tipene/Campbell reinterpretation of the Treaty a short while ago -strewth? Unfortunately the “1” button on the remote is functional ( unlike the the Captains).
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:55am
- Yvette
  
  Maggy Wassilieff
  There cannot be two types of people, Tangata Whenua, here by right, and Tangata Tiriti, here by the grace of the Treaty – David Seymour
  
  “Tangata Whenua, here by right” could actually be – “here as First Immigrants” (Seven Canoes and the “Arrival” oral histories)
  And the Treaty, Article 3, conferred the same status of later Immigrants on those First Immigrants, who in majority signed up to that, and it has been enshrined as the Nation’s Founding Document – until Labour in the 1980s added meanings and Principles not actually mentioned in the original Treaty, and now He Paupau proposals would now break that Treaty agreement, with the Ardern’s Labour Government’s seeming endorsement.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:19am
  - alloytoo
    
    Historically “Here by right” means “we arrived with ‘Might'” and you’re bloody lucky still to be here.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:48am
  - Miritu
    
    “There cannot be two types of people…”
    vaccinated and unvaccinated.
    Seymour endorses discrimination based on health choices. How does this align with ACT principles?
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:58am
    - curry4me
      
      Miritu: It doesn’t.
      
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      February 4, 2022 1:06pm
    - alloytoo
      
      Nobody is born special. There cannot be two types of people: Tangata Whenua, here by right, and Tangata Tiriti, here by the grace of the Treaty. All people born in this country, and all who immigrate here, have a right to one five millionth of the opportunity it has to offer
      
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      February 4, 2022 8:13pm
      - Clownworld
        
        By whose grace? Sounds fine but is it true?
        By right? Whose rights? Sounds like soundbites.
        
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        February 5, 2022 12:25am
    - jgw739
      
      Have you got a citation of that? Seymour leans towards being pro Vax, but that isn’t the same as mandates.
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:12pm
      - Nickc2
        
        I’m neither pro nor anti-Vax but in order to go about my daily life in a manner of my choosing, I need to be Vaxed so I’m now Vaxed to the hilt. Does that make me a hypocrite or a whimp?
        IMO, I’ve exercised my freedom of choice, nothing more, nothing less.
        
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        February 4, 2022 9:53pm
- Jim
  
  100%
  
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  February 4, 2022 7:51pm
I remember when

So Whoopi Goldberg Jewish.
Are we going to be forever stuck in the land of ‘restricted’ debate.
Is Judaism a religion practiced by Jews.
Were Jews part of the ethnic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.
Were the Gypsies a race.
Have we forever lost the ability to debate subjects openly.
Is Whoopi right to suggest that ‘racism’ is about colour.
Are the British and the French racist.
So many questions – can we talk about them without being ‘racist.’
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February 4, 2022 8:19am
- alloytoo
  
  Whoopi is a Caryn.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:49am
- UrbanNeocolonialist
  
  Judaism is primarily a culture, they inevitably interbreed with locals wherever they live – as genetic testing bears out. But there are subtle genetic differences created by evolutionary selection pressures – living separately within historically hostile dominant cultures – where commercial success dictated your ability to have kids, and ‘losers’ left the culture. That lifted their average IQ by about 1 standard deviation (10-15pts) in the case of eastern European Ashkenazic Jews. That >1 standard deviation increase in IQ is also about what rich dynasties can maintain (on average) in their children through having choice of highly intelligent mates from general population. The rich-poor divide is being reinforced by selective breeding for intelligence.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:09am
- Inandout
  
  Irw, read this:
  ‘Did you know award-winning comedian Whoopi Goldberg’s stage name was derived from a joke toy? Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, the actress goes by the name Whoopi which was derived from the whoopee cushion. “If you get a little gassy, you’ve got to let it go. So people used to say to me, ‘You’re like a whoopee cushion.’ And that’s where the name came from,” Goldberg told the New York Times.
  
  “My mother did not name me Whoopi, but Goldberg is my name, it’s part of my family, part of my heritage. Just like being black,” the 66-year-old actress told The Jewish Chronicle. Goldberg further added, “I just know I am Jewish. I practise nothing. I don’t go to temple, but I do remember the holidays. Religion is a lot of work, it’s exhausting. So I keep it simple, I have a pretty good relationship with God. We talk.” Reportedly, Goldberg’s mother thought her birth name Johnson wasn’t “Jewish enough” for her to make it big’.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:24am
pdm

`We need to reinvent the Kiwi identity as an outward looking, multi-ethnic nation state committed to liberal democracy above all else.’

Maggy – good thought by whoever said or wrote it but it sure as hell is not going to happen under the current regime.
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February 4, 2022 8:38am
- westernScientest
  
  It was David Seymour in his state of the nation speech yesterday.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:42am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  It is from David Seymour’s State of the nation Speech
  
  https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/127674468/acts-david-seymour-mocks-red-queen-jacinda-ardern-in-stateofnation-speech
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:44am
Inandout

Hosking’s offsider Tim has decided to home school his two kids. The education department are not exactly happy about this increasing trend but one on one learning has advantages. The teachers’ union must be a tad concerned that they are missing out on having these little ones under their ‘care’. Oh the irony of unintended consequences of mask mandates.
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February 4, 2022 8:39am
- Tony Stuart
  
  Mask mandates may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back for some (Wilson’s kids are too young to be subject to them), but I suspect the trend to home schooling has more to do with the dumbing down of the school curriculum, and the strong left-wing bias of the Education system.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:00am
  - alloytoo
    
    I collected my child from school at 3pm today.
    
    The sight of many parents standing in a park outside the school gates all sporting their facemasks in the summer heat was enough to drive one to drink.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:17pm
- pdm
  
  Tim Wilson seems a likeable and capable guy – well deserving of a slot with Hosking.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:14am
- ClanMcleod
  
  We’re home schooling. We would never expose our 12 year old daughter to that sort of child abuse and woke bullshit masquerading as an education system.
  
  On a positive note for Brenda, they won’t need to import as many teachers…..
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:14am
  - Nickc2
    
    At least we’ll have some unbrainwashed people in our Totalitarian Socialist environment.
    How long before this Govt bans Home Schooling?
    
    15 1
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    February 4, 2022 11:57am
- Local Miller
  
  One of my sons is involved in the homeschooling community and there is a significant uptick in the numbers joining or looking at joining.
  May are looking to join because of the mask and jab mandates regarding sport and outings, etc.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:28am
  - ClanMcleod
    
    Voices for Freedom have some very good resources for parents concerned about potential impacts on their children.
    
    https://voicesforfreedom.co.nz/kids-resources
    
    14 1
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    February 4, 2022 11:51am
    - curry4me
      
      ClanMcleod: Thanks for that.
      
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      February 4, 2022 1:08pm
      - ClanMcleod
        
        You’re welcome. They are very good people fighting hard for everyone in NZ.
        
        4 1
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        February 4, 2022 3:41pm
- krazykiwi
  
  Masks… just in from el gato malo: after peak covid season comes peak “claim your NPI worked” season. but it’s not true. it’s just opportunistic rain dances.
  
  Those charts say it all, really.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:59am
  - ClanMcleod
    
    Every member of parliament should be compelled to read and comprehend that. If they disagree they must clearly state why and with evidence. Masks would be in the bin within 24 hours if that happened.
    
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    February 4, 2022 3:42pm
Surely Knott

Chris Hipkins says he doesn’t fully trust modelling “While those predictions came from the international Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Hosking pointed out the Government was paying millions for local modelling. ”

So why is hosking questioning the price of local modelling instead of the international company who did the modelling in question and how much did we pay them? And who is advising our government.

Wikipedia says, the IHME is a “is a research institute working in the area of global health statistics and impact evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle”

IHME was launched in June 2007 based on a core grant of $105 million primarily funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2017, the Gates Foundation provided IHME with another $279 million grant.

Current board members are Frenk (ex secretary of health Mexico) ; Fineberg (Dean of Harvard) ; Chen ( President of the China Medical Board) ; Halton (Secretary of Health and aging Australia) ; and Roux (Co-Chair Silverlakes Partners largest technology equity firm – air b&b, alibaba etc) , Stephen J. Cucchiaro, Chief Investment Officer of Windhaven Investment Management (another investment technology firm); Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England; and John W. Stanton, managing director of Trilogy Partnership.(Wireless entrepreneurship)

Mike Hosking talked about who funded the local modelling. But did the NZ government pay for the international modelling. Or was that paid for by the gates foundation funded organisation?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_for_Health_Metrics_and_Evaluation
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February 4, 2022 8:44am
- Master Mariner
  
  “Or was that paid for by the gates foundation funded organisation?”
  Delve a bit deeper and you will find it is.
  
  https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/687415/covid-19-drives-microsoft-nz-new-model-saas-partners-cloud/
  And,
  https://news.microsoft.com/en-nz/2021/02/17/catching-covid-19-the-digital-mapmakers-that-helped-drive-new-zealands-successful-virus-response/
  The real question in my mind is , “How has it been such a co-ordinated response ( Western) Worldwide ?”
  ie Singing off the same song sheet.
  https://news.microsoft.com/covid-19-response/
  https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/bill-gates-epidemic-pandemic-preparedness-ebola-covid-19/
  The things that make you go Hymm,
  Throw AI into the mix and even more so
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:33am
  - Master Mariner
    
    As an interesting side note
    
    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/melinda-french-gates-no-longer-plans-give-most-wealth-gates-foundation-wsj-2022-02-02/
    “I recognize the absurdity of so much wealth being concentrated in the hands of one person, and I believe the only responsible thing to do with a fortune this size is give it away – as thoughtfully and impactfully as possible,” she wrote.
    So the question is, What has changed? Regardless married or not it appears a major shift away from the original foundations intentions ?
    Another thing that gripes me , Is why do they think they know more about solving Worlds problems than dedicated proffessionals ?.
    Is it that they do? And if so How?
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:41am
- ClanMcleod
  
  Almost all financial roads in the covid circus lead back to Gates. From the WHO, to GAVI, to Otago University and many others. That’s not a conspiracy theory. It’s a statement of fact. It means there are huge conflicts of interest around the decision making process.
  The Otago University Infection Group is funded by the Gates Foundation and also by GAVI which is also funded by Gates. The connections to the WHO are multiple, the primary funder of the WHO is Gates. No foil hats required, all verifiable facts.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:18am
  - Master Mariner
    
    Good reply.
    “WHO is Gates”.
    He has more status in WHO than contracting States, Ie Governments and given a “special” status with WHO.
    Yep Facts.
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:08pm
- virtualmark
  
  Look there’s a tonne of models out there. You can download your own from places like Imperial College and model away with your personal choices of inputs.
  
  But the Govt has had local modelling done here, by both Wigram Economics and the University of Auckland, because then they have a more direct channel to the modellers and can get them to adjust their models for local conditions.
  
  But, as I outlined above, AFAIK the base case scenarios in the models are configured to model NZ with MIQ in place, vaccination programmes running, but no lockdowns. The results of those scenarios underpin the “Well, if we don’t do anything else then this is what the infection, hospitalisation and death rates would likely be” argument.
  
  When someone like Hendy says “10,000 deaths” (or whatever the number may be) the journo needs to ask “Based on what modelling assumptions”. But frankly most journos are nothing like that smart. TikTok dancing yes, math no.
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:20pm
tknorriss

Over at “The Standard”, they seem absolutely scared shitless about the border opening up.

It seems to me that a lot of lefties would like to live in a cossetted la-la land forever with the government undertaking endless money printing and borrowing to keep them in comfort.

It was a bit weird because I was one of the few actually commending the government for opening up, all be it quite timidly and much too late.
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February 4, 2022 8:48am
- kowtow
  
  That’s how your old style hard core socialists see the world.
  
  All locked up in their “workers paradise” .
  
  More looney utopianism.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:01am
- UrbanNeocolonialist
  
  They live in an echo chamber with PM Henny Penny and the media merchants of doom. They are members of a destructive cult (Robert Malones mass formation psychosis and all that)
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:40am
  - SoloView
    
    @ Urban – re Robert Malone mass formation psychosis
    
    Do you think it’s possible that a number of posters here could qualify as well?
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:23am
    - ClanMcleod
      
      Only the trolls who rightly belong under the Standard bridge.
      
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      February 4, 2022 3:45pm
    - alloytoo
      
      The bulk of the discussion is too robust for that.
      
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      February 4, 2022 8:19pm
I remember when

Watched the start of John Campbell’s podcast and details of what Denmark is doing.
Denmark have got the best or at least close to the best research of any country.
They are working with ‘the science.’
What is the point of October with the Labour government’s ‘border openings.”
By October, if covid still exists, it will be different variants with different and unknown outcomes.
Once omicron is rampant in the community what danger is the border.
Any new variants will infect the countries we are gradually allowing in as well as those we are restricting.
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February 4, 2022 8:50am
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  I’m pleased to see Luxon has put an ultimatum on Ardern if she flip-flops on changing Border opening dates again.
  
  https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/02/christopher-luxon-says-jacinda-ardern-should-resign-if-she-backs-down-on-covid-19-border-reopening-dates.html
  
  Of course there are going to be new virus variants reaching NZ shores… That’s what has always happened with Coronaviruses.
  
  If Ardern can’t manage the country without shutting borders all the time, then she needs to go…and leave the country in the hands of folks who are prepared to deal with the reality of viruses that undergo mutation.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:19am
  - nathie
    
    I’m liking Luxon’s approach, similar to John Key in which their words are “lethal” when they need to be.
    
    (To be fair one could put Helen Clark in that category – as for the present lot eg Ardern, Robbo etc – they definitely don’t have that ability, as they want to “be liked”).
    
    I agree with Luxon (and what you wrote), if Ardern can’t manage things without resorting to the same 2020 playbook on repeat, then she needs to go and someone else with nous needs to take over.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:33am
  - 70andstilllearning
    
    Maggy – she might go but the gov’t won’t and Robbo waiting in the wings could be even less desirable.
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:40am
    - Captain Mainwaring
      
      “Robbo waiting in the wings could be even less desirable.”
      
      And even less electable.
      
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      February 4, 2022 9:52am
  - curry4me
    
    Maggy Wassilieff: Well done Chris Luxon. Just for that, I’ll refrain from calling him ‘Chris from marketing’ for a week. -;)
    
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    February 4, 2022 1:13pm
- kowtow
  
  ‘Once omicron is rampant in the community what danger is the border.’
  
  Rationality and common sense have no part to play in this Theatre of the Absurd.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:28am
- Master Mariner
  
  The key point for me , Was the Point Denmark had the least politicised Covid Response.
  ie Relying on their medical professions and following their own advice.
  
  So in a nutshell ask yourself this question.
  
  What is the difference between ” following the Science” in Denmark and then compare to NZ’ s version of “Following the Science”.
  Herein lies the issue
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:14pm
Maggie Pie

Things that make you go hmmm….

Twitterati saying Justin Trudeau failed to tell Canadians that Canada gets a kick-back every time that Pfizer or Moderna shots are given.

https://twitter.com/chi_un_lee/status/1488910670674472970
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February 4, 2022 8:53am
Southern Raider

Did I hear correctly on ZB this morning that Hopkins admitted MoH has commandeered all the RAT kits ordered by private businesses (despite recent press releases that this was a misunderstanding and Ashley didn’t state that) and also they are available for critical businesses but they have no definition of what that is and businesses need to determine their own status?

??????
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February 4, 2022 8:54am
- NK
  
  They’ve confiscated them so they can put bar codes on them so they can track and trace who tested. They’ve got us vaccinating through NHI number, through the Vax pass stored with RealMe, through your scanning in and now through RAT tests. I expect those who don’t get boosters will be given gentle reminders. Of course, you could be like me and don’t scan, won’t ever get tested, and won’t get a booster. That’s a reasonable victory I think.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:28am
  - alloytoo
    
    I think I want to be incentivized to be boosted.
    
    Keep the KFC voucher, I prefer cash.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:53am
    - curry4me
      
      allytoo: My chosen bribe would be a one way ticket to Florida a 57 Imperial or a 59 Plymouth Belvedere. Then, I’d let them ab me 20 times.
      
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      February 4, 2022 1:16pm
  - Don Beckett
    
    The more people who will noy comply with the regulations, the sooner we will be over this government imposed shit storm.
    
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    February 4, 2022 10:57am
    - mawm
      
      Become ungovernable.
      
      5 1
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      February 4, 2022 1:26pm
  - ClanMcleod
    
    Happy to report I’m in your team. Never masked, never jabbed, never signed in anywhere, never downloaded a single app. I can also report that a local club had their sign in poster strategically modified by some rascal. The funniest thing to watch is people pretending to wave their phone at it and walking in as if the had scanned. Not one has ever said “this isn’t working”. The whole thing is a sham. Ardern has no clothes and it is nauseating.
    
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    February 4, 2022 3:48pm
Maggy Wassilieff

Looks like “Stuff” has finally realised that many of the old folk dying in hospital and recorded as covid deaths may not really have died as a result of contracting covid-19.

According to the Ministry of Health’s definition, a Covid death includes anyone who was classified as an active case of Covid-19 at the time of death. In some of these cases, the underlying cause of death may have been unrelated to Covid-19.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/explained/127602091/omicron-nz-why-the-daily-covid19-data-will-soon-be-a-bit-of-a-muddle
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February 4, 2022 9:03am
- graham
  
  Goodness me. You don’t say.
  
  So after nigh on two years of multitudes of people trying to point out the nonsense that is “dying WITH Covid” as opposed to “dying FROM Covid” …
  
  … the MSM finally realises that maybe they should do their job and, y’know, start reporting these stories honestly and providing some much-needed context.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:16am
  - kowtow
    
    It’s cos they’ve seen the writing on the wall and they know the game they’ve played of fear and panic mongering is up.
    
    They are turning their coats and joining the retreat . They’ll now make the claim how honest they were.
    
    All reasonable and rational folk need to remember , forever , the role the Media Pardy played in this scamdemic.
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:17pm
- pdm
  
  Maggy – under the current regime an Olympic Cyclist who rode in front of and was hit by a fully laden train travelling at 90kph would die of Covid.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:17am
- hmmokrightitis
  
  AKA gentleman who was shot and killed here (Auckland I think?), tested before he died, found positive.
  
  Listed as “died of Covid”.
  
  Nothing sums up the stupidity of all of this for me more than that one event.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:22am
  - ClanMcleod
    
    Is it stupidity or is it deliberate manipulation of data and statistics to maintain a narrative? As with the PCR tests.
    Next question, if it isn’t about health then what is it about? Why do a controlled demolition of the economy? What is the real goal? Digital ID? Green New Deal? Great Reset? A combination of all three?
    It isn’t about health. That is a fact.
    
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    February 4, 2022 11:37am
    - hmmokrightitis
      
      Its most definitely not about health, hasn’t been since mid 2020.
      
      I have a friend and ex-colleague who comes from a science background. Man has the brain the size of a planet, but can barely dress himself. We all know one of these guys. In the early days of the “crisis” my beautiful girl and I stepped off a plane from 10 days of diving and frolicking sans children in Rarotonga. He was all guns blazing that it was all about the science, the government reaction was timely and sensible. How could we possible travel?????
      
      Hes now given up and shut up. I asked too many questions of him as government policy changed – basically I said hey, if its about the science…
      
      His final straw was when we opened up to Australia – and Cindy (lets remember) let Covid back in to the country, destroying her own stamp it out approach.
      
      And the morons still think its about science and keeping them safe.
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:51am
- cmm
  
  “a Covid death includes anyone who was classified as an active case of Covid-19 at the time of death.”
  
  Not really correct. They don’t have to be an active case. They just need to have died within 28 days of testing positive (or tested positive after death).
  
  “In some of these cases, the underlying cause of death may have been unrelated to Covid-19.”
  
  The majority actually, not just the few implied by some.
  
  Good going Stuff. Two sentences, two stuff ups.
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:27am
- Taieri
  
  This article has a very striking conclusion:
  
  “(…)I asked the Ministry of Health about all the metrics above, and how they could be releasing data during the Omicron wave.
  
  It said: “In answer to your questions, we are constantly reviewing the way that cases and data are reported, and will continue to do so throughout the outbreak. We will release additional information if it is determined that there is a need to do so.”(…)”
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:28am
- MCōs
  
  Seeing as the numbers involved are so few it’s gather a moot point.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:36am
- Bobba Fret
  
  Is the bloke that was shot on his driveway that was isolating at home with Covid still a Covid death? That one still makes me laugh.
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:06pm
kevn

I enjoy Sir Ian Taylors very restrained comment this morning.
NZ Herald… premium.
For $1 a week.
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February 4, 2022 9:11am
- 70andstilllearning
  
  $52 per annum is too much to pay just to get their “balancing” articles, let alone the “For the first 12 weeks* pay just $ 5 (greyed out) $1.99 per week”, especially when the context of the “*” doesn’t appear to be disclosed. 🙂
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:30am
  - kevn
    
    @70… Just roll over the 3 months sub after complaining how awful the news balance is. You need to ‘talk’ to a real person though, Lena.
    Worth $1 pw to read Taylor, Prebble, Joyce, Bazza etc
    
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    February 4, 2022 9:50am
    - 70andstilllearning
      
      Good info kevn – it’s actually the selectivity principle that grinds my gears – bit like a now demised Aussie vehicle brand that some years ago changed to funding the compulsory new vehicle warranty services rather than the customer ( well technically, it was probably added to the upfront cost anyway). The amusing bit was the 10k/ 6 month service frequency that customer had to previously front suddenly changed to 15k/ annual – go figure!
      
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      February 4, 2022 11:02am
- ClanMcleod
  
  I cannot justify paying money for 98% crap just to get an occasional tasty tidbit. It would be like going to a shit restaurant for a shit 4 course meal just because the free water was nice.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:40am
Maggie Pie

“New Zealand will never get back to business so long as there’s a moat around the Motu”

– Chris Luxon (1EWES) demonstrates Te Reo skills.
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February 4, 2022 9:23am
- Gravelroad
  
  Mr Luxon’s Te Reo skills don’t rate highly with me on the KPI list – sorry and all that.
  What else can he do?
  
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  February 4, 2022 9:42am
  - Hollyfield
    
    I like the alliteration and similar syllables – a wordsmith will know a special word for what it is.
    
    “a moat around the motu” could become a catchphrase if people start repeating it instead of just criticising the use of a Maori word.
    
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    February 4, 2022 5:59pm
- ClanMcleod
  
  Nice to see the old English “moat” in the mix.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:41am
  - UrbanNeocolonialist
    
    From the Old French Mote (mound) as in Motte and Bailey – raised mound with trench on which a fortified keep would be built and Bailey a less fortified fenced area adjacent the Motte, bloody immigrants (Normans).
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:26pm
    - ClanMcleod
      
      Thanks UrbanN, I learned something new today!
      
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      February 4, 2022 3:51pm
Yvette

a resignation offence
minor nit-picking point, but …
The Prime Minister promised this time she is for real – she won’t back down.
“No, as we’ve said today, these are very firm dates we’ve set.” [Ardern said]
If she backs down, National leader Christopher Luxon says it’s a resignation offence.
“I would have thought so. I think she’s made it crystal clear today and she’s set expectations people expect her to deliver on,” he told Newshub.
“I would have thought so” does sound like Luxon is answering a question, when perhaps he should have said “Next question” – Ardern, the questioner and Luxon all ignore that covid is a mindless entity and a mutating force of nature without accurately predictable behaviour..

Anyhow, Luxon’s “I would have thought so” becomes a predictable headline –
Christopher Luxon says Jacinda Ardern should resign if she backs down on COVID-19 border reopening dates
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/02/christopher-luxon-says-jacinda-ardern-should-resign-if-she-backs-down-on-covid-19-border-reopening-dates.html

That’s how it works
And on Newshub website it will hang around for days if not weeks.
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February 4, 2022 9:25am
- cmm
  
  She’s promised and changed her mind and backed down on so many things. I can’t really see why this particular issue is special and should be grounds for resignation.
  
  If there was anything solid in this she would have resigned a long time ago.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:12am
- Its only I
  
  I think National or any other oposition party speaking to any reporter need to make simple closed answers and leave very little room for interpretation. Keeping Nationals message onpoint and unfiltered by lefty journalists has been a growing problem and more so since NZ media have decided its a public service to deplatform any opposition to the gov during the pandemic.
  
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  February 4, 2022 1:59pm
Tauhei Notts

David Seymour’s State of the Nation speech has been referred to above.
The first election meeting I attended was at Te Poi in November 1966, so I have followed politics for some time.
Seymour’s speech is possibly the finest speech I have ever read, delivered by a New Zealand politician. I urge you to read it.
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February 4, 2022 9:26am
cmm

Stuff: Why the daily CV19 data will be a bit of a muddle.

Read the sound-bite-stuffed “article” if you choose.

But no, the reason the data is a muddle is that it is extremely poorly communicated.

Despite our PM and other MPs having communicashuns degrees, despite the largest government employment of communications staff ever, despite the largest ever spending on advertisers and other communications professionals, despite having bribed the media to help ….

… this mob are completely useless at communicating.

The data is fairly basic. The muddling is caused by crap communications.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/explained/127602091/omicron-nz-why-the-daily-covid19-data-will-soon-be-a-bit-of-a-muddle
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February 4, 2022 9:40am
- Master Mariner
  
  “The muddling is caused by crap communications.”
  
  Yes indeed.
  
  The question is , “Is this intentional”?
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:10am
  - Maggy Wassilieff
    
    Definitely.
    
    The UK NHS can furnish detailed weekly reports on its Covid outbreak.
    
    No excuse for NZ not to follow a similar standardised impartial format
    
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    February 4, 2022 1:31pm
  - PeeJay
    
    Just take a look at the Australian data. Even the snapshot dashboard reports NSW, Victoria etc publish on their twitter feed is more succinct and useful than the crap issued by MoH.
    
    Why anyone thought the MoH, one of the worst performing Ministry’s in the NZ Government with more experience in policy (and crap at that also) than actually succesful delivery and implementation would be the best agency to manage a pandemic is nuts!
    
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    February 4, 2022 2:12pm
dcrane

Mega-vaxxed Israel now substantially exceeding the US in covid deaths per person. So much for the vaccine narrative.
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February 4, 2022 9:50am
- mandk
  
  Covid deaths (pl) per person?
  
  Crikey, the most famous person ever from Israel only died once. And even then he came back to life.
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:34pm
Cinematic

I’m travelling overseas later this year. Europe/US. Hoping to have the Omi before I leave but we appear to be a tad short of Hendy’s 50,000 daily cases by Waitangi.
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February 4, 2022 9:59am
- PeeJay
  
  Well if you allow Hendy et al the chance, I’m sure they’ll explain why a tad over 200/day really shows the 50,00 per day is a good prediction.
  
  Wouldn’t it be great if the someone in the media took these guys to task live on air? Wouldn’t be that hard. So how accurate were your last predictions? Ok, massively wrong. So we should trust your latest ‘model’ why exactly? Ok that was x/y/z and why the latest model will be accurate despite not getting remotely close previously, next, weather in your area…..
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:17pm
cmm

Hipkins is an arse for comparing the CV19 modelling to weather prediction.

Weather predicition is certainly problematic at times (especially in NZ which is internationally recognised as a hard place to predict weather).

But weather prediction is based on pretty solid science. It is very well understood how low and high pressures interact. It is well understood how adiabatic lapse rates work. A small change in the direction of air flow can send the weather up the western or eastern side of the Southern Alps – resulting in very different outcomes. Given the challenges, the results are actually amazingly good.

CV19 modelling, however, has almost no grounding in reality. People tweak the numbers until they get the results they expect/want. When they do so, they then believe the models and it just reinforces their pre-held beliefs.

When CV19 models have been right it has been through luck, not accuracy.
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February 4, 2022 10:08am
- alloytoo
  
  C19 appear to be reworked “Climate change” models.
  
  Equally useless.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:57am
alan

Hi,
Heartland Institute has just released this book for teachers and students to understand the reality of global warming. You can download it for free at this site.
https://climateataglance.com/
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February 4, 2022 10:13am
I remember when

John Campbell is saying that the highest price has been paid by the younger generation.
So is the question we should be asking ourselves whether we think it is fair that the young should carry greater debt, suffer serious disruption of their education, miss two years of international experiences, go without entertainment opportunities and lose two of the most exciting years of their life so we, the older generation, might live an extra three or four of the least productive years of ours.
When the dust settles will we find that covid should not have been a world lockdown event.
Are we, only now, starting to learn the real dangers that hysteria in the media and social media can generate.
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February 4, 2022 10:32am
ClanMcleod

Another excellent blog post on Bad Cattitude demonstrating and discussing the stage the covid circus has now reached.

“as an argument becomes increasingly fractious and lost, its proponents seek to censor and to limit freedom.

and those winning seek free discourse.”

https://boriquagato.substack.com/p/those-who-cannot-convince-censor/comments?

This is where the circus currently is. The “single source of truth” is being discredited and ridiculed increasingly around the world. Watch as the hysteria rises, same with her twin in Canada. Ken and Barby are increasingly looking isolated and coming under pressure. Who will crumble first? Their demise is inevitable, the sooner it happens the sooner we can begin the clean up of the horrendous mess they have left behind.
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February 4, 2022 10:33am
curry4me

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1036738276889287/

Convoy 2022 New Zealand.

Here is the FB page for the NZ truckers if anyone is interested.
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February 4, 2022 10:40am
- MCōs
  
  So someone is trying to emulate the chaos caused by the truckers protest in Canada?
  Maybe they will, but all they’ll do is piss people off. None of the significant political parties will support them. Maybe Harete Hipango will get a selfie, but I think it really would be the end of her career.
  
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  February 4, 2022 1:59pm
  - ClanMcleod
    
    But BLM protesters are luverly, so are Extinction Rebellion, luverly people. What about the anti Nuclear protesters who caused chaos in Auckland Harbour and in the Pacific? What about the Sprinbok protesters who caused real havoc in Wellington? All that protest chaos is acceptable but anti fascist vax mandates and vax passports protests are assholes?
    That’s not how protests work.
    
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    February 4, 2022 3:56pm
curry4me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XguuCVHhS8o
Pauline Hanson’s Please Explain, Episode 12 “Please Explain Pork Barrelling.”

This week we are joined by a special guest as we learn all about how the sausage is made. [2:05.]
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February 4, 2022 10:40am
- bythesea
  
  episode 13 is out
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoQ_MiwLgKw
  
  Please Explain, Episode 13 “Please Explain The Great Australian Dream”
  A Monopoly like game where Scotty and the bankers make the rules…
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:00pm
kevn

Robyn Malcolm loudly applauds this (clown circus) gummints/arden c19 response…. How coool is that.
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February 4, 2022 10:41am
- Suze Wainwright
  
  A large chunk of Ardern’s female sistahood support base appears to belong to the ‘anyone but the boys’ club.
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:48am
- Maggie Pie
  
  And have you seen what Robyn can do with carrots? 😛
  
  Check this out……
  
  https://twitter.com/NewshubENT/status/1489104872565739524
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:09am
- alloytoo
  
  She’s an adult pretender…..mind you so is Ardern.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:13am
- Surely Knott
  
  Robyn Malcolm applauds governments strict approach for keeping us all safe. It is the most important thing she said, but she herself went to the USA land of the free and infected (along with Lorde, Bene, and David Farrier). So it’s great to signal about the scariness of covid and the need for severe restrictions and a zero covid approach, but like James Shaw heading off to the raging cases in Scotland to hobnob with the global elite, they are not scared and not staying at home enjoying the governments zero approach where they are protected They prefer to be free, to face the risk of covid in favour of getting on with their careers and their lives.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:25am
  - Suze Wainwright
    
    Robyn would undoubtedly feel proud if I were to say to her – ‘gosh, you’re a bit like Siouxie, aren’t you?’ and not see any hint of irony…
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:36pm
- graham
  
  Do people really attach that much weight to the opinion of some TV or movie “star”?
  
  I mean, irrespective of who it is – some local “star” like Robyn Malcolm, or an international heavyweight like Daniel Craig – what does their opinion matter? They are just one more person; no less or more qualified to comment on these matters than you or I.
  
  I just don’t get this fascination with what some so-called star thinks about any given topic. I doubt like hell that Newshub would be at all interested in my opinion on the Government’s Covid response, but because it’s someone who starred in a TV show, that somehow qualifies her to speak with authority? Please.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:33am
- mandk
  
  Robyn Malcolm is clearly a moron, who cannot comprehend that there are two sides to a benefit:cost equation.
  
  She should stick to mediocre acting.
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:29pm
  - Alan Wilkinson
    
    Not only acts a Westie but thinks like one.
    
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    February 4, 2022 2:35pm
- Taieri
  
  Who is Robyn Malcolm?
  A genuine question.
  
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  February 4, 2022 3:00pm
  - nathie
    
    When not acting, she is a Green Party/Greenpeace activist/supporter, who protests oil and gas and mining but like James Shaw jets across the world, is relatively well-off (enjoying the best of capitalism and consumerism) and naturally likes to tell everyone else how to live their lives and what to think.
    
    In other words a hypocrite of the highest order.
    
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    February 4, 2022 4:39pm
  - Captain Mainwaring
    
    Robyn Malcolm is a Greenie airhead who’s opinion is irrelevant to anyone with half a brain.
    End of story.
    
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    February 4, 2022 8:15pm
    - Observer of Life
      
      She’s a B grade actress. Whatever ….
      
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      February 5, 2022 8:26am
Frank the tank

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2022/02/03/canada-tories-elect-pro-trucker-mp-as-leader-after-sacking-moderate/

Canada’s next PM? I suspect Trumpy will get on like a house on fire with her. Our dear leader not so much.
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February 4, 2022 10:43am
Benedict Yu

This is a very stupid comparison.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-chris-hipkins-compares-modelling-with-weather-forecasts-ive-always-been-sceptical/YHVOHODHUI4FHUDO6MAWLLTO7U/

These COVID models in New Zealand have been shown to be absolute rubbish. On the other hand New Zealand meteorologists are world class. For example, the rain events in the South Island today were accurately forecast 4 days ago.

Maybe the COVID modelers should talk to the modelers at Metservice.
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February 4, 2022 10:45am
- Suze Wainwright
  
  Heh, Hipkins the climate denier!
  
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  February 4, 2022 10:51am
- Master Mariner
  
  Yes indeed.
  “Maybe the COVID modelers should talk to the modelers at Metservice.”
  I would however offer a bit of caution and ensure the modelers are not from NIWA with a “Climate ” change twist on things.
  Metservice, I agree are World class.
  
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  February 4, 2022 11:27am
  - Batman
    
    Their marine forecasting is not even as good as an app based out of a flat in London ?
    
    But otherwise yes I agree!
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:01pm
    - Master Mariner
      
      Yes and No.
      With Metservice app you get the Barometric pressure graph.
      Add to this the ” here and now” and being able to read the Clouds, temp change, Swell and Sea and nothing beats “Johhny on the spot”.
      Also in addition for extra service you can get highly accurate forcasting.
      Recently we had this service “moving and positioning a heavy object” with strict criteria.
      ie Wx window to plan ahead and found extremely accurate.
      Yes I use a multitude of sites World wide and find them useful in conjuction with being there.
      
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      February 4, 2022 12:40pm
      - Batman
        
        Oh I agree with you there. I can read a baro graph but it’s the casual users who don’t do all that which makes it hard not to develop a pet hate for the forecasts!
        
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        February 4, 2022 12:43pm
  - kevn
    
    @MM… windy.com is good. Fishermans friend they say.
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:49pm
    - Master Mariner
      
      Yep, Great site. I especially use the currents for transiting insteat of routeing chart.
      This neck of the woods its a bit light on detail.
      
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      February 4, 2022 5:21pm
- rockape
  
  A start would be basing their assumptions on actual facts observed.
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:10pm
- ClanMcleod
  
  Maybe the NZ covid modelers shouldn’t have referenced Imperial College London and Neil Ferguson as much as they did. Michael Plank blocked me on Twitter back at the beginning when I pointed out Ferguson’s horrendous track record in modeling over the previous 2 decades. He seemed to have a bit of a man crush on him.
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:01pm
  - MCōs
    
    Going by your multiple strident diatribes on this forum I would imagine you expressed your opinions in a similarly unequivocal manner.
    
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    February 4, 2022 6:20pm
    - Russ the Muss
      
      Outrageous that someone has a strong opinion these days eh.
      
      4 1
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      February 4, 2022 6:55pm
    - ClanMcleod
      
      “Strident diatribes” that you nor any of the other Ardern trolls have managed to disprove or discredit.
      All you have is bile, it must really eat away at your innards. It certainly does nothing to me.
      Never a coherent rebuttal or debating point. It’s reveals a lot.
      
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      February 4, 2022 7:19pm
- Steve Otto(North Shore)
  
  Metservice used to be good for us boaties. Now they have gone ‘woke’ not to be trusted.
  I am thinking ‘modelers’ are just guessers. When you are at sea you don’t want an opinion, you want facts.
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:52pm
I remember when

Kapiti Observer: Changing Coastline researched:
Kapiti District Council continues work to investigate the impact of climate change on the coast.
In a lengthy statement it says coastlines are constantly changing – daily, weekly, yearly and over decades.
Coastal communities are facing more frequent, and more damaging, natural hazards like erosion and inundation (flooding by the sea) due to climate change.
Global warming causes polar ice to melt, ocean waters to expand and sea levels to rise.
It creates more frequent and extreme storms , and unseasonal weather.

(So is it now Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Unseasonal.)
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February 4, 2022 10:48am
- alloytoo
  
  Could someone please tell the storms that they are supposed to be more frequent and extreme.
  
  They’re letting the side down by not following the narrative.
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:33pm
- Master Mariner
  
  Sum it up in one word,
  NIWA
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:42pm
- JJ56
  
  Kapiti’s own consultants, Jacobs, tell them sea level rise aside, the changing weather is indiscernible in what happens from climate change.
  
  Not to mention that much of Kapiti’s coast is lucky. The shore line is building up quicker than any sea level rise will effect.
  
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  February 4, 2022 6:51pm
I remember when

Kapiti Observer: Whale dies after stranding:
A young pigmy Sperm whale has died after stranding on Paraparaumu Beach.
A small group of beach goers discovered the whale, which had lacerations on its stomach, stranded in the shallows on Monday morning.
“Unfortunately despite the SPCA, DOC and volunteers refloating it, it returned to the beach.
DOC agreed with mana whenua, Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, that it would be humanely euthanised.
The whale was named Kena Kena, and would be buried by iwi.
Jordan Housiaux-Distin, mana whenua whale expert, said strandings always raised questions for iwi in terms of the health of the marine environment.
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February 4, 2022 11:02am
- alloytoo
  
  “Jordan Housiaux-Distin, mana whenua whale expert, said strandings always raised questions for iwi in terms of the health of the marine environment.”
  
  Well not always, historically a stranding represented a “feed”.
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:39pm
  - kevn
    
    @Alloy… and in recent times, chainsaw off the whale jaws for their teeth.
    
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    February 4, 2022 1:07pm
- Steve Otto(North Shore)
  
  Why don’t Iwi cut it up and eat it???
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:55pm
Handyman

It is interesting to see definitions change according to the political wind.
Last month, Stuff breathlessly reported that NSW had 90,000 cases in one day. This was when Ardern was going through her “aren’t we (I) much better than Australia?” phase.
That 90,000 number included all unreported RAT tests since Christmas released on one day.

Now Stuff is conditioning the faithful that the upcoming large Covid numbers aren’t really real and it is not as bad as the number say. They say we should not count the RAT tests as they are not reported daily. And apparently in NZ we can expect a lot of false positives. They state due to pool testing any daily number will be an overestimate.
Just wait: Once NZ numbers become higher than Australia, one of their experts will estimate the real number and that is what Stuff will report.
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February 4, 2022 11:03am
Maggie Pie

On the odd occasion, I’ve heard my partner use the term: CHINESE WALL

https://twitter.com/ASoftstar/status/1489334898426925058

Hmmm.
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February 4, 2022 11:18am
- Steve Otto(North Shore)
  
  I got a severe warning on Facebook for posting the same. Repeat and 60 days in jail.
  So it must be true.
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:58pm
Ruawai

This Stuff article is about a man called David with obvious facial hair, yet, throughout the article the reporter refers to David as a she. The world has gone quite mad when the evidence in front of our eyes is rejected because a man says he is a women.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300507283/doctor-who-drugged-and-sexually-assaulted-patients-unrepentant
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February 4, 2022 11:22am
- Maggie Pie
  
  Stuffed also reports, that since entering prison Lim has suffered poor oral health.
  
  She was prescribed trans-and dental medication.
  
  😀 😀 😀
  
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  February 4, 2022 12:31pm
  - Jack5
    
    The trans-sexual criminal might claim refugee status because of the attitude towards trans-sexuals of his/her home country, Muslim Malaysia.
    
    Our ultra-liberal Immigration and Protection Tribunal might well then over-ride an existing deportation order on the doctor.
    
    How transgender people fare in Malaysia:
    
    https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/opinion-trans-rights-malaysia/
    
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    February 4, 2022 12:55pm
    - Local Miller
      
      This was the first thing that came to my mind when I noticed that he was a Malaysian and subject to deportation. Here comes another refugee, “Please don’t make me go back, my life will be at risk”
      
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      February 4, 2022 3:12pm
  - Steve Otto(North Shore)
    
    That is a goodie
    
    4 1
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    February 4, 2022 5:00pm
- surfing
  
  The UK is allowing male rapists to claim they are women so then they get put into a womens prison….. no surprises what happens next, they commit more rapes.
  
  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10406351/I-sexually-assaulted-transgender-rapist-womens-jail.html
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:09pm
  - Russ the Muss
    
    Beggars belief…. sometimes there is just no point even arguing. When someone challenges gravity there is no real point reasoning. Putting a rapist Into a woman’s prison. No more words…have our civil services lost their collective f^kin plots?
    
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    February 4, 2022 6:58pm
kevn

@Maggie… You’re on fire today.
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February 4, 2022 12:51pm
- Maggie Pie
  
  Can u imagine the living-conditions of the poor sad loser that would ‘downtick’ that?
  
  😀
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:40pm
  - MCōs
    
    Here, have a pair of downtick.
    
    One should be thankful for the myriad compliments, not resentful about the occasional disapproval.
    
    2 4
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    February 4, 2022 4:35pm
    - Maggie Pie
      
      To be honest Cossie if I can’t piss-off at least a couple of people a day….. I may as well not even bother logging in 😀
      
      10 1
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      February 4, 2022 5:01pm
    - Steve Otto(North Shore)
      
      Dick – he has one
      
      2 1
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      February 4, 2022 5:01pm
Steve Otto(North Shore)

Someone mentioned the Canadian vaccine mandate protest yesterday. This is what NZ needs.
“Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was whisked away to a secret location before the truckers’ convoy reached the capital, and has accused the group of using “hateful rhetoric”.
So he went underground so as not to face them – NZ has someone who does that, just throws others under the bus.
This is what NZ needs.
Link was emailed to me.
https://redrightpatriot.com/canadas-anti-vaccine-truckers-raise-over-10-million/
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February 4, 2022 1:10pm
- Tauhei Notts
  
  The truckers of Canada have coined 2022’s most famous spoonerism;
  “Truck Foudeau.”
  
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  February 4, 2022 1:41pm
Nickc2

Leader of the Free World? A legend in his own lifetime.
https://www.michaelsmithnews.com/2022/02/have-you-seen-this-man-bidens-got-the-wanders-again-jill-to-the-rescue.html
How about protecting your own borders Joe?
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February 4, 2022 1:14pm
Lucia Maria

Canadian trucker protest news conference – day 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY6iOHzL9AU
12 1
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February 4, 2022 1:46pm
- rouppe
  
  They’d be arrested here for not wearing a mask in the press conference
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:39pm
Steve Otto(North Shore)

So I took my mask off, but I did not inhale.
Sounds familiar?
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February 4, 2022 1:48pm
- MCōs
  
  In your case it’s the exhale that’s the problem.
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:00pm
  - Steve Otto(North Shore)
    
    When you don’t exhale the problem is fixed by mummy slapping you on the back, fixes it immediately.
    How many times have you had this problem MCos??
    
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    February 4, 2022 5:05pm
- Libertarians are right
  
  Didn’t exhale – it’s different.
  
  6 0
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  February 4, 2022 3:09pm
  - Steve Otto(North Shore)
    
    Comfortably numb?
    
    3 1
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    February 4, 2022 5:06pm
IndividualResponsibility

Neil Young was the only artist that didn’t appeal to me in “The Last Waltz”.
Neil Young’s back catalogue is now available on that paragon of fairness and integrity, AMAZON.
Young evidently sold 50% of his publishing rights to British firm Hipgnosis Songs Fund, who just happened, in October 2021, to enter a partnership agreement with Blackrock, who in 2020 appointed Jeffrey Kindler, former Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, as a senior adviser!
Is there a case for connecting some dots here concerning the pressure brought to bear on SPOTIFY re the Joe Rogan interview with Dr Robert Malone?
So love him or hate him, Russel Brand does deliver some interesting perspectives on some current events, and this is one of them.
Russel Brand video approx. 18 minutes long – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLwVvtL4mTI&t=341s
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February 4, 2022 2:08pm
Benedict Yu

The tsunami of COVID cases has not turned up yet.
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February 4, 2022 2:14pm
- alloytoo
  
  I suspect the truth is somewhere between the numbers supplied and the numbers projected.
  
  There is absolutely no upside to getting tested for Omicron for either your family or your business.
  
  If you are a bit crook stay at home for a few days and if you can, work from home.
  
  Why for god’s sake get the MOH involved? So they can tell you to take Panadol?
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:25pm
  - Master Mariner
    
    “So they can tell you to take Panadol?”
    Nope, That will soon be taken of the shelves and NHI number and barcode to be attached before they distribute them.//
    
    5 1
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    February 4, 2022 5:42pm
- All_on_Red
  
  Perhaps no one is getting tested. Catch the cold, stay home for awhile, then go back to work.
  Shrug
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:55pm
  - Steve Otto(North Shore)
    
    Yah! Stay at home because you are vaxed, but NO test for antibodies for those who have had Covid.
    Play Jaspinda’s game or else!
    
    13 1
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    February 4, 2022 3:23pm
  - Hollyfield
    
    My daughter got tested on Sunday – it should have been a busy time at a busy centre, but there was no queue, she drove in got the test and drove out again. The whole thing including driving there and back took about 20 minutes. As expected people are choosing not to get tested rather than face a 24 day lockdown for the household.
    
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    February 4, 2022 6:07pm
Benedict Yu

Benedict Yu reporting live from Kāinga Ora land.

My close associate received a report this morning that one of her tenants was on his balcony with an air rifle shooting birds – which were in a tree in the house next door with preschool children present. She arranges to meet the police there.

Police show up – the guy denies shooting anything despite the air rifle sitting in plain sight. The police notice four high end e bikes in lounge room. Tenant says someone gave them to him. Police photograph bikes and serial numbers and say they will be in touch. Tenant threatens to kick police officer in the head. Gets threatened with tasering.

This tenant is in one of the brand-new double glazed nice townhouses. My close associate says she is moving him for causing trouble. Tenant screams at her that “he is not going back to those shitty state houses – he likes this one”. Gets an ear full from my associate. ?
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February 4, 2022 2:23pm
- rouppe
  
  Shouldn’t be going into any state house. Back of the queue.
  
  Don’t owe scum like this anything
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:37pm
- Alan Wilkinson
  
  Can’t we send them to Aussie in exchange for the 501s?
  
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  February 4, 2022 2:41pm
- MCōs
  
  When I was about ten or so I remember at my uncle’s farm guns used to stand around in the corner of the room. I remember my cousin shooting birds out the windows. Miles away from the neighbours, mind you!
  Around the same time the kid over the road from me in Timaru shot me in the arm with an air gun.
  NZ is a small place and years later we both worked in the same building in Wellington. He was a lawyer or something.
  My cousin became a priest.
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:53pm
Maggy Wassilieff

MIQ spots sitting empty…
just wander on in.

And he walked through immigration, his passport was scanned, and he went through to the MIQ bus, with nobody saying anything.

He said to a police officer, “hey, you need to know, I don’t have an MIQ spot”. As he tells it, the officer laughed at him and said, “get on the bus”.

https://www.newsroom.co.nz/border-busting-boss-chris-knuth-slips-into-nz-without-miq-voucher
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February 4, 2022 2:26pm
- nathie
  
  Woah didn’t something similar happen back in 2020 when National’s Michael Woodhouse alleged some random person joined the back of a queue to enter a MIQ hotel … which Labour “refuted”, saying it could not have happened and the MSM stuck their knifes into National and Woodhouse in retaliation to protect Ardern????
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:48pm
  - MCōs
    
    What you mean is nobody, including Woodhouse, had any proof the story wasn’t a fabrication and ‘homeless man’ ever existing.
    
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    February 4, 2022 4:59pm
- Master Mariner
  
  Yep. The issue is fabricating a voucher so as you can jump on the plane at check in.
  Happening all the time now from my understanding.
  Hence his reply, I’m assuming.
  Ohh another one.
  
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  February 4, 2022 5:46pm
Maggy Wassilieff

Maori TV Manager blames Pākehā red tape for failure of a family to get an MIQ spot.

https://www.teaomaori.news/mum-dying-turawaho-hemopo-fails-get-past-pakeha-red-tape

Seems this Journalist should have a wee chat with all the Maori Labour MPs and find out why they support this Pakeha red tape.
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February 4, 2022 2:36pm
- nathie
  
  Seems this Journalist should have a wee chat with all the Maori Labour MPs and find out why they support this Pakeha red tape.
  
  Knockout punch!
  
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  February 4, 2022 4:41pm
Surely Knott

John Macdonald does Newstalk ZB’s daily antivax hit job claiming that the protestors outside schools are wrong to target kids and I would normally agree. But the government shouldn’t be targeting our kids at schools with their propaganda either because now the protestors are just telling the same audience the other side of the story. The government has deliberately promoted the idea that 12 year olds can make decisions without parents and have some instances put vaccination buses outside schools some apparently offering incentives and inducements. Furthermore government are advertising for actors to deliver vaccination education shows to primary schools . So yes John let’s stop targeting kids directly . That means no protests and also no government propaganda at schools, no vax buses outside the school gates, or vaxing at school without parental permission and no bribing children with food or money to participate in a novel medical decision. If the government uses the schools to push propaganda then the public have a right to protest misinformation in the same location.
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February 4, 2022 4:53pm
- Hollyfield
  
  I disagree – because targetting schools and vaccination centres where children are being vaccinated turns attention away from the issue of vaccine mandates and towards the children being frightened etc. The protesters should be targetting the issue, not the children who have no say in this. I am concerned that these type of protests cause more harm than good to the efforts of people resisting mandates.
  Or more simply, two wrongs don’t make a right.
  
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  February 4, 2022 6:14pm
  - Surely Knott
    
    Yeah fair enough. I agree with you Hollyfield.
    
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    February 4, 2022 6:37pm
blue collar

David Seymour is a deadset legend !!!!
Love the obliteration of beireacrats and tow !
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February 4, 2022 5:24pm
Steve Otto(North Shore)

Facts? never mind.
https://rumble.com/vtvs3r-trump-russiaukraine-tensions-wouldnt-be-happening-with-me-in-office.html?
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February 4, 2022 5:32pm
Gravelroad

Am a bit puzzled.
Perhaps some of the vaccine scholars on here can comment(!).
Heard advert on car radio (approx 3.20pm) imploring people to get the booster.
The talking woman said that the first two jabs were for the delta variant and the third booster is for protection against omicron.
The impression given would suggest to some that the booster is somehow a new and/or improved version of the first two vaccinations.
But is is the same dose of the same product, is it not?
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February 4, 2022 5:32pm
- Master Mariner
  
  I’m picking not. FWIW.
  Omicron vaccine due out in March ? I believe.
  So what the hell is the issue with boosters?
  
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  February 4, 2022 5:48pm
- septic skeptic
  
  Rhetorical question surely? Of course it is the same vax, designed for the wild type original strain of the virus and increasingly ineffective against each new variant.
  The best that can be said for it now is that it provides a few weeks of reduced chance of symptomatic infection and some longer term protection against death and hospitalization.
  
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  February 4, 2022 6:08pm
  - Benedict Yu
    
    “The best that can be said for it now is that it provides a few weeks of reduced chance of symptomatic infection and some longer term protection against death and hospitalization.”
    
    Very well put. And that is the ONLY reason at my age I am getting boosted tomorrow before going on holiday next week.
    
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    February 4, 2022 7:25pm
- greybeard
  
  My vaccine records show all 3 jabs as being identical.
  
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  February 4, 2022 6:48pm
- Maggy Wassilieff
  
  Yes, it is the same Pfizer vaccine as you had for the 1st two shots.
  
  Omicron was only notified to WHO in late November.
  There has not been enough time to develop a specific vaccine to Omicron, let alone test it, let alone have the NZ Government order it….
  
  It’s very doubtful if it’s even worth producing an Omicron vaccine
  
  Does the world need an Omicron vaccine? What researchers say
  https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00199-z
  
  Seems the radio announcer was just spouting a load of booster spin.
  
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  February 4, 2022 8:36pm
Jack5

US hacker strikes back …

An American hacker known as P4X is waging a one-man campaign disrupting North Korean computer networks.

Wired Magazine reports that, just over a year ago, P4X was a victim of a North Korean hacking campaign targeting Western security researchers seeking to steal their hacking tools and details about software weak spots.

In response, over the last four weeks P4X has been launching denial-of-service attacks on servers of North Korean networks.

At several points during P4X’s hacking, almost every North Korean web site was down, except a few based outside the country.
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February 4, 2022 5:33pm
Maggie Pie

A girl from tennis just asked what I thort was an interesting question…

“If your ex was on fire……what would you use to put him out?”
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February 4, 2022 6:17pm
greybeard

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127686768/auckland-transport-builds-32000-bus-stop-on-an-island-with-no-public-transport
What next, Phil Goff ?
I know: a light rail connection from the city to the airport which will take twice as long as by car and never be used anyway.
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February 4, 2022 7:06pm
Russ the Muss

This current govt is toast. Everything is going South, as in EVERYTHING it touches turns to Sh5t. Many have suspected this but we are now in the electoral cycle where they cannot blame previous governments. Although COVID muddyd the waters and distracts some what, but even that is ending. But the most perverse thing about these sh5theads is their policies are hurting their own base. This should really hit home. The middle class luvvies in Welly will always love dear leader, but any working class person cannot be lied to forever that somehow this lot is improving their lot!!!!
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February 4, 2022 7:11pm
fernglas

From the Daily Telegraph:
“What if lockdown itself was also built on a premise that turns out to be false? At the time, it was a huge, untested experiment. And two years on, the results are in – from countries, states and regions all over the world. One of the leading universities in the United States, Johns Hopkins, in Maryland, has just collated the data and its conclusion is startling: “We find no evidence that lockdowns, school closures, border closures, and limiting gatherings have had a noticeable effect on Covid-19 mortality.” In other words: an abject failure.”
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February 4, 2022 8:20pm

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