The publicity onslaught on Auckland Council this week was somewhat predictable although it could have been handled better. There were some pretty simple mistakes made. The spending of $1,296.60 excluding GST on a small celebration after the budget passed was bound to attract attention. Clearly…
There is a desperate need for state housing in NZ. Headlines from the last year include: State Housing waiting lists go through the roof More living in cars as rents go through roof Families in urgent need of state housing waiting twice as long -…
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that a state ban on gay marriage is a breach of the 14th amendment to the US Constitution. This amendment says no state shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” The majority…
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 …
I want some of what John Armstrong is smoking: Being foolish does not prove you are a fool Craig may have been foolish in seeking MacGregor's affections. But he is no fool. Craig undoubtedly possesses a ruthless streak. He has simply transferred it from the…
Here's how National's "brighter future" is working out for scientists (good work by RNZ): More scientists complain of gagging More scientists are coming forward saying they are being gagged or pressured, the Association of Scientists says. Late last year the association released a poll showing…
(Partly inspired by Mandy's call to Andrew Little to "get angry".) It's funny (or depending on your point of view, completely predictable) how often feminist analysis and leftwing analysis overlap. There's a term: "tone argument". It refers to the regular pleas directed at feminists, anti-racism…
"Blinded by hatred, the alleged killer could not see the grace surrounding Reverend Pinckney and that Bible study group. The light of love that shone as they opened the church doors and invited a stranger to join in their prayer circle. The alleged killer…
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 …
Dear Mr Little, Like you, I’ve been thinking really hard about how the hell we can get John Key and his corporate bandits out of government before they have so fatally destroyed our democracy that it is irretrievable (I fear we’re very close.) I’d like…
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standarnistas 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.
Weekend social is for non political chat. What's on for the weekend, gigs, film or book reviews, sports, or whatever. No politics, no aggro, why can't we all just get along?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcFg8HY3S7M For your Friday's entertainment the live acoustic version of blues maestro Darren Watson's I got your office right here. Darren of Planet Key fame is now in the Court of Appeal trying to protect his artistic right to have his music played. The song…
As reported in The Independent, Utrecht, a city with a population of some 300 000 people, is to launch a universal basic income experiment. Recently, a court order issued to the Dutch government demanded that it cut CO2 emissions by 25% over the next 5…
Originally posted at Boots Theory! The Labour Party has had a sneak peek at the process our government is using to pick "providers" for its mercenary social impact bonds scheme, and it's like something off television: Overseas banks and their preferred providers were asked to…
National's Harmful Digital Communications Bill may have had some genuinely well intentioned goals, but some clauses are too broad. It can be interpreted as criminalising any criticism of the government online. In its current form it should be opposed. Not a phrase I have cause…
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 …
Slightly redesigned in support of #CampbellLives. Daily review is also your post. This provides Standarnistas 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.
With every day new revelations concerning the scandal known as sheepgate are occurring. And so many questions arise. Here are a few: This super duper agri hub in the middle of the desert? Can anyone visit? What sort of foot traffic does the place have? Is…
See the full page at the Red Cross. Red Cross launches emergency appeal for flooding Red Cross has been responding to the severe flooding across the country and has launched an emergency appeal to further help the people hardest hit. New Zealand Red Cross Secretary…
John Key, 26 May 2015: "The removal of the $1,000 kick-start contribution will not make a blind bit of difference to the number of people who join KiwiSaver." Yesterday: KiwiSaver enrolments drop by half after National axes sign-up payment ...ANZ, which has a 26 per…
In a case that may have local implications a Dutch Court has ordered the Netherlands Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their 1990 levels by 25% within 5 years. From the Guardian: To cheers and hoots from climate campaigners in court, three judges ruled…
It all sounds so simple doesn't it: State housing tenants told to seek help The Prime Minister is urging people in unhealthy state homes to approach government agencies for help. ... Mr Key conceded it was a problem around the country, particularly as the weather…
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 …
Catriona MacLennan and Prue Hyman will discuss this topic at Connolly Hall, Guildford Terrace, Wellington, Thursday June 25th at 5:30pm. All Welcome. Catriona MacLennan will discuss these issues as they relate to physical and cultural power. She will look at the experiences of beneficiaries and…
Slightly redesigned in support of #CampbellLives. Daily review is also your post. This provides Standarnistas 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.
admits it doesn't adequately address dairy products (one of NZ's main export products). That's right, the PM acknowledges that dairy products are not dealt with in a way NZ would like... He even has to contradict Tim Groser's views here and here to try to…
I don't know the answer. However, although I haven't voted Labour in the last 2 elections, I do receive their email-outs. Increasingly this means receiving a petition on one issue or another for my digital "signing" and submission. I always make a point of writing…