' Lest We Forget There’s a whole lot of talk About changing of our flag. They’ve already spent a ransom On new fangled rags. But there’s a thought out there That she’s not done yet, Let’s take time to remember, Lest we forget. …
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
John Oliver on John Key: Last Week Tonight's John Oliver says 'gigantic clown' John Key makes great TV US television host John Oliver has admitted to a "deep fascination" with John Key - and appealed for Kiwi audiences to find him even more footage of…
The gift that keeps on giving, the American Presidential primaries has slipped into overdrive as if someone dumped a whole load of NOX into an overheated engine. On the left Hillary Clinton won a points victory on super Tuesday by winning seven out of eleven states…
Recognising that a carbon tax would be more effective, the Greens were reluctant to endorse Labour's emissions trading scheme, but did so on the basis that it was better than nothing. When National took over in 2008 they gutted the scheme, and now we're at…
' Realising the impossibility of defending the indefensible, the Young Nats have run away from an opportunity to participate in a public debate on the merits or otherwise of the TPP. The Young Nats were called out by Christchurch activist Josie Butler who challenged them…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
From Spinoff: Crowdfund campaign launched for cameraman’s lawsuit against John Key A crowdfunding campaign has been launched in an effort to ensure freelance camera operator Bradley Ambrose’s defamation suit against John Key makes it to court. The case, which is likely to see the prime…
' After thoroughly politicising the flag debate, John Key said on Wednesday he would stay out of the debate during the voting process. He lasted less than 24 hours. Yesterday, John Key was back in the debate saying that if his flag was selected, it…
Before I start my actual post, I'll just say that I haven't posted here for maybe a year or so, for personal reasons. I haven't posted on any blog during that time. But I'm finally in a place and space where I can write again.…
Should have covered this earlier, Bernard Hickey from last Sunday: Council caves before home owners Auckland Council is reverting to the 2013 version of its Unitary Plan proposal, which will provide for just over 80,000 new homes by 2040. This is despite expert working advice…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
John Key is worried - Cyberbullying: 'It is really awful out there' - Key Prime Minister John Key has told officials working on a youth mental health programme he is particularly worried about cyberbullying -- saying for many young people "it is really awful out…
The current closing date for public submissions on the TPP is Friday March 11th. Labour's David Clark is calling for an extension: Call to extend deadline for TPP submissions The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee is considering the TPP and public feedback on the…
First off, congratulations all you ex-Sanders supporters. Super Tuesday means you have officially put the bong down. You know Sanders would have been a terrible match against Trump. In your heart. Come on. It would have been Oral Roberts versus Bishop Brian Tamaki. Stone Cold…
Much is made in NZ political punditry of John Key's supposed popularity. Mostly this rests on his dominance of the standard "preferred PM" question in political polls. But the incumbent PM has almost always led on this measure - partly it's a matter of simple…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Iain-Lees Galloway on the thinking behind Labour offering tentative support to the Government for the Employment Standards Legislation Bill. Last year the union movement, led by Unite, launched an amazing campaign against zero hour contracts. One of Andrew Little’s first moves as Labour leader was…
The usual suspects are trying to manufacture a scandal over Andrew Little having dinner with some Medical Industry big wigs in September last year and because Labour more recently has supported the drug Keytruder being funded by Pharmac. The "scandal" to use that word in…
Voting has begun - it's on! By the end of the process one candidate in each party (i.e. Trump and probably Clinton but don't give up on Sanders) will have huge momentum towards nomination. Strange days indeed. From RNZ: Super Tuesday voting under way About…
Reprinted with permission from Imperator Fish. It’s hard to know what John Palino was thinking when he decided to throw his hat into the ring and try once again for the Auckland mayoralty. I heard someone describe Monday’s campaign launch as a train-wreck, but I…
Way back in 2009 I wrote about the costs of the Auckland "supercity" integration: How much is that doggie in the window? ... Here's one significant cost that may well have been underestimated so far - the costs of integrating the disparate information systems of…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Reprinted from Boots Theory with permission. Something really, really weird is going on in the right, and I’m not talking about John Key, who has politically driven a political referendum process about our national identity for several years now and has suddenly decided to pretend…
A media release from Medicines New Zealand: While New Zealanders wait for 81 medicines, PHARMAC gives money back Tuesday 01 March 2016, 11:28AM Media release from Medicines New Zealand “We are outraged that the Minister of Health has today confirmed $30 million of PHARMAC’s budget…