Open mike 26/12/2024

Written By: notices and features - Date published: - 24 comments
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24 comments on “Open mike 26/12/2024”

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  2. 2

    Back atcha, Tony Veitch:

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shares Christmas message https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537579/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-shares-christmas-message

    And, apparently, a video with a nod to those doing it tough, and those helping people doing it tough, plus a photo of his 'wealthy and sorted' family in matching shortie pyjamas.

    Again, reference to the 750 people at his church, who apparently packed an average of around 2 food parcels each, based on the stats he provided in an earlier missive.

    No mention of his part in laying off around 10000 public servants, cutting funding for public health and youth at risk, plus imminent cuts to food banks (which never used to be, but are now, an essential part of New Zealand life).

    It’s amazing how, for some people at least, an hour or two of watching Hugh Grant can be an escape from all that.

    1. 2.1

      Again, reference to the 750 people at his church

      It was at a church in his electorate, Botany, Elim Christian Centre.

    2. 2.2

      And I saw that this month when Amanda and I joined the 750 people in my electorate of Botany, packing boxes for those in need this Christmas. I know people have been doing this across New Zealand, so I want to thank everyone who has given their time and their energy to help your fellow New Zealander this Christmas.

      The total disconnect in this statement is mind boggling!

      1. 2.2.1

        Yes. But it is a signal to his base, they get tax cuts financed by reduced support via government spending (those left in need getting help via charity – food banks etc).

        The upper half becoming less unencumbered by the burden of the other New Zealanders (Tiriti indigenous, those about to lose their jobs, those removed from their tenancies at landlord will) can then focus on getting their lives sorted, as mortgage rates fall.

  3. 3

    Luxury Luxon : Obtuse ? Oblivious? A combiNational fuckwit ?

    "It has been a massive year, a tough one for a lot of people, and a better year than the last for so many.

    "Now the great privilege of this job is every day I get to meet Kiwis who share with me their aspirations and challenges, which is what makes me more determined to get New Zealand back on track, and realising all of the fabulous potential that exists in this country.

    The not so hidden warning….(well, for those who can see it)

    "And of course, there is so much more for us to do as a Government, and I look forward to getting into that work in 2025.

    Luxury Luxon lies…compulsively

    "But for now, I hope that everyone has a fantastic Christmas, and a very happy New Year."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537579/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-shares-christmas-message

    Much more pain to come. The deluded/idiots/revenge seekers who voted for them (of course not incl the true one percenters)…. voters remorse coming , big time.

    1. 3.1

      "It has been a massive year, a tough one for a lot of people, and a better year than the last for so many.

      Those whose mortgage rates have fallen.

      It is the government purpose for the have and have not division to grow wider (in both income and wealth). Limited MW increases no FPA. No CGT, no estate tax.

  4. 4

    SPC 3.1

    The mortgage rate falling…will be very cold comfort for those who lost/losing their jobs.

    And as we (those of us aware ) know…the cumulative effect of all the other NActFirst changes will absolutely negate that for the majority of NZ. The bottom feeders, tenants, the working poor, those on benefits, and yes, even those of struggling middle who Luxury Luxon appealed to.

    I feel for them. And really hope for some major pushback.

    1. 4.1

      The main thing is to negate the C of C narrative that they brought the mortgage rates down and that Labour was the cause of the inflation that necessitated the rise in interest rates.

      Thus to remind the public of the inflation and interest rate rise and fall in other nations and how this was a common experience and unrelated to policy choices.

      1. 4.1.1

        I hope there is much more response and pushback from all affected…but particularly the NZ's well paid opposition political parties. Can blame MSM or whatever..but considering NActFirst's slashburn and far reaching consequential changes..they have really had a dream run.

  5. 5

    Apparently Auckland drongos have been saved by the business acumen of its Mayor

    “I haven’t got much business acumen. I turned down what I was earning to come in as mayor and rescue drongos like you,” Brown replied.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-responds-to-online-critics-in-new-christmas-video/DAEI44P6YZCDROXZR5NSUAPVRE/

    The drongo is known to hover in the air like a helicopter.

    Spangled Drongos are noisy, conspicuous species and make a wide range of different sounds. Vocalisations include complex mechanical jangling songs, strident whistles, excited chattering calls, harsh grating sounds & mimicry.

    Sounds a bit Australian.

    Seeking a second term is like hovering around – in the end too much "Brown" noise.

    Presumably if the second term does happen, then he will move on from his action man (pool to board paddling) image PR, young enough for a second term, to a more sedate approach.

    Just as Putin has done … invade another city and lecture its government (don’t turn the power off on the way home).

        1. 5.1.1.1

          I could get excited about a separated, treated salt water pool in that location but this is just a fenced off bit of marina with some lane ropes. It's a very very poor facsimile of what a public pool facility should be and to say it's done on the cheap is giving it way too much credit.

      2. 5.1.2

        That is more a matter of every time it rains in Auckland, the harbour may not be safe for swimming.

        Getting early agreement with government to sort out borrowing is going to be the legacy achievement (the importnace of which fades with time). Otherwise living down his flood event comms.

        There and both + and – to his administrative changes.

        2. 5.1.3.2

          Dangerous Nitrate levels also…..

          Around 650 households in Waimate are still under a "do not drink" notice after nitrate levels exceeded the acceptable levels of 50 milligrams per litre of water.

          The unsafe levels pose a risk to people, particularly pregnant women and babies.

          Waimate District Mayor Craig Rowley told Checkpoint that the situation was very frustrating for everyone involved.

          "It's terrible for the community. We shouldn't have to be supplying drinking water via bulk tanks."

          The nitrate levels seem to be from intensive farming and changing to irrigation practices, he said.

          "The farmers are doing what they are allowed to do, they're via their consents.

          https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/535920/mayor-admits-community-anger-over-waimate-s-drinking-water-ban

          This dangerous water supply situation has (very) recently changed. Large Headline…..

          Waimate's water safe to drink again

          Nitrate levels in the Waimate water supply have reduced and the water can now be consumed again.

          Note however…..its not due to any farming practice change but….

          Waimate District Council said in a statement staff had been able to reduce the nitrate concentration in to approximately 26mg/L using an alternative supply from the Waitaki River.

          https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537026/waimate-s-water-safe-to-drink-again

          And more….

          Regional council fumes over late changes to RMA

          https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/531775/regional-council-fumes-over-late-changes-to-rma

          Expect to see much less protections for consumers : (

          1. 5.1.3.2.1

            Now we are told (29 Dec) that faecal contamination in the Waimakariri river in Canterbury makes it dangerous to humans. And before that we had slash on Gisborne beaches along with a "don't swim" warning for people attending the Rythm and Vines festival.

            The Gisborne lot are now talking about slash nets for forestry operators. I hear the stable door swinging shut but the horse has long gone.

            Welcome to clean green NZ, people.

    2. 5.2

      He's made moves any ordinary hard left mayor would support:

      – devolved decision-making to local boards, as the Royal Commission recommended

      – sustained Downtown investment especially in the Victoria St linear park

      – consistently told this government to fuck off

      – will complete first underground rail system in NZ, despite sustained budget blowouts that have wrecked his budget

      – will complete Central Interceptor and decrease coliform counts on beaches across the isthmus

      – killed off all CCOs except Watercare and will fully kill off AT next term

      – kept rates increases reasonable despite real estate values and hence rates collapsing

      Sure he's an asshole to deal with but he's delivered.

      1. 5.2.1

        He's made moves any ordinary hard left mayor would support:

        Completion of work already underway is normal practice.

        – devolved decision-making to local boards, as the Royal Commission recommended

        – sustained Downtown investment especially in the Victoria St linear park

        – consistently told this government to fuck off

        – will complete first underground rail system in NZ, despite sustained budget blowouts that have wrecked his budget

        – will complete Central Interceptor and decrease coliform counts on beaches across the isthmus

        – killed off all CCOs except Watercare and will fully kill off AT next term

        The agreement with government as per the still separate Watercare is a template for other councils, Auckland was the beneficiary of being able to fund by borrowing first and have lower rates than other councils.

        The advantages as per AT will be known by results, here Auckland will now be more like other urban councils. The loss of EkePanuku might well be a negative.

        – kept rates increases reasonable despite real estate values and hence rates collapsing

        Real estate values changes do not impact on rates revenues.

        Sure he's an asshole to deal with but he's delivered.

        The changes are a collective council programme.

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