No health and safety regulations clearly signposted...tut tut, wont be long until a cardigan wearer will be appearing at your gate with a trailer load of paper for you to fill in.
Whatever you think of people chaining themselves to bulldozers on a fine McKenzie morning in the middle of winter (A strange form of punishment). The fact is that Big Dairy is on the way out. As a country we need to understand that providing endless tons of milk powder for China etc, until they no longer have a need for it, does not provide a viable future for farming. Irrigating drought prone and fragile land with precious and decreasing amounts of good clean water, in order to produce tons of waste going where? Oh yes, thats right, straight back into the water table. Is not a plan conducive to the environmental or trading health of this nation. We need to do better than this!
Can I buy a lease to some pristine area of the Czech Republic? How about in China or a chunk of a US national Park, No?Thought not. Been done for mugs again.
If a person or group of people of any culture or ideology prefer not to be referred to in a certain way; then that is enough. I certainly would not use the N word in these enlightened times, as I am aware that it would offend many people due to its dubious historical and cultural uses. Therefore I reject the term Pakeha as referred to me or the culture I come from on the same basis and therefore utterly reject the claims made in this article that it is an innocuous word.
Sound words from someone at the Medical face so to speak. When it comes down to it, illness, sickness and injury doesnt give a hoot what race you are, and neither do the people who work hard to help.
Absolutely vital that our colonial era history is taught. There are plenty of atrocities, mean spirited actions and racism enough to go around contributed by those that came later and those that were already here.
Well thank you John for that sage advice. I mean 9 years of you and Bill running things saw record numbers of people on the street, families sleeping in cars, near zero wage growth unless you were a banker, milk company manager, corporate CEO or politician, a housing crisis, a meth and other drugs crisis, an understaffed health system with hospitals falling apart....etc, etc. For all the current coalitions faults, I would rather have a Government that runs an economy for the majority not the gilded few.
So the ex All Black and now pontificating cardigan wearer at the Wellington Regional Council has now washed his hands of all responsibility; I can smell the golden handshake from here as he is ushered out of the door with the rest of the WRC politely looking at the pictures on the wall.In the meantime, welcome to Wellingtons second world public transport system.
Unfortunately brutustheduck, I think the signs are all there for Wanaka to become Queenstowned within the next 10 years or so. Prediction...within 50 years the whole Lakes district area (Wakatipu, Wanaka, Cromwell etc) will be its own city, occupied by the looking for a bolt hole uber wealthy, serviced by the uber poor desperate for work and living in shanty towns, kindly provided for them by the city elders. Dont think it could happen? Have a look around the world at other so called tourist meccas.
Partner and I went to Queenstown for a look around recently. Hadnt been to the place for at least 20 years or so. At the risk of sounding like a grumpy OF complaining that it isnt like the good old days....well, it isnt. Overcrowded, over shopped, over priced, over hyped, under serviced, under whelming, and just like a multitude of other Resorts world wide, it is now a Macdonalds town with nowhere to go. We certainly felt ourselves to be quite unique while there; didnt meet many other kiwis experiencing the tourist delights. One bright spot; Moke lake still as delightful and serene but alas even their I spied a recent Dump under a bush on my walk around the lake. Sigh.
I dunno, I sort of remember another recent Nat party leader saying that we would catch up with Australia....How did that work out? And anyway, what is there to catch up with? Worsening droughts, Xenophobia, overt racisim, appalling treatment of their indigenous peoples, and last but not least, blatant ball tampering!
Clearly the man hasnt committed any crimes and has made and is still making a worthwhile contribution to this country, ergo, he is the wrong sort of immigrant we want here. Suggest he go and do a drug deal or two, maybe rob a bank, go to jail, come out and spend the next three years on a benefit, bingo, hes in!
Had the same thing happen to us about seven? years ago. Very personable bloke telephoned us and Invited us to participate. Upon me saying that I politely decline the invitation, I was informed, again, politely, that the request was in fact compulsory. My partner and I suddenly felt like we had suddenly got walk on parts in a cold war thriller! We continued the survey for about two or so years if I remember rightly, I do recall as time went by that some of my answers to the questions became ever more outrageous and I think the bloke at the other end understood and appeared to enjoy the banter! Im not too sure that our Voluntary participation increased the overall statistical accuracy required by the Government, but you have to find your fun where you can find it.
Te Reo reflected the society it came from originally and just like ancient British (Whatever that was?!) it doesnt stand a chance against the more dominant colonizing society. Think ancient Britain confronting the Romans, I bet the ancient brits didnt take too much time in learning Latin! or at least every day latin in order to get all the goodies from the all conquering romans. By all means learn the language of your ancestors, but just like people in the UK today who get their jollies speaking what they believe to be saxon or jute, dont believe that it is going to assist you to progress in the modern world. Be better off learning Mandarin, or who knows, maybe even Russian!
Interesting, heading towards 300 comments regarding this issue and Im thinking the vast majority against what has happened and is still happening to Queenstown, and soon Wanaka, Hawea, etc etc. And do you really think the grey and balding heads in suits are going to listen? Nope, they are in the grip of the greed malady. Sad, so sad, where is our beautiful country going?
Confucious say: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer; well he might not have said it, but Im sure he thought about it! New Chinese empire coming your way soon. All this country can do is keep out from underfoot when the bigger kids start to tussle.
We need to really hope that the Alpine fault doesnt unzip anytime soon, because this is the sort of incompetence that will be inflicted on the whole South Island and possibly half the North Island too. Why do we pay some of these people? Where is the accountability?
So its alright for employers to take a position regarding remuneration of there employees, but not OK for the employees to take a contrary opinion and act on that opinion through legal means, that being withholding of labour?
Is it correct that this country of nearly 5 million has 25+ Health Boards?? If so, then lower that to the three that would be needed to run our health system (Two in the North Island, One in the South). Lots of paper shufflers gone, lots of money saved and given to the people who do the real work, for example; Nurses. Job done.
The American Civil War continues unabated; nothing was really settled in the first round 1860 to 65, it doesnt help that their barking mad political system is eating itself, and they call it democracy??? I think we should stand well clear, far too many blue touch papers being ignited over there!
Who would have thought....females can be as big at being prats as males. Wonder if it is because we are all human and guilty of all the usual human frailties, not just feminine and male specific varieties. Oh well we have had maybe 10,000 years or so of attempting to move out of the caves, certainly seems as if we are heading back in to them on so many levels. Hopefully this is just another phase we must all go through to reach the ultimate destination. Whatever that is!
Well said Wendy. one point though; Having a right to Free Speech is no little thing, it is the greatest thing, and so few in the world now have such a thing. We start to lose it when self appointed keepers of our thought processes decide our thoughts for us. Apparantely in order to protect us from possible violence. I do believe various totalitarian regimes throughout history have tried this, it usually doesnt end well.
Attitude, Attitude, Attitude! The Police Officer is absolutely correct. Most Kiwis are wonderful give you the shirt off their backs type of people, but once they get behind the steering wheel of a vehicle, all consideration, care for others and general all round good sense, out the window. Let me say, we are not all like that; but enough to make life hellish on the roads some days. Keep your distance, indicate in plenty of time if turning, look in the rear view mirror, consider road conditions, and above all, keep in mind the never ending photos of wrecked cars and lives. Have a happy day!
Obviously a terrible time for anyone in similar circumstances, however Im not sure why anyone would think that any government department is there for their benefit. By the time state employees have gone through endless rounds of focus groups, mission statements, team building exercises, cultural awareness weekends, renaming of departments, key mission evaluations, etc,etc, I can assure you from personal experience that there is precious little left over for common human decency. All washed away in the process Im afraid.
Well, lets face it, being an ocker and a filthy rich one at that, he was desperate to get a view of some fresh water. Imagine how much the council could get for the whole lake!!!! Dont think it couldnt happen, have a good look around and see whats been sold to the Elite over the past ten years or so. Sobering isnt it. And dont think anyone in power is going to stop it, no matter what political colour they are; Too many hands going into pockets for that to happen.
Like him or loath him, and I am indifferent on that matter; he will get the benefit of due process in this country and if our courts says he must go, then go he must. I am more concerned with the alacrity with which our ex PM facilitated the machine gun waving, gung ho cowboy raid on the large ones premises in Auckland. How many of our laws broken in that one? Usually when the NZ constabulary come a calling, there is a polite knock on the door. As it should be.
The reaction of Farmers owners/management is fairly predictable dinosaur attitudes on display. Im the boss, you are my worker, it is my right to get as much effort out of you for as little as I can get away with, oh, and by the way, how dare you protest, peasant! I have sent you a note to remind you of your place in my world. Shop at Farmers, Victorian Values, on sale this week! Now, where did that cigar go?
Absolutely right on the mark; unfortunately the sheeple wont be reading it, too busy watching reality??? TV, rushing to the warehouse for that last minute Christmas gift imported from our friendly dictatorship market partner and planning to pay more fees to those lovely trans Tasman banking mates of ours. Democracy has been dying on its feet for years, as long as everyone is fed, watered and entertained, then all is well with the world.
Marlborough is no different to any other rural area in this country, basically 2nd world and heading for 3rd. It hasnt happened by accident, it started when Labour with Lange, Douglas and Prebble etc came to power in the 1984? election. Concrete plans put in place to create a low wage economy for the benefit of the few. If you are under the age of 30 or so, you wont know much about it, but you are now wearing the results. And no, National are not off the hook, they just carried on the same policies, if not worse. I guess they were surprised though that Labour did all their hard work for them. These 40 plus years of punishing the working classes have resulted in the very conditions we have now, the conditions that do not favour employees or employers.....Unless you belong to the corporate money shuffling sector.
Dont think anyone should presume what the causes were of this tragedy until investigations are completed. However, yet another car in the wrong lane? long overdue for a State highway system that is fit for purpose and not a glamourized country lane road. I also agree with those who would like to see tougher licensing requirements with on going lifetime revision testing.
A bit less money spent on so called safety cinematic productions and a bit more listening to what the people may wish from their majority taxpayer owned National Airline might go some way to rectifying the less than reputable service record it inflicts on its passengers. (Yet another provincial flight cancelled with no reason given, but you can go via Auckland. Thanks and no thanks).
Dear Max, you stuffed up and sold off the electricity system created for this country by the taxpayers of this country...Max, hello Max, are you there Max? Oh, there you are sitting in the corner counting your taxpayer provided ex MP gold plated pension and power company shares. Sorry to have disturbed you.
We changed to Kiwibank from ANZ (Was National Bank owned by Lloyds of UK taxpayer bailout fame). Never looked back, and no we wernt looking for a cheaper mortgage, better rates; What we wanted was to support a New Zealand bank, working for New Zealanders and their hard earned money. And yes, I believe it is treasonous for any Government in New Zealand to give a foreign owned bank our Government business; OUR taxpayers business in fact! I wrote to Bill English years ago about this issue, got the standard weasel word reply. Dont expect it to change, we may as well be an official state of Australia, because we sure as hell are a vassal economic state.
This country needs to have a serious meaningful discussion about what we want to be, heading towards the next 50 years or so. Unfortunately as long as our legislators continue to allow the make a quick buck, develop at all costs and lets invite everyone in the world in; it is not going to happen.
Did my OE forty years ago, the UK work visas were a lot easier, they still thought of NZ as part of the family. The thing is, the world has shrunk so much in the past few decades and a good thing too. So go you young things, get out and experience as much as you can and dont be too concerned as to how you will fit back in. Just be the fortunate world citizen that we all are in the 21st century, and ignore the grumpy Trumps who want to go back to the 18th century!
If ever a nation could be called energy rich it would have to be this one. Rain, wind, sun, gas, coal (Oh the horror!), etc etc, however we are intelligence deficient. To expect any Government in this country faced with constant three year electoral terms to reign in and overhaul the current cozy electricity cartels is to be P...g in the wind. Not going to happen. We need to get it all back under some sort of public control and then take some time to figure out what we want for the future, plan it and implement it, taking in to account population forecasts and policies and what future industries will look like, but wait! What is that I see coming up very soon, yep, another election. Better to do nothing and hope the problem all goes away.
The vast majority of New Zealanders cannot afford to visit the Hunter valley, there was once a time when most kiwis took it as a right of passage to visit, tramp, climb and hunt in the back country; all be it, mostly national parks. So really this is just another example of how our nation is being ring fenced by the few that have and the rest that havent can get lost. Its the system thats been allowed to become rotten. If you want free and uncluttered access to the outdoors, then get yourself a few hundred million or so and buy it. Otherwise be satisfied with your local park like all the other peasants. (But would suggest no visits after dark).
So at last we are taking small steps away from being a 2nd world economy, would be nice if at some stage the government might be in a position to reduce employer subsidies for their work force in the form of working for families.
I think that you will find that those on the minimum wage (Or sometimes well under) do hate economics, especially as they are implemented by the well heeled overlords of industry.
An American friend informs me that in the USA idiots and reprobates kill other people with guns they shouldnt be allowed anywhere near. He says that in New Zealand the same can be said of people and cars. And having driven in both countries I can only agree with him. We need some form of mental health fitness test to be attached to the existing joke that is called driver licencing in this country.
Well I am a baby boomer, and am very happy with the election result, also I suspect that a lot of so called boomers are as happy as I am. So please dont think of us all as Target demographic sounds like a bit of millennial speak to me!
Well it all started once Roger Douglas and his neo liberal mates in the 1984? Labour government got their hands on the country and decided to have a go at turning us into a third world country, didnt completely succeed, but I reckon we made it to second world base though. Also David Lange and his Tomorrows Schools nightmare contributed quite well too.
Agreed. Unfortunately most Western governments have forgotten why they are voted in and who votes them in. I suspect that most human beings just want a peaceful world, enough to eat, a roof over their heads, a better future for their children, a healthy and clean environment, fairness in treatment of the elderly and homeless...etc, etc. All of which can be achieved by a fair tax system. As is shown by some advanced and humanist European countries.
One thing this planet isnt is lonely. Way, way too many of us bipeds...not much chance of being lonely anywhere. NZ going the same way, heading for over 4 million visitors?? Oh joy!
Stand back, take a deep breath and think....Is there anywhere that is even moderately sane around the world at the moment? Just seems as if the planet is tripping ever closer to some sort of calamity with the political, nationalistic grandstanding that passes for international relations these days.
Does anyone in this country still believe that our politics are corruption free? If they do, then they must also believe in tooth fairys. I certainly would like to know as to what is the going rate for National Party candidates for the various ethnicities, is there a ranking system? Certainly appears so.
Hit it on the head mike355, sad that so many have to think this way these days isnt it. When did the concept of service get deleted from public service? In addition to your consultant, I am sure that the CCC will call for a review and results of such to be released sometime in the future when hopefully the media have moved well and truly on.
Sigh, didnt even make bridesmaid status. Never mind, congrats to the tahs, what a fight back. Crusaders for the championship....service being resumed as normal.
Politics as usual in little old nzild. Why should we expect anything different? We, the much put upon public put all these clowns on a pedestal, most of whom have egos and personal ambitions much bigger than anything that might be good for the rest of us. And I mean that for all parties. Politics is essentially a corrupt and turgid business, full of closets and skeletons . What we do need however is a much more investigative fourth estate to keep shining a light on these money grubbing charlatans.
I saw Blenheims new bus shelter last week (LOL) certainly no need for an air conditioner there, the hot air just rises out of the hole in the roof, of course the rain comes in to help cool it down too; and wash the seats. What was your council thinking??!!
Good on you, obviously you have worked hard and planned well......However, are you happy with the fact that some individuals with $millions, (Property, shares etc) and some with billions will pay no tax at all, How much did Amazon, Apple and Google pay in tax in this country recently??? Yep thats right, next to nothing, they are the ones you are carrying my friend, not those on welfare.
Well snow-man, when the downturn comes, as it inevitably will do, or when the carbon embarrassment coming out of the back of aircraft engines makes it too expensive to fly here; where goes Queenstown then? No doubt the suits will be lining up for some more corporate welfare.
Agree with your sentiments, but we musnt upset business, imagine how hard they would have to work to massage the message on the packet and anyway, what on earth would we do with all that sawdust?
Want to make retirement fairer for everyone in this country? Well a good start would be to enforce a law that made all members of parliament subject to the same system of retirement savings as us the great unwashed are signed up for. No more golden superfunds cooked up in the middle of the night and passed in the house in five minutes....yep, you millennials didnt know about that one did you! Go check NZ political history. If the politicians were subject to the same retirement deal as the rest of us, just sit back and watch the raft of improvements come along.....self interest being what it is.
Any chance of Air Auckland sticking to their knitting and getting some flights in to their recently departed provincial locations? Or is that not Core Values ?
Sorry West Coast, you should know by now that ALL governments in this country must do what the majority of voters want, and most of those live North of Hamilton; Including a very large number of plastic greenies who wouldnt know a short tailed bat from a sparrow. Yes, coal mining will eventually die, for the good of the planet, but when will there be some sort of comprehensive planning for the future of the West Coast, and no, I dont mean the usual flippant response of tourism, lifestyle and related? industries. And as for the comment that Coasters need to adapt, sure, of course they do, as do we all eventually, but not instantly and on the whim of a green party politician with votes to catch. Love the Coast and also respect the sheer B....Y hard work involved with mining through the generations, to the benefit of all of us, for which you have received little thanks.
Converted washing machine provides free power to 'Angry Ram' blogger
No health and safety regulations clearly signposted...tut tut, wont be long until a cardigan wearer will be appearing at your gate with a trailer load of paper for you to fill in.
Greenpeace protests mega dairy conversion in the Mackenzie District
Whatever you think of people chaining themselves to bulldozers on a fine McKenzie morning in the middle of winter (A strange form of punishment). The fact is that Big Dairy is on the way out. As a country we need to understand that providing endless tons of milk powder for China etc, until they no longer have a need for it, does not provide a viable future for farming. Irrigating drought prone and fragile land with precious and decreasing amounts of good clean water, in order to produce tons of waste going where? Oh yes, thats right, straight back into the water table. Is not a plan conducive to the environmental or trading health of this nation. We need to do better than this!
Slice of pristine South Island high country 'should finally become national park'
Can I buy a lease to some pristine area of the Czech Republic? How about in China or a chunk of a US national Park, No?Thought not. Been done for mugs again.
Playing with the notion that PÄkehÄ is a racist word
If a person or group of people of any culture or ideology prefer not to be referred to in a certain way; then that is enough. I certainly would not use the N word in these enlightened times, as I am aware that it would offend many people due to its dubious historical and cultural uses. Therefore I reject the term Pakeha as referred to me or the culture I come from on the same basis and therefore utterly reject the claims made in this article that it is an innocuous word.
Damien Grant: The new arrivals draining our country's resources and giving nothing
Now how many will actually Get what you are writing about?
"Our divisive, expensive health system is sick and needs to be healed",
Sound words from someone at the Medical face so to speak. When it comes down to it, illness, sickness and injury doesnt give a hoot what race you are, and neither do the people who work hard to help.
New Zealand's school-taught colonial history is racist and needs changing, say teachers
Absolutely vital that our colonial era history is taught. There are plenty of atrocities, mean spirited actions and racism enough to go around contributed by those that came later and those that were already here.
John Key delivers stark warning on the economy, endorses Simon Bridges as leader
Well thank you John for that sage advice. I mean 9 years of you and Bill running things saw record numbers of people on the street, families sleeping in cars, near zero wage growth unless you were a banker, milk company manager, corporate CEO or politician, a housing crisis, a meth and other drugs crisis, an understaffed health system with hospitals falling apart....etc, etc. For all the current coalitions faults, I would rather have a Government that runs an economy for the majority not the gilded few.
Wellington bus drivers to strike over 'unsafe' 14-hour working days
So the ex All Black and now pontificating cardigan wearer at the Wellington Regional Council has now washed his hands of all responsibility; I can smell the golden handshake from here as he is ushered out of the door with the rest of the WRC politely looking at the pictures on the wall.In the meantime, welcome to Wellingtons second world public transport system.
It's crunch time for Queenstown - let tourist numbers double, or shut the gate?
Unfortunately brutustheduck, I think the signs are all there for Wanaka to become Queenstowned within the next 10 years or so. Prediction...within 50 years the whole Lakes district area (Wakatipu, Wanaka, Cromwell etc) will be its own city, occupied by the looking for a bolt hole uber wealthy, serviced by the uber poor desperate for work and living in shanty towns, kindly provided for them by the city elders. Dont think it could happen? Have a look around the world at other so called tourist meccas.
Editorial: Massey wrong on Brash ban
Thought police alive and well at Massey, may I recommend the vice chancellor for the George Orwell right think award. What a bunch of wallys.
Students launch petition after being flummoxed by word trivial in NZQA exam
Should have been asked in twitter form.
It's crunch time for Queenstown - let tourist numbers double, or shut the gate?
Partner and I went to Queenstown for a look around recently. Hadnt been to the place for at least 20 years or so. At the risk of sounding like a grumpy OF complaining that it isnt like the good old days....well, it isnt. Overcrowded, over shopped, over priced, over hyped, under serviced, under whelming, and just like a multitude of other Resorts world wide, it is now a Macdonalds town with nowhere to go. We certainly felt ourselves to be quite unique while there; didnt meet many other kiwis experiencing the tourist delights. One bright spot; Moke lake still as delightful and serene but alas even their I spied a recent Dump under a bush on my walk around the lake. Sigh.
Why when things become unsayable, the joke is on us
Read 1984, George Orwell saw this coming a long, long time ago. Chilling.
Stacey Kirk: National set to stoke flames of Anzac competition in search of 'lightning rod'
I dunno, I sort of remember another recent Nat party leader saying that we would catch up with Australia....How did that work out? And anyway, what is there to catch up with? Worsening droughts, Xenophobia, overt racisim, appalling treatment of their indigenous peoples, and last but not least, blatant ball tampering!
Chicken farmer who cant stay in NZ uses Sroubek decision in legal bid
Clearly the man hasnt committed any crimes and has made and is still making a worthwhile contribution to this country, ergo, he is the wrong sort of immigrant we want here. Suggest he go and do a drug deal or two, maybe rob a bank, go to jail, come out and spend the next three years on a benefit, bingo, hes in!
Couple say compulsory government survey an intrusion
Had the same thing happen to us about seven? years ago. Very personable bloke telephoned us and Invited us to participate. Upon me saying that I politely decline the invitation, I was informed, again, politely, that the request was in fact compulsory. My partner and I suddenly felt like we had suddenly got walk on parts in a cold war thriller! We continued the survey for about two or so years if I remember rightly, I do recall as time went by that some of my answers to the questions became ever more outrageous and I think the bloke at the other end understood and appeared to enjoy the banter! Im not too sure that our Voluntary participation increased the overall statistical accuracy required by the Government, but you have to find your fun where you can find it.
Massey University bans Don Brash from speaking
The Police and Massey Know that this person has been Known to incite racial hatred? Says who at Massey and in the Police?
Joel Maxwell: Simon Bridges could set an example by learning his language
Te Reo reflected the society it came from originally and just like ancient British (Whatever that was?!) it doesnt stand a chance against the more dominant colonizing society. Think ancient Britain confronting the Romans, I bet the ancient brits didnt take too much time in learning Latin! or at least every day latin in order to get all the goodies from the all conquering romans. By all means learn the language of your ancestors, but just like people in the UK today who get their jollies speaking what they believe to be saxon or jute, dont believe that it is going to assist you to progress in the modern world. Be better off learning Mandarin, or who knows, maybe even Russian!
It's crunch time for Queenstown - let tourist numbers double, or shut the gate?
Interesting, heading towards 300 comments regarding this issue and Im thinking the vast majority against what has happened and is still happening to Queenstown, and soon Wanaka, Hawea, etc etc. And do you really think the grey and balding heads in suits are going to listen? Nope, they are in the grip of the greed malady. Sad, so sad, where is our beautiful country going?
Massey University bans Don Brash from speaking
You are so right MiddleAgedKiwi; unfortunately the publicly paid thought police just dont get it.
Alice Snedden: New Zealand is heaven on earth...sort of
A wee bit of millennial fluff methinks.
Beauty queen barred from China warns New Zealand should be cautious of closeness
Confucious say: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer; well he might not have said it, but Im sure he thought about it! New Chinese empire coming your way soon. All this country can do is keep out from underfoot when the bigger kids start to tussle.
Massey University bans Don Brash from speaking
No it aint mate, it belongs to all of us. She is our employee, or was, with a bit of luck.
Three lines left out of Christchurch's district plan has left a community in despair
We need to really hope that the Alpine fault doesnt unzip anytime soon, because this is the sort of incompetence that will be inflicted on the whole South Island and possibly half the North Island too. Why do we pay some of these people? Where is the accountability?
"Where the Jami-Lee Ross crisis engulfing National and Simon Bridges goes today",
Good grief! Allegations of corruption and dirty dealings in politics. Who would have thought?
Tomato growers plan 24-hour strike in pursuit of living wage
So its alright for employers to take a position regarding remuneration of there employees, but not OK for the employees to take a contrary opinion and act on that opinion through legal means, that being withholding of labour?
Nurses on strike: NZ, this is what you dont see
Is it correct that this country of nearly 5 million has 25+ Health Boards?? If so, then lower that to the three that would be needed to run our health system (Two in the North Island, One in the South). Lots of paper shufflers gone, lots of money saved and given to the people who do the real work, for example; Nurses. Job done.
Damien Grant: The new arrivals draining our country's resources and giving nothing
Like!
Fights break out between groups of demonstrators at rally in Portland
The American Civil War continues unabated; nothing was really settled in the first round 1860 to 65, it doesnt help that their barking mad political system is eating itself, and they call it democracy??? I think we should stand well clear, far too many blue touch papers being ignited over there!
"Men have made a mess of things in organised religion",
Religion. Preaching the unknowable to the needful by the objectionable.
Mark Reason: Serena's sexism reflects America's culture of misandry
Who would have thought....females can be as big at being prats as males. Wonder if it is because we are all human and guilty of all the usual human frailties, not just feminine and male specific varieties. Oh well we have had maybe 10,000 years or so of attempting to move out of the caves, certainly seems as if we are heading back in to them on so many levels. Hopefully this is just another phase we must all go through to reach the ultimate destination. Whatever that is!
Massey University bans Don Brash from speaking
Well said Wendy. one point though; Having a right to Free Speech is no little thing, it is the greatest thing, and so few in the world now have such a thing. We start to lose it when self appointed keepers of our thought processes decide our thoughts for us. Apparantely in order to protect us from possible violence. I do believe various totalitarian regimes throughout history have tried this, it usually doesnt end well.
A cop speaks: We will not learn from Waverley
Attitude, Attitude, Attitude! The Police Officer is absolutely correct. Most Kiwis are wonderful give you the shirt off their backs type of people, but once they get behind the steering wheel of a vehicle, all consideration, care for others and general all round good sense, out the window. Let me say, we are not all like that; but enough to make life hellish on the roads some days. Keep your distance, indicate in plenty of time if turning, look in the rear view mirror, consider road conditions, and above all, keep in mind the never ending photos of wrecked cars and lives. Have a happy day!
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
Welcome back from planet I have no idea of the real world
How an unsympathetic bureaucracy makes the death of a loved one worse
Obviously a terrible time for anyone in similar circumstances, however Im not sure why anyone would think that any government department is there for their benefit. By the time state employees have gone through endless rounds of focus groups, mission statements, team building exercises, cultural awareness weekends, renaming of departments, key mission evaluations, etc,etc, I can assure you from personal experience that there is precious little left over for common human decency. All washed away in the process Im afraid.
Price revealed for Aussie billionaire's Walter Peak purchase
Well, lets face it, being an ocker and a filthy rich one at that, he was desperate to get a view of some fresh water. Imagine how much the council could get for the whole lake!!!! Dont think it couldnt happen, have a good look around and see whats been sold to the Elite over the past ten years or so. Sobering isnt it. And dont think anyone in power is going to stop it, no matter what political colour they are; Too many hands going into pockets for that to happen.
Dotcom should not be handed over to face Trump's idea of justice
Like him or loath him, and I am indifferent on that matter; he will get the benefit of due process in this country and if our courts says he must go, then go he must. I am more concerned with the alacrity with which our ex PM facilitated the machine gun waving, gung ho cowboy raid on the large ones premises in Auckland. How many of our laws broken in that one? Usually when the NZ constabulary come a calling, there is a polite knock on the door. As it should be.
Joel Maxwell: Simon Bridges could set an example by learning his language
Great summing up, I love hearing the occasional Gaelic speaker, but damned if I know how to re boot my computer using it!
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
The reaction of Farmers owners/management is fairly predictable dinosaur attitudes on display. Im the boss, you are my worker, it is my right to get as much effort out of you for as little as I can get away with, oh, and by the way, how dare you protest, peasant! I have sent you a note to remind you of your place in my world. Shop at Farmers, Victorian Values, on sale this week! Now, where did that cigar go?
‘Serious storm clouds’ threaten NZ democracy - report
Absolutely right on the mark; unfortunately the sheeple wont be reading it, too busy watching reality??? TV, rushing to the warehouse for that last minute Christmas gift imported from our friendly dictatorship market partner and planning to pay more fees to those lovely trans Tasman banking mates of ours. Democracy has been dying on its feet for years, as long as everyone is fed, watered and entertained, then all is well with the world.
Head scratching in Marlborough as spare jobs spark survey
Marlborough is no different to any other rural area in this country, basically 2nd world and heading for 3rd. It hasnt happened by accident, it started when Labour with Lange, Douglas and Prebble etc came to power in the 1984? election. Concrete plans put in place to create a low wage economy for the benefit of the few. If you are under the age of 30 or so, you wont know much about it, but you are now wearing the results. And no, National are not off the hook, they just carried on the same policies, if not worse. I guess they were surprised though that Labour did all their hard work for them. These 40 plus years of punishing the working classes have resulted in the very conditions we have now, the conditions that do not favour employees or employers.....Unless you belong to the corporate money shuffling sector.
After the Waverley crash, will NZ change its entitled attitude to driving?
Dont think anyone should presume what the causes were of this tragedy until investigations are completed. However, yet another car in the wrong lane? long overdue for a State highway system that is fit for purpose and not a glamourized country lane road. I also agree with those who would like to see tougher licensing requirements with on going lifetime revision testing.
Hayley Holt: Air NZ safety video is just embarrassing
A bit less money spent on so called safety cinematic productions and a bit more listening to what the people may wish from their majority taxpayer owned National Airline might go some way to rectifying the less than reputable service record it inflicts on its passengers. (Yet another provincial flight cancelled with no reason given, but you can go via Auckland. Thanks and no thanks).
Kea may be smarter than we thought: Researchers uncover evidence of tool use in the wild
Dont let the Ockers know! Theyll claim its one of theirs.
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
Wow! Thats the second person Ive met on this post who also comes from planet I have no idea of the real world.
Matt Lauer row: We've sold off our slice of paradise
So 1, the pitchforks will eventually come out, history shows you that.
Whats gone wrong with New Zealands electricity market?
Dear Max, you stuffed up and sold off the electricity system created for this country by the taxpayers of this country...Max, hello Max, are you there Max? Oh, there you are sitting in the corner counting your taxpayer provided ex MP gold plated pension and power company shares. Sorry to have disturbed you.
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
And you know all of these Any workplaces then?
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
Might be a good look for hard working employees to be treated fairly in NZ though eh!
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
Chief Executive, empathy? Nope, Ive tried to find that and apparently it is a very rare commodity.
"Men have made a mess of things in organised religion",
Really...I escaped religion a long, long,long time ago, for which I give profound thanks. But not to any unprovable maker.
Shifting from the UK: NZ has everything an immigrant needs
Absolutely...we dont know how lucky we are. (With thanks to Fred Dagg)
Kiwibank not doing its job to counter big bank profits
We changed to Kiwibank from ANZ (Was National Bank owned by Lloyds of UK taxpayer bailout fame). Never looked back, and no we wernt looking for a cheaper mortgage, better rates; What we wanted was to support a New Zealand bank, working for New Zealanders and their hard earned money. And yes, I believe it is treasonous for any Government in New Zealand to give a foreign owned bank our Government business; OUR taxpayers business in fact! I wrote to Bill English years ago about this issue, got the standard weasel word reply. Dont expect it to change, we may as well be an official state of Australia, because we sure as hell are a vassal economic state.
How Mount Maunganui turned from paradise to prison
This country needs to have a serious meaningful discussion about what we want to be, heading towards the next 50 years or so. Unfortunately as long as our legislators continue to allow the make a quick buck, develop at all costs and lets invite everyone in the world in; it is not going to happen.
Cold comfort: Food prices at Kiwi ski fields are out of control
You have another option, check out Alison Holst ideas for sandwiches and hot soups. Its great to have first world problems aint it!
"The truth about returning home: Readjusting to life after the big OE",
Did my OE forty years ago, the UK work visas were a lot easier, they still thought of NZ as part of the family. The thing is, the world has shrunk so much in the past few decades and a good thing too. So go you young things, get out and experience as much as you can and dont be too concerned as to how you will fit back in. Just be the fortunate world citizen that we all are in the 21st century, and ignore the grumpy Trumps who want to go back to the 18th century!
Whats gone wrong with New Zealands electricity market?
If ever a nation could be called energy rich it would have to be this one. Rain, wind, sun, gas, coal (Oh the horror!), etc etc, however we are intelligence deficient. To expect any Government in this country faced with constant three year electoral terms to reign in and overhaul the current cozy electricity cartels is to be P...g in the wind. Not going to happen. We need to get it all back under some sort of public control and then take some time to figure out what we want for the future, plan it and implement it, taking in to account population forecasts and policies and what future industries will look like, but wait! What is that I see coming up very soon, yep, another election. Better to do nothing and hope the problem all goes away.
Tomato growers plan 24-hour strike in pursuit of living wage
Yes lots of people still working and a hell of a lot at the minimum wage, or well under if you are working in a restaurant and looking for residence!
Jami-Lee Ross' tape of Simon Bridges makes headlines around the world
The Christmas gift I am really looking forward to!
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
Yes, and if the new people dont know how to achieve we shall punish them with as low a wage as we can to encourage them!
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
I hear you.
Matt Lauer is just doing it the Kiwi way
The vast majority of New Zealanders cannot afford to visit the Hunter valley, there was once a time when most kiwis took it as a right of passage to visit, tramp, climb and hunt in the back country; all be it, mostly national parks. So really this is just another example of how our nation is being ring fenced by the few that have and the rest that havent can get lost. Its the system thats been allowed to become rotten. If you want free and uncluttered access to the outdoors, then get yourself a few hundred million or so and buy it. Otherwise be satisfied with your local park like all the other peasants. (But would suggest no visits after dark).
Time to go: Council to spend a pretty penny on new toilet block
Will there be a hole in the roof? Hope not, otherwise that will be another $100,000.
How Mount Maunganui turned from paradise to prison
Hush now, dont let the secret out, they will all want to come!
Big pay rise for supermarket distribution centre workers
So at last we are taking small steps away from being a 2nd world economy, would be nice if at some stage the government might be in a position to reduce employer subsidies for their work force in the form of working for families.
Raise the pension age regardless of future Super affordability
You have outlined a problem that the off the planet people of the NZ initiative will not acknowledge as it doesnt fit their neo lib way of thinking.
It's crunch time for Queenstown - let tourist numbers double, or shut the gate?
Be careful what you wish for fasteddie! Do you really want that Queenstown tat coming over the hill to you?
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern named in Fortune's '40 under 40'
Excellent result for the snowflake generation. I can see a review coming on to discuss the ramifications of this result.
Shortland Street star Frankie Adams aims for Tinseltown, ends up in outer space
Oh yes, Oh joy, and what an inspired bit of casting regarding Frankie Adams!
Who says it's better to be young?
Its funny isnt it, the harder I worked the luckier I got; and now Im enjoying it. So there!
"Meghan's Aussie jeans are literally changing lives",
Apart from clothing, her genes will also be changing lives. Ho hum.
New Zealand second best for travel experiences says TripAdvisor
Anyone been travelling overseas much lately? One thing it aint is a lonely planet. Overrun with tourists, just like here.
Tomato growers plan 24-hour strike in pursuit of living wage
I think that you will find that those on the minimum wage (Or sometimes well under) do hate economics, especially as they are implemented by the well heeled overlords of industry.
"New Zealand, we're not as good at driving as we think we are",
An American friend informs me that in the USA idiots and reprobates kill other people with guns they shouldnt be allowed anywhere near. He says that in New Zealand the same can be said of people and cars. And having driven in both countries I can only agree with him. We need some form of mental health fitness test to be attached to the existing joke that is called driver licencing in this country.
David Slack: Why don't you take a hike
Spot on! Im just off for a walk.
Should Winston Peters get a fair go?
Well I am a baby boomer, and am very happy with the election result, also I suspect that a lot of so called boomers are as happy as I am. So please dont think of us all as Target demographic sounds like a bit of millennial speak to me!
Principal battles to turn around one of NZs most challenging schools: I shut my door and burst into tears
Well it all started once Roger Douglas and his neo liberal mates in the 1984? Labour government got their hands on the country and decided to have a go at turning us into a third world country, didnt completely succeed, but I reckon we made it to second world base though. Also David Lange and his Tomorrows Schools nightmare contributed quite well too.
"Making marijuana legal would have an immediate effect on MÄori lives",
Careful apple, tellling it like it is in this country can land you in serious trouble. The truth hurts you see.
Farmers hands striking workers suspension notices
Gadzooks, you stole my words sir, well done.
Raise the pension age regardless of future Super affordability
What Bobl said. Exactly correct.
When tax is positive, uplifting and sexy
Agreed. Unfortunately most Western governments have forgotten why they are voted in and who votes them in. I suspect that most human beings just want a peaceful world, enough to eat, a roof over their heads, a better future for their children, a healthy and clean environment, fairness in treatment of the elderly and homeless...etc, etc. All of which can be achieved by a fair tax system. As is shown by some advanced and humanist European countries.
Pointless: Australian democracy is now an even bigger laughing stock
Politicians fighting each other? Who cares, they can do less damage to us when they are gainfully employed in their little ego games.
New Zealand dropped from Lonely Planets top countries list
One thing this planet isnt is lonely. Way, way too many of us bipeds...not much chance of being lonely anywhere. NZ going the same way, heading for over 4 million visitors?? Oh joy!
Inside Donald Trumps Paris temper, election woes and staff upheaval
Stand back, take a deep breath and think....Is there anywhere that is even moderately sane around the world at the moment? Just seems as if the planet is tripping ever closer to some sort of calamity with the political, nationalistic grandstanding that passes for international relations these days.
"Can National drain the swamp?",
Does anyone in this country still believe that our politics are corruption free? If they do, then they must also believe in tooth fairys. I certainly would like to know as to what is the going rate for National Party candidates for the various ethnicities, is there a ranking system? Certainly appears so.
Three lines left out of Christchurch's district plan has left a community in despair
Hit it on the head mike355, sad that so many have to think this way these days isnt it. When did the concept of service get deleted from public service? In addition to your consultant, I am sure that the CCC will call for a review and results of such to be released sometime in the future when hopefully the media have moved well and truly on.
Slice of pristine South Island high country 'should finally become national park'
Fear not, just a brain fade, normal service will resume shortly.
Waratahs overturn 23-6 halftime deficit to send Highlanders packing
Sigh, didnt even make bridesmaid status. Never mind, congrats to the tahs, what a fight back. Crusaders for the championship....service being resumed as normal.
"Chinese businessman Yikun Zhang's donations go beyond Simon Bridges",
Politics as usual in little old nzild. Why should we expect anything different? We, the much put upon public put all these clowns on a pedestal, most of whom have egos and personal ambitions much bigger than anything that might be good for the rest of us. And I mean that for all parties. Politics is essentially a corrupt and turgid business, full of closets and skeletons . What we do need however is a much more investigative fourth estate to keep shining a light on these money grubbing charlatans.
Jami-Lee Ross' tape of Simon Bridges makes headlines around the world
Damn you Sir or Madam, you made me spill my coffee laughing so much!
Summer loving for council staff with new air con units
I saw Blenheims new bus shelter last week (LOL) certainly no need for an air conditioner there, the hot air just rises out of the hole in the roof, of course the rain comes in to help cool it down too; and wash the seats. What was your council thinking??!!
Sir Michael Cullens shutdown of Tax Working Groups critics
Good on you, obviously you have worked hard and planned well......However, are you happy with the fact that some individuals with $millions, (Property, shares etc) and some with billions will pay no tax at all, How much did Amazon, Apple and Google pay in tax in this country recently??? Yep thats right, next to nothing, they are the ones you are carrying my friend, not those on welfare.
It's crunch time for Queenstown - let tourist numbers double, or shut the gate?
Well snow-man, when the downturn comes, as it inevitably will do, or when the carbon embarrassment coming out of the back of aircraft engines makes it too expensive to fly here; where goes Queenstown then? No doubt the suits will be lining up for some more corporate welfare.
Beef sausages with no meat on the ingredients list
Agree with your sentiments, but we musnt upset business, imagine how hard they would have to work to massage the message on the packet and anyway, what on earth would we do with all that sawdust?
Here's how to bridge the pension gap
Want to make retirement fairer for everyone in this country? Well a good start would be to enforce a law that made all members of parliament subject to the same system of retirement savings as us the great unwashed are signed up for. No more golden superfunds cooked up in the middle of the night and passed in the house in five minutes....yep, you millennials didnt know about that one did you! Go check NZ political history. If the politicians were subject to the same retirement deal as the rest of us, just sit back and watch the raft of improvements come along.....self interest being what it is.
Kiwibank 'on front foot' as shareholders push it to compete for new lending
And of course we all think the big Australian banks are clean, honest, fair and ethical eh. NOT.
"Air New Zealand does deal for autonomous air taxis",
Any chance of Air Auckland sticking to their knitting and getting some flights in to their recently departed provincial locations? Or is that not Core Values ?
West Coast miners fear their way of life is under threat
Sorry West Coast, you should know by now that ALL governments in this country must do what the majority of voters want, and most of those live North of Hamilton; Including a very large number of plastic greenies who wouldnt know a short tailed bat from a sparrow. Yes, coal mining will eventually die, for the good of the planet, but when will there be some sort of comprehensive planning for the future of the West Coast, and no, I dont mean the usual flippant response of tourism, lifestyle and related? industries. And as for the comment that Coasters need to adapt, sure, of course they do, as do we all eventually, but not instantly and on the whim of a green party politician with votes to catch. Love the Coast and also respect the sheer B....Y hard work involved with mining through the generations, to the benefit of all of us, for which you have received little thanks.
Call-blocking tech brings relief to Nelson couple, national trial planned
Welcome to our increasingly dystopian world. Sigh.