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Have your say: Rodney Hide says John Key 'doesn't do anything'
The Press (Stuff) is reporting this morning that ACT leader (and National coalition partner) Rodney Hide told guests at a breakfast function in Christchurch yesterday that John Key 'doesn't do anything'. Press reporter Martin van Beynen was present at Hyde's Hide's table when Hyde Hide let rip. Van Beynen reports the following:
Not aware that a reporter was also at the table, Mr Hide, whose party is a support partner in the National-led Government, said Mr Key "doesn't do anything" and was highly regarded, while "ACT did everything and we are hated". All Mr Key had done was the cycleway, Mr Hide said. "It's amazing." He told the table guests before his formal speech that a person could get a "s...load" done in government as long as "you set the agenda" and have a clear direction. He had been amazed at how much he was able to achieve in the Cabinet because "you turn up with your papers" and "they are too busy with their own stuff they're not bothered".
Hide later tried to play down the comments when he realised a reporter had heard them.
Reporting the comments would be unethical, he said. When Mr Key's spokeswoman, Lesley Hamilton, was approached after the breakfast, she said Mr Hide had already reported the comments to Mr Key. Her emailed response was: "It was obviously a bit of light-hearted political banter that took place at an ACT function. Mr Hide subsequently got in touch with the prime minister's office and spoke to the PM, who was relaxed about it."
My view
Finally someone within the government has said out loud what many have been thinking and saying privately. John Key is a great politician and could be a great Prime Minister if he decided to lead rather than follow opinion polls. He knows what needs to be done (serious tax reform and cutting the size of government), yet has progressively over recent months ruled out much of the necessary reform. He needs to use his strong poll ratings to truly reform this country so his (and my) grandchildren are still living and working in this country in 2040. John Key is reputed to be a 'smiling assassin' who gets stuff done without alienating people. Now it's time to get stuff done. He needs to do less smiling and more assassinating. Your view? We welcome your comments below.
103 Comments
Rodney was never known for
Rodney was never known for holding back . He told it simply how it is . And these comments merely confirm so much of what has frustrated us about John Key . Previously I compared him to Malcolm Fraser in Australia . An enormously popular leader , and with the rare priviledge of controlling both the lower house and the senate . Ultimately the electorate turfed him out , exasperated at wasted years , of no reform . This will be Key's fate too . We need action now , not after the 2011 election . As the Mafia say , you can't make an omlette without breaking some legs . Time to get cracking , John .
Rodney for PM and his
Rodney for PM and his girlfriend for Minister of Sport and Travel
John Key now being called
John Key now being called Jonkey on many forums - like the donkey! Has to be the least effective PM we have seen in many decades. Bill English no better. Let's see some positive action boys!
But at least the motorbikes have their lights on and when did you last see somebody texting and driving at the same time! Oh yes and Finance companies included in the bank guarantee - LOL!
Any other achievements of the first year of Nationals 3 year term that can be listed here:
Key keeps 94% of NZ
Key keeps 94% of NZ working population in employment including THE LITTLE GUY CALLED HIDE,WHO GETS A FREE RIDE AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE,NOT FORGETTING HIS GIRLFRIEND,GO FIGURE.
Rodney has done nothing either.
Rodney has done nothing either.
I am very disappointed in his performance to date since the election. He used to be the perk buster. Now he has his snout in the trough like all the others.
He needs to get his Shite back in order to keep my vote at the next election.
Bank Manager : No folate
Bank Manager : No folate in all of our bread . And we keep our light bulbs ! Stirring stuff .
jill : Jelly Key does nothing of the sort . 94 % of the population have work inspite of the P.M. Stick to low alcohol wines for breakfast !
We are Stuffed : Rodney has done nothing ? And the " super city " for Auckland is what , nothing ?
Thanks Roger you have the
Thanks Roger you have the floor ,what would you do,you appear to be one of the many critics who make this country so negative,i suppose you wear white shoes,as well
You are right re Rodney,
You are right re Rodney, he is just as bad as all the others - the whole mob just take the pay and perks and laugh at the voters!
rodney is just trying to
rodney is just trying to shift the spotlight after his exposure as one of our more greedy and venal pollies.
@Bernard: "My view" is just
@Bernard: "My view" is just that....reform is needed "(serious tax reform and cutting the size of government)" this is an ideological burp...from "my view"
ie Some tax reform is needed, lowering the upper tax bracket though isnt one of them...in fact there should be another higher tier. Size of Govn...well it depends....like Ive said in the past Govn isnt always the least efficient, healthcare is a prime example were public healthcare is half the cost in GDP terms and gives better outcomes ie longer life expectancy v a private system, this makes the public system over 100% more effective/efficient...that's a significant win.
So how about showing us a dept or function that clearly isnt best run by Govn please...because I can clearly show in the above example that the opposite it true.
regards
Amazing that last weekend the
Amazing that last weekend the NZ Herald had pages of articles praising the government, the leadership of Key and various poll results showing the general populus are in love with the current National government.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/archive.cfm?c_id=280
How can this be?
As for the Maori wing Harawira is on a Paris jaunt/sidetrip:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10...
They don't have the balls
They don't have the balls to do serious tax reform mate
@Alan S: yep looks that
@Alan S: yep looks that way....but also JK got elected on a "me too" platform..."Labour lite" if you will....so his mandate is morally somewhat limited....he could lurch to the right, which would then "prove" what Labour were claiming all along. There is a good reason Labour got three terms...the alternative was too far to the right for the voters...ditto the UK...ppl clearly dont want a significantly left or a right Govn, if political history of the last 40 years is an indication.
regards
"Mr Hide had spoken to
"Mr Hide had spoken to Mr Key who was relaxed about the comments, she said."
And, "relaxed" dear friends is a major part of the problem.
We pay him to be much more the other way to "relaxed".
I wonder though, just as people never properly value 'for free', given he is essentially doing the job 'for free', does he really value it - as much as we expect him to?
@The BM: National dont have
@The BM: National dont have the mandate...Ppl didnt vote in ACT...
"the leadership of Key and various poll results showing the general populus are in love with the current National government.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/archive.cfm?c_id=280
How can this be?"
Simple, ppl see how bad it is abroad and how NZ is doing quite well...ppl are not suffering....so this seems to be reflected in how Natioanl is seen....so I guess JK's fixation with polls is paying off.
can't remember who said this
can't remember who said this "you don't become a politician for love, you do it with your own agendas". They are politicians, what do you expect! and we were stupid enough to vote them in. I suppose this is how revolution started
@jacko: Im sure the "smiling
@jacko: Im sure the "smiling assassin" has a memory like an elephant...
I never had any faith
I never had any faith in Key, so I can't be disappointed. Everything I said pre-election in the below Libs press release has come to pass:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0807/S00353.htm
Quote: "Once again, I am forced to conclude that Nanny State will remain rampant under National.
The one I am really disappointed with is Rodney, and not just the girlfriend perk, the serious stuff. If ACT were the true classical liberals then:
1) He would be voting down the new asset confiscation rules, which belong to a police state, not a civilised State.
2) He would be an implacable opponent to the new and heinous search and surveillance powers for an extraordinary range of government departments. These signify the police state is here, and they were brought in my a National (Socialist) government. Yet ACT are voting for this.
( http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10604944 )
3) In Parliament today he would be asking the following of Peter Dunne:
'Given your stated belief on Backbenchers last night, Peter, that you think it might be a good idea if DNA samples were taken from ALL babies at birth as this would circumvent the later issues of intrusion and consent', given this is your belief, are the citizens of New Zealand, and their private information, safe with you as the current minister of IRD?
4) He would be working to keep the National Party keep faith to its election pledge of tax cuts. Whereas all we have had is a range of new taxes and tax crackdowns (the crackdown headed by the chief rorter).
5) He would be advocating for as flat a tax system as possible, at the least the Trustee and top personal tax rates down to 30%.
He has been a huge disappointment on all these fundamental issues.
To quote from the Mises blog this morning: http://blog.mises.org/archives/010974.asp
We need to emphasize the threat that Big Government represents to all our freedom -- including the right of freedom of movement -- and which should be remembered on this 20-year celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Unfortunately, the Collectivist mentality did not end with either the fall of the Berlin Wall or the collapse of communism in the former Soviet Union. It remains alive and well in America and around the world, with its insistance that the individual lives for and is to be sacrificed to "interests" of the state.
We still have our work cut out for us, to demolish the numerous political "walls" with which the government continues to enslave us through its police power in the growing interventionist-welfare state and the threatening economic fascist order.
That's what ACT voters put you in Parliament for Rodney, to pare back the Big State and the Police State, but you seem to have become part of it.
@steven Yes I would suspect
@steven
Yes I would suspect that this one will be filed away for future use.
Hide can't help himself to shoot his mouth of and especially so in what he thinks is friendly territory. Trying to squirm out of the comments by saying that the reporter reporting them would be unethical displays what a bumpkin he is, and coming so close after his trip with his new love of his life, and trying to defend it. Yawn. They just don't think voters in NZ are stupid - they actually know that we are.
I gotta say the poll
I gotta say the poll Int.co just flashed up is a hoot:
Is John Key the 'do nothing' Prime Minister?
Yes. Rodney Hide is right. Key needs to get on with reforming the economy and forget about remaining popular forever.
No. He's rightly waiting for his experts to advise him on the right way to do it.
No. He's done as much as he should have. You're all a bunch of nervous nellies. Everything is fine.
"nervous nellies" - when your business and livelihood, your kids and grandkids prospects are disappearing before your eyes, you get nervous, QED. It's a shame Key isn't, and acting with more appropriate urgency.
@steven, he'd not be needing the memory if he was getting on with the obvious. Sure Nats are 'Labour Lite', but the writing is on the wall now and they need to respond accordingly.
Wow, just too many Labour
Wow, just too many Labour supporters in this website... A mass migration from the NZ Herald site.
I don't think you read
I don't think you read my post gingerbreadman. But I do partly agree with you, and though it initially was a surprise, it's not when you think on it, for the economics departments of most/all of our universities are probably left of centre.
The Epsom mp under first
The Epsom mp under first past the post will once again become just that..the Epsom mp. Without the help of John Key he will not progress. Lets hope MMP goes soon and these fringe mps like Rodney go too.
Makes me Laugh really, I
Makes me Laugh really,
I asked a 14 year old the other day what kind of wage slave he was going to be when he finishes college.
"oh I'm never gonna be a slave" , he replied,
''I'm gonna be a SPI (smart property investor)
OR a Politician"
When a majority of voters
When a majority of voters are firmly attached to the Public Teat via WFF and other boondoggles, the political (getting re-elected) possibilities are dramatically constrained. You cannot undo nine long years of carefully crafted Teat-Offering in 12 short months. Better to keep smiling, build the momentum for real (e.g. tax and pension) change quietly, wait for the inevitable collision of falling tax receipts and rising entitlements, then drag the covers off the Beast.
IMHO, that's what's happening. English is doing a lot of Beast-under-cover construction, Key is smiling happily and keeping polls high, Hide has glimpsed bits of said Beast but is a bit prone to, shall we say, premature enunciation, and the tax receipts/entitlement curves are building up nicely for a fiscal crisis. And one never wastes a good crisis.
jill : Sorry . Sometimes
jill : Sorry . Sometimes I blog first , think second ! Have a gummy bear ....... just one though , I'll need the bagful for other apologies throughout the day !
Who took the cooki from
Who took the cooki from the cookie jar...Rodney of course.
Q: How do you spell hypocrisy?
A: r-o-d-...
Waymad I think you are
Waymad
I think you are right JK is feeding the hoi poloi with the reality of the situation via Bill (and Bernard et al) so that when his about turn on superannuation comes he'll be able to sell "I didn't want to do it but you made me, and I'm just doing what you have asked", far cleverer than people give credit for.
Neven
At a function in Rangiora
At a function in Rangiora , someone asked Rodney if the pretty blonde on his arm was his daughter ! Ouch . Outed as a cradle snatcher .
steven 8:46 a.m. sums up Jelly Key's dilemma superbly .
Hello Bernard, Just yesterday I
Hello Bernard,
Just yesterday I found in Dominion Post an article about a broadband future in NZ:
- "The Government may be wasting taxpayers' money by pouring $1.5 billion into fibre-optic cable, according to a study of more than 6000 businesses."
And who paid for the study ?
- "The study by Waikato University and not-for-profit economic institute Motu Economic was funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and the Economic Development Ministry, which is masterminding the Government's ultrafast broadband investment initiative."
- NP promised invest 1.5 billion into fibre-optic cable - before the elections
- They are not going to keep their promises - after elections
Still "normal".
- They used a money of their voters to pay for study...that NZealanders don't need high speed broadband...this is... I am not able to find a right word for this, please help me!
This is too much!
Do you remember the charts which you published few weeks ago here?
About a quality of brodbands around the world. Where is NZ? Far away from good quality. Today. And what about the future?
Anyway - how far is a future if your morning breakfast is a history now???
You can read it here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3028384/Broadband-gains-queried
Cheers
@Mark H: We the ppl
@Mark H: We the ppl didnt vote in ACT or a Libertarian Govn...The "socialist" state is what the people want.
@gingerbreadman: Or a cross section
@gingerbreadman: Or a cross section of the voting population....but from my perspective there are few Labourites here....(thank god)....
regards
Yeah, I'm quite aware of
Yeah, I'm quite aware of your wish to live in the Big Gulag Steven, and unfortunately through our tyranny of the majority, force me to live there with you, but people who voted ACT, my wife one of them, voted for a classical liberalism (you read me wrong on that: it's very close to Libertarianism, but at the same time quite removed on level of state still required). Anyway, ACT voters are not getting a humanist, classical liberalism, they are getting the reverse - Big Statism.
ACT's support of the new search and surveillance powers for a wide range of government departments is especially unforgivable. Are you happy with those powers being handed to bureaucrats? Have a close read:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10604944
Quote:
'WHAT'S IN THE BILL
THE POWERS:
Video surveillance, watching private activity on private property, installing tracking devices, detaining people during a search, power to stop vehicles without a warrant for a search, warrantless seizure of "items in plain view", power to hack into computers remotely, power to detain anyone at scene of search.
WHO WILL GET THEM:
Every agency with enforcement responsibilities, such as: Inland Revenue, Meat Board, local councils, Overseas Investment Office, Accident Compensation Corporation, Environment Risk Management Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Pork Industry Board.'
Well when the ACTors voted
Well when the ACTors voted for extending the unnecessary and unwise Crown Retail Deposit Scheme, along with everyone else, I figured that no one in Parliament has any principles or the balls to see a few zombie financial institutions closed. (see http://davidhillary.blogspot.com/2009/09/government-and-parliament-bypas...).
Now tht Marac has recapitalised, this puts NZ financial institutions into two classes:
1. Those that could survive without the guarantee (marac, registered banks, credit unions, building soc.s, some unrated/lower rated finance coys), and
2. Those that cannot survive with it, i.e. SCF (will get downgraded and won't qualify), a significant proportion of unrated or lower rated finance companies.
So what's the point of extending it the way they did?
<b>Steven</b> wants to live in
Steven wants to live in the Socialist State, a State where Government has exactly the powers in the new surveillance legislation now going through Parliament. Want to know where this ends up?
There's a very good movie on it: The Lives of Others.
Rent it now to see New Zealand's future: http://www.aliceinvideoland.co.nz/Main/MovieInfo.cfm?ID=16765
<b>Steven</b>, what is your opinion
Steven, what is your opinion on Peter Dunne's - minister of IRD - statement last night he thinks it a good idea a DNA sample is taken from all babies at birth? Happy with that? Happy with him in charge of the department with all your income details, and a wealth of other information.
Because if you're going to redistribute the wealth, as the current surveillance legislation shows, you've got to give away the whole concept of privacy, and give control of your life to the State. That's life in the Socialist State?
Re Mr Dunne's comment: are you happy with blanket databases of information on all individuals on the grounds of his (evi)l pragmatism?
@Mark H: I dont want
@Mark H: I dont want a Gulag....and we dont force you to live here with us, you are free to leave any time you want, there is no "wool curtain" to stop you..
"Steven wants to live in the Socialist State" if by this you mean want to live (broadly) as we/I do now, then yes, I and a large section of the NZ population want some society.
Peoples definition of "socialist" seems to depend greatly on their point of reference...ie for you Mark this NZ state is socialist....like its a dirty word (which in its extreme form ie totalitarianism, it indeed is) , I assume because in your world things are black and white, ie Libertarian or not....if its not then its "socialist" Where for me there is a balancing act, some socialism, some libertarianism, some green, some free market, etc etc, ie broadly center-ish.
Mark, In terms of this "new surveillance legislation" I have not read about it, but I actually broadly agree with you, it seems excessive and un-called for. The issue is the potential for abuse of this power...it should only be granted where there is over-sight by the likes of a judge....otherwise any half wit at a council will have the ability to do a 1984....
regards
Mark : If this legislation
Mark : If this legislation was on the books in Australia , there'd be protest marches , even rioting , in the streets . The sheeple of NZ get this sort of shite from the politicians , 'cos the sheeple accept it . They are not bothered . Labour's electoral finance bill got through easy peasy . And it was a thinly disguised act to silence dissenting voices against the Labour Gumnut . Helen even told charitable organisations not to voice an opinion contrary to Gumnut policy , else she would view them as political organisations , and " review " their tax free status . ...... . Nary a ripple of consternation in the media . And deathly silence from all charities , after that .......... Sheeple you have been informed , act or submit , your choice .
@Eva: Personally I think its
@Eva: Personally I think its a waste...100Mb or 1Gb to the end of the road with (still) limited connectivity outside NZ or where there are excessive data charges means this is pointless...The last mile is capable of 10~20Mb/sec now, but that's crippled by poor backhaul and international bandwidth....so that 20Meg last mile becomes 2Meg on a good day if you are lucky....put in 100meg or 1Gb and its still 2Meg....absolutely pointless. then there are the data charges....I chew through 10~16Gb per month on a 2Mb/sec cable modem, in fact in a bad week 10gb goes in a week...so I exceed my 10gb cap and have to pay per 1gb....100meg just means I chew through that in a few days, then face a huge bill....like why would I?
If they were serious they should spend that on a new seabed cable and a National backbone and then let anyoddy (ie small and "local" ISPs) connect at fair rates...this would give competition.....that would drive now the data cost....and then 20MB/sec becomes affordable and usable. A that point I'd pay for a 100Mb/sec connection myself.
<i>@Mark H: I dont want
@Mark H: I dont want a Gulag"¦.and we dont force you to live here with us, you are free to leave any time you want, there is no "wool curtain" to stop you..
EXACTLY. Why haven't you 'gone galt' already Mark if NZ is such a hellhole. Too many whingers in this country.
And 'socialist' is so overused it is virtually meaningless. Get a grip.
Craig: My guess is that
Craig: My guess is that you haven't read too many of Mark's posts, I could be wrong, but NZ needs opinion of all persuasions if it is to arrive at point of advancement from our current malaise. We ALL stay here because it IS the best place in the world to live, and we want to keep it that way, and make it better.
<b>Craig</b> stick to the content
Craig stick to the content of my posts.
Are you happy with the power granted to government departments under the new surveillance legislation?
Are you happy with Dunne in charge of IRD when he seems to have such scant regard for individual liberty (or just as bad, no idea of the principles).
The society we have now has made it possible for the legislation in the first point with hardly a protest.
The society we have now has apparently voted Dunne to an extreme position of power, yet he appears to have no idea on how important individual freedom is if a society is to remain free. No, I do not think it acceptable information about me, taken without my consent, is scattered across who know how many databases with bureaucrats allowed carte blanch access to it - do you find that acceptable for information about you? If yes, why?
Check out the movie I cited above.
In the beginning the Nats
In the beginning the Nats get elected and we enter recession......
JonKey "you can't borrow and spend your way out of a recession......."
However after an overseas begging binge...
"......but we are going to give it a go at $250m a week."
Nice words, crap action.
Do the hard yards John, at least the rewards will be real, not just "borrowed"
The tail is not only
The tail is not only wagging the dog it is screwing it as well. And the dog is saying thank you , I enjoyed that.
@Harriet: While NZ isnt perfect
@Harriet: While NZ isnt perfect the current "malaise" might be the best we can practically achieve...so I'd swap out malaise and use "status" maybe as its unfair negative connotations...
regards
Don`t we just love it
Don`t we just love it when Mr Nearly 1% critisies "the dealer" who has given said1% too much rein anyway.Watch out for a righteous ideologue and a deal maker."Made your bed,now sleep in it" springs to mind.We however are the ones who have to sleep in it.
@Mark H: Dunne is ex-christian
@Mark H: Dunne is ex-christian conservative coalition, which from experience means fundie nutters that want to control your life to make sure its a conservative, christian, hetrosexual outlook....hardly surprising then he's where he is on this legislation is it.....
regards
Obvioulsy Bill E. and Hell.en,
Obvioulsy Bill E. and Hell.en, didn't sack John weeks ago, so why not Hide does - Bill and John ?
John is here to see the Whales today. He must be thinking: Criekey they are as big as our bag of debts.
I can still hear ratepayers money hovering over Kaikoura. Maybe the population gets some Helicopter money- wow !
The reporting on the report
The reporting on the report on the broadband program is an illustration of what wrong with the media these days (esp print media). They spend too much working on a sensational headline. I heard one of the authors on the radio this morning -- the report was based on 2006 figures and even he was saying they were not critical of the program but said it may take longer to reach its potential goals.
I think Joyce is being really brave on this one --- this is a major investment in our future. Sure we may not have all the "last mile " features right but you have to get the backbone right first and its no good putting in something that is right for now --it has to have capacity for growth in the future and the way IT moves so quickly by the time its all in it still maybe under capacity. Also the way other technologies are developing ( WiMax etc ) connecting remote farms , businesses etc could still be done rather cheaply. This could also apply to the "last mile" issues.
Property guys in the provinces should be really happy about this as I see the movement of people away from the cities into the provinces to live and work increasing as this makes it alot easier. I know of quite a few Aucklanders who live in Hawkes Bay etc but still have businesses in Auckland which they go to 2-3 days a week. They will be able to do this much easier -- quality video conferencing etc.
Prior to the 2008 election
Prior to the 2008 election , Labour vociferously slammed the Nats. , for the proposed roll out of broadband internet , the length of NZ . ........... . then Cullen paid a " premium price " ( his words ) to Toll of Australia , to buy back the railways . ........ . Which direction do we want our country to move ?
Bless Labour , dear father , for they know not what they do . Amen .
RRS, We want to move
RRS,
We want to move up - buy heaps of cheap helicopters from China.
..and buy tons of plastic
..and buy tons of plastic wings from India to fly to work - saves petrol -> the country !
Walter : How wonderful of
Walter : How wonderful of you to join the congregation . Indeed yes , we have ordered a new batch of Chinese helicopters . And they come with a new safety device , each has two ejector seats . Splendid . Simply splendid .
..and most everything is soo
..and most everything is soo much cheaper to import from other countries.
..and we just deal with stuff.
..and staff just sale that stuff.
..and bloody hell staff earn $ 11.- p/hour.
..and we are stuffed.
..and we ask- why we are not getting wealthy as a nation ?
But really doesn't it matter ?
Yes, it does cars/ boats run on expensive petrol/diesel - heater on short supply electricity - councils on overspending- houses on greedy banks - government on too many and to much and not enough - etc. etc.
Everything is going to be soo much more expensive.
We are on step before the cliff, but we think one more could save us. (Ulbricht W.)
Walter
You are so excited ,
You are so excited , my boy ......... not been at the communal wine , have you ? Calm down , have a crayfish , we got them flown in from Thailand . Relax , and enjoy . Bless .
RRS, Yes, I have a
RRS,
Yes, I have a problem I just can't discipline myself "“ all of a sudden a have a brain explosion and then I have to tell the true - the way it is - reality.
I know it is very unusual in modern days - I feel soo guilty and try not to do it again.
I think there is a
I think there is a potential deal to be made here. The public discloses their DNA profiles - provided the politicians disclose their IQs.
Rabid Rodney says a lot
Rabid Rodney says a lot more about himself by these comments than about John Key. He expected carte blanche with a Tory govt and hasn't got it. If we all wanted Act policies to be the govt's then the party might have even made 10 % of the vote. They didn't. Good on Martin van Beynen for outing the duplicitous little man. A pretty girlfriend seems to have gone to Hide's head.
Key and Steven Joyce were said last week (I think in the Herald or Sunday StarTimes) to believe that voters can only stand two controversial moves per term before they shoot the govt. That's an astute read; wonder what the two are going to be?? Don't think Rodney will get a say now.
@Steven: smiling assassin with a memory like an elephant; I like that image.
BTW should Mark Hubbard be given his own separate comments page for each story then I wouldn't keep having to skip his one-track mind. Never mind the subject, or evidence, Mark always says what he's gonna say....
Bernard hit the nail on
Bernard hit the nail on the head - thus far Key has proven to be a great politician but a far from great PM. Great PMs make the hard calls, do the things that might be unpopular but are in the best interests of the country's future.
At the moment Key is coasting.
Unless urgent measures are taken this country will be stuffed.
<i>BTW should Mark Hubbard be
BTW should Mark Hubbard be given his own separate comments page for each story then I wouldn't keep having to skip his one-track mind. Never mind the subject, or evidence, Mark always says what he's gonna say"¦.
Well, ruru what did I say on this thread you don't agree with?
Are you happy with the new, comprehensive search and surveillance powers of a myriad of government departments to pry into your life, simply on their whim?
A lot of people miss
A lot of people miss the point when the actions of JK and BE are interpreted as doing nothing.
Should we be like Aus and the US and hand out $1000 to everyone to prop up the gaming machines and give suspensory loans to prop up the housing sector or give money to subsidise a new car.
It is just putting off the inevitable day of reckoning.
We have interest rates at a level that mean a lot of genuine businesses can survive in this tough environment. Sure it is stimulating the residential housing market. My guess is that this sector will be brought into line with changes to the way improvements, R&M and interest are treated for tax purposes.
The NZ recovery will come off a sustainable base and not from govt handouts and subsidies. Why do you think tourism gets such a push. It is the easiest source of overseas funds available
NZ is fortunate that it has a Govt for the times with ministers of the calibre that it has.And the RBNZ is now doing a pretty good job and thumbing its nose at the banks
TruBlu
Carry on as you are
Carry on as you are , Mark . I don't agree with everything you write , but alot of it does ring true , and gives me fresh insights . Even Mother Teresa had her critics . Always some indolent yob around , sniping from the sidelines . Continue on the same vein , Mother Hubbard ......... Have a gummy bear !
Steven, you are right about
Steven, you are right about the rates and connectivity, but it means that NZ is going to be more and more far away from everywhere. Maybe it will be a real problem for big companies here in the near future and they will move somewhere.
And where is this 1.5 billion now?
Looks like our leading politicians
Looks like our leading politicians are setting new standards:
Hide spend 25k of taxpayer money on his partner worldwide trips, his excuse was, "˜others are doing it as well'. It' s been revealed they also went on her brother wedding in London. Our Finance Minister claimed $900/week for accommodation supplement to live in his own home. Maori MP Hone Harawira took a holiday with his wife in Paris, instead of attending a European parliamentary delegation meeting. He said "How many times in my lifetime am I going to get to Europe? So I thought, 'F$%@ it, I'm off. I'm off to Paris'
What worries me is mild reaction of public/media, and this might become socially acceptable behaviour.
"F$%@ IT I'M OFF TO
"F$%@ IT I'M OFF TO PARIS" yeah proud Maori EH?
With the teaspoon of Maori Blood in ME "yes thats RIGHT "
My forebear Married a Maori in the 1880's and taught them how to speak Maori and were nearly butchered by them but escaped over a river and hid tell they left. Guess thats why I'm here. (They were Teachers)
But anyway I want to officially dis-own anything to do with my past PROUD Ancestry after hearing that statement from a so called statesman.
When Hide doesn't sack Bill
When Hide doesn't sack Bill and John Harawira should all four.
She'll be right ...Sweet Mate....no
She'll be right ...Sweet Mate....no Worries.....That bang was the stable door closing.
I have just heard on the Well-informed punchy Good Evening News.....that the best thing that National and John Key have dunne since they got in to power (Using the term losely).. was the appearance on the LETTERMAN show...which was actually as LAME as a HIDE...... excuse me.
We's best bro's eh....just joshin......massa John....
And the cutting edge news continues.....OOOH...AAAAHH... there is some pretty fireworks....too....how sweet.
And DUNNE is going to suddenly make a difference....after how many ineffectual years of hair styling.
and.............Paris ..we will always have Paris ....HONE-y.....
and London for the out-laws Conjugals ...and HIDE PARK Corner.... be damned.
I personally advocate CHANGE for the betterment of New Zealand and guess what..it is reported that the STATUS QUO is better than making just a tad of urgent necessary CHANGE cos we might upset someone if we actually did something.
Well ...NOVEMBER the 5th would have been a good day for some FIREWORKS .......JON-KEY, not a damp squib.
Give the news some real NEWS....please.
We actually need NEWS that reports changes for the BETTERMENT of NZ, not the ramblings of simple idiots who THINK that we have no urgency built into their own sweet AGENDA, except to maintain the RORT on RORTs and SNOUTS in the TROUGH and particularly maintain the waffle and ineffectual chatter and patter we get served up with today.
Get real...I am not advocating CHANGE for Changes sake.
But seriously JOHN & CO....the NATIONAL procrastinators and band of STATUS QUO exponents and your muppet and puppet sweet coalition MATES .......need a damn rocket....Preferably fired.....point blank.
Nice and easy does it...will mean they will always do it...All change, no change from HELL-EN's day....mustn't upset the girls....and wimps.
A rational and well thought out PLAN must be somewhere in the offing, or are we supposed to just bend over and take it like a MAN......duc-key....
Has the man and his GANG got no no BACKBONE....or ...is a JOHN , just a cute name for an American DUNNE-Y.....not a man of ACT-ion with blood in his veins and vim and purpose in his methods.
There is no point in Voting in another Pheasant Plucker, when we really needed a MAN of STEEL...who albeit a little rusty, could FINALLY get his ACT together.
JOHN......Be a statesman...not a STATES-MAN...like OBAMA....all talk.
GUY FAWKES to the rescue......Where is a real... SUPER HERO... when you need one.
LETTERMAN.........indeed. He had more BANGS than Guy.... ...and probably quite a few crackers.
Certainly was not the Pheasant Plucker his wife thought either.
Wakey Wakey....NZ....
And DEAR JOHN... I hate to WRITE.....have I gotta a letter man.... for you.
My Question is , if
My Question is , if Hone Harawira can go daytripping , what was so important that he had to be in Paris at all ? Another Gumnut junket ? Don't blame Hone , look at the system first . ( gotta admire the guy's chutzpah ! )
Roger, problem is me and
Roger, problem is me and you paid for his trip. And his wifes
<i>gotta admire the guy’s chutzpah</i>
gotta admire the guy's chutzpah
No. No admiration from me, the reverse.
Chutzpah in this instance defined as that element whereby a serial killer murders both his parents then throws himself on the mercy of the courts because he is an orphan.
[Hat-tip Libz party conference].
It was theft. Although I am in agreement with you Roger: whatever it was he went for obviously wasn't important, and even if it was, he could have done it online via Internet-conference, or even Skype, without having to leave his living room. I bet 98% of all overseas trips undertaken by especially these lesser MP's are a complete, utter waste of time and taxpayer money: as you said, junkets. It wouldn't happen in the productive sector, yet that sector is forced to pay out for the largesse.
We need a revolution in peoples heads.
Unbelievable that Titewhai's son has
Unbelievable that Titewhai's son has become the poster boy for crony capitalism, cultural colonization and the token display of native haka routines.
Bernard, you wanna be the first to get Mum's comment on her boy's latest 'big idea'. Given there are no oppressed Bro's at the other end of this walkabout to legitimize the excursion - it would be really interesting to see which way Mum would go on this one.
Roger, problem is me and
Roger, problem is me and you paid for his trip.
John / Mark : Agree
John / Mark : Agree with you . We paid for the junket ! Internet conferencing anyone ? ( Hone is up front about his shenanigans . The system is crooked ! I admire his bare-faced honesty . )
If you lot are dead
If you lot are dead keen on poking a stick into the Hone and Rodney pigs when they are snouts into the trough...do it with a very long stick and try not to stand right behind them. They are the face of our shitty thieving system of govt and a dam sight worse will be going on out of sight out of the public mind.
Caught this by chance on
Caught this by chance on Morning Report this morning:
A email correspondence where Hone Harawira defends his overseas travel. (duration: 3"²07"³)
http://static.radionz.net.nz/assets/audio_item/0006/2119992/mnr-20091106...
Bit of an attitude problem I would say
1/Hone was paid to attend
1/Hone was paid to attend and did not do what we paid for
2/ How the hang does he get away with "White mother ....." or is one rule for them another for the rest?
3/He lied to his leader...Im sick cant attend
2/ and 3/ will get any member fired in any other party... espec 3/
I have cousin who is
I have cousin who is getting married next year in England, and I never been in Paris. Would you good people of NZ chip in few bucks and sponsor me? Iam not bringing partner. Never been in Rome neither...
Are you a white pakeha
Are you a white pakeha b*st**d , or are you a golden child , one of the chosen few ?
wally,Im with you. If you
wally,Im with you. If you are going to eat with the devil have a long spoon. The system is corrupted. Parliamentarians used to do the job as a 'public good', the money never really came into it. Today its a farce pigs in a trough, but be careful lots of people are getting a cut out of the Govt today. Key is meant to be our leader, financially independent lets hope for some leadership at last. Or expect crucifixion by the voters.
Parliament is the highest court
Parliament is the highest court in the land...
It is from here everything from your local bowling club rules , how meetings are held, how officers behave, where acceptable courtesy is used as national examples.
Parliament is meant to lead by example and the speaker waves the big stick.....
When our voted Representatives, start acting like buffoons, bending rules, not taking the moral road...and allowed to get away with it...
Parliament is and always has
Parliament is and always has been a cess pit of rorting self interest since the time it started in Noddyland. The best you can hope for is a bigger carpet, made in China, to sweep the dirt under. Hone is as honest as the rest of them at the trough. Thicker maybe, but since when was intellegence a requirement for that lot.
Steps, careful, you'll be voting
Steps, careful, you'll be voting Libertarianz if you take your last post to its logical end.
If one rejects laissez faire [and a freedom based constitutional republic] on account of mans fallibility and moral weakness, one must for the same reason also reject every kind of government action. Ludwig von Mises
Banana republic style government, begats
Banana republic style government, begats banana republic style performance as a nation - simple. At least Hide stopped digging, it looks Harawira has no intention - and neither has Key to sort it out:-
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3038626/PM-Harawiras-white-tirade-...
We need to lower our expectations and be then we'd be less disappointed - simple.
What a waste of my taxes - simple.
I know it's possible to
I know it's possible to grow them up north but maybe we should go for "lamb chop republic" and a little honesty...funny that...only just spotted Hone in there...hey what you doing in there boy???
"We need to lower our
"We need to lower our expectations and be then we'd be less disappointed "“ simple."
That is so damn negitive...expolate that out and that exactly how a country turns into a banana republic
Someone one said "a country deserves the government it has"
If we lower our expectations just to avoid disappointment thats exactly how it happens.
It is not the politians that are the problem, but the apathy of the citizens that stand by and LET it happen
When a problem occurs, identify the REAL cause, dont wrongly identify a symptom as the problem. Something 99% of the population fail to do
Maybe Key did see something when he opened perks up to public scrutiny...
Either MPs pull their socks up or hang themselves.
Shaun, you have to be
Shaun, you have to be a high ranking member of one of ruling alliance parties
Busted again! It's just been
Busted again!
It's just been revealed that former "perk-buster" Rodney Hide spent 10k on a tax-payer funded private holiday he took with his girlfriend in Hawaii.
@Steps, apologies for depressing you,
@Steps, apologies for depressing you, I was trying to be ironic, in that our standards and expectations seem so low anyway, that's why this kind of crap happens. Have a look at, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10607845 'Rodney and Louise's other holiday perk', where John Key said,
"What MPs do need to do is recognise pretty clearly we live in a modern, new world where there is increased media scrutiny, where there is an expectation from the public about the way their taxpayers' dollars will be spent. I think they'd better start learning fast that they need to meet those expectations."
In other words, if it weren't for the "media scrutiny" and you weren't getting caught - I doubt anyone would care - your parliamentray peers around you (most will be into something free off the teat) especially those perpertrating the rorts, fiddles, scams and coasting on expensive benefits we can no longer afford and are repugnant to many hard working Kiwis who can't even afford 10% of the fares, nevermind the 100% we taxpayers have to pay for these over-privileged under-performing t*ss*rs in the style to which they have become accustomed. It's like something out of Victorian Britain.
We deserve better.
<b>Allen</b>: Radio Live mentioned that
Allen: Radio Live mentioned that Rodney went to Hawaii for his brother's wedding . So that's OK ............... Except that he has two sisters ( one in NZ , the other in Sth. Aust. ) ............There is no brother ! ............ Radio Live , you know something we don't ?
I think it was his
I think it was his partner's brother, or her cousin's brother, or something...unluckily for NZ taxpayers she seems to have sizable family
Rodney and Louise's other holiday
Rodney and Louise's other holiday perk ...
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10607845
Maybe he's like Hone and
Maybe he's like Hone and has lotsa bros!
HONE-stly not a a HIDE-n
HONE-stly not a a HIDE-n agenda for sum I can name....
Wide open an blatant for me bro's.........no worries.
I just luv a good MAORI party, no matter where we can get it.....eh...it runs in the family.
It is our right to rort, greed is good, just ask ANY politician says sum.
We chosen few don't Hide like them other MMP white trash and those other PAKEHA and CuSS-ie-bro idiots who pay us for OUR sins....... can RANT all they like...
It is my right to CUSS HONE-y...(expletives deleted, but not forgotten).
Cos we pollies got HIDE like a rhino..sore-arse, too.... have you tried that hone-KEY air line food...in first class. ..Not all PLANE sailing these junkets.
Dunne with cattle class, 5 STAR for me, I like to put my feet up, when I shoot orf for a feed of French tucker in Paris..MOTHER____....(fill in the rest...rhymes with Tucker).
When they caught us out visiting the bro's and the cuzzies and them French kissing wallahs, cos it is pa for the coarse, Rodders that is what I give em...a right old ENGLISH tongue lashing.
It is what they understand after ALL....a justifiable RORT.
TWO WRONGS do make a RIGHT....and some one else gets the BILL..... eh Rodders.
My argument...says HONE-Y tongued Hone...is
If THEY can do it and get away with it....JOHN.... it is RACIST to not share around the pork like Rodders gets, DOUBLE dipping in the Gravy....common..fair play.
Pork is KING...and always on the agenda, never mind on the menu any more... or is that....... not for me- N-U......eh MIKE, unless it is FREE RANGE.
Hone-st......I am all right JACK...or is that JOHN.
Act-ually YOU are all bludgers alike, just different NATIONAL-ities...sum PAKEHA and sum just a simple KIWI bludger.
Though to be fair, sum are ENGLISH and sum MAORI..... too.
And sum just LABOUR away in different guises...no HONE-stly...fair doos we are all one NATIONAL....identity, just a little GREEN..
SUM just take time to adjust to the great KIWI way.
LABOUR-ed for 9 years with HELL-en and Michael so the new lot are just picking it up fast from the ex-sperts...just took less than a year to learn how to work the system.
Gotta sit in URGENCY soon for sum more expenses, we's not getting any DIRECT pay rises this year, so like FONTERRA, gonna have to MILK the SYSTEM sum...more.
Come on Winston...help me play the race card....where ya bin HIDE-ding of late...
Doing your BIN LADEN...impressions....I suppose. Overseas mostly.
GREED IS GOOD.......and can be expected to CONTINUE...
I thought LABOUR was NOT working.
It seems MMP is not WORKING too............ for SUM...about 1.7million and rising.
But..not the STUPID....voting taxpayers.
NUFF SAID...
This is getting epidemical: "Act
This is getting epidemical:
"Act MP Sir Roger Douglas also came in for criticism after spending about $44,000 of taxpayers' money on a trip to Britain with his wife this year."
PS...or is that BS. $10,000
PS...or is that BS. $10,000 guilt money refund is not enough RODDERS.
Your PUBLIC demands more of you. YES really.
When Hide doesn’t sack Bill
When Hide doesn't sack Bill and John Harawira Dr Pita Sharples should all five.
An epidemic yes.. Wasn't there
An epidemic yes..
Wasn't there a flawed theory ACT MP called Douglas...years ago...........why are we paying ...twice....me-THINKS...yet again for re-cycled goods.
I have better use...
How about.....Double dippers ACT together, walking a tight-rope for Hairpoints.
A new TUI...or perhaps a new replacement TV program for Dances with wolves...me-thinks yet again.
Hide doesn’t sack Bill, John,
Hide doesn't sack Bill, John, Harawira and Douglas - Dr Pita Sharples should all six.
'I'm sorry' - Hide surrenders
'I'm sorry' - Hide surrenders
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10608131&p...
"So yesterday, after a week of defending himself, he spoke slowly of his shame at his "casual use" of taxpayers' money to holiday in Hawaii and take his partner, Louise Crome, on a ministerial trip to Britain and the US.
"That was wrong."
Was his conscience so seared he didn't know he as doing something morally wrong, by ALL of us, when he booked the 10% tickets?
Are those MPs who can take advantage of this out-dated and inappropriate privilege, just as aware of the wrong they perpetrate on us ALL every time we have to pay for this wasteful perk?
Is their conscience so seared they feel no guilt for this wrong?
If their conscience is so seared is it any wonder we see Harawira, performing, sorry, not performing as he had been paid to? (Nevermind the racism, had he and Hide been execs in even a poorly governed corp. they'd have hada DCM last Friday, simple. But they do this, because they know they can get away with it, simple. Who can stop them? Not even John Key?)
Is it any wonder we see this,
http://www.interest.co.nz/ratesblog/index.php/2009/08/05/have-your-say-h...
and we expect them to vote in tax reforms that will go against their interests - with the seared consciences we see so plainly evident is so many of them - c'mon get real.
I will repeat myself and
I will repeat myself and bore people rigid, but it seems that a lot of MP's have Hides like Rhino-sore-arses.
Maybe it is a symptom of buggering the TAXPAYER, so to speak, or from eating too much pickled or rancid.....PORK.
Funny how the shame and guilt of DEFRAUDING the TAXPAYER is never felt before they are found out. That would mean having a conscience and perhaps they would resign or even.................... PAY IT ALL BACK....preferably....
BOTH.....
INSTEAD we have to put up with their bare arsed effrontery.
INSTEAD when they are caught rorting and stealing from the trough, all they get is a SLAP on the wrist with a wet bus ticket....
(yes I know it is a BRADFORD slap..the TAXPAYER is paying for that one too)...
What do they have to do to get an HONE-st and just sentence from their PEERS, or is it that many of whom are double dipping too in one form or another to the detriment of the TAXPAYER..
What does constitute THEFT and FRAUD and a RORT in new Zealand.
I do not know any more.
And certainly the average citizen must be as totally bewildered.
PAY it ALL back guys, then have the DECENCY to quit.
The fools who are NEW ZEALAND taxpayers should look closely at their WALLETS, because they are stealing from you DAILY.
There are many ways to legally steal here if you have no conscience it seems.
Let us all do more of the same, there would be no shame or no GUILT.
Do not put your money into BANKS for taxes on Interest ... or a TAXABLE enterprise for that matter, that makes a PROFIT.
JOIN the BLACK MARKET economy instead. Barter, do not PAY.
Pad those EXPENSES for businesses so no TAXES to pay...and put all the rest in a TRUST...or finance a GANG of your own, or POLITICAL PARTY then you can ILLEAGALLY steal as you like with impunity it seems.
PERHAPS if we all did the same, and not PAY OUR WAY via taxes...we might be able to send a message to those deities on high.
IF we are to become totally a nation of THIEVES, BLUDGERS and GANG associates, then I am sure that SLOWLY we will all sink into the same MIRE as a POLITICIANs PORK padded TROUGH, by ASSOCIATION, if not fact.
OR would MR KEY prefer to TRUST us to do the right thing and pay our TAXES to FUND the deficit.
THE operative word is TRUST when we pay our TAXES via PAYE or as a business via deductions from OUR work.
We TRUST they will be put to GOOD use.
WHO DO YOU TRUST ...NEW ZEALAND....and the WORLD.
I do hope you can all read...we need educated and honest CITIZENS for a stable future.
WAKEY WAKEY.
PS.. There is nowhere to
PS..
There is nowhere to HIDE....RODNEY....so I am gonna SHOUT a bit more...co this is so funny, IT IS NOT TRUE....HONE-stly.
This is not a GOOD IMAGE....but a NEW IDEA.
APTLY...just sitting on the CRAPPER and picked up an old NEW IDEA magazine of the wife's to do a CROSS-WORD....cos I Like CROSS-WORDS of all sorts.
IRONIC EH. I get plenty of both in my life....in this forum and out.
And what do I find on the back page...a YOU'VE GOT MAIL item of RODDERS. the HIDE bound MAN.
First point I learnt was he doesn't like LAZYNESS and STUPIDITY (Yeah Right).
So stupid to get DUNNE, caught fiddling the BILL.
(Another various types snout references and via ASSOCIATION..I cannot resist).
Second point I learnt was that he doesn't have TIME to tend to his PERSONAL Life....
he was to busy attending to the FUTURE of NEW ZEALAND. QUOTE... "He wants to make it a great place"...(Well why spend all our TAXPAYERS money ABROAD is my comment)...... (Yeah Right).
Third point I learnt was that he was an ECONOMICS LECTURER once. (Yeah Right). Yes folks...he fully understands MONEY...and the SYSTEMs of how to use it to his ADVANTAGE. Unfortunately.... Not NEW ZEALANDS ..by the way...and so how could he not KNOW it was TOTALLY wrong to DIP his SNOUT...and the poor ladies too, by ASSOCIATION. ( Would you really marry this man dear....yes, cos he can keep me in the style I have been accustomed too, he knows how to WORK the SYSTEM, he lecturers others on it all the time. ...HE is a PORK BUSTER...for AUCKLAND. He tells others how to SAVE)....(YEAH RIGHT)
The fourth point I learnt was that IT was up to the VOTERS, not HIM, if he wants to be PRIME MINISTER as he THINKS that doing a GOOD JOB for the PEOPLE is MORE important. (Yeah Right). The suckers.
Ye GADS has he no shame....THANK GOD it is up to the VOTERS, we couldn't AFFORD him.
SHAME eh.
I do hope you VOTERS have long memories.
There was a lot more...but YA get my drift....a load of CRAP......how APT.
HONE-Y...get yerself a RACE CARD....I am coming after you next. Send me an email...please... I like a good RANT.
Do MAORI leaders have no SHAME either....is that par for a POLITICIAN here in NZ.
PS...and JON-KEY....do summat mate. It
PS...and JON-KEY....do summat mate. It is getting that you have no SHAME either...by ASSOCIATION.
great view I agree<a href="//www.runescapecheat.netâ€"
great view I agree:D