This is just craziness. The average kiwi is still not going to be able to buy one of these kiwibuild ghost houses. And if they do manage to magically qualify, you can bet your bottom dollar they will on sell it in three years time, making a killing from capital gain, and all thanks to the taxpayer.Its bad enough that Phil thinks the people of this country are dumb enough to believe him. But the rest of the Labour party are going along with it as well. Roll on 2020.
The more they push, the more people will resist. There are more important issues in this country than trying to force people to learn the Maori language. If people put as much energy into treating their children and one another better, as they do trying to get me to speak a language I have no interest in, then this country would be the better for it.
Yeah, good on you Joel. We all know you want Te Reo as the number one language in this country, and now you want to thrust your socialist views down our throat. If you want to change the world, run for parliament, otherwise find something more interesting to write about.
I dont know why so many people want to live in Auckland, and complain that its too expensive. Look outside the box people. If you want affordable housing, start looking elsewhere. The rest of the country, outside of Auckland, have better propositions for both housing and lifestyle. We live in a great country, and its a lot bigger and better than just Auckland.
She should be stood down for a certain amount of matches. Behaviour, like she has shown, can not be tolerated and letting her get away with it is deplorable. Her behaviour was one of the worst displays of bad sportsmanship, from someone who was losing, I have ever seen. I hope they call her bluff and get Carlos Ramos to officiate her next match, just to see her humbled.
No one. Its a CHOICE we make to be informed of others point of view. But if the minority have their way, our children will be FORCED to learn a language for no other reason than the personal gratification of said minority.
I still dont see where the Greens fit into all of this. They have shown they are not interested in what the people want. They are only interested in their own ideals and too hell with what the people want. They have no employment policy, and their policy of banning anything that may impact on the environment, has the effect of increasing unemployment, thereby increasing poverty and hardship. People need to see that Labour sold out to the idealists who have nothing to give this country and its people. Sure we all want clean rivers to swim and play in. But the Greens would destroy farming to get their goals. And they wouldnt stop there. Next would be tourism, and our freshwater fisheries would be targeted. There are already murmurings in that sector of the Green organisation. And what about our pets? You think Gareth was heartless. Beware the smiling assassin that is James Shaw and his gang. They are not Republican, but would be, Eco Dictators.And I would never accuse King maker Winston Peters of being a Republican.
You media people read too much into every political situation. I doubt any National voters would be following Jacinda on facebook. So without you reporting such, where does the so called hyjacking come into it. Yet again the media is inventing the news.
Really. They are using the oven to heat the house. Use a heater, it works a lot better and more efficiently. I get tired of reading articles like this one. People need to start valuing education. It is the only way to a better lifestyle.
Yes. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ. And Saint Nicholas is recognised as the person we all call Santa, known for his generosity of unselfishly giving presents at this time of year. But to pretend Santa was a Maori chief is just ludicrous.
The real irony is, you would have everyone communicate in Te Reo Maori, yet you communicate here using the English language. Make a stand, it has to start somewhere, why dont you start using Te Reo Maori in these comments sections?
Booooooo!!! Bunch of wowsers. Whats next. No cutlery allowed in cooking class.Defending ones country is one of the most honorable jobs there is, just ask your grandfathers and great grandfathers, if they are still alive. Being in the military is a dangerous job, and yes, it involves using firearms. but it is better to have an understanding of the dangers of using a firearm taught by professionals, than to be ignorant and think that firearms will go away if we keep our kids away from them. That sort of thinking is as bad as putting your head in the sand.
I think you have misread the mood of the people on this issue Duncan. My view and the view of many others I have discussed this with, believe the re-entry in to Pike River mine is nothing more than political grandstanding.That mine has already claimed 29 lives. Is it worth the risk of any more lives to re-enter the mine, just to find nothing more than we already know? The money being spent on this fiasco, would that not be better spent on the living?I think everyone feels for the families and friends of the lost miners, but enough is enough. Stop using their grief to score political points, there will be no winners.
Simple answer, NO. Politics has no business in sport. They are professional sports people that are being paid enough already. Sport is just a form of entertainment. Do we pay all our entertainers to stay in the country?
Very sexist article. Im a male. What about all the unpaid work that I do. Doing the house work, cooking, looking after the grandkids, taking the grandkids to sports days, and before the grandkids it was my own kids, community projects, etc, etc,etc. And no, Im not retired, I still work a full time job. It seems to be all we hear these days. Women want this, women want that. Stop complaining all the time. The sooner you accept your lot in life the sooner you will be happy.
Kiwibuild is an absolute joke, and the funniest part. All the lefties have fallen for it, and believe the government has actually done something good for the country. Whats next Phil? Cut price tents for the homeless? Keep smiling Phil, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cant fool all the people all of the time.
Our police are very hard working, but more often than not, hamstrung by red tape and having to pander to the goody goods that believe low life, bottom feeding scum, deserve the same rights as you and I.
Enough already. I am sure that many people feel deeply for the families of the dead miners. But no amount of money or vengeful thinking will change the outcome. The miners have gone and are not coming home. There is no sense in risking the lifes of any more people to recover the remains of those lost. Make a monument at the mine site so people have somewhere to grieve and remember the fallen. Our bodies are always going to be returned to the earth, once our souls have finished with them. Let these ones rest in peace.
What would DOCs so called experts know? Their track record of looking after our native birds is down right appalling. Just suck it up and admit that you got it wrong, AGAIN.
They can force it on the people, but they will not force the people to comply. This is a total waste of time and energy. Clearly the Green party are out of touch with reality and have lost their way, as well as those that would have me believe that Morena, Kaputino, Rate, and Akarana, as well as many more butchered words are all Maori in origin.
Yeah. I think that jar full of rubbish must be like Dr Whos Tardiss. And can you imagine what their friends and family must think when they see the used condoms hanging on the washing line.
Business confidence will always be low, when you have a government only 1/3rd of the voting populace thought were capable of steering the ship, teamed up with a party of egotists, and another of idealists. Seriously. You would have to be living in the rubber room to think this combination was going to inspire any confidence in governing.
I dont want to save it. It has no meaning for me. If you want too, then knock your socks off. I wish you well and I hope you find more people to help you.
I enjoy reading your perspective Joel. But you are living in the real world here. Refusing to communicate with people in a language they all know, is just plain stupid. You write your columns in English so people can read and understand them, so why not speak to them in English as well.Its good that you have a hobby learning a new language. But the majority dont want to learn or use that language. If you want to keep that language alive, then I applaud you for trying, but the reality is only a few feel the same way you do. If you think I am wrong, why not write your columns in Te Reo Maori and see if Stuff.co.nz will publish them?P.S. Pakeha is not a language. If you want people to respect you and your persistant use of Te Reo Maori, then you need to respect the language the rest of us use. One of my bug bears is the fact Maori are always being offended by people not pronouncing Te Reo Maori words to their correct perception, yet when Maori have not pronounced English words correctly and put a Maori slant on those words, they claim them as being Maori words.
You still dont get it. National got more voter support than Labour at the last election. And they still have that support, where as Labours support is waning. Labour supporters are still in the minority.
Twyford is no dummy. So far, not one extra house has been built, yet he pokes his chest out and struts around telling everyone, look what he has done for the people of the country. Sounds very similar to the story about the emperors new cloths to me. He appears to be treating the people of this country as fools. I have no doubt that he wants the best for our country, every politician does, at least I would like to think they do, but when you have an idea that has produced nothing and stand there claiming it is a great success, you need to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, who is the dummy here, the person looking back at you, or the people that believe the spin?
Stop living in the past. No one in this country is a colonialist. The majority were born here. Are you going to continually take the blame and apologise for your ancestors indiscretions. Because Im not going to apologise for what my ancestors may or may not have done. Move on, the rest of the world has.
Its a pity he is past his prime. A likeable rogue. In some quaters he has done the country a great service. In others, not so much. I will miss him when he goes. And I think his party will fall by the wayside along with him. No one in his party has the same charisma as Winston, and without him there will be no party. Hes a smart cookie, and I wouldnt expect him to run at the next election. The writing is on the wall for this coalition government of broken promises, come next election.
I always believed that central government was about governing for the people of the country. (The ones that put them there). I do NOT believe, and never will, that central government is a construction company.
Change for the sake of a few who might be offended is not nessessarily a good thing. And why have both?Santa is not a Maori, as is Maui an old white guy dressed in a red suit.
Its our national anthem people. It is what it is. Its not trying to be top of the charts, or anything else for that matter. Just leave it alone and get on with your lives. If you dont like it, dont sing it, and dont feel pride in your country when it is played. But to a lot of us, the sound of it brings pride in the country we live in. It doesnt matter what the words mean, or if the tune is rather monotone. Its just a reminder of how much we love this country.
Why did baby Neve get Clarkes surname? Because they chose to. They are the parents. You need to mind your own business and find something interesting to write about.
That maybe so. But we have worked hard all our lives, paid taxes, and now we have earned our retirement, unlike those that have never worked and continuosly complain about their lot in life.
Phil Twyford. You need to come back down to earth. You and your policies are hurting this country. Your Kiwibuild scheme is totally unachieveable, and now you think the fuel companies are going to do what you tell them to do. You are starting to look foolish in the eyes of the public.
Increasing dump fees, WILL, increase illegal dumping. Thereby increasing work load, and cost of clean up, on to councils. Which will then pass those costs on to ratepayers. I dont like the thought of a rates increase, but I would rather pay more rates than see more illegal dumping. Encouraging people to recycle needs to be made easier at our transfer stations, not more expensive.
The violent and misogynistic abuse that Eugenie Sage may or may not have received over the Thar cull was because of her arrogant, uncompromising, attitude towards any and everybody who dared to question her perceived facts and figures, and her motives. But what it showed the sporting shooter, and more importantly the politicians, that as a group we have a very important voice that will be heard in parliament. The public have nothing to fear from licenced firearms owners, they are not the bad guys. Some reforms of our gun laws are needed, but if the politicians make things too hard, or complicated for firearms enthusiasts, I fear it will drive some of them underground, which then defeats the purpose of reforms and will make it even easier for the criminals to obtain firearms.
Garbage. If you want to speak Te Reo, then speak it. No one is going to stop you. But if you want everyone else to speak Te Reo, then it is up to people like you to convince them it is a good thing to do. Good luck with that.
Right. So all the people who are going to be put out of a job in Taranaki because of no more oil exploration, should be thankful of the current government. And all those that will miss out in the Kiwibuild lottery should be thankful as well
Everything will sell at the right price. If this place is not selling for the asking price, then that price is too high. And as for the $10,000 finders fee. Stop being greedy. Its nothing compared to what a real estate agent would charge. I think the vendors here need a dose of reality.
Heaven help us, should we treat our prisoners badly by making them double bunk.Take the beds out of the cells and could possibly get 4 or 5 in one cell. If they dont like being treated like that, then perhaps they might not re-offend when they get out.
And so you should. But because you voted Labour, you did in fact, vote for everything that has happened since they have been in power. You helped them get there.
Interesting how some people see this story as, neat idea, good on you. And others see, people shouldnt be forced to have too live in a caravan because of the housing crisis.
There really isnt a housing crisis in this country. There are plenty of houses. The problem is people dont want to live where the houses are, they want to live in places such as Auckland, Queenstown and other tourist towns. Because of this the market pushes the prices up. The government of the day can do nothing to stop this and the government are not a construction company in the business of building homes, unless you would like a communist government.If people cant afford to live in an area, then there is no alternative, but to live illegally in slums, or move to a place they can afford. I live in a small town that is less than 40min drive from the major tourist hub of Taupo. I have a good job, and a great lifestyle. The town is well serviced and the pace of life a lot slower than Taupo. But the best part of living here are the costs of housing. The average price in town being around $250,000. Everything the tourists come here for are at my fingertips. The only difference is peoples attitude.
Wrong. We have a government that no one voted for. Labour voters did not vote for this coalition. Green voters did not vote for this coalition. NZFirst voters most certainly did not vote for this coalition. This is why we have an incompetent government at the moment. There are too many power struggles going on between parties inside parliament, so the whole of the country are the losers because of that right now.
Serena Williams is a bad sport. She may be a good tennis player, but there is no place for her bad behaviour in the sport. I really feel for Naomi Osaka. She has just beaten the world No.1 fair and square. We should be celebrating her success, not discussing Serenas bad behaviour. Even Serenas coach admitted he was coaching her, which is against the rules, regardless of what Ms Billie Jean King thinks of the rules. The only sexist remarks came from Serena. Personally I think Serena should be banned for a period of time for bringing the game in to disrepute.
Please, just give it up. No one is scared of Maori language. We are not ashamed of it. We just dont care to use it. Im happy that you want to keep your language alive, but its like this. - My house is painted green. From now on i want every house in the country to be painted green. - Do you see where Im coming from?
Obama was not a leader when he was here. People paid to listen to him talk and he played golf. Do you think you would get treated as well if you went to America to do the same?
No, this form of MMP makes no sense. We have a government that no one voted for. Our government is made up of minority parties. Green voters didnt vote Labour or NZFirst, as neither Labour voters voted for NZFirst or Greens. And hardly anyone voted NZFirst. The party with the majority of the countries votes was National. They should have had the opportunity to pick their coalition partners, but what happened is NZFirst was able to have the balance of power and call the shots. Thats 7% of the voters having power over 45% of the rest of the voters. Just because it happened doesnt make it right and our government is clearly not a majority that we as voters voted for.
How incompetent does a government agency have too be, before anything is done. I can not for the life of me understand how DOC can be left in charge of anything to do with conservation in this country. Their track record for conserving anything is deplorable. We probably do have some excellent people in New Zealand working to conserve what we have left of our flora and fauna, but we have equally some idiots whom think they know better than everyone else, and it would appear the majority of them are employed at DOC. These people are no better than the Japanese whalers, supposedly killing in the name of science.
Thank goodness this women is not in any kind of government in this country. Or at least I hope not. And who proof reads this stuff, did they have a little nap before they sent this for publication.
Im not sticking up for council here, but. Its really dumb thinking that you can build whatever you want, where you want it, (essentially public land) without going through the correct procedures.
Nope. This time the courts got it right. He has built this on land that WE all own. Just because he has money, doesnt give him the right to do what he wants, at the expense of everyone else.
No one is saying she is not great, or that she cant show emotion. But plain bad sportsmanship, as she showed, has no place on any sports field regardless of who they are.And I dont believe Roger Federer had anything to do with the match, or Serenas behaviour. And calling him ancient would be considered ageist, and disparaging to his character. Pot calling the Kettle?
The E word. Get a grip. You make it sound like a dirty word, not to be used in public.Cut the PC crap. You can call me anything you like. Just dont call me late for lunch.
Why are people sticking up for Serena? She showed an ugly side of herself to the world, and in doing so, robbed Naomi Osaka of all the celebration and excitement, of not only out playing Serena Williams, but also winning her first Grand Slam event. Serena Williams is a disgrace to tennis and the sporting world in general.
So..... What language is everyone using here? Joel, if you are so passionate for your new language, why do you not use it here, in these articles you write?Would it be, because so few people would read it, the publishers would not pay you to write them?
I dont own a ghost house, nor do I live in my car. But I strongly oppose taxing vacant housing because, what other people want to spend their money on is their business. Would you want to place a tax on an artwork or classic car or perhaps a diamond necklace if you could afford to buy any of them as an investment.
I wouldnt recommend putting silicone on your wipers. It will leave a smear on your windscreen when its raining. I hear what you are saying, as silicone is a lubricant, but not good to put on glass.
Well done that man. A big thank you. But if we value what this person has gifted to us all, then please, please, dont let Eugenie Sage and her band of eco thugs anywhere near the place.
You have forgotten that NZ First wont be there at the next election because they wont make the 5% so all those voters will sway back to National. And all the Green supporters who have lost their jobs due to their ban it or tax it policies, will most likely sway towards the right as well.
No one has yet explained why it would be beneficial to me to be able to speak Te Reo Maori. All I hear from the pro Te Reo group is, it is good for me. Good for me, why? It is not part of my culture, and I know that, because Maori are continually telling me I am not part of their culture. If you want to exclude me from your culture, then why are you surprised I dont want to use your language?
Nope. Not one extra house Words, not one. Those 18 houses were commissioned to be built before the last election. So where are the extra houses that Phil promised?
Stop blaming landlords all the time. Some landlords may be to blame, but the students are the ones living like pigs. Again not all of them. But they could show they are adult enough to clean up after themselves once in awhile. Mould in a house is usually a sign of, lack of ventilation and basic hygene by those living there.
And he was laughing at Matty, and belittling him this morning, because Matty thought having maternity leave when you get a new dog was a good idea. Well guess whos laughing now Jack.But, to be fair Jack, you should follow your dream. Then perhaps we might get someone on the morning show who is not so patronising as yourself.
Yes they are. They got their first house cheap, subsidised by the taxpayer, then gain all that profit back as cash when they sell.I hope to dont work for the government treasury.
Nelson Santa Parade goes multi-cultural
Leave it up to the adults to screw it up for the children.
KiwiBuild: Couples earning up to $180k will be able to buy homes
This is just craziness. The average kiwi is still not going to be able to buy one of these kiwibuild ghost houses. And if they do manage to magically qualify, you can bet your bottom dollar they will on sell it in three years time, making a killing from capital gain, and all thanks to the taxpayer.Its bad enough that Phil thinks the people of this country are dumb enough to believe him. But the rest of the Labour party are going along with it as well. Roll on 2020.
Parents, you're stunting your kid's potential by depriving them of te reo
The more they push, the more people will resist. There are more important issues in this country than trying to force people to learn the Maori language. If people put as much energy into treating their children and one another better, as they do trying to get me to speak a language I have no interest in, then this country would be the better for it.
Joel Maxwell: The business world doesn't really know any better than the rest of us
Yeah, good on you Joel. We all know you want Te Reo as the number one language in this country, and now you want to thrust your socialist views down our throat. If you want to change the world, run for parliament, otherwise find something more interesting to write about.
Winston Peters wants affordable homes for those on living wage
I dont know why so many people want to live in Auckland, and complain that its too expensive. Look outside the box people. If you want affordable housing, start looking elsewhere. The rest of the country, outside of Auckland, have better propositions for both housing and lifestyle. We live in a great country, and its a lot bigger and better than just Auckland.
Transport Minister reveals the impact of new fuel taxes, critics dismiss his figures
Phil Twyford can not count, and he can not look people in the eye when hes being interviewed. Do not trust this man. He is totally out of his depth.
Jacinda Arderns message to the party faithful - we cant do it all
Surprise, surprise. What the non faithful majority knew all along. B...S... and lies to get election votes.
'Officials are scared': Veteran tennis official seething over Serena Williams spat
She should be stood down for a certain amount of matches. Behaviour, like she has shown, can not be tolerated and letting her get away with it is deplorable. Her behaviour was one of the worst displays of bad sportsmanship, from someone who was losing, I have ever seen. I hope they call her bluff and get Carlos Ramos to officiate her next match, just to see her humbled.
Parents, you're stunting your kid's potential by depriving them of te reo
No one. Its a CHOICE we make to be informed of others point of view. But if the minority have their way, our children will be FORCED to learn a language for no other reason than the personal gratification of said minority.
David Hall: How Jacinda Ardern embodies the spirit of republicanism
I still dont see where the Greens fit into all of this. They have shown they are not interested in what the people want. They are only interested in their own ideals and too hell with what the people want. They have no employment policy, and their policy of banning anything that may impact on the environment, has the effect of increasing unemployment, thereby increasing poverty and hardship. People need to see that Labour sold out to the idealists who have nothing to give this country and its people. Sure we all want clean rivers to swim and play in. But the Greens would destroy farming to get their goals. And they wouldnt stop there. Next would be tourism, and our freshwater fisheries would be targeted. There are already murmurings in that sector of the Green organisation. And what about our pets? You think Gareth was heartless. Beware the smiling assassin that is James Shaw and his gang. They are not Republican, but would be, Eco Dictators.And I would never accuse King maker Winston Peters of being a Republican.
Fame still doesn't pay enough for Matilda Rice to buy an Auckland house
Had my own house, and mortgage to go with it at age 24. Still just a middle income earner.
Bridges and Ardern in battle of the babies
You media people read too much into every political situation. I doubt any National voters would be following Jacinda on facebook. So without you reporting such, where does the so called hyjacking come into it. Yet again the media is inventing the news.
New Zealanders hungry and cold in their own homes this winter
Really. They are using the oven to heat the house. Use a heater, it works a lot better and more efficiently. I get tired of reading articles like this one. People need to start valuing education. It is the only way to a better lifestyle.
Nelson Santa Parade goes multi-cultural
Yes. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ. And Saint Nicholas is recognised as the person we all call Santa, known for his generosity of unselfishly giving presents at this time of year. But to pretend Santa was a Maori chief is just ludicrous.
Parents, you're stunting your kid's potential by depriving them of te reo
The real irony is, you would have everyone communicate in Te Reo Maori, yet you communicate here using the English language. Make a stand, it has to start somewhere, why dont you start using Te Reo Maori in these comments sections?
School students banned from touching army guns
Booooooo!!! Bunch of wowsers. Whats next. No cutlery allowed in cooking class.Defending ones country is one of the most honorable jobs there is, just ask your grandfathers and great grandfathers, if they are still alive. Being in the military is a dangerous job, and yes, it involves using firearms. but it is better to have an understanding of the dangers of using a firearm taught by professionals, than to be ignorant and think that firearms will go away if we keep our kids away from them. That sort of thinking is as bad as putting your head in the sand.
The art of sidestepping booze for a month
Youve got a serious problem if you think this is a hard thing to do.
I shouldnt have to shut up just because Im male, pale and stale
Well said, but you need to keep quiet now because the millennials are thinking.
Little a hero as Nats run for the hills and beyond
I think you have misread the mood of the people on this issue Duncan. My view and the view of many others I have discussed this with, believe the re-entry in to Pike River mine is nothing more than political grandstanding.That mine has already claimed 29 lives. Is it worth the risk of any more lives to re-enter the mine, just to find nothing more than we already know? The money being spent on this fiasco, would that not be better spent on the living?I think everyone feels for the families and friends of the lost miners, but enough is enough. Stop using their grief to score political points, there will be no winners.
Jeremy Elwood & Michele A'Court: Why all politicians should have small babies or large distractions
If this is the best of our comedians, then heaven help us as a country.Comedians are supposed to make us laugh. Please you two, find real jobs.
Send us the bill for keeping top rugby players
Simple answer, NO. Politics has no business in sport. They are professional sports people that are being paid enough already. Sport is just a form of entertainment. Do we pay all our entertainers to stay in the country?
Helen Clark says Russell McVeagh board should resign in wake of misconduct report
Why is Helen Clark in Stuff news of late? Are your staff having separation anxiety from Jacinda?
Nelson Santa Parade goes multi-cultural
You missed the point completely, but well done trying to convince the kids they should, get over it.
"Women's unpaid work is worth billions of dollars: study",
Very sexist article. Im a male. What about all the unpaid work that I do. Doing the house work, cooking, looking after the grandkids, taking the grandkids to sports days, and before the grandkids it was my own kids, community projects, etc, etc,etc. And no, Im not retired, I still work a full time job. It seems to be all we hear these days. Women want this, women want that. Stop complaining all the time. The sooner you accept your lot in life the sooner you will be happy.
KiwiBuild: Not for low-income families, says Housing Minister
Kiwibuild is an absolute joke, and the funniest part. All the lefties have fallen for it, and believe the government has actually done something good for the country. Whats next Phil? Cut price tents for the homeless? Keep smiling Phil, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cant fool all the people all of the time.
The Neighbourhood Support volunteer fighting to clean up one of NZ's toughest streets
Our police are very hard working, but more often than not, hamstrung by red tape and having to pander to the goody goods that believe low life, bottom feeding scum, deserve the same rights as you and I.
Second tunnel a possibility for re-entry of Pike River mine
Enough already. I am sure that many people feel deeply for the families of the dead miners. But no amount of money or vengeful thinking will change the outcome. The miners have gone and are not coming home. There is no sense in risking the lifes of any more people to recover the remains of those lost. Make a monument at the mine site so people have somewhere to grieve and remember the fallen. Our bodies are always going to be returned to the earth, once our souls have finished with them. Let these ones rest in peace.
Death of kea will remain a mystery after family disposes of birds' bodies
What would DOCs so called experts know? Their track record of looking after our native birds is down right appalling. Just suck it up and admit that you got it wrong, AGAIN.
Green Party starts new push for compulsory te reo
They can force it on the people, but they will not force the people to comply. This is a total waste of time and energy. Clearly the Green party are out of touch with reality and have lost their way, as well as those that would have me believe that Morena, Kaputino, Rate, and Akarana, as well as many more butchered words are all Maori in origin.
KiwiBuild will benefit the few, not the many: Economist
And so the circus continues. Its hard to imagine how Phil thinks he can carry on this charade.
Capital gains tax valuation day will cost Kiwi businesses billions of dollars
Remind me again why we have a, Tax Working Group, when this political party campaigned at the last election. No New Taxes Liars. Stone faced liars.
Reusable condoms, home-made mascara and the art of refusing freebies
Yeah. I think that jar full of rubbish must be like Dr Whos Tardiss. And can you imagine what their friends and family must think when they see the used condoms hanging on the washing line.
To inspire confidence, Grant Robertson must do more than repeat the message
Business confidence will always be low, when you have a government only 1/3rd of the voting populace thought were capable of steering the ship, teamed up with a party of egotists, and another of idealists. Seriously. You would have to be living in the rubber room to think this combination was going to inspire any confidence in governing.
Mark Reason: Serena's sexism reflects America's culture of misandry
An excellent article. Thank you.
Parents, you're stunting your kid's potential by depriving them of te reo
I dont want to save it. It has no meaning for me. If you want too, then knock your socks off. I wish you well and I hope you find more people to help you.
Thanks for the smiles, but kind thoughts are not enough to keep a language alive
I enjoy reading your perspective Joel. But you are living in the real world here. Refusing to communicate with people in a language they all know, is just plain stupid. You write your columns in English so people can read and understand them, so why not speak to them in English as well.Its good that you have a hobby learning a new language. But the majority dont want to learn or use that language. If you want to keep that language alive, then I applaud you for trying, but the reality is only a few feel the same way you do. If you think I am wrong, why not write your columns in Te Reo Maori and see if Stuff.co.nz will publish them?P.S. Pakeha is not a language. If you want people to respect you and your persistant use of Te Reo Maori, then you need to respect the language the rest of us use. One of my bug bears is the fact Maori are always being offended by people not pronouncing Te Reo Maori words to their correct perception, yet when Maori have not pronounced English words correctly and put a Maori slant on those words, they claim them as being Maori words.
Stacey Kirk: Labour's issues come back to one word - credibility
You still dont get it. National got more voter support than Labour at the last election. And they still have that support, where as Labours support is waning. Labour supporters are still in the minority.
'Officials are scared': Veteran tennis official seething over Serena Williams spat
But that doesnt excuse Serenas behaviour. Rules are rules, like them or not.
Housing schemes morale-boosting propaganda doesnt tackle crisis
Twyford is no dummy. So far, not one extra house has been built, yet he pokes his chest out and struts around telling everyone, look what he has done for the people of the country. Sounds very similar to the story about the emperors new cloths to me. He appears to be treating the people of this country as fools. I have no doubt that he wants the best for our country, every politician does, at least I would like to think they do, but when you have an idea that has produced nothing and stand there claiming it is a great success, you need to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, who is the dummy here, the person looking back at you, or the people that believe the spin?
Parents, you're stunting your kid's potential by depriving them of te reo
Stop living in the past. No one in this country is a colonialist. The majority were born here. Are you going to continually take the blame and apologise for your ancestors indiscretions. Because Im not going to apologise for what my ancestors may or may not have done. Move on, the rest of the world has.
At 25, NZ First is still fighting the battles of its youth. Can that work without Peters at the helm?
Its a pity he is past his prime. A likeable rogue. In some quaters he has done the country a great service. In others, not so much. I will miss him when he goes. And I think his party will fall by the wayside along with him. No one in his party has the same charisma as Winston, and without him there will be no party. Hes a smart cookie, and I wouldnt expect him to run at the next election. The writing is on the wall for this coalition government of broken promises, come next election.
Where KiwiBuild is at with one year to build 1000 houses
I always believed that central government was about governing for the people of the country. (The ones that put them there). I do NOT believe, and never will, that central government is a construction company.
Nelson Santa Parade goes multi-cultural
Change for the sake of a few who might be offended is not nessessarily a good thing. And why have both?Santa is not a Maori, as is Maui an old white guy dressed in a red suit.
Extra prisoners are nearly all gang members - thats hardly a crisis
By far the best piece I have read in a long time on Stuff.Well done Mr Rose.
Our anthem 'God Defend New Zealand' is a radically subversive challenge to tradition
Its our national anthem people. It is what it is. Its not trying to be top of the charts, or anything else for that matter. Just leave it alone and get on with your lives. If you dont like it, dont sing it, and dont feel pride in your country when it is played. But to a lot of us, the sound of it brings pride in the country we live in. It doesnt matter what the words mean, or if the tune is rather monotone. Its just a reminder of how much we love this country.
Why did baby Neve get Clarke's surname?
Why did baby Neve get Clarkes surname? Because they chose to. They are the parents. You need to mind your own business and find something interesting to write about.
Stacey Kirk: Labour's issues come back to one word - credibility
That maybe so. But we have worked hard all our lives, paid taxes, and now we have earned our retirement, unlike those that have never worked and continuosly complain about their lot in life.
The Auckland fuel tax always looked doomed, just not quite this quickly
Phil Twyford. You need to come back down to earth. You and your policies are hurting this country. Your Kiwibuild scheme is totally unachieveable, and now you think the fuel companies are going to do what you tell them to do. You are starting to look foolish in the eyes of the public.
Councils back move to charge significantly higher fees for dumping rubbish
Increasing dump fees, WILL, increase illegal dumping. Thereby increasing work load, and cost of clean up, on to councils. Which will then pass those costs on to ratepayers. I dont like the thought of a rates increase, but I would rather pay more rates than see more illegal dumping. Encouraging people to recycle needs to be made easier at our transfer stations, not more expensive.
Duck for cover: gun laws up for debate
The violent and misogynistic abuse that Eugenie Sage may or may not have received over the Thar cull was because of her arrogant, uncompromising, attitude towards any and everybody who dared to question her perceived facts and figures, and her motives. But what it showed the sporting shooter, and more importantly the politicians, that as a group we have a very important voice that will be heard in parliament. The public have nothing to fear from licenced firearms owners, they are not the bad guys. Some reforms of our gun laws are needed, but if the politicians make things too hard, or complicated for firearms enthusiasts, I fear it will drive some of them underground, which then defeats the purpose of reforms and will make it even easier for the criminals to obtain firearms.
Never mind foreign teachers - Kiwis need to take up the cultural challenge too
Garbage. If you want to speak Te Reo, then speak it. No one is going to stop you. But if you want everyone else to speak Te Reo, then it is up to people like you to convince them it is a good thing to do. Good luck with that.
Prime minister looks to kill the elephant in the room with economic speech
Right. So all the people who are going to be put out of a job in Taranaki because of no more oil exploration, should be thankful of the current government. And all those that will miss out in the Kiwibuild lottery should be thankful as well
Boutique beachfront lodge offers $10,000 finder's fee in hunt for buyer
Everything will sell at the right price. If this place is not selling for the asking price, then that price is too high. And as for the $10,000 finders fee. Stop being greedy. Its nothing compared to what a real estate agent would charge. I think the vendors here need a dose of reality.
Govt to announce decision on Waikeria prison build this week
Heaven help us, should we treat our prisoners badly by making them double bunk.Take the beds out of the cells and could possibly get 4 or 5 in one cell. If they dont like being treated like that, then perhaps they might not re-offend when they get out.
Government upping transport investment, but Aucklanders face fuel tax double-whammy
And so you should. But because you voted Labour, you did in fact, vote for everything that has happened since they have been in power. You helped them get there.
Auckland woman's 'apartment on wheels' costs only $1500 per month
Interesting how some people see this story as, neat idea, good on you. And others see, people shouldnt be forced to have too live in a caravan because of the housing crisis.
Government tackles tyred old problem
They became Green party and Labour party MPs.
Our anthem 'God Defend New Zealand' is a radically subversive challenge to tradition
Well said you.
The shanty town of Wanaka
There really isnt a housing crisis in this country. There are plenty of houses. The problem is people dont want to live where the houses are, they want to live in places such as Auckland, Queenstown and other tourist towns. Because of this the market pushes the prices up. The government of the day can do nothing to stop this and the government are not a construction company in the business of building homes, unless you would like a communist government.If people cant afford to live in an area, then there is no alternative, but to live illegally in slums, or move to a place they can afford. I live in a small town that is less than 40min drive from the major tourist hub of Taupo. I have a good job, and a great lifestyle. The town is well serviced and the pace of life a lot slower than Taupo. But the best part of living here are the costs of housing. The average price in town being around $250,000. Everything the tourists come here for are at my fingertips. The only difference is peoples attitude.
Stacey Kirk: Labour's issues come back to one word - credibility
Wrong. We have a government that no one voted for. Labour voters did not vote for this coalition. Green voters did not vote for this coalition. NZFirst voters most certainly did not vote for this coalition. This is why we have an incompetent government at the moment. There are too many power struggles going on between parties inside parliament, so the whole of the country are the losers because of that right now.
Kiwi Grand Slam semifinalist Belinda Cordwell rejects Serena's sexism call
Serena Williams is a bad sport. She may be a good tennis player, but there is no place for her bad behaviour in the sport. I really feel for Naomi Osaka. She has just beaten the world No.1 fair and square. We should be celebrating her success, not discussing Serenas bad behaviour. Even Serenas coach admitted he was coaching her, which is against the rules, regardless of what Ms Billie Jean King thinks of the rules. The only sexist remarks came from Serena. Personally I think Serena should be banned for a period of time for bringing the game in to disrepute.
Where KiwiBuild is at with one year to build 1000 houses
What will happen when they lose the next election?
Why we need to chill out about te reo and start wearing red suits
Please, just give it up. No one is scared of Maori language. We are not ashamed of it. We just dont care to use it. Im happy that you want to keep your language alive, but its like this. - My house is painted green. From now on i want every house in the country to be painted green. - Do you see where Im coming from?
Barack Obamas NZ visit cost the taxpayer more than $30,000
Obama was not a leader when he was here. People paid to listen to him talk and he played golf. Do you think you would get treated as well if you went to America to do the same?
Stacey Kirk: Labour's issues come back to one word - credibility
No, this form of MMP makes no sense. We have a government that no one voted for. Our government is made up of minority parties. Green voters didnt vote Labour or NZFirst, as neither Labour voters voted for NZFirst or Greens. And hardly anyone voted NZFirst. The party with the majority of the countries votes was National. They should have had the opportunity to pick their coalition partners, but what happened is NZFirst was able to have the balance of power and call the shots. Thats 7% of the voters having power over 45% of the rest of the voters. Just because it happened doesnt make it right and our government is clearly not a majority that we as voters voted for.
Where KiwiBuild is at with one year to build 1000 houses
You mean, Sir John Key and Bill English. Your nom de plume says so much about your disrespect for people.
Long-lived kea die after visit from DOC, long-term carers blame the department for their death
How incompetent does a government agency have too be, before anything is done. I can not for the life of me understand how DOC can be left in charge of anything to do with conservation in this country. Their track record for conserving anything is deplorable. We probably do have some excellent people in New Zealand working to conserve what we have left of our flora and fauna, but we have equally some idiots whom think they know better than everyone else, and it would appear the majority of them are employed at DOC. These people are no better than the Japanese whalers, supposedly killing in the name of science.
Stacey Kirk: Labour's issues come back to one word - credibility
Its very similar to the rose coloured glasses you wear.
Alice Snedden: New Zealand is heaven on earth...sort of
Thank goodness this women is not in any kind of government in this country. Or at least I hope not. And who proof reads this stuff, did they have a little nap before they sent this for publication.
Prime minister looks to kill the elephant in the room with economic speech
At the last election they had more friends than the Labour party. Voter numbers dont lie.
Exclusive Marlborough Sounds holiday jetty must be open to everyone
Im not sticking up for council here, but. Its really dumb thinking that you can build whatever you want, where you want it, (essentially public land) without going through the correct procedures.
Prime minister looks to kill the elephant in the room with economic speech
And she gave birth. Thats got to be good for the average worker or homeless person, isnt it?
Time for weak Ardern to show them who's boss
Its of greater sadness that the minority voters who put her there, believe this government is the best thing for the country.
Exclusive Marlborough Sounds holiday jetty must be open to everyone
Nope. This time the courts got it right. He has built this on land that WE all own. Just because he has money, doesnt give him the right to do what he wants, at the expense of everyone else.
Defence Minister Ron Mark one step closer to replacing old military planes
I think the Germans tried that idea in 1936. Didnt work out well.
'Officials are scared': Veteran tennis official seething over Serena Williams spat
No one is saying she is not great, or that she cant show emotion. But plain bad sportsmanship, as she showed, has no place on any sports field regardless of who they are.And I dont believe Roger Federer had anything to do with the match, or Serenas behaviour. And calling him ancient would be considered ageist, and disparaging to his character. Pot calling the Kettle?
Prime minister looks to kill the elephant in the room with economic speech
But we are not Venezuela.
The E word: when, if ever, is it acceptable to call someone elderly?
The E word. Get a grip. You make it sound like a dirty word, not to be used in public.Cut the PC crap. You can call me anything you like. Just dont call me late for lunch.
Martina Navratilova says Serena Williams was partly right but mostly wrong
Why are people sticking up for Serena? She showed an ugly side of herself to the world, and in doing so, robbed Naomi Osaka of all the celebration and excitement, of not only out playing Serena Williams, but also winning her first Grand Slam event. Serena Williams is a disgrace to tennis and the sporting world in general.
Banned from skifield facilities for eating own lunch, claims shuttle operator
Are you aware that RAL is a not for profit organisation?
"Women's unpaid work is worth billions of dollars: study",
Wow!! Ageist, racist and sexist, all in one comment. So where is your relevance in society?
Never mind foreign teachers - Kiwis need to take up the cultural challenge too
So..... What language is everyone using here? Joel, if you are so passionate for your new language, why do you not use it here, in these articles you write?Would it be, because so few people would read it, the publishers would not pay you to write them?
Kaimanawa hunters ditch rifles to take on wildlife predators
Awesome guys, keep it up and show others there is an alternative to the misuse of poisons in our environment.
Opinion: Tax ghost houses and pour the money back into affordable housing
I dont own a ghost house, nor do I live in my car. But I strongly oppose taxing vacant housing because, what other people want to spend their money on is their business. Would you want to place a tax on an artwork or classic car or perhaps a diamond necklace if you could afford to buy any of them as an investment.
Silly car question #36: how do I stop my windscreen wipers squeaking?
I wouldnt recommend putting silicone on your wipers. It will leave a smear on your windscreen when its raining. I hear what you are saying, as silicone is a lubricant, but not good to put on glass.
Where KiwiBuild is at with one year to build 1000 houses
Good to hear.
Opinion: Tax ghost houses and pour the money back into affordable housing
Envy is a very ugly emotion.
"Foreign billionaire sells Lilydale Station, gifts Wairoa Bike Park to Crown",
Well done that man. A big thank you. But if we value what this person has gifted to us all, then please, please, dont let Eugenie Sage and her band of eco thugs anywhere near the place.
Auckland woman's 'apartment on wheels' costs only $1500 per month
Because they dont share your sentiments
Prime minister looks to kill the elephant in the room with economic speech
You have forgotten that NZ First wont be there at the next election because they wont make the 5% so all those voters will sway back to National. And all the Green supporters who have lost their jobs due to their ban it or tax it policies, will most likely sway towards the right as well.
Sharon Harvey: The question of compulsory te reo MÄori in schools
No one has yet explained why it would be beneficial to me to be able to speak Te Reo Maori. All I hear from the pro Te Reo group is, it is good for me. Good for me, why? It is not part of my culture, and I know that, because Maori are continually telling me I am not part of their culture. If you want to exclude me from your culture, then why are you surprised I dont want to use your language?
Home security ideas for tiny houses on wheels
What?
MÄori succeeding in Parliament just fine without need to entrench seats
Why do we have to be Maori and non Maori? Why cant some of us be part Maori? Or part any other culture?
Christchurch contractor mistakenly encases trees in concrete
What do you mean I made a mistake? They told me to concrete round the tree trunks. There you go, job done..
Housing schemes morale-boosting propaganda doesnt tackle crisis
Nope. Not one extra house Words, not one. Those 18 houses were commissioned to be built before the last election. So where are the extra houses that Phil promised?
Damp and cold flats a Scarfie rite of passage or student slum?
Stop blaming landlords all the time. Some landlords may be to blame, but the students are the ones living like pigs. Again not all of them. But they could show they are adult enough to clean up after themselves once in awhile. Mould in a house is usually a sign of, lack of ventilation and basic hygene by those living there.
Jack Tame: Is the Breakfast host New Zealand's Justin Bieber?
And he was laughing at Matty, and belittling him this morning, because Matty thought having maternity leave when you get a new dog was a good idea. Well guess whos laughing now Jack.But, to be fair Jack, you should follow your dream. Then perhaps we might get someone on the morning show who is not so patronising as yourself.
KiwiBuild will benefit the few, not the many: Economist
Yes they are. They got their first house cheap, subsidised by the taxpayer, then gain all that profit back as cash when they sell.I hope to dont work for the government treasury.
Social housing provider bubble wraps windows after tenant complains of cold
Why not? The bubble wrap goes on the windows, not the frames. So you can still open the windows if wanted.
Temuka speed camera catches 1792 speeding motorists in less than a month
But speed causes more carnage. Fact.