A New Zealand Paradigm

Ummm Yeah

2006-08-14T13:26:00.000+12:00

Well I said Transmission was going to resume soon, but it turns out I am probably dropping off the radar here, but you can always see what I have to say on Walking the Right Path I am always having my say on there...

If anyone is interested in assisting me and getting this blog back up and running just send me a comment and I'll be in touch...Would love to look into getting it going again but right now I would need help and someone willing to put in some input to help me out...

Transmission to resume soon

2006-03-01T19:12:00.000+13:00

Hey All, if anyone is still reading here I am about to start posting here again, just to let you all know I am back at University now and posting regularly on Walking the Right Path. I will soon start updating on here as well.

Does this sound familiar?

2005-11-08T22:16:00.000+13:00

UK taxpayers are being increasingly hit by stealth taxes, David Derbyshire tells us in the Telegraph. Although Britain's top income tax rate is 40 percent, the hidden taxes mean that middle and high earners now pay up to 50 per cent of their salary to the Treasury, compared with only 36 per cent before Labour took office.

Linked article.

Violence on TV

2005-10-24T09:30:00.000+13:00

We all need a Scapegoat

Why the Fuck does this article keep coming up, I don't know about any of you, but I think the cartoons when I was younger were actually a hell of a lot more violent than most of the ones today, although I spose Dragonball Z would be the exception, but I spose we also saw Batman's Biff, POW etc as well, but on Looney tunes we learnt that cartoons can fall off a cliff, pause with a sign and then fall and they just end up flat, some characters can run thru a tunnel while the ones chasing them will either run into a wall or a truck or train coming thru.

But come on, you can't tell me violence on TV is the reason for fanily violence or the violent kids we have today that is bollocks, personal responsibility people, sort it out and think about what you are doing and letting your kids doing, I would be willing to put money on the fact that It is more likely the parents fault than that of the TV.

Why is everything blamed on something else, is it just so everyone has a scapegoat incase they fuck up.

I have decided on a new plead in court, I have just murdered someone, I am standing trial, I stand up and plead Not Guilty, by way of TV caused it.

This is the way our fucked up system is going everyone has a scapegoat bugger off.

Case of long time no post

2005-10-24T09:29:00.000+13:00

Sorry I been down a lot lately so haven't been around, after the election and the burnout that caused I have been trying to stay away for a while get a bit of a rest in.

Hey, this is my edukashin your stuffing a round with!

2005-09-27T21:27:00.000+12:00

My daughter starts school next month. As parents, my wife and I are naturally concerned where she starts her real learning. We considered a private school but at the end of the day believed that a new entrant at a public school or an integrated school will probably do okay. We will certainly look at private schooling later on because private services (whether they are schools, hospitals, telephone systems) are almost always more efficient and provide better service than public ones. This article proves me correct.

The first sentence is all you need to read really:

"Continuing under-resourcing of schools is creating an undesirable atmosphere in education that the incoming government needs to address urgently, teachers say."

But don't stop there:

"Schools were struggling to make ends meet on their operations grant alone and the decline in the overseas student market was demonstrating the folly of relying on foreign fee-paying students to address the shortfall".
"Ms Te Whaiti said recent studies by the Council for Educational Research (NZCER) confirmed that many schools simply needed more money."

What is causing the struggle?

"...the far greater costs that schools incur today because of health and safety, administration, assessment and compliance."

Yep. Not educational costs. OSH, administration and bureaucracy.

Of course the answer from the PPTA is not to reduce the bureaucracy, or to actually have teachers teaching but to give more money. The answer to everything - MMP. More Money Please.

What about NCEA?

"NCEA's introduction was a "sad story" that did no credit to the politicians and agencies of state responsible."

Does PPTA want a better education system? No.

"There are financial implications to making things work better that simply have to be faced if we are to have the whole system run fairly."

It's all about fairness. Of course life isn't fair but the PPTA don't understand that. Instead of focusing solutions towards what works, the unions would rather feather their own nests. Private school, here I come.

Linked article

Winston should stop horsing around

2005-09-26T22:49:00.000+12:00

I like this. It is from the valedictory speech of Ian Ewen-Street.

Then there was a time I asked Doug Woolerton what it is like working with Winston Peters. Perhaps I should not tell this one. Doug said 'Look, he's like a racehorse. For 10 minutes every day, his eyes are bright, his ears are pricked, and his nostrils are flaring. He races around the track and just hates to be beaten. But after the roar of the crowd dies down, for the rest of the day he's just like the other horses. He's back in the stalls, snoring and farting and rolling in the hay'.

The Election, Post from Walking the Right Path

2005-09-19T14:59:00.000+12:00

I am yet to post on this as I have been reading everyone else opinions so I am going to post quite a long post, with every possible combination no matter how likely, and we will see I will post them and then look into an order I think is most likely.

Seats first (as they stand before Specials)

Labour 50
National 49
NZ First 7
Greens 6
Maori 4
United 3
ACT 2
Jim 1 (From now on part of LABP)

So we have definite coalitons of:

LABP 51
NAT/ACT 51 (Now known ast NACT)

Way too close to call at this point, UF and NZF could go either way

LABP/GRE 57 (Still short, but as a problem UF or NZF wouldn't go with the greens)
therefore the only chance would be this
LABP/GRE/MAO which is still only 61/122 and this is not enough as they cannot pass a budget with this.

How bout NZF and UF joining either side

LABP/UF/NZF 61
NACT/UF/NZF 61

Neither of these can govern either, so how bout the possibility of Maori joining either

LABP/UF/NZF/Maori 65
NACT/UF/NZF/Maori 65

or the same without UF

LABP/NZF/Maori 62
NACT/NZF/Maori 62

But this would be a bloody hard combination to keep together.
My only real comment on all of this would be that I think Labour is going to give the Greens the big FU......unless....

LABP/Greens/Maori/UF 64, this combination could govern, but hard to work with 5 parties involved.

So there we go those are the real combinations as UF and NZF won't work with the greens, but there is a possibility they could to be in power I think this is them in order. I don't think we can get a Centre right government unless another seat comes over or the Maori Party gain one and Labour loses one.

So the List

LABP/Maori/NZF 62
LABP/Maori/UF 58 with NZF or Greens on Conf and Supply
LABP/UF/NZF 61 with Greens and Maori Conf and Supply
LABP/UF/MAO/GRE 64
NACT/NZF/UF 61 with Maori keeping Status quo on Maori issues
LABP/NZF/UF/MAO 65 but why bother with UF
LABP/Maori 55 with 3 parties on Conf and Supply

I think these combinations are the only ones that could even work, so I am going to quickly put a poll together and put it up on here as soon as I can.
I think the last option is quite likely, but it is lower as I believe they would prefer to have a clear majority and not have to work with 3 parties for conf and supply.

No comments

2005-09-16T16:58:00.000+12:00

Dear All, including Jono and Franki (whom I've tried to email but it has bounced back at me!).

I've disabled comments here until after polling day as it's possibly unlawful. Jono & Franki - please, no posts about the election until after 7pm Saturday 17 September.

As the TV says, full coverage will resume after then. Thanks. Go the Nats/Act gummint!

More Matchfixing???

2005-09-14T19:43:00.000+12:00

There are claims of Match-fixing in the recent tri-series between India, New Zealand and Zimbabwee. This story states that there are rumors of players from all three teams being involved, but Daniel Vettori denies these claims here. It is interesting to see his answer to the question of whether Match-fixing had occured was not "No" but was "not to my knowledge" well maybe it was to someone elses knowledge. I actually agree with Vettori though, it appears that everytime that NZ wins something in cricket it seems match-fixing allegations come into play. And it seems even more so when we beat India, I don't think that the Indian media believe that NZ can actually beat their team fairly. Oh well I guess we will see.

The Black Cocks

2005-09-14T19:29:00.000+12:00

No this isn't a story about the male genitalia, I am talking about the New Zealand Badminton team. They are thinking about changing their name. The story is here.
"They don't want to see the game lose its composure for the want of a gimmicky name," Skelt said, "If you're over in China and you get introduced as the Black Cocks, it raises some issues." This was a comment made about the name, I actually quite liked the name myself thought it was quite catchy.

Oh well maybe they can become the Black Shuttles instead.(How boring)

I think they should just grow some balls and go with the name they thought of first.

Teachers push politics down students throats

2005-09-14T19:10:00.000+12:00

This story shocks me how can a teacher from a school encourage this sort of thing. How would have a student in the class felt if they were likely to support National and here was there teacher sitting there encouraging two students to attack a National billboard, yes teachers are allowed an opinion, but they really shouldn't be pushing it on their students.

Same old Shit

2005-09-14T18:56:00.000+12:00

This Cartoon says it all really, I don't think I will comment on it.

New Members

2005-09-13T20:18:00.000+12:00

Hey all I am looking for some new members to join this group blog, If you are keen post in the comments below or send my an email to newton_jono@hotmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible, I would actually be interested in a few people joining the team.

This has to be said

2005-09-13T19:54:00.000+12:00

England loses to Northern Ireland
Oh this is way too funny for me, after all my mates mocked me when my Beloved Netherlands team missed out on the last world cup I have to now say something about thier beloved team having to win all their games to make it through bugger for them if they drop another one then I will be laughing all the way to the bank :D

It would really serve them right for being so cocky

Oh and Congrats to those from Northern Ireland "GOOD ON YA MATES"

The Ashes

2005-09-13T19:40:00.000+12:00

I have to Congratulate the England Cricket team for finally subduing those bloody aussies and winning the ashes for the first time since 1989, this is an awesome effort. A draw in the final test was all that was needed to create the victory and they managed to bat on for long enough to be able to fight their way to the draw.

But they may have been saved by the grace of a New Zealander in the form of Umpire Billy Bowden who gave Pietersen not out when he first came to the crease, after the ball appeared to bounce off his arm and was caught in the slips, but Bowden proceded to give him not out and he went on to score 158 and was the deciding factor in the match.

But Congrats to England.

Back up and running

2005-09-12T20:53:00.000+12:00

Woohoo this blog is now running again I will beign to post here again 2moro.

Rodney on Marae

2005-08-20T10:48:00.000+12:00

I was just channel flicking and saw Rodney on Marae so I stopped to watch it. It was quite good they had him up about "Maori Bashing" and other similar issues and he did really good and shot all the questions donw and showed ACT in a really good light, good on ya Rodney keep it up we are getting there.

.::Cartoons::.

2005-08-19T19:44:00.000+12:00

Promises, Promises

2005-08-15T15:57:00.000+12:00

All Talk no Action??
Labour has made election promises for every single election they have won, yet I haven't seen too many of them actually hitting the street.

And see below, they can't even run a website.

Labour Website

2005-08-15T15:53:00.000+12:00

What a joke, Labour's website will load up the front page, but then when you try to do anything it will not load any further giving HTML errors if you try to go any further along this seems just a little funny to me, where is the effort, you would think as the Government of the day you could at least get your Website to work.

Is this a sign of how good Labour really is in these days of a technology driven world??

Aussies chase World Record

2005-08-15T14:58:00.000+12:00

You'd think this was a good thing, but no the Aussies have been set 423 to win the third ashes test, this if completed would be a world record for victory in a fourth innings of a test match.

The story states that no team has ever scored more than 418 to win a test match.

So if England can bowl Australia out on the fifth day for less than 422 we will see england taking a momentous lead in the Ashes series, 2-1 up noone would've predicted that heading into the series.

Coalition

2005-08-15T14:43:00.000+12:00

This seems to be talking about a coalition against something rather than a coalition of togetherness to lead the country through the next three years.

It seems to fit the old adage, "The enemies of my enemy are my friends"

The only point that seems to hold all three of these parties together is that they don't want Winston First or National to be in power after the election. This is a coalition built on having the same enemies rather than on policies.

England in control

2005-08-14T23:52:00.000+12:00

The Ashes looks to become 2-1 as England appear to be in control after achieving a healthy 1st innings lead and at Lunch are 168 runs ahead with no wickets down.

This lead, could possibly see England with the opportunity to win the ashes series for the first time in a few years. The Aussies have to be tearing their hair out. Anytime the Aussies lose at cricket is good for me even if they are beaten by those dirty poms.

New Blog

2005-08-14T22:57:00.000+12:00

I don't know if I told everyone on here yet, but I have started a new blog to run alongside these ones :D Dollars, No Sense

Unfortunate Angle

2005-08-14T17:01:00.000+12:00

How's this for a shocking camera shot, the camera man has had a shocker and needs to think about his photo before he takes it.

John Campbell, the Greenie, loves the sound of his own voice.

2005-08-12T22:09:00.000+12:00

John Campbell can't keep his mouth shut. It's official.

If speaking time in last night's leaders debate translates into votes on election night, New Zealand's next prime minister will be John Campbell.

A survey taken last night showed Campbell's voice took up 14 minutes and 56 seconds of the debate's time, nearly twice as much as the most vocal politician. More shocking is this

Campbell's opening address and introductions alone took up 3min 46secs, more time than Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia had through the entire debate (3min 10secs).

He also spent 54 seconds at the end in an earnest plea for people to cast any vote at all. We all know who Campbell will vote for.

Flake.

Linked article

Metal Matfield??

2005-08-11T16:13:00.000+12:00

The question of the day is...Did Victor Matfield ahve a metal plate on his arm??

Well if he did he obviously won't have on next week against the aussies that would just be stupid. Here is the response of the springboks.

ENVY???? they say envy, now that is laughable, yes we are so envious of the springboks that we would claim that. Lets look at this, Springbok rugby is dirty at the best of times, food poisoning 95 world cup, ear biting 96, eye gouging 97, more biting 98, and fights, and more eyegouging ever since, so now can we ad metal plates 05 to the list??

Here is the current voting on the stuff poll, Updated 1:30am.

» Do you believe claims that Springbok Victor Matfield plays with a metal strip hidden under strapping on his forearm?
See story
Yes (154 votes, 35.1%)

No (214 votes, 48.7%)

Not sure (71 votes, 16.2%)

Update: On this post I have had a comment by some anonymous telling me to shut up basically, I just ant to post here for everyone to see, I was not exactly being serious in this post, if you have a problem with what I say at least post your name and don't hide behind anon. Cheers to all the listeners - Jono

I wonder

2005-08-11T15:19:00.000+12:00

I wonder if Peter Dunne will find a way to bring this up in the leaders debate tonight?? Transmisson Gully is a huge standing point for him especially in his home electorate of Ohairu-Belmont, I live in the middle of Johnsonville, and I know that a lot of the reason United Future gets back each time is because of the votes in this electorate. To start with this is the electorate that continues to put Peter Dunne in Parliament, secondly his party gets nearly double their overall support in this electorate, last election United recieved 13% in the electorate compared to 7% across the country.

There are several reasons for this support, one is he has done a lot for this electorate, saving fire stations etc, but that is more the job of a councillor isn't it, he has achieved a lot for the people and he is always out and about in the community which must help him, and also noone really puts a good candidate against him, last time we had an ex cop from National and Labour put up some random, who could've been puled off the streets I heard nothing about her. This even though Labour was in the middle of their paint Wellington red campaign.

This election I only know of two candidates so far for Ohairu Belmont, they are Peter Dunne and Heather Roy, I have had more leaflets from Blumsky than from any candidates in this electorate. This is confusing for me and I am sure it doesn't help those out there with less knowledge of the politics around at the moment.

Heather Roy for Ohairu-Belmont 2005

Leaders Debate

2005-08-11T15:03:00.000+12:00

Well part one of the Leaders Debate has to go to Anderton and Dunne, for taking TV3 to court and winning. I personally think Dunne should've been included, but Jim Anderton is a joke he doesn't have a party bugger off, you aren't wanted. Here is the story oh what a joke, I probably would've been in more of an uproar if Rodney had been left out, but this is funny, it has kind of made a farce of TV3 being independent.

Who'd live in London right now

2005-08-07T20:25:00.000+12:00

Who'd live in London right now.

I guess a result of an open immigration policy and 'open' borders is that the floodgates can open. This is exemplified in London which has a vast array of cultures and peoples. When I lived there I liked it. Now that I'm gone, I like the fact I'm no longer there. Why?

Intelligence chiefs are warning Tony Blair that Britain faces a full-blown Islamist insurgency, sustained by thousands of young Muslim men with military training now resident in the country. The grim possibility that the two London attacks were not simply a sporadic terror campaign is being discussed at the highest levels in Whitehall, the centre of the British government.

As police and the security services work to prevent another cell murdering civilians, attention is focusing on the pool of migrants to Britain from the Horn of Africa and central Asia. Intelligence service MI5 is working to an estimate that over 10,000 young men from these regions can use light weapons and military explosives.

A well-connected source said there were more than 100,000 people in Britain from "completely militarised" regions, including Somalia and its neighbours in the Horn of Africa, and Afghanistan and territories bordering the country.

A very high proportion of these 'militarised' are Muslim men.

Linked article.

Life is short

2005-08-04T11:53:00.000+12:00

Not Politics or Sport, but I need to post on this.

Yesterday I went to a funeral. It was for oe of my best mates little sisters who passed away from cancer. It has shown me yet again that life is short and we have to live for today, diseases like cancer don't differentiate between ages and they don't pick between good people and others, they can take anyone at anytime. The strength of a person really shows in these times.

The funeral was a great celebration of her life and showed how much people really care, it has taught me a few things. No matter what happens in life you have to be strong, you have to live for today and the rest will take care of itself, and most importantly your friends are the ones that will be there for you through the hard times, no matter what happens you can't lose contact with these people.

No matter what happens your friends will be there for you and will be strong for you, even if you can't be for yourself.

I have also realised that a funeral is about a celebration of life and a way to share memories that you have. It is also about supporting each other and being there.

So always live life to the full, love your friends and don't lose contact.

Carpe Diem

Jono

Blog lite

2005-08-02T20:59:00.000+12:00

Apologies to all our loyal viewers, I am very busy right now so it will be blog lite for a short while. Cheers.

Banging Byron

2005-07-30T23:28:00.000+12:00

Byron Kelleher has a new girlfriend. The story is here. Scroll down a few stories.

Pics of her are here.

WARNING: THIS IS R 18 STUFF.

The Right to Health Care

2005-07-27T23:00:00.000+12:00

The Canadian Supreme Court has recently ruled that Quebec legislation prohibiting private medical insurance infringed citizens' rights to life and security.

All the judges in the majority (4:3 split decision) ruled that the legislation was arbitrary and therefore contrary to principle of fundamental justice, because it was not rationally related to the objective of protecting the public health system. The judges said that the citizens simply wanted a court order allowing them to take out insurance; not any ruling that the government spend more money nor that the public waiting lists be reduced. The majority went on to explain that the citizens' rights were impinged upon because the government imposed 'exclusivity and then failed to provide public health care of a reasonable standard within a reasonable time'.

In some interesting comment, the minority judges said (amongst other things) that there was no 'constitutional right to spend money' and repeated a warning from an earlier case against the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms becoming an'instrument of better situated individuals to roll back legislation which has as its object the improvement of the condition of less well advantaged persons'. The minority was also concerned about shifting the design of the health system to the courts and wondered whether it was rhetorical to ask how much health care is reasonable enough.

The decision is controversial in Canada which has interesting 'rights' legislation. And, Canada struggles with its aboriginal issues as much as New Zealand does. Although New Zealand rights legislation does not enable us to challenge arbitrary legislation such as the case here, it is unlawful under the Human Rights Act to discriminate on age or disability.

It is doubtful whether an analagous argument of this nature would occur here. But this case shouldn't go unnoticed in this part of the world.

Smacking bill past 1st hurdle

2005-07-27T21:54:00.000+12:00

Sue Bradford's anti-smacking bill has passed its first reading and has gone to select committee.

I am against this bill. I don't believe there is any link between a gentle smack disciplining your child and violence/abuse. As a dad of a 5yr old, I don't see it. It ain't there.

Lucyna of SirHumphrey's has covered the issue well as has Zen Tiger.

I know the criminal justice system having been a police officer and also having done some criminal defence work in my now occupation as a lawyer. As stated, I am also a dad. I feel adequately qualified to comment on both the legal and social aspects and can confidently say section 59 works well. Simply because there is the occasional erroneous case (if you believe the media that is) should not lead to such an overreactive law change.

My pick is that the bill will gather dust in the select committee unless Labour is re-elected with the Greens tagging along. If so, it could quite easily be part of coalition talk. That would be a shame. I won't go as far to say it would be disastrous. But I will say the whole thing is unnecessary.

Bill English on Campus

2005-07-27T16:59:00.000+12:00

Bill English came to Victoria University today to discuss Nationals Tertiary Education Policy, he spoke to about 100 students in the quad, his speech was good, but I was even more impressed with the way he dealt with the AUS staff protesting behind him and the hecklers in the crowd as well as his answering of questions. He attacked Labours policy pointed out Nationals and then followed up by answering questions from several hostile members of the gathered crowd very well. Early on there may have been a fair amount of booing but as he just answered every question by the end there were more people clapping than booing and this must be a sign that students are not as dumb as Labour seem to think they are.

This is a good sign, Students will not all fall for this carrot.

You can't trust Labour.

Quoting JFK

2005-07-27T16:24:00.000+12:00

This is what I posted on Sir Humphreys as my opinion of the new Labour Carrot.

Well, thats nice for those that can sit at home and don't have to pay rent, wow I wish that was true, for me all my parttime work money goes into me surviving and trying to live. Not that I agree with Labours policy, It is a me me me policy. I think it is appropriate at this time to quote one John F Kennedy...different topic but very valid in these circumstances.."Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" All the ppl who are going to support this policy are those who are greedy and thinking about themselves, but the issue here is that it is going to screw the economy, and result in a ballooning of Student debt as more people borrow and only repay minimum amounts why would you try to pay it off early when it isn't costing you anything to have it.

I don't understand how anyone can see this as a good thing, It is trying to grab the votes nothing more, I have had a few rants about this already and am in the mood to carry on for a while, I love how people these days jump at a policy that suits them without thinking of the effect it could have on the country as a whole the wider effect of this policy is going to mean people will just stay in the country a few years longer to earn some interest free time before they head overseas there is no way they will want to stay afterwards when they realise that their tax dollar is funding the next generations Student debt, the previous generations Super, and the generation we are in right now is going to be F***ed over. Look at it like this the previous generation received free education if they wanted it and now free Superannuation as well, while this generation of Youth are paying their own way through University and then by the time they get to retirement there will be no Super fund left and they will have had to try and save for themselves while bringing up kids and paying a ridiculous tax rate to cover all of this....ok this is turning into a rant...The long and the short of it is that this policy will screw over the country crippling it financially and will not stop the Brain Drain.

Other Posts on this topic
In my own words
Student Policy
Helen's Carrot
On DPF
Debt Projections
Labours Policy
On KiwiPundit
Loan Analysis
On NZPundit
Summing up the Loans Bribe
Cullenomics
Cathy O
Labour gives away free money
On G-man
Labour goes all Kim
On Competent Prime Minister
Can I get policy with that bribe?
On Sir Humphrey's
Kids Not Silly
Loan Bribe
Leftists
On Spanblather
Good News Day
On About Town
Yippie
Return of the Jedi

There are many more posts out there, these are just a few.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" - John F Kennedy

This was Gooners change to JFK's words
"Ask not what your country can give to you, but what you can give to your country" - Gooner
I thought this was an awesome Update for the quote for this moment

Labour Bullies the Nerd

2005-07-26T18:35:00.000+12:00

3 News had a story about young voters and their views on the election. The main points of the story being that we have extreme access to information and are willing to go out there and get it. Politicians are suprised at how much we know, and we won't believe what they say, but will look for our own iformation on it. Then the comment of the story came out when they suggested that Labours plan of attacking Don Brash may back fire as noone likes someone who bullies a nerd and this appears to be what Labour and Helen are doing. So it was an amusing story to say the least.

Labours Pledge

2005-07-26T11:06:00.000+12:00

DPF posted these pledges on his blog. I thought they were brilliant and would like to make some comments on each one if I can.

Number 1...This sounds just like Helen Clark, coming straight from Micheal Cullen, I don't wanna give you MY money (Scrooge McCullen)

Number 2...Well don't we already have this system, oh of course Helen wants to continue the stupidity...You will never fail again WooHoo

Number 3...George Hawkins get him out of there

Number 4...Well this would be better than the current system, I would love to be able to send in my vote so as to decide what to spend the $10 million on, even though I would rather have the money in my back pocket

Number 5...Waiting lists for waiting lists, oh my god is that why the waiting lists have decreased I thought they were putting more operations through

Number 6...Oh they want to let us go faster :D But retrospectively just so she can get off, well I suppose we could allow it, Remember though Comrade Helen is above the law, so it shouldn't matter.

Number 7...My own Law, hmmmmmmm, I don't know what I want Helen you tell me what I want.

Radical Islam preached at Auckland University?

2005-07-25T22:53:00.000+12:00

There are claims that radical Islam is being preached at Auckland University.

Apparently a Muslim student is saying propaganda for groups supporting suicide bombings is being well received and spread on campus. The university's Muslim Association says that's not true.

The postgraduate student advocating the notion says propaganda from Hizb ut Tahrir, a group banned in Britain and Germany, has been distributed to students. And he says the Saudi charity organisation Al-Haramain shut down last year for funding Al Queda has sent speakers to Auckland.

The university's Islamic Association rejects the comments.

Helen Comes Clean

2005-07-25T18:56:00.000+12:00

Helen has finally come out and announced the date we all knew for the election, Sept 17th has been the date around for months and she has finally come out and confirmed it.

I think that this has been ridiculous as she said she had already decided on a date and just didn't want to tell us I thought MMP was supposed to open government up more and make it more honest. I would love to see set dates so that unless the government falls apart or elections are set to a certain date, otherwise they are all just going to play around all year, every election year this isn't on.

Labour won't let you have an opinion

2005-07-24T21:17:00.000+12:00

The beauty of a democracy is that you can pretty much voice your educated view on anything without the weight of the state bearing down on you. If you don't like what is being said you can either do nothing or argue against it. Under Labour, there is a third option - have a government official threaten the writer with legal action, even including a lack of job prospects, if it's published.

A keen economics student from Canterbury University wrote a paper, Eradicating meningoccal disease in New Zealand: Is it worth it? To whom? And who decides? where the student argued the $200 million spent on the vaccination programme might have been better spent. It was such a good paper it was presented to the New Zealand Associaiton of Economics conference in June 2004 and also to a public health seminar at Victoria University a few weeks later. The paper was also put on the Association's website but was withdrawn at the student's request because

the student feared for job prospects after an academic who was a Health Ministry consultant on the vaccination programme threatened legal action.

Don't you dare take a view that opposes the regime. You will be sued and have no career prospects in the public sector.

If Labour is re-elected, Hate Speech will be next, further curtailing freedom of expression. The repealment of section 59 is also a possiblity. Don't let this happen.

Linked article

Daft teachers code

2005-07-24T21:15:00.000+12:00

The PPTA has published another full-page ad in today's SST. It demonises bulk funding and like the other full page ads it has had recently constantly reminds the reader of what 'one party' did when it was in government. Yet the PPTA appears silent on the daft teachers code put forward by the other bastion of Labour boneheads, the NZEI (New Zealand Educational Institute).

This code replaces the eight-page hands-off code introduced after the Christchurch Civic Creche case where the deluded and paranoid thought because a gay person dared to work in a creche that he was automatically a paedophile. Severe over-reaction ensued.

The 'new' code is great. Under it teachers can physically touch students (phew!)

but must be careful of squeezing kids' shoulders and hugging or eye contact that might be misconstrued.

I can just see my five year old being intelligent enough to 'misconstrue' eye contact from her teacher. And if she falls over in the playground, she mustn't have her shoulders rubbed or be hugged because that is the first step to abuse aye!

When I was at university, feminists wrote 'articles' on how opening a door for a woman was akin to date rape. I wonder if these feminazis are now working at NZEI?

What utterly absurd drivel all this is.

Linked article

Man Shot, Not Terrorist?

2005-07-24T19:00:00.000+12:00

The man who was shot in the London Underground may not be a terrorist and have nothing to do with the attacks either. Here is the story as it appeared, the London police have adopted a new shoot to kill policy....So I guess we are all guilty til proven innocent.

WARNING: DO NOT RUN FROM POLICE

I don't think that this is right, as much as you shouldn't run from Police, they police had tackled him and were holding him down when they shot him in the head 5 times...this is horrendous, as much as I encourage harsher sentences the person must be proven guilty.

Does this come under police brutality??

Update: Just saw a news update...and it turns out that it has been confirmed the man was not a terrorist and had no links to the attacks, so I guess the Police should think before they shoot. This is gross injustice, this could've been anyone they had no proof of anything they just decided to shoot him as he was looking suspicious, if this was the case here I would've been shot by now....this is not on.

Kiwis in Iraq left on their own

2005-07-23T21:55:00.000+12:00

The consequence of constantly deriding an ally, and even posssibly having a minister in your government make derogatory comments about it is that your ally will soon say 'push off. We've had enough of your crap'. And so the US may have done just this. What's happened?

"Kiwis working in Iraq have been stripped of vital security protection in a move some fear is retribution for New Zealand's refusal to support the American-led war".

How does the government respond?

"...the Government disputes it has been snubbed by the United States and will not intervene. It has repeated warnings that Kiwis should not be in Iraq and that those who go should expect little help if in trouble."

As the story says:

"An estimated 1000 New Zealand civilians are helping to rebuild the war-torn nation, working in an extremely dangerous environment with suicide bombings, gunfights and kidnappings".

And what does Goff say:

"New Zealand was recognised for its contributions but had no hand in deciding policy in Iraq. The Government would not be asking the US for an explanation".

The workers are not happy:

"...New Zealand has made a tremendous effort for its size, as usual, but to be treated like this, and dismissed as irrelevant and third rate is insulting to all Kiwis,...we are open to vastly increased risk from suicide bombers and car bombs. The Kiwis here are in huge danger now and we're supposed to be an ally...countries that had supported the war, including Australians, had retained the security protections".

And, 'the only conclusion we can draw is that it's payback for New Zealand's failure to join the war. The Yanks have done it to South Africans and the Swedish too.'

Yep. I reckon that's a good conclusion.

Link.

Mallard on Agenda

2005-07-23T08:49:00.000+12:00

This morning Trevor Mallard has appeared on agenda, He has been on to talk about Education and also about his claims that National is being funded by Americans. The beginning was about how the per student tertiary funding has gone down since abour came in to power, then that the Education sectors funding when as a percentage of GDP has gone down. Next was how much money is being put into the bureaucracy in the education sector, and justification of this amount, but of course being a Labour minister on the Govt funded program helps doesn't it...He never answered any of the real worries and had excuses when he did give an answer, typical Labour passing the buck.

Stand by your man

2005-07-22T21:45:00.000+12:00

When you were at school and a bully or bullies stood over smaller, less able kids, or even your friends, what did you do? Did you:

A. Say I will not get involved because any decision to get involved would not be in my interests and needs decision by consensus; or

B. Stand up to the bullies, telling them to shove off; and also telling them you would stand by the kid being bullied because they were your friends and friends stick together?

Labour party members would take option A. Further, they would also probably ask for a mandate to get involved from any students association or after a consensus was achieved by like minded students.

Others would take option B. Option B members are made up of people like Bush, Blair & Howard. It seems Brash is inclined toward option B too, as is Simon Power:

"National would support its close allies the Australia, the US and Britain "when and wheresoever our commitment is called upon".

He said this last year. The Nats. disowned it saying it was a personal opinion of his.

Don't disown it. Own it. Adopt it. And stand up to the bullies who are called terrorists.

After all, if you don't you only get pushed around even more.

Labour plan Backfires

2005-07-22T18:21:00.000+12:00

Labour (in particular Trevor Mallard) have attacked National saying that they have recieved funding from overseas in particular one US Billionaire, yet when asked today the particular billionaire stated he had previously funded Labour campaigns, but never National...Suprisingly Trev could not be reached for comment today and Helen Denies it.

Snowballs and the PM

2005-07-21T14:00:00.000+12:00

Loved this story from today's Herald:

PM hit by snowball during travel show filming

Prime Minister Helen Clark was hit with a snowball at Treble Cone skifield yesterday.

A young man who threw the snowball was spoken to by a police officer from the Diplomatic Protection Squad, but not arrested.

Helen Clark was being filmed by the BBC for a travel show called Departure Lounge.

Inspector Bruce Blayney of the Diplomatic Protection Squad says a young man threw the relatively small snowball, hitting Helen Clark on the back. She appeared not to notice.

Mr Blayney said the man was not being malicious and it was simply a case of misguided high spirits.

Ski area manager Jackie Van Der Voort says the man is a Treble Cone season pass holder. She will be speaking to him and insisting he write a letter of apology to the Prime Minister.

Ms Van Der Voort says his action showed a lack of respect, but the incident has been blown out of proportion.

Snowballs explode upon impact. Much like Labour party policy.

The Marrrrvelous Greenie

2005-07-20T23:10:00.000+12:00

If you wondered what John Campbell's political persuasions were wonder no more. Here is a small list of his latest stories:

Tuesday 19 July, Alternative transport & Nandor Tanczos on cannabis fines.
Plus, a story on the dangers that can be present when filling up the car - naked flames, cellphones and static electricity.

Monday 18 July, A story on conserving resources - the house of the future with an earth roof and which relies on heat conservation, solar water heating and a wind turbine. Plus a boat that runs on vegetable oil. Maybe your car could do the same?

Wednesday 13 July: THE POISONING OF OUR LAKES

Here's the story precise:

Lake Okaro lies in the Central North Island.. It's future as murky as its water. The lake bed is smothered in silt.. Depriving it of oxygen and threatening all forms of life. Why is it happening and how can we fix it?

Tuesday 12 July: THE BLACK CAPS & ZIMBABWE

John speaks exclusively to Morgan Tsvangirai, the charismatic opposition leader who tells us why the Black Caps shouldn't tour. And we hear from Henry Olonga. He's been brought to New Zealand by the Green Party, to discuss the Black Caps Tour of Zimbabwe.

Nice to know some real MSM in-depth investigative analysis going on here a few weeks out from an election. What's scary is that he gets 240,000 viewers.

Race based government

2005-07-20T22:57:00.000+12:00

Congress is considering setting up a race-based government for Native Hawaiians.

Some congressional staffers are calling it 'the worst bill most voters have never heard of.' The legislation 'would create an independent, race-based government for Native Hawaiians' which will 'hand benefits to as many as one-fifth of the state's population and could inspire mainland groups such as Hispanic separatists to seek similar spoils, should they ever gain enough political leverage.'

Read more here.

Making the lefties squeal

2005-07-20T22:43:00.000+12:00

So George Bush appoints a right wing conservative to the Supreme Court. So what? He's the boss. He can do what he wants. After all it was Helen Clak who said 'the government's role is whatever the government defines it to be.' Let's no forget Cullen's 'We won, you lost, eat that' statement.

I love seeing flaky, coward lefties squeal. And if we can believe the article Bush isn't finished yet.

Election on trust and credibility

2005-07-20T22:32:00.000+12:00

Helen Clak reckons the Labour party can fight the election on trust and credibility. Good luck to them. Where would she like to start? Six Ministers she has lost? Doonegate? Paintergate?

Feel free to add to the list. When I have a list large enough I will email it to Clak and Jordan Carter who has also pushed this button today.
Not a fight they can win I reckon.

Link.

Overkill

2005-07-20T22:09:00.000+12:00

Gee, what a heinous crime this is and what a total over the top response by the Council. I wonder where OSH, Commerce Commission and ACC were? I hope the ladies involved weren't making misleading statements as to their abilities so as to invoke breaches of the Fair Trading Act? If so, the Commission should definitely have been there.

And I hope they paid their ACC levies. Prosecute the buggars!

Also, if STD's were passed, OSH should try and extract the maximum $200,000 fine for a hazardous workplace.

I thank the Council for spending my rates money on private investigators. Did they go undercover? I might ask the Mayor that.

And, eighteen months work. Well done. By the way Council, Onewa Rd has been blocked for 20 years. It takes hours to get onto the motorway. I see the Police there most mornings fining people for daring to travel down the wrong lane, but you seem to have forgot OSH, ACC, etc.

Thanks for getting your priorities right. Not!

John Key

2005-07-20T07:00:00.000+12:00

I want the National party to be the highest polling party at the election. Please don't think otherwise. But just because I want it so does not mean they should be criticised and scrutinised like any other party. This just made my blood boil.

Yesterday John Key said this about ACT's tax policy:

"National was not looking at "extremist" policies like Act...

Today he says this:

"...John Key wants New Zealand to adopt the low-tax model that Ireland used to transform itself into the "Celtic Tiger"...first-hand experience tells me it's a real winner," he said.

"Mr Key, the former head of investment giant Merrill Lynch's global foreign exchange operations, shifted a swag of business to Ireland in the 1990s to take advantage of the 10 per cent preferential tax rate which then applied for foreign investors in financial services. Ireland has since set the company tax rate at 12.5 per cent for all firms after a decade-long economic boom".

Is he serious?

One day he says no flat tax, the next day the Herald quotes him as saying he wants flat tax. In fact, he wants a flatter tax than ACT!

He must do better than this flip-flop within the space of two days!

Link.

United Future takes drugs.

2005-07-19T22:26:00.000+12:00

Seriously, I quote:

"United Future is the only party that unequivocally takes drugs..."

Link.

Name Suppression

2005-07-19T22:08:00.000+12:00

I am actually getting a little (a lot actually) tired of name suppression in criminal cases.

Please don't lecture me on the respective merits of each side of the argument. I have heard it all before.

The Law Commission thinks these should be the rules:

Name suppression in criminal cases

R155 Publication of identifying details of a person charged with an offence before they appear in court should be prohibited unless the person consents.

R156 After a person is charged, there should be a general presumption that publication of their name or identifying particulars should be prohibited until the substance of the case is gone into by the court. Exceptions should be made in certain circumstances.

R157 Where a request for name suppression of a victim in criminal proceedings is made, that request should be granted unless it would not be in the interests of justice to do so.

What has got me stirred up is the Mt Maunganui case (link) and this case.

I think this principle needs serious attention. There should either be blanket prohibition or blanket publication. Soon the internet will take this issue over. If it hasn't done so already.

National's tax 'cuts'.

2005-07-19T13:33:00.000+12:00

I for one am really looking forward to National's tax policy. After so much hype, build up and expectation it had better be good or my pick is that it could hurt them in the polls.

The timing of personal tax rates is expected a few after Clark announces the election date.

John Key has given no details of the personal tax cuts. But what does the Herald say about them today:

"...they are expected to offer relief through a combination of threshold movements, rate cuts and minor changes to Labour's Working for Families tax credit and income assistance package. Mr Key said any major changes to Working for Families would only come once National was in power, because of its complexity".

So, a mish-mash of this, that and the other. Sounds no better than Cullen's budget where he adjusted this, played with that and then dressed them up as "tax cuts". In short, it sounds dopey.

Oh, what else did Key say: "National was not looking at "extremist" policies like Act's where the government would play virtually no role, Mr Key said".

Extremist? My opinion of Key has dropped tenfold. Brash supports Act's tax policy. Will Key stand up and call his leader "extremist"? That is the statement of a confused man. But then, am I surprised?

Key is now all boxed in after signing up to the Cullen Fund, ($2 billion a year) which restricts National. National is, as Rodney says, all "hot air" on tax. It talks big then retreats as it did with welfare, Cullen Fund and nuclear ships.

And what does a real economist think?

"Brendan O'Donovan said he believed there was scope for tax cuts - and maintaining current spending plans in areas such as welfare, health and education...tax cuts allow the expansion of the economy's productive capacity by leaving more for private investment, stimulating employment and attracting people to work and stay in New Zealand."

National won't deliver tax cuts. It will deliver a mish-mash of this, that and the other. It will be no better than Cullen's budget. National is bound to retreat into its conservative shell.

Does National really want to win?

2005-07-19T13:20:00.001+12:00

Colin James wrote a piece in the Herald this morning explaining National's predicaments should it be able to form a government. I am unable to link it so have summarised it below. It is definitely worth reading and pondering over, despite what Aaron Bhat's thinks. In essence the summary is as follows

1. No party ever wants to lose an election, but if it has to lose one, this might be just the one, judging by the economic forecasts.

2. Economic storms ahead could sink the ship post election.

3. National has a management problem post-election, should the numbers point to a Don Brash government that needs Peters alongside.

Some good economic reasons for not rushing to take office hold now:

* GDP growth is slowing.

* The rise in house prices is slowing. Householders will not be able to borrow much more on the paper value of their houses. So they will not spend so freely. If they start to worry about their debt, they may spend less.

* Oil prices are high. They might ease as world growth eases, but growth in China and India might push in the other direction, and in any case sub-$1 petrol is now only a memory. Other prices will rise, too, cutting retail sales volume.

* The exchange rate is falling which means higher inflation just as growth is slowing - the reverse of the boom spiral of the past few years. Higher inflation means interest rates can't fall.

* Australia is slowing and world commodity prices should ease as world growth slows. Exporters will be less profitable, which is bad news for Auckland in 2006.

* Real wages and salaries will go on rising for a bit, which might offset the forces driving a retail spending fall but will eat into already constrained profits. Investment will slow, which will slow productivity growth.

* Falling profits will cut into Government revenue in the 2006-07 year, just when John Key, if he is Treasurer, would be trying to fund at least one and maybe two tranches of election-winning income tax cuts.

4. Cullen, despite his spending, has kept a fat fiscal cushion.

5. Come 2008, a Brash government would be unlikely to have narrowed the Tasman incomes gap much, if at all (even though Australia is now deregulating its wages). It would need two or three terms.

6. And even that scenario would require a pretty free policy hand. What if he needed New Zealand First?

7. Peters last week told Brash his tax cuts are unaffordable. One reason is that Peters is not a small-Government conservative like Brash. He believes in active Government spending to help the little people - especially old little people - whom he sees himself as representing.

8. To the extent Peters might constrain Brash's tax cuts, household net incomes would be lower and spending lower and profits lower. Closing the gap with Australia would take even longer.

All of the above is enough reasons why National needs ACT (I wrote that, not Colin James!).

Which Famous Leader Am I??

2005-07-19T13:20:00.000+12:00

I followed DPF into doing this test and have ended up with this result..

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

You should all watch out I am Saddam, this amuses me I didn't even think of him coming in.

Which Leader Am I?

The Wizard of Hide

2005-07-19T12:37:00.000+12:00

I saw this cartoon in the Dominion this morning and thought it was very appropriate to our current election campaign. Rodney's steed is getting angry and as much as his armour may be glistening it is not helping the steeds campaign, ACT needs to work with the National party not against them.

Sorry Cartoon was too big for the page.

America goes mad

2005-07-18T15:35:00.000+12:00

Have you ever been or are you now involved in

espionage or sabotage or
in terrorist activities or
genocide or
between 1933 and 1945 were you involved , in any way, in persecutions associated with Nazi Germany or its allies?

This is from DPF, It was on his declaration to get into the states with a visitors VISA. I think they have actually lost the plot, surely noone in the world is stupid enough to answer yes.

I have seen some stupid things in my time, but this really takes the cake. I like Davids idea to leave it balnk and ask customs for a definition of genocide, or terrorism.

Corruption?

2005-07-18T13:56:00.000+12:00

From this week's Letter:

CORRUPTION

As previously reported Clark used her parliamentary leaders fund to put up 133 bus stop ads telling voters “You are better off with Labour”. Such party political ads cannot be paid for from taxpayer money and must be repaid. Ken Shirley lodged a complaint. The Parliamentary Services Commission ruled the expenditure was illegal and Clark must repay the money. On Thursday Speaker Wilson, Clark’s close friend, said in this case because it promoted the budget, she was making an exception, and Clark need not repay the money! Thought - if ACT had put up bus stop ads saying “You get real tax cuts with ACT” would they be OK, or is there now a different rule for govt parties? Ken Shirley has referred the matter to the Auditor General. Read the documents and you be the judge. Go to www.act.org.nz/corruption.

Go ahead and laugh as much as I did. Wilson is a lawyer to. Well actually she has never worked as a lawyer, ever. She is an academic and such people tend not to see the wood for the trees. That is, of course, if she is actually looking for the wood. Dishonest, spend your money as we like, socialists. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Only Labour cares

2005-07-18T09:04:00.000+12:00

Just heard Helen Clark on the radio this morning saying that only Labour cares about a strong economy for the present and the future and the other parties will put anything on the bonfire for political gain.

May I suggest it is this pointing finger, I know best, nanny state attitude which has led to the current poll ratings. Keep it up Helen. We are laughing all the way to the polling booth.

Let's talk MMP

2005-07-17T22:10:00.000+12:00

In my real life as a lawyer, I get to deal with people in business. Some of these people want to set up companies with fellow business mates, and some want to establish joint venture companies. Before they make these serious decisions they all come to me (and my boss!) with a plan, they have talked about their plans and they have strategised on how they can make an impact in the market. In essence, they talk beforehand to limit/avoid mess afterwards.

Yet, in MMP our parties seem to be doing the exact opposite. They all seem to avoid talking beforehand at all costs, when some of them could clearly benefit from some planning, strategising and mutual cooperation.

MMP is all about collaberation. It is a deal making system. I find it difficult to understand why the parties leave it until after they have spent their money to talk with their 'friends'. That seems bizzare.

I realise politics is politics and difficult to equate with business. But the analogy is the same. Unless ACT and National sit down NOW and talk about how they can govern in 9 weeks time, we will have a left wing government.

I have said this before, National has one certain coalition option, ACT. Labour has 5! Come on guys. Bury the hatchets and put Labour/NZ First/Greens/Jim Andertonovich to bed. Now!

Tax cuts = more money for Government

2005-07-17T21:54:00.000+12:00

This is very interesting.

Of course, the left will always find something to moan about. And they did here. A few select quotes:

"Let's see if we can get this straight: When tax revenues fall and budget deficits go up, it's bad news. But when tax revenues rise and deficits decline, it's still bad news.

At least that seems to be the way a sizable chunk of Washington is reacting to this week's report from the White House budget office that the federal deficit is down by nearly $100 billion this fiscal year, that the deficit as a share of GDP is down to 2.7% (very near its historical average), and that this is all happening because tax receipts are surging by more than 14%. Uncle Sam is having a better year so far than even Paris Hilton, but half of the Beltway is depressed".

Does the below sound familiar? The same noises are being made here. Lucky Winston doesn't want to embark on a spend up aye!

"There is a looming budget problem, but it has nothing to do with the Bush tax cuts or insufficient tax revenue. It is a government spending crisis, especially the liabilities that politicians have promised to retirees in Social Security and Medicare. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that spending as a share of our national output based solely on current promises will surge from about 20% today, to 25% in 2025 and to 34% by 2040".

Finally:

"So thank heaven for the tax cuts that have helped to spur the economy that is now throwing off higher tax revenues...those revenues are now rising back to their modern average as a share of GDP, just as supporters of the tax cuts predicted. And if the tax cuts are made permanent, and as the economy grows and incomes continue to rise, Americans will be paying even more in taxes as they move into higher tax brackets. The real windfall here isn't for the rich but for Washington..."

Hat tip: Sir Humphrey's

Only 7 years!

2005-07-16T22:53:00.000+12:00

Here's an update on Jono's blurb below. Can you really, honestly believe he only got 7 years? Must be a misprint. Has to be 70. Surely.

Link.

TVNZ & Judy Bailey

2005-07-16T22:47:00.000+12:00

Read this and tell me whether it will be concluded before the election. Yeah, right.

It is actually not the concern of Helen Clark. If she doesn't like the salary, then sell TVNZ and don't make it a political issue.

The Golden Bear

2005-07-16T22:33:00.000+12:00

Jack Nicklaus is one of my favourite ever sportsmen. In fact I reckon he is one of the greatest sportsmen ever.

At his peak he battled Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson. During a period of 18 years he only ever finished out of the top 6 in a British Open on one occasion. He defined the modern game. He worked harder than anyone and his course management was second to none.

I remember studying him when I was hooked on the game. I idolised him during my late teens. He is simply the best. I wish him well in his retirement.

Wanna be a cop?

2005-07-16T22:27:00.000+12:00

Anyone who thinks the Police: 1) don't try or care, or 2) aren't understaffed must read this article.

Jason Hewett is a good friend of mine (mentioned toward the end). I enjoyed this read.

Oh No!

2005-07-16T20:38:00.000+12:00

I read the headline and panicked. Thankfully it's not Helen who will benefit.

Article.

Harsher Sentences

2005-07-15T14:21:00.000+12:00

The Justice system in New Zealand is a joke. We have Graham Capill get 9 years, he will be out early. Thats a load of crap he has ruined those girls lives.
Then we have murder set at 18 or so years, this is just not on, and the guy who drove his car off the bridge in Hamilton, killing 3 girls and running away when he could clearly hear the screams of the third that died down river...he got 7yrs. OH MY this is outrageous, how can we let this continue. I am a huge advocate of Harsher sentences and so many of these crims reoffend, lock them up and throw away the key.

Campaign meeting

2005-07-14T23:05:00.000+12:00

Tonight I was at a campaign and candidate meeting at the ACT office in Newmarket. There were approximately 25 candidates/campaign people, a couple of fundraisers and Muriel was there too.

The mood was somewhat electric.

It was also very optimistic.

Okay, ACT might be down a little in the polls, but we have been there before - in fact every time since 1996! We started off the 1996 campaign at 1.5% and got close to 6%! People wrote us off then, 1999 & 2002. They are doing it now too. *Sigh*

ACT is in very good heart, let me reassure you. We will give as good as we get this election and some. I have said this before and I will keep saying it. You write off ACT at your peril. This election will see swinging and tooing and froing like never before. It won't be over until polling day and ACT will be there charging right to the bitter end.

Remember this too. Only a party vote for ACT will ensure a change of government. You know who ACT will support in government. To keep Winston toward the centre (where he thinks the votes are) he will go with Labour. After all, to go with the Gnats again would label him as a Tory through and through. Nothing more. Nothing less. And he won't want that.

ACT website

2005-07-14T23:03:00.000+12:00

Aaron said a while ago that one sign of party machinery was its website. Check out ACT's new one. Fantastic.

Here.

Ice Hockey

2005-07-14T16:51:00.000+12:00

It looks like the NHL may have finally come to an agreement about the collective bargining. I just found this so it looks good for the new season of Ice Hockey to start in late september. I have missed it so much.

Transparency

2005-07-14T15:57:00.000+12:00

Rodney Posted this on his blog.
I agree with what he has to say this supposed transparency under MMP hasn't actually come to fruition it would be great if it had...another example would be the 'surplus' Cullen has never revealed his real 'surplus' and uses strange terms that the public don't understand. but there are more.

Zimbabwe

2005-07-14T13:53:00.000+12:00

Something to mull over while you sip your Chardonnay and eat your stir fried noodles:

Please pray for these people.

A letter from Zim......

Sent in by John Winter:

I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF. The darkest hour is always before dawn. We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next. I mean they are actually plowing down brick and mortar houses and one white family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK's and bulldozers and demolished
their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was "too close to the airport"..so we are feeling extremely insecure right now. You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help - but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable. There is no ways we can leave so that is not an option. I just ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all.

You can't just be in denial and pretend its not going on. To be frank with you, its genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are IN level seven (level 8 is after its happened and everyone is in denial). If you don't want me to tell you these things then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning your back on our situation. We need you to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa. This government has GONE MAD and you need to publicize our plight or how can we be rescued? You can't just say "oh you attract your own reality". The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food water, shelter and bedding are a reality.

Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 people and a child on this property and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water. How can I take another family of 4 - and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open?

I am not asking you for money, or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and I want you to pass on our news and pictures and don't just press the delete button for God's sake. Help in the way that you know how. Face the reality of what is going on here and SEND OUT THE WORD. The more people that know
about it, the more chance we have of United Nations coming to our aid. Please stop ignoring and denying what's happening. Would you like to be protected from the truth and then if we are eliminated how would you feel? Surely you would say "if only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way". I know we chose to stay here and so we "deserve" what's coming to us. For now we ourselves, have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going
to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those I can't fight for my rights.

We no longer have SW radio which told us everything that was happening because the government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of everyone's homes which are supposed to be "illegal but which a huge percentage of them actually do have licenses for. Please my children - have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can be DONE.

Graham Capill

2005-07-14T11:22:00.000+12:00

Just got sentenced to nine years which is nine years too little.

Trade NOT Aid

2005-07-13T22:37:00.000+12:00

Africa needs trade not aid. The proof is this quote from this article:

Over the last 50 years, sub-Saharan Africa has received more than $1 trillion in aid, or more than $5,000 dollars in today's terms for every man, woman and child on the continent. And yet today many African countries are poorer than they were 50 years ago.

At the time of independence, many African states had a higher per capita income than much of Southeast Asia. Today, however, more than 300 million Africans are living on less than a dollar a day, while South Korea, to take one example, which was much poorer than many African countries around the time of their independence, is now 37 times richer.

Yet the seemingly endless flow of aid continues while we hear tales of donor fatigue. But it is Africans who are actually suffering from donation fatigue.

Experience has shown that aid on its own does not achieve the intended good and can cause harm. In many cases it has simply fed the greed of corrupt leaders. The proposed wholesale cancellation of debt could result in sweeping away good practices in countries struggling to achieve independence and rewarding leaders of failed or failing states who have never aspired to it.

Gotcha!

2005-07-13T22:15:00.000+12:00

One down, many more to go.

Link.

BSA & Zaoui

2005-07-13T22:01:00.000+12:00

This is ridiculous.

I actually don't know what is more absurd. The fact Zaoui is allowed to enter this country like he did; the fact he's still here; the fact you can't offer an opinion without some peacenik running off to the BSA; or the fact that Vivienne Parre didn't have the guts to want her name released!

Of course, Vivienne has an agenda. She is linked to this organisation.

Good on Mark Bennett. Say what you want (as long as it's not defamatory or profane). I expect Vivienne to be first off the block in favour of hate speech.

Not while I'm alive Viv.

Kyoto costs

2005-07-13T21:20:00.000+12:00

So, for the first time Treasury has costed Kyoto.

This costing is based on unknown demand/supply and with a dollar at 71c against the $US. The Government, when the bungle was first announced, estimated $500 million. It seems that was fairly accurate.

There is no reason for NZ to be signed up to Kyoto until the USA and Australia have signed. We are but a drop in the ocean and our signature is tokenism, at best.

There is only one party which has said they would pull out of Kyoto. The cost is unnecessary.

Tana Umaga is to blame

2005-07-13T21:08:00.000+12:00

Tana Umaga is clearly to blame. Can't you see it. just like Sir Clive did?

Court order prevents Potter leak

2005-07-13T07:53:00.000+12:00

This story doesn't fit in our general sections, but it is interesting to see how quickly a leak can be covered. In Canada there was a leak of a "few" Harry Potter books. The publishers sought a court order to gag those who had read the book. The order prevents anyone disclosing all or part of the plot to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ahead of its worldwide release on 16 July.Those returning the book will be rewarded with a JK Rowling autograph.
The Harry Potter books have so much hype surrounding them these people could be able to tell so much that only a small number of people know about.

This follows the 2003 case where JK.Rowling sucessfully sued a newspaper for realeasing plot details to the previous book, which they recieved from a couple who managed to purchase a book before the release date.

OSH, ACC & R.I.P

2005-07-12T22:26:00.000+12:00

When the new OSH regime came into force one of the main concerns of employers was not so much the extremely punitive sanctions but the fact employers were barred from insuring against the risk. Now we have double dipping as exemplified by this case and no ability for employers to counter the risk via insurance.

ACC needs to go to be replaced with voluntary insurance. If Labour is relected I don't fancy the chances of insurance being allowed as the EMA hope.

Link.

Brash & Peters on property

2005-07-12T22:08:00.000+12:00

How these two will ever get on I don't know. Their divergent views are no better illustrated than this.

Peters will never realise (or at least admit publicly) that markets go up and down. It is simply fallacious for him to say that it is getting easier for foreigners to buy property here. The OIC is not an easy system to go through. Even when you make it through, the Resource Management Act has to be overcome. Ask Shania Twain.

Peters' reasoning on rising property values is similarly misguided. Sure, immigration has been a factor. But subsidies to Kiwis won't ever help this. The best thing we can do is to cut taxes, or as Dr Don says here 'reform' them.

Winston is very sure that the answer is big government, big spending and big taxes. His first action after becoming Treasurer was to cancel the “Birch tax cuts”. He opposed Ruth Richardson not just ideologically but pragmatically. Peters believes, (and there is evidence to support him), that NZ’ers like government doing things for them. As Treasurer, Peters began a massive $5 billion spend up. He still believes but for the Asian crisis and Shipley firing him, he would have spent his way to victory.

He also believes in trade barriers and "import substitution". NZ First's economy policy is a massive throwback. In key respects, it's *way* to the left of Labour.

I still expect him to plump for National given the chance. Being Winston isn't about making sense.

This article emphasises that quite clearly. Let's hope Dr Don doesn't find this out.

Viagra Culture

2005-07-12T21:58:00.000+12:00

The wonderful thing about science is the amount of 'studies' one can undertake.

Link.

Election date

2005-07-12T21:48:00.000+12:00

Jono, I'll see your election date post and trump it with this.

I like the last sentence. The fact Dr Don wants an election sooner rather than later can only confirm one thing can't it. It will be as late as possible.

National wants to take advantage of their billboard campaign and good recent poll results. Labour will see value in doing nothing yet, sitting back knowing exactly how to time their run based on a date only they know of.

September 24 is looking good. And by that time people will be heartily sick and tired of hearing about National's tax cuts. The reality is the public only tune in about two weeks out. A long way to go before we get to that time.

Election Date

2005-07-12T18:33:00.000+12:00

Speculation about the Election continues as it gets nearer to the date that Labour will be able to call it and the whole thing is getting ridiculous, I think that Labour will almost have to wait til september now, as it is not going to be to their advantage to go early. They are losing it in the polls but the election is definitely not over it is going to come down to the wire. This election could go either way at the end and is really a race to the posts.

Election Date: Sept 24th

It's not over by a long shot

2005-07-11T22:23:00.000+12:00

I want to make brief comment on several comments appearing in blogs (and the MSM in parts) that the election is over and the government will be National/NZ First. My points:

1. The prize is for first across the finish line, not first across the start line.
2. MMP produces wierd results. Case in point - Peter Dunne got 6.6% last time in the space of about 7 seconds.
3. If NZ First had gone with Labour in 1996, we would have had 9 years of a centre left government (if it lasted).
4. In 1978 & 1981 there were more votes for Labour than National. A Social Democrat Party (Social Credit) got 16% of the vote in 1978 and 22% in 1981.
5. We had Labour governments in 1984, 1987. If things had been slightly different in 1978 & 1981 we could have had them then too. We could have had one in 1996. We have had one in 1999 & 2002. So, since 1978 we could quite easily have had 8/10 Labour governments.

The electorate in New Zealand is essentially egalitarian, and as the above shows, tends to show support toward social democratic Labour. There is ample evidence of this.

People who say the result is all but over need a serious reality check. This will go down to the wire, and probably beyond.

Winston & The Letter

2005-07-11T21:38:00.000+12:00

Both Aaron and Jordan have reprinted pieces of Prebs' letter today. Both seem intent on interpreting what Prebs said as bad news for the centre right. In fact, Aaron has been ramping up the chances of Winston rather a lot lately.

He quoted parts of the Letter on his blog today to do with strategic voting. He seemed to omit this bit from the Letter so I'll reproduce it just in case he overlooked it:

NOT THREE TIMES

Peters has been a minister twice. Both times it has almost destroyed him. As Minister of Maori Affairs his personal popularity went into free fall. He blamed the “dry” policies of Finance Minister Ruth Richardson. He determined next time to be Finance Minister. He was and his popularity fell again. He survived by just 34 votes in 1999. (We are still looking for them). Commentators have speculated Peters will do a United Party and refuse to join the government. Being outside government has not saved United and Dunne has now said he wants to be in the cabinet. Peters himself is all about power, perks and prestige; he hates the backbenches and longs for ministerial power and prestige.

REMEMBER

It is not just the public but also the commentators’ memories that are short. On election night in 1996 everyone including Clark thought it was going to be a Labour/NZ First government. Peters said it was because the Alliance would not give an assurance of support, (Alliance’s vote was needed for a majority) - he went with National.

BIG GOVERNMENT

Peters believes in big government, big spending and big taxes. His first action after becoming Treasurer was to cancel the “Birch tax cuts”. He opposed Ruth Richardson not just ideologically but pragmatically. Peters believes, (and there is evidence to support him), that NZ’ers like government doing things for them. As Treasurer Peters began a massive $5 billion spend up. He still believes but for the Asian crisis and Shipley firing him, he would have spent his way to victory. His first preference is a coalition with Labour, on his terms. Clark and Cullen were willing in 1996, what’s changed? Whenever Peters wants to silence Cullen he threatens to publish the coalition agreement Labour signed with him.

My fisk on this is that a vote for Winston Last is nothing short of madness.

Well I have been away from blogging for a while

2005-07-11T21:29:00.000+12:00

Formula 1

Last night Formula one was at Silverstone and continued in the face of the recent terrorist attacks in London. I have to feel sorry for Takuma Sato, whose car refused to restart after the minutes silence for the victims of the bombings meaning he started a lap down.
The Race completed the comeback of Mclaren, with Montoya winning the race after coming from third on the grid to the lead in the first few corners, Raikkonen would have to be disappointed to have come from 12th to 3rd, he started 12th after taking a 10 place drop in the grid after having to change his engine earlier in the weekend and he drove a spectacular race to finish third.
The Mclaren team has improved hugely since the beginning of the season while Ferraris chances are slowly slipping away.

Sir Clive Dipshit

2005-07-11T21:25:00.000+12:00

In case you can't read the text, it says the following:

"Lions Coach Sir Clive Woodward shows an image of the Kennedy assassination in which Tana Umaga is clearly the 2nd gun-man on the Grassy Knoll during a press conference in Wellington last night".

German Ironman

2005-07-10T12:54:00.000+12:00

I will be watching Cameron Brown's effort here with interest. You can get it live here if you're a multisport geek like me.

Link.

UPDATE: 2nd. Came off the bike 15 minutes down and could only make up 8 minutes of it. Here's looking @ Hawaii now. Winner was Norman Stadler who won Hawaii last year so overall an excellent effort.

Gay cops

2005-07-09T22:27:00.000+12:00

This makes me shake my head.

Recruitment should be based on ability, not sexual orientation. Don't be confused that Police won't favour gays over other applicants when recruiting. It happened with Asians, Polynesians, Maoris and females. I loved this quote:

"By enlarging the police culture, it gives you a better understanding on how we can best serve the communities which we are in."

Here's a message for Lynne Turner: "Why not just serve the public irrespective of gender or sexual orientation"?

Some other doozies:

"We (police) take people on their abilities and not their (sexual) orientation."

Then, how Ms Turner, will you recruit gays if you don't take sexual orientation into account? Of course you will take it into account.

"Ms Turner said the best way of helping gay and lesbian communities was to boost their numbers within police ranks".

No, the best way is to stop writing traffic tickets and get your dipshit Minister and Commissioner off their arses!

Anyhow, maybe gays don't want to join the police. They'll join if they want to serve not because you come knocking on their door.

*Sigh*.

Proud to be a Keewee

2005-07-09T22:22:00.000+12:00

Despite all the rubbish we hear daily this is a great country to live in.

Link.

Ann Hartley's Billboards

2005-07-09T22:14:00.000+12:00

Last weekend I posted this

Election time?

I noted two of Ann Hartley's billboards along my road during the weekend. These weren't billboards that advertised meetings (allowed), rather they said something like: "Who can? Ann Can. Two ticks Labour" or something similar.

I know that local bodies allow election advertising within either one or two months of polling day (approximately). I'm not sure of North Shore City's rules but I will find out today if I can.

This could mean that the election is within two months time (ie before September 17 as the MSM believes) because if it was at this date then Ann Hartley is breaking the rules, not that rorty Labour would care. If NSCC rules allow for one month then we could see an election very shortly, before the end of July. That is unlikely because Parliament is currently in a four-week recess and they would have to convene before breaking up. So my bet is an election in late August, allowing for the two months for Ann's billboards and also allowing for parliament to reconvene and then depart again in time for a three week campaign period. August 20 or 27 is looking good I reckon.

UPDATE

They weren't there today! Maybe some over exuberant campaign person? They were quite small billboards and possibly able to be taken down quickly.

TODAY - 9 July

Many, many up today. I phoned the Council and queried the legality of this. I was told it was illegal (as I thought). But, the enforcement officers don't work weekends so they couldn't do anything about my complaint! That is why Hartley puts them up and takes them down on the weekends - nothing can happen!

Labour is good at breaking electoral laws (bus stop advertising). They won't get away with this next weekend. I have a cunning plan!

Experimenting

2005-07-08T22:26:00.000+12:00

After watching Sir Humphreys go through a metamorphosis I decided I needed to experiment with this blogging thing.

Stephen Franks Unleashed

2005-07-08T16:59:00.000+12:00

This is very good and is food for thought:

Terrorism: When ends justify means.

Last night’s terrorism uncovered scars I’d never seen on a Chinese friend I’ve known for nearly 20 years. Trembling with rage, she repeated over and over “Muslim wild pigs”. I murmured some silly warning about stereotyping. She wasn’t listening. She was back 35 years ago, age 13, huddling terrified in the family shop cradling her 20-year-old sister who had just had a huge hole blown in her back by a shotgun. Her other sister, 18, was lying beside them in a spreading pool of blood from the shattered pelvis that has kept her in a wheel chair ever since.

No one was ever brought to justice from the mob that fanned out from the mosque to attack their Chinese neighbours.

She set me reflecting on the nature of evil. How often it is tied to high-minded rhetoric. Perhaps only small differences determine whether a theology or ideology produces violence, corruption and tyranny, or produces instead, as Tony Blair called it last night, “civilization’s” respect for the innocent. How often our leaders strive to trivialize these vital differences. How fragile are hard won principles in the face of high-minded claims of more urgent morality.

My experience at Phil Goff’s all-party briefing on the cricket tour earlier this week came to mind. All the other parties opposed the tour. Their argument was only about who should stop it and who should bear the cost, the cricketers, or the Government.

On the scale of moral blackness it is on a different planet, but they share a thread of common reasoning with the religious London murderers. They are equally indifferent to the distinction between personal or individual moral responsibility, and collective responsibility. They believe in group punishment.

Essentially the tour stoppers want to impose group punishment on Zimbabweans who have done no wrong and have no power to stop the wrong. They want to ‘send a message’ to the wrongdoer Mugabe by inflicting loss on innocent third parties. They equate those myriad individual citizens with the state, the collective, and its baboon leader. Yet many of those individuals would hate him with more reason and intensity than any calculating politician here.

In both cases the civilian innocence of those who pay the price may be an attraction. They are not collateral damage. They are the objects. Those frothing to send a message feel that their willingness to break normal moral limits to punish the innocent underscores their anger and sincerity.

The others at Mr Goff’s Beehive briefing took it as obvious that ends justify means. Sometimes they do. People unavoidably pay a collective price for the misdeeds and wrongs of their leaders. But collective punishments and using wrong means to pursue noble ends are very steep slippery slopes. At the very least there is an onus on those urging collective punishments to weigh the gains against the costs. Very dear principles are at stake.

Yet the briefing included absolutely no assessment of the practical impact of the proposed tour ban. No alternatives were compared. ACT was considered immoral for asking.

There are plenty of ways in which the cricketers could make Mugabe wish they had never come. Perhaps humiliating Zimbabwe on the pitch is too tall an order, but there are plenty of more serious and subtle ways in which television coverage could draw attention to Mugabe’s thuggery.

Mr Goff offered no evidence that the tour will support Mugabe. There is precious little evidence that boycotts are effective. Afghanistan was liberated from the Russians by force and the Moscow Olympic boycott simply damaged sport and the Los Angeles Olympics.

Freedom of association means nothing if it can be denied whenever a majority thinks it would be better to shun some people.

Touring does raise moral questions. I hope the cricketers leave Mugabe in no doubt about their feelings. But politicians have no moral right to tell cricketers to do something that political correctness has prevented them from doing themselves.

Mugabe now owes his power to Mbeki of South Africa. Instead of holding their African mates accountable, Labour politicians have continued the fawning of their anti-apartheid days, most notably at the recent Durban conference, where the Hon Margaret Wilson supported the third world hypocrisy of African countries blaming the US for the world's ills.

For Helen Clark and Phil Goff to make this stand is like publicly boycotting a restaurant for paying mafia protection money, while privately begging to stay on the mafia’s cocktail party list.

The superficial political calculation at Mr Goff’s briefing said it all. Political relics of the 70s are fomenting a “stop the tour" wave of hysteria, glorying in the echoes of their salad days.

“Stop the thug” as a goal is too risky for them. They have flocked to be seen with Mbeki and there are too many African skeletons in the Labour closet.

Labour railed at what they termed Muldoon’s insult of Mugabe in 1981. Mugabe was demanding that the New Zealand government simply ban sports links. Muldoon excused Mugabe’s indifference to niceties like freedom of association with the comment, “when you’ve been in the jungle for a few years shooting people, it’s a bit difficult to understand”. For days international headlines condemned this rudely truthful observation.

Ironically, Muldoon was then resisting false African claims that the Commonwealth’s 1977 Gleneagles agreement obliged NZ to ban sports contacts with South Africa. We haven’t heard a thing from Africa about that precedent since Mugabe’s racism became too naked for even Labour leaders to ignore.

Instead, Labour rushed to send Chris Laidlaw to open a High Commission in Harare. It had nothing to do with the interests of New Zealand. Its job was to hand out aid that propped up Mugabe and to host streams of Labour visitors who came to fawn on him.

It continued even though they knew that Mugabe had borrowed ruthless Korean troops to murder between 5000 and 10,000 of his tribal enemies in Matabeleland. Labour howled racist at anyone who predicted exactly the disaster that has befallen the Zimbabwe people. They labeled as “colonialists” people who sought more sensitivity to human rights from freedom fighters.

At least this week Mr. Goff denounced the Maori Party’s Pita Sharples for excusing Mugabe’s actions as “ a bit of tough and tumble” while the regime which “has just been released from colonialism [tries] to find their own feet.”

Chris Trotter foams that ACT’s position is “obscene”. As I apologised for my silly soothing words to my Chinese friend this morning, I did not feel obscene. I felt superficial. But Mr Trotter has tried to whitewash the philosophies behind the greatest obscenities of the past 100 years. It is the collectivists who’ve preached that the end justifies the means.

Mr Trotter’s comrades see ACT’s focus on personal responsibility, and constraints on what rulers may do under the rule of law, as mere property owners’ quibbles. He is dead wrong. Tyrannies feed on group privileges and rights. They are defeated by individuals who take responsibility, and by protecting the rights of those individuals.

Judge the philosophies by their outcomes. By their fruits you shall know them.