Over the last 10 years, we have had approx 700,000 immigrants arrive. With our current immigration laws, we can expect 1.4 million parents to arrive or have been arriving. Regardless of their income, they will also be entitled to our super after 10 years. This is also what our younger generation have to look forward to, competing against a person who possibly only paid tax for 10 years and getting all the privileges that kiwis earn over their working lifetime.Hopefully the government is working to extending the eligibility criteria. 25 years sounds good to me.
If he wasnt hindering people from using the jetty in its entirety, then there wouldnt be an issue. However, with the furniture on there, that takes away from what should be public use, unless of course, people were free to use his furniture. Would people have felt uncomfortable walking through that area, when he and his family were using it, would he have made it that no one was welcome or would he have gladly shared?
They have to change voting laws. Approx 700,000 immigrants over the last 10 years how many were imported votes? That would be an interesting stat. Bridges is just continuing the practice of previous leaders in the Nat party, probably started with Shipley. Chinese buying their way into power at the expense of our country.
Ill try to post againThe police need to raid the nats offices, just like they did with Hagar and Ambrose. Perhaps JK could ask them to do it, they seemed to do anything he asked of them.
There needs to be an enquiry, bribes are commonplace in China and we are not immune as recent recorded phone conversations have shown.Also, didnt the nats fill the board with their cronies?
Youre preaching to the choir here, JC - Judith Collins, another one to worry about.All the chinese companies now employing low waged immigrants who are probably told to vote for national.
As mentioned this started well before bridges, just look at the pre election photos with english, this is just not good enough. Laws have to change, donations, immigration, government contracts all have to be transparent, lobbyist front and centre.Richardsons arrogance knows no bounds.
1. Not a payrise, increase in hours, hence more money.2. Welcome to the world of the middle income worker, where they dont get a cent but are just making ends meet.3. Working for families and accommodation supplements should not be in the equation, wages should lift so these entitlements are not required.4. If wages to the top tier in businesses reduced or shareholders take a cut, there would be more money for the average worker.
Im with many others on this, our country should be proud that the police get involved and support this or any of our government departments.Years ago, before the legislation, any march was hampered by the police.
Perhaps instead of selling our water for a pittance to the Chinese, we should be doing a swap with Dubai. Oil for Water...win win.In the end, water will always be needed, oil, not so much. The government better be working on making money out of our water, instead of allowing things to continue as they were under the last government. The company in Chch wont hire kiwi labour, they will advise that no one suitable is available, then bring in more low paid chinese workers, who eventually end up on our unemployment line and super.
They have known since before bridges became leader. They got the woman to sign confidentiality agreement.May have been around the same time as the labour camp offending? With the hush agreement they could pretend their party has never had a situation like it.
My take is, they want to accommodate the donator, at the same time realising the more Chinese nationals in their party the more money and votes they will get.
If people are uneducated or have not learnt the ability to learn, their ability to earn is limited, thats if they are lucky enough to be employed. This stress would be on top of many other stresses, which due to lack of income, compound. Bills unpaid, rent unpaid, not enough food etc. This also leads to alcohol and drug abuse in many cases. Which then leads to bad choices and unsafe behaviour. If you are a child/teen who has predominantly wagged school, or left school without a qualification and have the misfortune to be a child to parents that did exactly the same, your outcome is written in the face of your parent. That is unless someone intervenes and cares enough to give that child the ability and courage (for want of a better word) to change that outcome. Years ago, pre 1990, it was easy for people to leave school with little education, fall into a job of their choosing, leave and find another. Especially if they came from a working family that cared. Most from that era, would probably be deemed the middleclass NZ today. Unfortunately, there were the few that didnt get the luxury of having that stable home life. These are the people that would more than likely be the parent of the teen who just robbed a petrol station. Cycles need to be broken, this speech will go a long way to help that.I know this view is simplistic, and there would be scenarios not mentioned, but this is my opinion and even though I dont fully agree with some of the language in the speech, its a case of, cest la vie, its out there now as it should be.
Marijuana is not a gateway. The only reason people go to harder stuff is because of peer pressure or extreme unhappiness that makes them want to disappear from their life.The only gateway has been National Party, Maori Party, ACT, United Future synthetic s..t that they made legal! All in support of Peter Dunnes son who was a lawyer for the industry. This is what has ruined this country and will continue to.We need to allow people to grow their own for personal use, stuff paying big business/gangs for the privilege of something that people can grow themselves.Just as with alcohol, those responsible will teach their family about the pros and cons, those of us that are not, will just continue to be how they are, but perhaps abstain more from alcohol (most dangerous drug in NZ) and the synthetic s..t. All I know is the referendum needs to be binding.
What a crock. Just trying to find an excuse to keep the profits at the top. What value did spierings bring to Fonterra, the Fletchers CEO, the DHB directors that are failing our hospitals, this list could get longer but you get my point. If a business makes a profit, value is being added somewhere but dont pretend it is just at the top!Spread the business wealth to all workers. Shareholders value the workers who make the money.
Why are we allowing our country to become like this?Collins and her fake news, Bridges wanting $100k for attack ads, deliberately scaremongering, half truths, selling MP seats and blatant lies (Joyce and a few others)Im hoping that this behaviour is only specific to the nats, as I havent heard or seen anything to make me believe it extends to other parties. I believe this behaviour followed JK to NZ. Our politics never used to be like this. The media also plays a big role in whether we get fact or fiction, especially with all the opinion pieces. It seems the nats want to be like the Americans but want Chinese money. Both are full of propaganda.
Perhaps a better solution would be to stop relying on the female to have contraception. Perhaps men need to take more responsibility for this, then and only then should they stand on their moral high ground.Dont always assume the female is on any type of contraception and always take your own condoms. There are so many unwanted children in NZ, the men in this country have the power to stop that.As for whether abortion should be a crime...ABSOLUTELY NOT.
To add to my last comment, if published.Kiwi values were well and truly on display in Pukerua Bay the other day, for the drivers stuck in traffic. Now that is very kiwi. Yes, other nationalities would do that to, in Auckland, maybe not so much.In regards to diversity, why? Sorry, not a big fan, but accepting that our cultures will be different and I accept all people if they dont hurt anyone. I do not tar with the same brush, but I do not need other cultures values forced on me.
Gee CCP and Nat supporters, dont let facts get in your way, as said before, its like flogging a dead horse.Fact, nats have been caught selling our democracy.
JK brought amercanised politics to our shores, all about power and greed. JC is totally on board, just look at whale oil. Just dirty.Im a swing voter, I will not vote for them again until they get rid of the old guard, now wouldnt trust them as far as I could throw them.
The next fun situation, will be when we pay him to buy the land, then he sells it for millions. Just as we have done with all the poor farmers, over the years. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/105162657/the-case-for-an-inquiry-into-tenure-review
And youre calling people who are appalled at this behaviour trolls! Like me, many will be swing voters who are disgusted and appalled that our democracy and country are and have been for sale, just by giving a donation.
Yes, I too believe that if national get back in, the people will never get a pay rise again.Just imagine, with national in, we could repeat the last 9 years. Wonderful for the highly paid and affluent, not so much for the majority of the work force!
You previously commented that laws shouldnt change because of a comment I made about changing immigration laws so only NZ citizens can vote after 10yrs or more, on my belief that the nats imported their votes.Your comment intimated that the nats did just that. I dont think its a theory i think its fact.
Unions work for the middle and low income earners to try and make their work worthwhile, dignity in providing for themselves and families. They work for working NZers.Your argument is pointless
This is a practice we enforce at home, regardless if we have given our child our definition, he MUST grab the dictionary for the expanded definition and to confirm we have advised him correctly. Reading the definition helps to commit the word to memory and ensure correct spelling.Would be good if people could stop using the word loose for lose, drives me nuts.
I note that the advertising that they mention is all about attack ads to manipulate the voters. No ads about their supposed great policies and how hard they would work for the whole of the country.Its all about how to manipulate and regain power, in the hope to privatise our essential services in partnership with china.
Taking NZ over one city at a time. Blue dragons are strong up north. New political party.Would like to know what percentage of Chinese voted for Nats, especially new residents.
Are you sure they are NZers, the CCP have a far reach. Manipulation is what the nats are good at, user name change, country of origin all in question. As everyone knows the MAJORITY voted for change.
I believe some commenters are forgetting that it may have been residue from previous tenancies and the unfortunate tenant that didnt break the law has suffered.Personally, whomever breaks the law should be held to account, if meth or any illegal drug is used in a state property, automatic eviction and sanctions. Easier said than done though, if there are children living at the property, where do they go, they are blameless.We will never know who used the meth that contaminated the property, so I say yes, compensation should be given, fingers crossed they are the innocent party in this.In regards to who benefitted out of this, Id say, developers & meth cleaners and whomever else had invested in this propaganda. Oh and insurance companies. I cannot imagine how financially worse off the private homeowners were made but assume, hundreds and thousands of dollars was spent overall. Who should compensate them, even down to the person who sold at a loss because of it? Should the previous government parties be held to account? Should they pay out of their party coffers? One more thought, who tested the testers? Was there collusion between developers, government and cleaners?
To the nat supporter, the last COALITION government, didnt do a darn thing for the everyday working NZer, except keep their wages down, increase tax (you know they did), allow our housing to get completely out of whack, sell the HNZ homes to their developer/ speculator friends and wreck the environment.What would they do differently today? IF they ever get back in, it will be to reverse any worker rights that this current government gives, probably increase gst and give a tax cut, a whole $20 a week to the majority, made up for with the increase of gst. Increase immigration, for low waged workers. In other words, just what they left behind.For me that is the key, what would they do differently, would they fight for the everyday worker, not according to the many articles/opinions I read.
This article should have everyone concerned. Not only do their family trusts own the PRIVATE charter schools, they channel hundreds of thousands of our tax payer funds to them.https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/105889179/creationism-taught-in-science-class-at-villa-education-trust-schoolThey will implement more charter schools and then privatise our hospitals. This is nationals way of channeling tax payer money to their trusts, family and friends. This is how they have always done it, this is why there is always a mess after they leave.
Reporter who should be leader?Ross AA, JC, MM, were all MORE honest than BridgesCan you imagine how much fake news we would be given, Id estimate more than the last time they were in government. They probably dont recall though.Whereas, Ms Ardern is behaving in public how a PM should and I wouldnt be surprised if the same integrity was in private as well.
Thank goodness, people are being paid to sprout this awful rhetoric. I would hate to think that most people believe that the only thing that matters is what big business have to say.All the people living week to week, some living in awful conditions and working, some with a roof over their heads, some without. Do these workers not deserve to be able to make a decent living and try to get ahead? The comments section would have you thinking that they dont deserve it and are getting paid too much as it is.This is not the NZ I grew up in.
If there was one person that appears to have integrity in the party it would be Finlayson and I thank him for his service. Best wishes for the future.He will of course be rewarded well for life. I dont think any mp deserves that but that is the current law.
Its not low wages its high cost of living...It is the businesses that set the prices, it is the business that pay low wages.So, they are creaming it both ways. Middle and low income workers continue to lose.
You should read this, then tell us again that it was unnecessary.https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/85689877/How-does-John-Key-fly-around-the-world-and-why-did-his-plane-break-downAll the wealthy businessmen getting a free flight, compliments of the tax payer.
Its nearly as bad as the Charter School in Auckland that taught Creationism in a science class.https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/105889179/creationism-taught-in-science-class-at-villa-education-trust-school
Perhaps the contractors need to stage a sit in outside Hales mansion. Perhaps that may make him think about more than himself.These must be the richp....s, that Cullen used to refer to. How many people do these charlatans need to ruin to feel good about themselves.
Yes, major changes needed. When I was at school in English class, we used to get a novel to read and then have to write an essay on it, EVERY term. My child has never been tasked with this, he was an avid reader up until college. Now its like getting blood out of a stone to get him to read, thankfully, more often than not, we still manage the 1/2 hour before lights out. Hes year 10.Lets hope the overseas teacher imports know the word trivial. After the article about them not being able to pass the test, I wont hold my breath. Of course, not saying that I could but I dont want to be a teacher. If successive governments could only just work together on things that work, not try to change everything because they can, our children would be so much better off. Open spaces, self learning, shared spaces...whatever! Get back to the basics.
B...S...Reduce wages at the top, reduce director fees, reduce dividends.If the business is profitable, why can the lowest paid worker not share in that also? Do they not assist in the making of that profit?Restaurant Brands (KFC, starbucks etc) CEO received a ONE MILLION dollar bonus, whilst their workers had to go on strike last year, because they were only offered 30 CENTS over 3 years. How is this fair?
Private and government, wasted an enormous amount. As many have previously asked, it would be interesting to know who had shares in the meth cleanup businesses. This issue was written about continuously and made many people scared and anxious and thats on top of the amount of money they had to spend to allay some fears. Our insurance went up because of this, will the insurance industry reduce our premiums? Who is accountable? Im assuming the meth cleaners are now mould busters and continue getting tay payer money!
Our son trained by three, we started when he was two. We pretended his toy bear was going potty, sneakily emptied a bit of water in the potty, got a bit concerned because it ended up as a competitive thing and he started forcing it, anyhow we got through and he was daytime trained by 3.Nighttime different story, very heavy sleeper, at the age of 5 we were introduced to an alarm system, that woke him when he started, only used it for a week. Best invention ever. Dont know if it would work for all children but worth a try.
Perhaps the free speech party could have them speak at their meetings. Seems that is where this person belongs.No longer the NZ I was raised in. Too many American influences.
Did you complain about our previous PMs?All MPs get the perks, they need to be abolished, especially the ones for spouses and families. It would save the country millions each year.
Years ago I often wondered why some people were described as half-caste Maori, historical newspaper articles used to write it like that. It was never half-caste white person or pakeha.
I think it would come down to, buying off the plans. This is what the developer is offering, for your arm and leg, a bland grey roof.Unfortunately, some of these developments dont allow individualism. I recall an article about a woman who had painted tyres different colours and used them as planters, just to be told, she wasnt allowed as per the rules.
Unless the Blue Dragon want to punish national, no other party will have a chance. This is why the floodgates were open by the nats and that is why people should not be allowed to vote until permanent resident and have lived here for 10yrs or more. Then we will see who Nzers really want.
It has happened over the last 20 years. Our poor farmers have been raking it in.https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2018/01/half-a-million-hectares-sold/Bottom line - THIS NEEDS TO STOP!
NZ unions work for the betterment of NEW ZEALAND workers.The nats are the ones that scaremongered NZ workers into believing they were bad on behalf of big business. Why, they were paid to, then slowly cyphoned workers rights away.
Whilst this is great news for the community card holders, there are many middle income workers that are now living from week to week, but do not qualify for a card. There are also many income earners who could afford doctors visits but because of the amount of children they have, they are eligible for a card. The criteria needs to looked into, as the worker living week to week should get the card, the worker that can afford it but has kids, should not.
Wasnt bridges saying yesterday that they are diverse and accepting of others culture? We all know, not really, just the Chinese Communist Party, Indians not so much.
Funny, now the corrupt Nat supporters are telling us the business people wouldnt have a clue what workers want.Last week it was, work hard like the business bigwigs and you too can get there and this government need to talk to big business about the economy and coalition of losers is plummeting business confidenceGive me a break. You lot are just like your beloved party, contradictory, cant recall, scaremongering on baseless arguments and corrupt to continue to spread half truths, outright lies and alternative facts.
I cannot understand why Nat supporters purposefully refuse to read the article and then just post their scaremongering rants. The article states It would provide high-level free and frank advice on policiesOh and there is a small business council, in case you missed that also.
Been saying that for years. Same with accommodation supplements. If they werent paid, rent wouldnt get paid, cost of renting comes down.They are both business subsidies.
I never had the privilege to meet you, you sound like a wonderful person, who did great things for Chch and by extension the country.May you rest in peace.
I tend to wonder why these opinion pieces werent around in the last 10 years. Has cancer only been discovered?I also tend to wonder, whether the people commenting that this coalition will do nothing about it, what is the alternative? As above, national had 9 years to help but they decided their priorities were irrigation, flag, saudi businessman, todd barclay, refurbishments, name changes, hair straighteners, tax cuts etc. What would change with them into working for everyday NZ? They will spread their fake news, nat social media hub will spread propaganda and scaremongering, really what will change.By all means, hold this government to account, but do it honestly.I doubt this will get through, but if it does, seriously, nats social media warriors (we know you do it for a living) have some self respect and stop spreading lies.
To the replies, you should blame the business then, if didnt get what you want. The unions can only get for the workers what they can negotiate with the business.
Its a pity the teachers didnt put up their hands over the last 10 years, now we have the situation where it is most, if not all government sectors screaming for money. Then people will get what they want, then vote for national and the cycle starts again. Happens each and every time.
As long as this government doesnt think it can rest on its laurels because of this.I personally dont think they will. Trouble is, who do I vote for if they do? Until all the old guard are gone, it will never be national again.Business NZ and the Blue Dragon must be livid.
I voted for this coalition, I read the policies of all parties, I thought about the direction the country was heading, I thought about the environment. I referred to what took place over the last 9 years and voted accordingly.In regards to transparency, this government wins hands down over the last. If you want info on the coalition agreement, just google it, there is enough out there. Minimum wage increases, wage rise for many in government sector, if private employers dont raise their wages, talk to them, free market after all. Why do you think big business was pushing back?The free market dictates in the private sector, they set wages, they set prices in shops, petrol price, rent price, so why dont you talk to them. Supermarkets owners are now on rich list, good on them, but what about their workers struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage? Their boss probably owns the house they rent also, with the rent increase every 5 seconds. I dont think you thought about why you voted for them, If you dont think they are working for the whole of NZ.
@LizzieResearch can be done in a library with books, writing assignments can be written with a pen and put on paper.Many a generation succeeded without the use of a computer or phone.
We wish it was, sadly we all know that is not the case. No problem with the Chinese, it is the influence they are buying to the detriment of our democracy and country. If it was any other nationality, I would feel exactly the same. In saying that, i wonder what Peter Thiel bought?
I was really peeved when he was cast, he could never be Jack Reacher. I do however enjoy the movies, just watch it as a Tom Cruise movie and not Jack Reacher.I always thought Brad Thorn would be great for Reacher, not too handsome and built like a brick s..thouse.
I had never heard of this awful drug until Peter Dunnes son started lobbying for it to become legal. The last government are accountable for this, they made it legal, advised people their was a safe alternative to marijuana, got them addicted, then took it away after the country had to protest to make it illegal.How much has this cost our country so far, whilst the original manufacturers and Dunnes son became millionaires? Same with the housing issue and meth clean up, some people became millionaires through their policies, whilst the majority suffered.I would be saying this if it was the current government too.
Inside Dot's incredible Oamaru castle
Congratulations, well deserved.
Shock finding: Shoddy wiring put vulnerable Housing NZ tenants at risk of dying in fire
The non certified electrician, must be one of the skilled migrants we hear about all the time.
Environment Canterbury orders China-based firm to stop water bottling after it breached consent
Dont forget they wouldve said to national that they couldnt find workers, so they wouldve got their slave labour from China
Poverty-tackling free lunch scheme set to end as toll mounts on founding chef
Thank you and all the best.
Pensioners just want a fair deal
Over the last 10 years, we have had approx 700,000 immigrants arrive. With our current immigration laws, we can expect 1.4 million parents to arrive or have been arriving. Regardless of their income, they will also be entitled to our super after 10 years. This is also what our younger generation have to look forward to, competing against a person who possibly only paid tax for 10 years and getting all the privileges that kiwis earn over their working lifetime.Hopefully the government is working to extending the eligibility criteria. 25 years sounds good to me.
Exclusive Marlborough Sounds holiday jetty must be open to everyone
If he wasnt hindering people from using the jetty in its entirety, then there wouldnt be an issue. However, with the furniture on there, that takes away from what should be public use, unless of course, people were free to use his furniture. Would people have felt uncomfortable walking through that area, when he and his family were using it, would he have made it that no one was welcome or would he have gladly shared?
"Simon Bridges says phone call recorded by Jami-Lee Ross doesn't stack up",
They have to change voting laws. Approx 700,000 immigrants over the last 10 years how many were imported votes? That would be an interesting stat. Bridges is just continuing the practice of previous leaders in the Nat party, probably started with Shipley. Chinese buying their way into power at the expense of our country.
"Politics is a dirty game and the National Party is losing",
Ill try to post againThe police need to raid the nats offices, just like they did with Hagar and Ambrose. Perhaps JK could ask them to do it, they seemed to do anything he asked of them.
Fears over threat to city drinking supplies from water bottling plant
There needs to be an enquiry, bribes are commonplace in China and we are not immune as recent recorded phone conversations have shown.Also, didnt the nats fill the board with their cronies?
More than 3700 Auckland motorists urged to get warrants of fitness rechecks after a certifier is suspended
If these operators are not NZ citizens, deport them.
"Chinese businessman Yikun Zhang's donations go beyond Simon Bridges",
Oh sure, shes not linked to a Chinese company, as if this stops at bridges.
"Politics is a dirty game and the National Party is losing",
Yes, kiwi voters now know for sure how the nats are getting a lot of their votes. Imported by the hundreds and thousands over the last 10 years.
"Simon Bridges says phone call recorded by Jami-Lee Ross doesn't stack up",
Youre preaching to the choir here, JC - Judith Collins, another one to worry about.All the chinese companies now employing low waged immigrants who are probably told to vote for national.
"Simon Bridges says phone call recorded by Jami-Lee Ross doesn't stack up",
As mentioned this started well before bridges, just look at the pre election photos with english, this is just not good enough. Laws have to change, donations, immigration, government contracts all have to be transparent, lobbyist front and centre.Richardsons arrogance knows no bounds.
"Chinese businessman Yikun Zhang's donations go beyond Simon Bridges",
You need to listen again or read the transcript, selective hearing would have no bearing then.
When a $16k payrise only gives you $50 a week extra in hand after credits reduced
1. Not a payrise, increase in hours, hence more money.2. Welcome to the world of the middle income worker, where they dont get a cent but are just making ends meet.3. Working for families and accommodation supplements should not be in the equation, wages should lift so these entitlements are not required.4. If wages to the top tier in businesses reduced or shareholders take a cut, there would be more money for the average worker.
"Wife of businessman Yikun Zhang says they hosted Simon Bridges for dinner",
Yep, what most of knew and what the others turned a blind eye to, buying favours, then getting government funding, NZ businesses and land.
Auckland Pride Parades hui over police uniform ban turns to a circus
Im with many others on this, our country should be proud that the police get involved and support this or any of our government departments.Years ago, before the legislation, any march was hampered by the police.
"Secret tape recording embarrasses Simon Bridges, but it's not incriminating",
The police need to raid JLR and bridges house, like they did to Hagar and Ambrose, I do note it didnt happen to Barclay though, go figure.
Plan to tow icebergs from Antarctica to parched Dubai
Perhaps instead of selling our water for a pittance to the Chinese, we should be doing a swap with Dubai. Oil for Water...win win.In the end, water will always be needed, oil, not so much. The government better be working on making money out of our water, instead of allowing things to continue as they were under the last government. The company in Chch wont hire kiwi labour, they will advise that no one suitable is available, then bring in more low paid chinese workers, who eventually end up on our unemployment line and super.
Moving to NZ "the most humbling experience" of her life, migrant says
Unfortunately, corruption is becoming more of an issue in NZ.
Protestors shout at Trump as he plays golf in Scotland
That line leader of the free world always makes me laugh.
"Trade Me auction which made fun of Bridges-Ross saga pulled",
They have known since before bridges became leader. They got the woman to sign confidentiality agreement.May have been around the same time as the labour camp offending? With the hush agreement they could pretend their party has never had a situation like it.
"Jami-Lee Ross and Simon Bridges' phone call transcript",
My take is, they want to accommodate the donator, at the same time realising the more Chinese nationals in their party the more money and votes they will get.
Hamilton high school principal's tough message to students
If people are uneducated or have not learnt the ability to learn, their ability to earn is limited, thats if they are lucky enough to be employed. This stress would be on top of many other stresses, which due to lack of income, compound. Bills unpaid, rent unpaid, not enough food etc. This also leads to alcohol and drug abuse in many cases. Which then leads to bad choices and unsafe behaviour. If you are a child/teen who has predominantly wagged school, or left school without a qualification and have the misfortune to be a child to parents that did exactly the same, your outcome is written in the face of your parent. That is unless someone intervenes and cares enough to give that child the ability and courage (for want of a better word) to change that outcome. Years ago, pre 1990, it was easy for people to leave school with little education, fall into a job of their choosing, leave and find another. Especially if they came from a working family that cared. Most from that era, would probably be deemed the middleclass NZ today. Unfortunately, there were the few that didnt get the luxury of having that stable home life. These are the people that would more than likely be the parent of the teen who just robbed a petrol station. Cycles need to be broken, this speech will go a long way to help that.I know this view is simplistic, and there would be scenarios not mentioned, but this is my opinion and even though I dont fully agree with some of the language in the speech, its a case of, cest la vie, its out there now as it should be.
Legalised dope is a licence for Big Marijuana to exploit young people
Marijuana is not a gateway. The only reason people go to harder stuff is because of peer pressure or extreme unhappiness that makes them want to disappear from their life.The only gateway has been National Party, Maori Party, ACT, United Future synthetic s..t that they made legal! All in support of Peter Dunnes son who was a lawyer for the industry. This is what has ruined this country and will continue to.We need to allow people to grow their own for personal use, stuff paying big business/gangs for the privilege of something that people can grow themselves.Just as with alcohol, those responsible will teach their family about the pros and cons, those of us that are not, will just continue to be how they are, but perhaps abstain more from alcohol (most dangerous drug in NZ) and the synthetic s..t. All I know is the referendum needs to be binding.
Wages must represent value rather than fairness
What a crock. Just trying to find an excuse to keep the profits at the top. What value did spierings bring to Fonterra, the Fletchers CEO, the DHB directors that are failing our hospitals, this list could get longer but you get my point. If a business makes a profit, value is being added somewhere but dont pretend it is just at the top!Spread the business wealth to all workers. Shareholders value the workers who make the money.
White House shares doctored video to support punishment of CNN journalist
Why are we allowing our country to become like this?Collins and her fake news, Bridges wanting $100k for attack ads, deliberately scaremongering, half truths, selling MP seats and blatant lies (Joyce and a few others)Im hoping that this behaviour is only specific to the nats, as I havent heard or seen anything to make me believe it extends to other parties. I believe this behaviour followed JK to NZ. Our politics never used to be like this. The media also plays a big role in whether we get fact or fiction, especially with all the opinion pieces. It seems the nats want to be like the Americans but want Chinese money. Both are full of propaganda.
Simon Bridges promises to not introduce any new taxes in first term if elected
Gosh, is that the same as no GST increase?
Lynda Hallinan: Men can talk abortion with the woman they impregnated; otherwise its none of their business
Perhaps a better solution would be to stop relying on the female to have contraception. Perhaps men need to take more responsibility for this, then and only then should they stand on their moral high ground.Dont always assume the female is on any type of contraception and always take your own condoms. There are so many unwanted children in NZ, the men in this country have the power to stop that.As for whether abortion should be a crime...ABSOLUTELY NOT.
"Jonathan Milne: If these are Kiwi values, I don't want a bar of them",
To add to my last comment, if published.Kiwi values were well and truly on display in Pukerua Bay the other day, for the drivers stuck in traffic. Now that is very kiwi. Yes, other nationalities would do that to, in Auckland, maybe not so much.In regards to diversity, why? Sorry, not a big fan, but accepting that our cultures will be different and I accept all people if they dont hurt anyone. I do not tar with the same brush, but I do not need other cultures values forced on me.
"Clarke Gayford's never seen before photos of the moment the coalition government was born",
Gee CCP and Nat supporters, dont let facts get in your way, as said before, its like flogging a dead horse.Fact, nats have been caught selling our democracy.
Jami-Lee Ross' tape of Simon Bridges makes headlines around the world
JK brought amercanised politics to our shores, all about power and greed. JC is totally on board, just look at whale oil. Just dirty.Im a swing voter, I will not vote for them again until they get rid of the old guard, now wouldnt trust them as far as I could throw them.
Controversial TV star expects millions to give public access to South Island station
The next fun situation, will be when we pay him to buy the land, then he sells it for millions. Just as we have done with all the poor farmers, over the years. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/105162657/the-case-for-an-inquiry-into-tenure-review
"Chris Finlayson and David Carter to leave Parliament by next election",
And youre calling people who are appalled at this behaviour trolls! Like me, many will be swing voters who are disgusted and appalled that our democracy and country are and have been for sale, just by giving a donation.
"Jacinda Ardern names Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council members",
You need to read the entire article.
Bypassed by the economic boom, workers are pushing back
Yes, I too believe that if national get back in, the people will never get a pay rise again.Just imagine, with national in, we could repeat the last 9 years. Wonderful for the highly paid and affluent, not so much for the majority of the work force!
Coalition trying to defy history with backing of wind-up merchants
News flash, they are free to speak in NZ.Problem solved.
"Harry and Meghan's royal trip to cost Kiwi taxpayers",
And dont forget Keys use of the iroquoi helicopter to get from Auckland to Hamilton for the super cars, then back to Auckland for a golf dinner.
"Simon Bridges says phone call recorded by Jami-Lee Ross doesn't stack up",
You previously commented that laws shouldnt change because of a comment I made about changing immigration laws so only NZ citizens can vote after 10yrs or more, on my belief that the nats imported their votes.Your comment intimated that the nats did just that. I dont think its a theory i think its fact.
"Chinese businessman Yikun Zhang's donations go beyond Simon Bridges",
Unions work for the middle and low income earners to try and make their work worthwhile, dignity in providing for themselves and families. They work for working NZers.Your argument is pointless
Students launch petition after being flummoxed by word trivial in NZQA exam
This is a practice we enforce at home, regardless if we have given our child our definition, he MUST grab the dictionary for the expanded definition and to confirm we have advised him correctly. Reading the definition helps to commit the word to memory and ensure correct spelling.Would be good if people could stop using the word loose for lose, drives me nuts.
"Jacinda Ardern calls on National Party to back petrol prices bill",
The nats will be discussing only one thing tomorrow and it wont be petrol.
"Jami-Lee Ross and Simon Bridges' phone call transcript",
I note that the advertising that they mention is all about attack ads to manipulate the voters. No ads about their supposed great policies and how hard they would work for the whole of the country.Its all about how to manipulate and regain power, in the hope to privatise our essential services in partnership with china.
WeChat users offered top secret luxury apartment planned for Aucklands North Harbour
Taking NZ over one city at a time. Blue dragons are strong up north. New political party.Would like to know what percentage of Chinese voted for Nats, especially new residents.
Tiger Woods hails drought breaking 80th PGA Tour win as 'a hell of a comeback'
Just GREAT.
"Chinese businessman Yikun Zhang's donations go beyond Simon Bridges",
Youre kidding? They are definitely two MPs that should go
"Clarke Gayford's never seen before photos of the moment the coalition government was born",
Are you sure they are NZers, the CCP have a far reach. Manipulation is what the nats are good at, user name change, country of origin all in question. As everyone knows the MAJORITY voted for change.
Housing NZ to compensate 800 tenants over bogus meth testing
I believe some commenters are forgetting that it may have been residue from previous tenancies and the unfortunate tenant that didnt break the law has suffered.Personally, whomever breaks the law should be held to account, if meth or any illegal drug is used in a state property, automatic eviction and sanctions. Easier said than done though, if there are children living at the property, where do they go, they are blameless.We will never know who used the meth that contaminated the property, so I say yes, compensation should be given, fingers crossed they are the innocent party in this.In regards to who benefitted out of this, Id say, developers & meth cleaners and whomever else had invested in this propaganda. Oh and insurance companies. I cannot imagine how financially worse off the private homeowners were made but assume, hundreds and thousands of dollars was spent overall. Who should compensate them, even down to the person who sold at a loss because of it? Should the previous government parties be held to account? Should they pay out of their party coffers? One more thought, who tested the testers? Was there collusion between developers, government and cleaners?
"Simon Bridges says phone call recorded by Jami-Lee Ross doesn't stack up",
What Chinese company is JC linked to?
Lighten up, Nats, and stop barking at every passing car
To the nat supporter, the last COALITION government, didnt do a darn thing for the everyday working NZer, except keep their wages down, increase tax (you know they did), allow our housing to get completely out of whack, sell the HNZ homes to their developer/ speculator friends and wreck the environment.What would they do differently today? IF they ever get back in, it will be to reverse any worker rights that this current government gives, probably increase gst and give a tax cut, a whole $20 a week to the majority, made up for with the increase of gst. Increase immigration, for low waged workers. In other words, just what they left behind.For me that is the key, what would they do differently, would they fight for the everyday worker, not according to the many articles/opinions I read.
"Naturists embrace New Zealand Nude Gardening Day",
Could never do it myself, each to their own, as long as they are not hurting anyone. Dont like what you see, dont look.
Jane Bowron: If not Bridges, is it time the Nats went for a toff again?
This article should have everyone concerned. Not only do their family trusts own the PRIVATE charter schools, they channel hundreds of thousands of our tax payer funds to them.https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/105889179/creationism-taught-in-science-class-at-villa-education-trust-schoolThey will implement more charter schools and then privatise our hospitals. This is nationals way of channeling tax payer money to their trusts, family and friends. This is how they have always done it, this is why there is always a mess after they leave.
"Where the Jami-Lee Ross crisis engulfing National and Simon Bridges goes today",
Reporter who should be leader?Ross AA, JC, MM, were all MORE honest than BridgesCan you imagine how much fake news we would be given, Id estimate more than the last time they were in government. They probably dont recall though.Whereas, Ms Ardern is behaving in public how a PM should and I wouldnt be surprised if the same integrity was in private as well.
ANZ warns the threat to activity 'is real' as business confidence stays in the doldrums
Thank goodness, people are being paid to sprout this awful rhetoric. I would hate to think that most people believe that the only thing that matters is what big business have to say.All the people living week to week, some living in awful conditions and working, some with a roof over their heads, some without. Do these workers not deserve to be able to make a decent living and try to get ahead? The comments section would have you thinking that they dont deserve it and are getting paid too much as it is.This is not the NZ I grew up in.
"Chris Finlayson and David Carter to leave Parliament by next election",
If there was one person that appears to have integrity in the party it would be Finlayson and I thank him for his service. Best wishes for the future.He will of course be rewarded well for life. I dont think any mp deserves that but that is the current law.
It's time for business to take responsibility for low wages
Its not low wages its high cost of living...It is the businesses that set the prices, it is the business that pay low wages.So, they are creaming it both ways. Middle and low income workers continue to lose.
"Harry and Meghan's royal trip to cost Kiwi taxpayers",
You should read this, then tell us again that it was unnecessary.https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/85689877/How-does-John-Key-fly-around-the-world-and-why-did-his-plane-break-downAll the wealthy businessmen getting a free flight, compliments of the tax payer.
Bible lessons provoke one mother's wrath and she is not alone
Its nearly as bad as the Charter School in Auckland that taught Creationism in a science class.https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/105889179/creationism-taught-in-science-class-at-villa-education-trust-school
"Ebert subcontractor speaks out against the company and wider industry power-balance",
Perhaps the contractors need to stage a sit in outside Hales mansion. Perhaps that may make him think about more than himself.These must be the richp....s, that Cullen used to refer to. How many people do these charlatans need to ruin to feel good about themselves.
Students launch petition after being flummoxed by word trivial in NZQA exam
Yes, major changes needed. When I was at school in English class, we used to get a novel to read and then have to write an essay on it, EVERY term. My child has never been tasked with this, he was an avid reader up until college. Now its like getting blood out of a stone to get him to read, thankfully, more often than not, we still manage the 1/2 hour before lights out. Hes year 10.Lets hope the overseas teacher imports know the word trivial. After the article about them not being able to pass the test, I wont hold my breath. Of course, not saying that I could but I dont want to be a teacher. If successive governments could only just work together on things that work, not try to change everything because they can, our children would be so much better off. Open spaces, self learning, shared spaces...whatever! Get back to the basics.
Learning te reo has made me more Kiwi than ever
I completely agree.
There's no easy way to get Kiwis earning more
B...S...Reduce wages at the top, reduce director fees, reduce dividends.If the business is profitable, why can the lowest paid worker not share in that also? Do they not assist in the making of that profit?Restaurant Brands (KFC, starbucks etc) CEO received a ONE MILLION dollar bonus, whilst their workers had to go on strike last year, because they were only offered 30 CENTS over 3 years. How is this fair?
Housing NZ to compensate 800 tenants over bogus meth testing
Private and government, wasted an enormous amount. As many have previously asked, it would be interesting to know who had shares in the meth cleanup businesses. This issue was written about continuously and made many people scared and anxious and thats on top of the amount of money they had to spend to allay some fears. Our insurance went up because of this, will the insurance industry reduce our premiums? Who is accountable? Im assuming the meth cleaners are now mould busters and continue getting tay payer money!
"At school in nappies: Anxious parents seek help with toilet-training new entrants",
Our son trained by three, we started when he was two. We pretended his toy bear was going potty, sneakily emptied a bit of water in the potty, got a bit concerned because it ended up as a competitive thing and he started forcing it, anyhow we got through and he was daytime trained by 3.Nighttime different story, very heavy sleeper, at the age of 5 we were introduced to an alarm system, that woke him when he started, only used it for a week. Best invention ever. Dont know if it would work for all children but worth a try.
Note tells neighbours to beware of people moving into house that Housing NZ has bought
Perhaps the free speech party could have them speak at their meetings. Seems that is where this person belongs.No longer the NZ I was raised in. Too many American influences.
"Julie Zarifeh's husband and son died 16 days apart - but grief isn't the end of her life",
Thank you for your kindness and your strength is an inspiration.
It's time for business to take responsibility for low wages
Did you complain about our previous PMs?All MPs get the perks, they need to be abolished, especially the ones for spouses and families. It would save the country millions each year.
"One year on for Jacinda Ardern's coalition government",
Where are Duncan Garner and Damien grants opinions, usually its one a day against the coalition.
Playing with the notion that PÄkehÄ is a racist word
Years ago I often wondered why some people were described as half-caste Maori, historical newspaper articles used to write it like that. It was never half-caste white person or pakeha.
Suburban Wellington's sea of grey roofs is frightening, architect says
I think it would come down to, buying off the plans. This is what the developer is offering, for your arm and leg, a bland grey roof.Unfortunately, some of these developments dont allow individualism. I recall an article about a woman who had painted tyres different colours and used them as planters, just to be told, she wasnt allowed as per the rules.
"The battle for Botany: Jami-Lee v the National Party
Unless the Blue Dragon want to punish national, no other party will have a chance. This is why the floodgates were open by the nats and that is why people should not be allowed to vote until permanent resident and have lived here for 10yrs or more. Then we will see who Nzers really want.
Matt Lauer row: We've sold off our slice of paradise
It has happened over the last 20 years. Our poor farmers have been raking it in.https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2018/01/half-a-million-hectares-sold/Bottom line - THIS NEEDS TO STOP!
"Politics is a dirty game and the National Party is losing",
NZ unions work for the betterment of NEW ZEALAND workers.The nats are the ones that scaremongered NZ workers into believing they were bad on behalf of big business. Why, they were paid to, then slowly cyphoned workers rights away.
"Clarke Gayford's never seen before photos of the moment the coalition government was born",
Lest we forget, the MAJORITY of the voters, voted for this coalition.
Free GP visits for 13 year-olds and cheaper doctor visits for Community Service Card holders
Whilst this is great news for the community card holders, there are many middle income workers that are now living from week to week, but do not qualify for a card. There are also many income earners who could afford doctors visits but because of the amount of children they have, they are eligible for a card. The criteria needs to looked into, as the worker living week to week should get the card, the worker that can afford it but has kids, should not.
"Jonathan Milne: If these are Kiwi values, I don't want a bar of them",
Wasnt bridges saying yesterday that they are diverse and accepting of others culture? We all know, not really, just the Chinese Communist Party, Indians not so much.
"Jacinda Ardern names Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council members",
Funny, now the corrupt Nat supporters are telling us the business people wouldnt have a clue what workers want.Last week it was, work hard like the business bigwigs and you too can get there and this government need to talk to big business about the economy and coalition of losers is plummeting business confidenceGive me a break. You lot are just like your beloved party, contradictory, cant recall, scaremongering on baseless arguments and corrupt to continue to spread half truths, outright lies and alternative facts.
"Jacinda Ardern names Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council members",
I cannot understand why Nat supporters purposefully refuse to read the article and then just post their scaremongering rants. The article states It would provide high-level free and frank advice on policiesOh and there is a small business council, in case you missed that also.
"Tax Working Group plan for baches a wealth tax that will rob Kiwis of their dream",
Yep, totally believable.
It's time for business to take responsibility for low wages
Been saying that for years. Same with accommodation supplements. If they werent paid, rent wouldnt get paid, cost of renting comes down.They are both business subsidies.
ACC abandons plan to hike petrol levy, but motorists will still pay more
Please add a levy for cyclists. Perhaps each time a cycle product is purchased a percentage can go to ACC, just like gst.
"NZ Air Force Museum director dies after battle with illness",
I never had the privilege to meet you, you sound like a wonderful person, who did great things for Chch and by extension the country.May you rest in peace.
Duncan Garner: Dr Clark, this is life or death, please help
I tend to wonder why these opinion pieces werent around in the last 10 years. Has cancer only been discovered?I also tend to wonder, whether the people commenting that this coalition will do nothing about it, what is the alternative? As above, national had 9 years to help but they decided their priorities were irrigation, flag, saudi businessman, todd barclay, refurbishments, name changes, hair straighteners, tax cuts etc. What would change with them into working for everyday NZ? They will spread their fake news, nat social media hub will spread propaganda and scaremongering, really what will change.By all means, hold this government to account, but do it honestly.I doubt this will get through, but if it does, seriously, nats social media warriors (we know you do it for a living) have some self respect and stop spreading lies.
"Chinese businessman Yikun Zhang's donations go beyond Simon Bridges",
To the replies, you should blame the business then, if didnt get what you want. The unions can only get for the workers what they can negotiate with the business.
New offer for teachers is misleading, heres the truth
Its a pity the teachers didnt put up their hands over the last 10 years, now we have the situation where it is most, if not all government sectors screaming for money. Then people will get what they want, then vote for national and the cycle starts again. Happens each and every time.
Supermarkets (mostly) say no to BYO containers to buy meat
As packaging is built into the price of the product, it stands to reason that the product will now be cheaper!Yeah right!
"Where the Jami-Lee Ross crisis engulfing National and Simon Bridges goes today",
As long as this government doesnt think it can rest on its laurels because of this.I personally dont think they will. Trouble is, who do I vote for if they do? Until all the old guard are gone, it will never be national again.Business NZ and the Blue Dragon must be livid.
"Can National drain the swamp?",
The internet has no boundaries, surely the comments in support of corruption are coming from the CCP.
Beauty queen barred from China warns New Zealand should be cautious of closeness
I voted for this coalition, I read the policies of all parties, I thought about the direction the country was heading, I thought about the environment. I referred to what took place over the last 9 years and voted accordingly.In regards to transparency, this government wins hands down over the last. If you want info on the coalition agreement, just google it, there is enough out there. Minimum wage increases, wage rise for many in government sector, if private employers dont raise their wages, talk to them, free market after all. Why do you think big business was pushing back?The free market dictates in the private sector, they set wages, they set prices in shops, petrol price, rent price, so why dont you talk to them. Supermarkets owners are now on rich list, good on them, but what about their workers struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage? Their boss probably owns the house they rent also, with the rent increase every 5 seconds. I dont think you thought about why you voted for them, If you dont think they are working for the whole of NZ.
Limits on rent increases and an end to rental bidding as Government reviews rental rules
I find a rates increase = increased incomes for Councillors.
"Politics is a dirty game and the National Party is losing",
Are you from the CCP?
Auckland 2050: Council report paints dystopian future for the city
@LizzieResearch can be done in a library with books, writing assignments can be written with a pen and put on paper.Many a generation succeeded without the use of a computer or phone.
"Chinese businessman Yikun Zhang's donations go beyond Simon Bridges",
We wish it was, sadly we all know that is not the case. No problem with the Chinese, it is the influence they are buying to the detriment of our democracy and country. If it was any other nationality, I would feel exactly the same. In saying that, i wonder what Peter Thiel bought?
Capital gains tax valuation day will cost Kiwi businesses billions of dollars
Sounds like a good move.
Too short Tom Cruise to be replaced in Jack Reacher reboot
I was really peeved when he was cast, he could never be Jack Reacher. I do however enjoy the movies, just watch it as a Tom Cruise movie and not Jack Reacher.I always thought Brad Thorn would be great for Reacher, not too handsome and built like a brick s..thouse.
"One year on for Jacinda Ardern's coalition government",
I tend to think that these comments come from offshore, the nats wouldve paid in advance for them or given away some more of NZ
"Can National drain the swamp?",
Isnt that illegal? Oops sorry, just re read your comment, I thought you said bribe.
"Jacinda Ardern names Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council members",
Gosh trying to state what the article says is like flogging a dead horse to Nat supporters, there interpretation is Labour bad, nats good.
Warning issued over synthetic cannabis use after eight people hospitalised
I had never heard of this awful drug until Peter Dunnes son started lobbying for it to become legal. The last government are accountable for this, they made it legal, advised people their was a safe alternative to marijuana, got them addicted, then took it away after the country had to protest to make it illegal.How much has this cost our country so far, whilst the original manufacturers and Dunnes son became millionaires? Same with the housing issue and meth clean up, some people became millionaires through their policies, whilst the majority suffered.I would be saying this if it was the current government too.