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6:00 am, October 8th, 2025 - 17 comments
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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 …
10 years ago gold was $1000 an ounce; today it is $4000 an ounce.
Not making sense.
AI
Since Nixon closed the gold window in 1971
ending the dollar's convertibility to gold, the price of gold has risen dramatically, from approximately $35
due to factors like fiat currency, inflation, and economic uncertainty. Major rallies occurred in the 1970s (from $35 to $850 by 1980) and again in the 2000s (doubling in value), peaking around $1,895 in 2011 (doubling again to 4000 this decade).
(my italics or bold).
The full detail is in the gold price chart – it is shown within this article
https://www.investopedia.com/gold-price-history-highs-and-lows-7375273
4 times in value
The big jumps were in the 1970’s and 2001 – 2012 (nearly 8 times in value)
It is no surprise that women under 40 might transfer their votes from the coalition because of the pay equity issue.
What is, is that some who voted L/G/TPM might transfer their votes too (the three parties need to focus some attention to this group).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360846745/poll-controversial-pay-equity-changes-could-cost-coalition-2026-election
Government legislation, sentiment and learned opinion – here about our free speech tradition.
Expecting this to line up should be the norm and yet here we are in the 21st C, where this is one of those nice to haves that were once commonplace (like affordable homes).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360846284/parliament-considering-bill-ban-protests-outside-private-residences-heres-why-we-might-need-it
Are the Coalition and Nicola Willis banking on the new RBNZ Governor to keep up the charade?
https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/06/vocal-vested-interests-distract-us-from-the-need-for-economic-change/
A cut in OCR will be good for mortgage owners but the great unwashed won’t feel the love so much and high social stress will continue to increase for some time, thanks to the Coalition.
Curia poll has the left bloc on 61 seats. Good to see the GP and TPM numbers, and Hipkins as preferred PM.
https://x.com/120Aotearoa/status/1975698464878305618
https://x.com/120Aotearoa/status/1975698699146961350
the polling trend (doesn't include the Curia poll yet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_next_New_Zealand_general_election
When Curia (David Farrar) have the Greens on 12% and ACT on 6.6%, Seymour is in big trouble.
The return of
Beltway insider trading (gossip)finally getting some questions answered?Such subtlety and yet the the government is left with this, when there is a Palestine State, New Zealand will recognise it, as its policy.
No worries then, Gone with the Wind, in 2026. The world will move on and Peter Fraser will watch on a little less embarrassed.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360844983/we-havent-had-foreign-policy-consensus-60-years
Meh.
Strengthen what again. Luxon has been begging the RB to give those who own property more money after paying their mortgage (finally realising that there were not enough rich and sorted landlords to impact on the economy in a positive way).
https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360847729/reserve-bank-cuts-ocr-05-strengthen-recovery
I'm looking to group source a question about elder support in the home.
My Mum had quite the turn and is needing support in her home and I was wondering where I could find out what sorts of things WINZ might fund.
The family is rallying around but there are a few things like showering and being with her, particularly lunch time to encourage her to eat.
It comes as a shock to hear she is borderline malnourished especially when you have tea with her twice a week.
Thanks in advance.
This should cover most of it:
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/supported-living-payment.html
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/home-help.html
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/residential-support-subsidy.html
A needs assessment.
https://www.ageconcern.org.nz/Public/Public/Info/Health_Topics/Home_Support.aspx?hkey=1dee8e1e-7de9-470c-bc2f-9ec18824c6cd
Is she over 65? Then she can get a needs assessment from the health system. How much support she will get will depend on her assets, if she lives alone, and the degree of disability. But showering and help taking medication are both things that a care worker can come and help her with. Look for the NASC in your area.
If she is having trouble eating that might need more specialist care. Again, talk with the NASC. Tell them it is urgent, eg if she is losing weight, or deterioriating on other ways.
If the family can afford this, you can get in private care from one of the care agencies. Even in the short term until your mum has a needs assessment.
WINZ payments that she might be able to get include disability allowance (capped at around $68/week) and TAS (a hardship grant where they pay 30% of costs). TAS is income and asset tested. You can look up the details in arkie's second link, and feel free to ask more specifics if you get bogged down. It's worth understanding entitlements before you engage with WINZ, sometimes they won't tell you what the entitlements are. It's also worth figuring out if it's worth even approaching them.
If she's under 65, she can get assistance from the DHB or whatever they are called now, which is a different thing than the NASC system.
Has she been in hospital? there should be follow up support. You might also be able to access a medical social worker who can help you figure out all the things in the system.
Thanks folks.