National has blown it
National cannot be blamed for the current financial crisis and recession of course. But they can be blamed for their short sighted and […]
There’s optimistic and there’s just wrong
John Key has a habit of speaking much more bluntly to foreign media than he does to us. In his interview with the Financial […]
Well deserved
Helen Clark has been awarded an honorary doctorate, a Doctor of Laws, by Auckland University. Chancellor Roger France said in a written statement […]
Govt’s refusal to listen sparks protests
The government’s refusal to listen on its fast-tracked Supercity plans is already resulting in protests. The unrest that’s building should hardly come as […]
Media finally getting it?
On the impending job losses at the IRD, TVNZ reporter Catherine Loft ended her report with: “Anyone who once thought that they were […]
Solution
Keeping with the topics of the day thus far – Air New Zealand and pay packets – a solution to the Zeal320 dispute occurs […]
PM’s pay
Interesting question over at Big News: In 1998, just 10 years ago,the Prime Minister was paid $185,000. The speaker was paid $126,000. A […]
The brand cult of Air New Zealand
As someone personally involved at the Air New Zealand cabin crew dispute I can tell you it’s been pretty nasty for everyone involved. […]
David Shearer
So, Labour’s flying in some bloke called David Shearer to have a tilt at the Mt Albert selection. Apparently he’s been working for […]
Dom hits rock bottom, starts digging
Ray White, the renowned philosopher from Greytown, had a letter published by the Dominion Post on Monday wherein he says “I think it is […]
Reminder: Drinking Liberally Wgtn
Drinking Liberally with Sue Bradford Where: Southern Cross Bar, Abel Smtih St, Wellington When: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 from 5:30pm. That’s tomorrow. Green […]
Lost in translation
UMR has just released a poll [PDF link] measuring support for a supercity. Stuff reports on it under the headline “Voters back Auckland […]
About time
It’s good that Labour has rejoined good leftwing principles over the foreshore and seabed. Labour was spooked by the popularity of National’s race […]
Aucklanders must have their referendum
In 1999, Napier and Hastings had a referendum over whether their councils should merge. They voted against it. In 2005, there was a […]
Phil Twyford not seeking Mt Albert nomination
Breaking news… Labour MP Phil Twyford announced today he will not be seeking the nomination for the Mt Albert by-election. Twyford said he […]
Has National changed its policy on the super-city?
Yesterday I pointed out that the Local Government Act requires referenda on boundary changes such as are envisaged for Auckland. To not do […]
Govt still refuses to act on youth smoking
A couple of months ago you may remember Tony Ryall rejecting a health select committee recommendation that cigarettes and tobacco be kept out […]
Rob Thomas: Taking the Local out of Local Government
A long contribution from someone in centre of the local body issues in Auckland. Despite its blatant electioneering, it is interesting enough to […]
Arrogance
John Key on criticism that the Government is arrogantly ramming through its Supercity plans without consulting Aucklanders: “The Government is not so arrogant […]
Memo: Re: Torture
“You know what is in room 101, Winston. Everyone knows what is in room 101” The release last week of four memos from […]
I (am) like Obama
Uncanny spoof of John Key. Has all of the mannerisms…
High quality government spending
I suppose the Herald means for us to recoil in horror at the headline “$325,000 bill to save 57 jobs” but I’m fine […]
Johnny plays general
This morning on Breakfast, Key said we’ll send in troops to Fiji as part of a multi-national force if need be. At the […]
Mt Albert date set
From Newsroom: The bi-election for the Mt. Albert seat vacated by Helen Clark is set to be held on Saturday June 13, according […]
Transparency
The Government announced two nine day fortnights today. Interestingly, they’re refusing to tell us who one of them is. From the Government’s press […]
When is the required referendum?
I agree with the title of the Herald’s editoral today: “Let citizens have say on Super City“. Unfortunately, the editoral itself is wishy-washy. […]
Leaping into inaction
Cycling is a great way to travel, so it’s great that the government is going to back more cycleways around the country to […]
How did we miss the sweet spot?
This fascinating article (with many links) describes some of the radical technologies America is considering to address the urgent problem of global warming. […]
Vote Yes
Why are the questions in citizens-initiated referenda always written by idiots? You want people to vote for your cause, right? So frame the […]
Veitch saga shows it really is no longer OK
I know it’s not The Standard’s style to follow the media in the disgusting practice of turning real people’s lives into soap opera but there […]
Recap: China syndrome
This post was originally published last year but it’s relevant in the light of the naive comments from McCully on Q+A today about […]
Workers stand up to exploitative bosses
Head of the Unite union, Matt McCarten, writes about the Synovate lockout and how foreign-owned businesses try to exploit New Zealand workers: [The] […]
Elizabeth Warren on the bailouts
The best news source in America, the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, interviews the woman responsible for making sure their bailout money is […]
Turning a blind eye
Unlike some of the other Standard writers, I don’t usually find Fran O-Sullivan too bad but her reporting of Key’s trip to China […]
Bad medicine
The sensible bits
Brian Rudman has a piece in the NZ Herald looking at the good side of the Auckland reorganisation. The potential for pooling resources. […]