Public Address | Cafe | Hard News: Nobody wanted #EQNZ for Christmas

Just thinking

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:10:03 +1300

I've got two friends in Bromley Cemetry. Their ceremonies were very similar, sing-a-longs as we fill the grave in, working on a peasant heritage.
I thought maybe one day it would be underwater, never thought of this:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_768413.html

Just thinking

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:59:16 +1300

Cr Keown has had quite an interesting past, that in another person, would add insight to the darker side of life.
Where do I place a bet on future Prison time of current Crs?
Hang on, we're in Christchurch and he's white, and in a position of power.
OK, I'll…

Kumara Republic

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:37:32 +1300

In case we hadn’t noticed the earthquakes are all about the PM, but don’t affect him as badly as Pike River does.

Meanwhile, reports of his poll ratings in decline are tucked away in a page 2 sidebar in the Dom.

Joe Wylie

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:34:30 +1300

In case we hadn't noticed the earthquakes are all about the PM . . .
Human sacrifice, cynically harvested in the quest for political capital. As the Australian poet Les Murray once said, even a crappy old idea like Britannia can look pretty good if you pile up enough dead…

Hilary Stace

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:23:17 +1300

In case we hadn't noticed the earthquakes are all about the PM, but don't affect him as badly as Pike River does.

Joe Wylie

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:37:59 +1300

At Thursday's Council meeting Aaaron Keown, the Council's very own village idiot on stilts, asked in all seriousness "Do we know if there are any spare sections in Christchurch?"
As someone commented on Facebook ". . . and yet, ask him where to find a hooker and he will give…

Hebe

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:28:59 +1300

I do hope some of these demolitions have had fixed timelapse records that may surface someday as a video...Ask and ye shall receive: the Grand Chancellor time-lapse video

http://www.shf.co.nz/video.html

Ian Dalziel

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:34:01 +1300

Dotting the tees and crossing the eyes...
I see the City CEO, Tony Marryatt, decided to take a half day off to play golf at some council sponsored event – shame he had to miss a public excluded meeting about "additional governance arrangements for earthquake recovery planning". Which is one…

Hebe

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:29:53 +1300

I do hope some of these demolitions have had fixed timelapse records What a good idea (and then we could play them backwards too).

Ian Dalziel

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:25:23 +1300

Watch live demolition of the CrownePlaza
I do hope some of these demolitions have had fixed timelapse records that may surface someday as a video...

Hebe

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:24:38 +1300

One for time-wasters : Watch live demolition of the CrownePlaza from the top of the casino
http://www.chchcasino.co.nz/webcam

merc

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:34:01 +1300

The office's workload had also been increased by about 270 complaints stemming from quake victims' dealings with the Earthquake Commission and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10785726
Not a good look.

Joe Wylie

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:55:08 +1300

More excessive actions by unthinking Chch police have seen charges withdrawn...
It would seem that they've done so only because their legal advice was that they didn't have a case. District Commander Knowles's insistence that everything was done by the book is disturbingly reminiscent of the looters & lightbulbs fiasco:
[[http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6421471/Top-cop-defends-police-action|Knowles…

Ian Dalziel

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:55:06 +1300

welcome to the Wild East...
“One must not put a loaded rifle on the stage
if no one is thinking of firing it.”
More excessive actions by unthinking Chch police have seen charges withdrawn...

Joe Wylie

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:13 +1300

and there was me thinking they looked like Dennis the Menace (UK)
Me too, until this unfortunate association.
even if he was toned down... by the BBC
The heady days of cartoon violence. I once worked on an animated kids' series that had been given The Word about such stuff…

Ian Dalziel

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:05:51 +1300

hang on old Beano...
Crusaders supporters may still dress like Freddie Krueger...
and there was me thinking they looked like Dennis the Menace (UK)
even if he was toned down... by the BBC

merc

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:45:35 +1300

Here's our man unconcerned, Nat leader style,
But Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says he is not concerned about what he expects will turn out to be only a short-term movement, and insists the Government is on track to keep the country moving.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10785604
I really wonder why Christchurch hasn't a…

Joe Wylie

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:39:08 +1300

Looking on the bright side, Christchurch's monstrous Holiday Inn is to be put out of its misery. Along with the doomed Westpac Tower and the Hotel Grand Chancellor, the three biggest architectural boils on the bum of Chchch.

Crusaders supporters may still dress like Freddie Krueger, but the city skyline…

merc

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:08:49 +1300

I hope to see Bouncer gone by lunchtime, I really do. He will of course have a few others to sacrifice before him.

Kumara Republic

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:40:16 +1300

Cantabrians Unite is up.

Interesting how strange bedfellows – Left and Right alike – can band together if the enemy is morally indefensible enough.

Joe Wylie

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:03:35 +1300

Cantabrians Unite is up.

Hebe

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:38:05 +1300

Chills my spine that does.

Joe Wylie

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:01:38 +1300

I wouldn't trust Gerry with a spoonbill.

Hebe

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:38:12 +1300

An uplifting feb 22 commemoration idea: dropping flowers in the rivers at various spots around town to create a "river of flowers". I like this idea: an opportunity to stop and reflect, without being mawkish and over-long.

http://www.healthychristchurch.org.nz/river-of-flowers.aspx

The River of Flowers project is being lead by Healthy Christchurch and…

merc

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:57:46 +1300

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/6401077/Quake-city-assets-set-to-be-popular
How do they get those wonderful toys?

Ian Dalziel

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:52:04 +1300

si si si...
spongebastards
Magic!

I Believe in Magic
(by the Lovin Spoonbills..)
or was it that other song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hh-U7sScQg&feature=related

Islander

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:48:27 +1300

Spoonbills will fly long distances for good feeding areas...breeding areas are another matter (it's like kotuku – scatters as far the Chathams – comes back to the Waitakikiroto to breed-)

Lilith __

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:04:54 +1300

Joe – there are a set of spoonbills that hang out in McCormacks Bay for part of the year. You can often see them standing around on one of those artificial islands. They also sometimes go to the mouth of the Avon (just upstream of Bridge St) and fish in…

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:35:27 +1300

eyeing up
Licking their lipsI'll correct that: they are further along than window-shopping; now at the measuring up for new curtains stage. Sad thing is that the softening-up part of the Christchurch asset sale process is like blowtorching a marshmallow in this decimated city.

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:32:14 +1300

Almost spat out some of my tea, laughing!

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:28:56 +1300

That would figure – they've been around since the mid-1980s – especially if the car-park was around where Fleur's is now.
They're a clumsy flyer (compared ,say,with yer average kotuku) but a fascinating bird. Yet another self-introduced erstwhile Oz citizen...

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:25:15 +1300

http://asstdgoodies.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/assetstripping-adventures-in-food.html

Love it!

Joe Wylie

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:25:07 +1300

More the vegetation above the high tide mark. It was about five minutes walk south of the car park, in 1998. I thought what the hell is that, it's a bloody SPOONBILL, and so it was, heading North. Not a superfast flier, so I got a really good look.

BTW,…

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:19:59 +1300

Joe – they breed on the wee island Maukiekie off my kaik’ beach (which is slightly wonderful in as much they also breed in the kotuku colony at Waitangikiroto just up the lagoon.) Fascinating birds…unlike kotuku, they dont come round the settlement here-
not sure where the dunes would be…

Joe Wylie

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:13:48 +1300

Moeraki IS nice...
Moeraki is where I saw my one & only spoonbill in NZ, flying along the line of the beach, over the dunes. Magic minutes.
Licking their lips
Spongebastards.

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:03:55 +1300

Cats will like crispy bits!
I gather Moeraki/Purakaunui (or Colac bay) kareko in August – dried, it lasts for well over a year...

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:00:35 +1300

Yes, we all like it, dog included. I get Kaikoura dried karengo.

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:57:53 +1300

parengo/karengo in the north – nori in Japan – here, Porphrya columbina (I think-away from seafood shelves at the moment) = kareko. Used to be called Maori cabbage(by southern Pakeha) but it is
waaay good-

know what you mean about the hills/seas/south calling...I've never been able to live out of…

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:23:27 +1300

karekoWhat is it?

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:21:15 +1300

I like the swimming, walking and cooking and eating bits; must venture down again soon. That area is part of my childhood: I was a dam baby, born in a town up the Waitaki where I spent my first seven or eight years. The hills got me. So much so…

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:05:58 +1300

Not wrong!
And has an excellent campground, cribs, a good motel…fishing trips! Someone who will gut and fillet your blue cod/whatevers/*AND* cook’em to perfection – because I like to do that kind of stuff…
Heartland chips? The Hampden hotel? Just relax & lie back & ease out & enjoy?
Beautiful beautyfull beaches? Startlingly…

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:00:39 +1300

Moeraki IS nice...

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:59:45 +1300

Christchurch has done well in retaining core assets, And we don't have to weld down our manhole covers in the street to stop them blowing because the pipes fail so regularly.

If the Government thinks the natives here are grumpy now, just watch us when they try to sell off…

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:57:18 +1300

eyeing upLicking their lips

Rob Stowell

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:11:16 +1300

I think March 22 or thereabouts was a big memorial Hagley park to mark one month on. Some folks found it useful; some didn’t. We enjoyed the day on the water.
Investors eyeing up those tasty Council assets.
Brownlee must think we are idiots. He’s not pressuring CCC to sell…

Sacha

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:22:07 +1300

Investors eyeing up those tasty Council assets.

Islander

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:58:35 +1300

+1 for a South PAS meet-up-

Hebe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:18:47 +1300

somewhere muddling about in the middle of a long messy business I like your way of expressing it; muddling about is perfect.

It would good to have southpas convene somewhere sometime.

What was the March 22 commemoration? I don't remember that.

Rob Stowell

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:32:41 +1300

I think I’m with most of you regarding the public commemorations. Took the family sailing for the March 22nd one, and had a lovely day. It’s does need some public marking. But not a clown-show; if we had a leader with mana I might even want to attend.
Yeah, we’re…

Sofie Bribiesca

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:52:46 +1300

What the hey, see the rest. Well it was too long to do a close up. But one slightly pissed of American.

Hebe

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:51:52 +1300

Oh I agree with a lot of that, I'm not expessing what I want to say well today. Having a break; I was going to go to Merivale but...

Sofie Bribiesca

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:49:30 +1300

thanks, but I have to admit my ‘face painted’ image was appropriated (for satirical collage purposes) from the cover of Avenues magazine
Well then you found it and in this case, it was most appropriate.;)
Here is an example of one artists impression of their elected officials, on the side…

Islander

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:48:29 +1300

I doubt me smileywavyman remembers any promise a minute after it leaves his mouth. I mean, they're *so* easy to make eh?

Sofie Bribiesca

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:43:52 +1300

that nice Mr Key promised otherwise didn’t he?

This in a nutshell!

Sofie Bribiesca

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:40:55 +1300

Watching Parliament this week Gerry looked relaxed and Lianne looked like she had lost hair.
I see it as (because Gerry is in charge) there were many things like deadlines that were not necessary for everyone, and he could have been more considerate and informative. I see Lianne should be…

Hebe

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:07:11 +1300

Can't he just do his own job instead of bullying anyone who disagrees with him which I read is one helluva lot of people and can't Lianne be expressing what people are emailing, writing letters and telling her from their personal experiences? Or am I the one with the hole…

Ian Dalziel

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:48:54 +1300

...artistic interpretations of Bobsy Browneye are brilliant.
thanks, but I have to admit my 'face painted' image was appropriated (for satirical collage purposes) from the cover of Avenues magazine

Sofie Bribiesca

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:29:48 +1300

“What have you got there?”“Pies, c*nt.”

Joe Wylie and Ian Dalziel, your artistic interpretations of Bobsy Browneye are brilliant. More I say,

Regrettably and for the first time ever I agree with Gerry.
Can't he just do his own job instead of bullying anyone who disagrees with him which I…

Hebe

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:21:16 +1300

Stakeholders and key influencers combining to forge a new paradigm, melding passion, authenticity and thinking outside the (now defunct) Square. Creative leveraging at its catalystic best.

Songsheet suggestions: "A Maven Grace", "How Great I Am".

Sacha

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:57:38 +1300

this red-zone move means a very large chunk of retirement equity has gone

that nice Mr Key promised otherwise didn't he?

Hebe

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:51:12 +1300

"Pop-up Commemoration"Oooh you are awful ;-)

Joe Wylie

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:42:39 +1300

Ian:
I will not be at any of these events, this ain't over yet...
Hebe:
I don't need manufactured and scripted "closure". I'll do my own, when I'm ready.
Right on. A pox upon the wretched events management culture that fails to recognise what it can't control. Wouldn't surprise me…

Hebe

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:28:50 +1300

Good points. I don't need manufactured and scripted "closure". I'll do my own, when I'm ready.

Ian Dalziel

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:16:47 +1300

Mr Brownlee says...
"... You set out with a budget but you've got to
do what you've got to do."
As he's happy to have a bloody rugby stadium run $5 million over budget, can we hold him to this across the board?

Ian Dalziel

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:30:54 +1300

crack addiction?
How are you going to mark Feb 22?
I see it falls on a wednesday and as far as I know it isn't a gazetted holiday – so most folk will be at jobs (if they have one) or at school, etc – council in its wisdom holds…

Islander

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:11:57 +1300

They said things significantly ruder and more cutting – trouble is, there dont seem to be ways out (except for paying for demolishment & retaining ownership of the section.) Hugely expensive – except this family member is a building contractor – and does mean a nice wee chunk of riverside/ backing…

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:19:56 +1300

Bugger.

Islander

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:33:48 +1300

I dunno. They have insurance (based on the 2010 QV, paid up to date.) They were orange-zoned, are now redzoned, and are hit by $112,000 possible loss.

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:26:54 +1300

I'd ask him

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:25:30 +1300

Yum. Slurp. Thud.

hallelujah

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:01:05 +1300

How does that work?

BTW, found some good recent pics of the Anglican Cathedral on Twitter but I'm unsure of reposting etiquette. By a man called Motmunter.

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:59:04 +1300

Yeah well, the botox cornettoCornasetti?

Islander

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:54:47 +1300

(we are now officially in the EQR labyrinth).

One of my family homes is now officially red-zoned- the EQR valuation is LESS by
over $100,000 by the QV

Joe Wylie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:48:52 +1300

Yum. Slurp. Thud.
Yeah well, the botox cornetto.

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:45:10 +1300

Working :) But working at a memorial service. Does that count as attending? Depends if you're going in spirit as well as body. I am inclining to not wanting to know, but that's this week. I may change; or I may just spend the time treasuring my nearest and dearest,…

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:31:09 +1300

Yum. Slurp. Thud.

Islander

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:26:30 +1300

Thank goodness we have Mayor Parker as opposed to Jim Anderton who would clash with the minister Brownlee and the Government. Nothing would get done!

Yeah, Right. Yeah,,,,

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:25:45 +1300

some people just love the taste of kool-aid

Joe Wylie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:16:13 +1300

From the Press comments, this has to take the cake for utter unalloyed dopiness:
Brad #1 12:11 pm Feb 04 2012
The silent majority support Bob Parker here in Christchurch. He is visionary, positive and gets the job done. A group of 3000 protestors rounded together by the local Labour…

Rob Stowell

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:12:10 +1300

Working :) But working at a memorial service. Does that count as attending?

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:06:35 +1300

How are you going to mark Feb 22?

Rob Stowell

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:37:50 +1300

Minor diversion: “When A City Falls” screening on TV3 7:30 Feb 22nd. If you missed it at the movies….

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:31:32 +1300

Rather than a levy, as proposed by the Greens, a series of earthquake bond issues by the CCC or CCHL could be the way to go. It could be very appealing to the Granddad and Grandma investors who are not in the finance companies because of the high risk but…

Joe Wylie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:17:49 +1300

Chch Council asset sales on the agenda. Knock me down with a feather.
Eugenie Sage notes a pattern.

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:42:06 +1300

Chch Council asset sales on the agenda. Knock me down with a featherNgaire is a gem, isn't she? Bob Parker especially treasures her ability to get her lines word-perfect. And, unlike Sarah Palin, she doesn't even have to write them on her hand. I smell a shitstorm acoming.

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:23:09 +1300

Some 2010 local election turnout figures mentioned. Range from 31 to 71 %, averaging 48.

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:19:53 +1300

Chch Council asset sales on the agenda. Knock me down with a feather.

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:18:06 +1300

Wouldn't think he'd go next time, But who knows, the mayoralty will be up for grabs. Hence Lianne Dalziel positioning, and I can just about hear Tim Barnett manouvering (sp?) — he is in town and on CTV last night. The right could well come up with someone credible. Should…

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:03:49 +1300

next Mayor?

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:01:36 +1300

does it mean the "A team" no longer have a majority?No, because Beck replaces a prominent B team member. But he is highly skilled at bridge-building and has a powerful intellect — can operate on many levels. Parker and Marryatt will be taking note of the result.

Islander

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:52:52 +1300

Nope – with the intro of postal voting on the West Coast, we get +60%

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:52:05 +1300

Very low, even for local body elections, 15.3% down on 2010. Ward is pretty trashed, so many will not even be living there now. I'm intrigued that Linda Stewart, chair of the ward community board, got hammered: she came third with 1473, less than one-third of Beck's 4800. Guess voters…

Joe Wylie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:49:06 +1300

Apparently not.
According to the article Hebe linked to above, a total of 13,935 votes were cast in the by-election for Burwood-Pegasus, way down on the 2010 figures.

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:43:02 +1300

An intelligent addition to the council table

does it mean the "A team" no longer have a majority?

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:42:14 +1300

that's pretty usual for most local body elections, isn't it?

Islander

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:37:56 +1300

I am glad Beck won BUT – anybody else disturbed by the extraordinary low turnout?

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:26:06 +1300

Good. An intelligent addition to the council table; I don't always agree with Peter Beck but I have respect for him.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6398677/Peter-Beck-wins-by-election

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:18:15 +1300

Regrettably and for the first time ever I agree with Gerry.

Joe Wylie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:43:55 +1300

Brownlee really can't help himself

Ian Dalziel

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:31:44 +1300

The compleat tosser...
Brownlee really can't help himself, I just heard him on National Radio, before 5pm, saying that Lianne Dalziel (no relation) was being unduly negative about Chchch's recovery "because of her Mayoral aspirations" !!
Good of Gerry to throw Lianne's hat in the ring for her...

Hebe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:20:21 +1300

There's a specific formal role of Opposition, which is different from opposition. And it does fall on the Labour PartyAs the largest opposition bloc? What would happen if a grouping of opposition parties got together post-election — sort of like tha government forming a coalition — and proclaimed themselves some…

Keir Leslie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:13:19 +1300

NZ had alliances under FPP*. The National Party, after all, was originally a coalition, as you can tell by the name. And yes it might, but in fact overseas it doesn’t seem to have, even in cases with more parties. (In fact I suspect Opposition terminology becomes more entrenched as…

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:03:15 +1300

It is absurd to think that the thing that Shearer leads includes Hone, Peters, and the Greens, none of whom had any chance to vote for him.

Under MMP they can form alliances, though – and not necessarily led by the same party as FPP always was. That should have…

Keir Leslie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:45:48 +1300

What does `legal validity' mean? It is conventional to refer to the largest bloc of non-government MPs as the Opposition. A journalist who uses that terminology is not being lazy; rather they are using a long standing, and entirely accurate, principle of Westminster democracy. Parts of the notion of the…

Rich of Observationz

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:32:50 +1300

Yes, but do you have a reference that states that the largest non governmental party in NZ is (by statute, standing order, or documented practice) the Opposition?

The cited Wikipedia article has no (useful) references. I'm prepared to accept that it is common practice to speak of [Labour] as the…

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:28:45 +1300

thanks

Keir Leslie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:15:26 +1300

Yes: the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. Further, the Canadian Parliament has four major parties (BQ, NDP, Cons, Libs), Westminster itself has three major (LD, Lab, Cons,) and half a dozen minor (SNP, Plaid, UDP, SF, etc) parties. New Zealand is hardly unique in not being an entirely two-party system.…

Rich of Observationz

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:48:33 +1300

Could you provide a reference for that?

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:44:10 +1300

The point is that one of those parties is also the Official Opposition with a capital O*

I'm not convinced that it's one party, but rather all of them that are not in government. The 'leader' role as Rich says is different in current statute.

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:41:53 +1300

do any other Westminster-style parliaments have MMP?

Keir Leslie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:33:25 +1300

Well, of course members only speak for their parties. The point is that one of those parties is also the Official Opposition with a capital O*. It is a perfectly fine usage to refer to the Opposition spokesperson, and also perfectly fine to talk about the opposition parties.

* This…

Rich of Observationz

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:06:45 +1300

If you go and look at Standing Orders, the only references to "opposition" are to the Leader of the Opposition.

Apart the only thing that I can find relevant is that "priority [in speaking] should be given to party spokespersons in order of size of party membership in the House".…

Ian Dalziel

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:23:09 +1300

a whole lotta shaking going on…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwWn_W6ZbT4#!
hmmm doesn't seem to show up, ya may have to click on the YouTube link .

Sacha

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:16:39 +1300

crumbs

Joe Wylie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:09:35 +1300

It is at least “answering” the question, unlike last term where you’ll recall Brownlee got away with refusing to do so.
Said Simple Simon to the Pieman "What have you got there?"
"Pies, c*nt."

Just thinking

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:47:42 +1300

Natural Event, Manmade Disaster.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10784562

The Tree, is a tree along the West East cycleway leading to the Peterborough St footbridge in Hagley Park. Its history is as the meeting point for the University of Canty Rugby team when they were still at the "Arts Centre".
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4GGHP_enNZ435NZ435&q=park+tce+christchurch&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=3968l16914l0l17317l24l13l1l10l10l0l391l4041l2-8.5l19l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=911&bih=412&wrapid=tljp132881322148220&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x6d318a38041c7a6b:0xa99b38217c7c4301,Park+Terrace,+Christchurch+Central,+Christchurch&gl=nz&ei=pxQ0T7TvOsejiQeUxvGVAg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA
I nominate The Tree,…

Keir Leslie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:12:53 +1300

Eh, that's really not true. There's a specific formal role of Opposition, which is different from opposition. And it does fall on the Labour Party,

nzlemming

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:03:43 +1300

That's entirely correct – for the leader, as there are constitutional and legislative reasons why there needs to be a Leader of the Opposition. However, no one spokesperson from any party in opposition to the Government of the day can claim to be the "Opposition spokesperson for X". They can…

Rich of Observationz

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:44:43 +1300

It sez here:
The Leader of the Opposition is the member who leads the largest political party that is not part of the Government. I wonder what will happen when the Greens become that party (if they don’t go straight to being the largest party *in* government).

Hebe

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:38:24 +1300

And the underlying tension seems to be over govt trying to pressure council to privatise its assets.That's part of it. Personality clashes seem to be another. Leadership of the council and the govt seem to be pulling in two directions.
It will be interesting to see what happens after the…

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:27:14 +1300

Heh thanks, I was kinda blowin' *ss you know...boy, when did we all get so cynical ;-)
Oh and BTW the basic rights should be real easy no?

Rich of Observationz

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:20:44 +1300

[rights] agreed by the entire nation state of NZ?

So you'd have to have 100% unanimity on what those rights were? Good luck with that...

Keir Leslie

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:09 +1300

All the non-coalition parties form the opposition. Labour gets more questions because they’re allocated proportionately. Blame the lazy media who still refer to “the Opposition spokesperson”.

This is wrong. For instance Shearer is Leader of the Opposition.

(Arguably difference between o/Opposition, but also there are functions which attach to being…

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:29:47 +1300

I know, permit me if you will, and Sacha, and Mathew a moments exasperation lifted for a minute by a futile plea to sanity. Who can know what good may come from these times?

nzlemming

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:23:39 +1300

The expectation of our rights and governance being solidly held and performed is so low because the power has been captured by vested interests in the absence of a formal written constitution enshrined in law.

I don't agree. You only have to look at the charade that is the US…

nzlemming

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:21:29 +1300

Gerry the Bouncer in full-on intimidation mode. Will no one rid us of this foul priest (legally of course)?

Turbulent. Both apply.

nzlemming

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:20:42 +1300

with MMP why does Labour construe as the opposition?

All the non-coalition parties form the opposition. Labour gets more questions because they're allocated proportionately. Blame the lazy media who still refer to "the Opposition spokesperson".

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:16:06 +1300

Agreed, but what to do ay? We form a republic and Key becomes President, winning.
Mind you I would like to see the process of writing the bloody thing...from little things big things grow. Look at how Palmer's inclusion on Treaty Principles has stalled for now our master's grand selloff…

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:09:52 +1300

As Matthew said on the other thread, a written constitution is a red herring in the short term. We can do better with what we already have. Our political system relies on opposition parties, political movements, media, and a 3-year electoral cycle as its main check and balance on Executive…

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:41:56 +1300

it’s called an opposition Indeed I think we the people need a stronger check than that, sadly once in place it would inflate itself and destroy further our thin rights. I blame all our Govts for that.
The expectation of our rights and governance being solidly held and performed is…

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:29:18 +1300

there are no checks and measures on complete governance incompetency

it's called an opposition

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:19:11 +1300

that will probably take another election – up to 3 years, maybe sooner
I simply fail to see how on any measure this man is justifying his position, really I can't, it just does not stack up and that monosyllabic, hyperbolic, shameful excuse for a democratic charade in parliament demonstrates…

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:13:27 +1300

rid us of this foul priest (legally of course)

that will probably take another election – up to 3 years, maybe sooner

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:13:20 +1300

Indeed, they must play with the others, but can they?

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:12:42 +1300

Snagged on the cactus ;-)

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:12:26 +1300

with MMP why does Labour construe as the opposition?

they don't on their own – as will become increasingly clear this term

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:11:41 +1300

I should have remembered

fallen into same trap myself :)

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:11:22 +1300

Gerry the Bouncer in full-on intimidation mode. Will no one rid us of this foul priest (legally of course)?

Ian Dalziel

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:06:24 +1300

Clown Prints...
Gerry is taking the p*ss isn’t he?
"I didn't expect it to end up in the newspaper as if it was a threat ... I'm just incensed by that." sure, Gerry, a real surprise... how long you been in politics again? Nicely played!

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:27:43 +1300

Ah thank you for that I should have remembered, my bad.
Functioning opposition, yes the opposition member did not speak well, indeed with MMP why does Labour construe as the opposition? I say cut out all that question time nonsense and the Speaker as well...
Gerry is taking the p*ss…

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:50:43 +1300

I'd like to think that monosyllabic answers used at question time would be censured by the Speaker, or at least let it be known that Gerry is laughing in all our democratic faces.

It is at least "answering" the question, unlike last term where you'll recall Brownlee got away with…

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:48:57 +1300

Used to embed for me

it doesn't like any other text in there – in this case, the "embed" part from where you found it.

nzlemming

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:28:00 +1300

All this does not bode well for any of us, Christchurch included.
nzlemming; I’d like to think that monosyllabic answers used at question time would be censured by the Speaker, or at least let it be known that Gerry is laughing in all our democratic faces.

Not disagreeing with you.…

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:44:03 +1300

Used to embed for me , thanks for that. Sadly also the law has been changed and Auckland Council is about to borrow http://www.interest.co.nz/bonds/57087/auckland-councils-overseas-borrowing-programme-first-nz-local-authority-set-us25-bln
All this does not bode well for any of us, Christchurch included.
nzlemming; I'd like to think that monosyllabic answers used at question time would be…

nzlemming

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:37:24 +1300

Do we deserve this?

No, but it's sadly one of the better exchanges of the day.

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:28:33 +1300

fixed url to embed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DSB4uoF5HQ

Sacha

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:27:28 +1300

And the underlying tension seems to be over govt trying to pressure council to privatise its assets.

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:23:26 +1300

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6DSB4uoF5HQ#!
Hat tip http://transportblog.co.nz/2012/02/09/twyford-v-brownlee-round-1/
Do we deserve this?

Joe Wylie

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:32:54 +1300

Ah, what the hell. Brownlee untethered.

merc

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:04:46 +1300

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/6386900/Clown-comment-reflects-frustration-Brownlee
... I am sick and tired of the council running and telling people what we're going to do."
Some serious disconnect there.

nzlemming

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:51:41 +1300

I'm sure he'll bounce back. Regrettably.

Joe Wylie

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:20:37 +1300

Poor Councillor Aaron Keown. Just when he'd carved out a reputation as the undisputed brainfart king of Christchurch, Gerry blows him right off the stage.

nzlemming

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:40:51 +1300

Yes, I agree. But they'll probably try to say it's a joint venture between the elected council and the corporate body. Bollocks to the lot of them.

I'm not big on the usurpation of democracy by central government, but I'm trying to work out which would be the lesser of…

Sacha

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:35:32 +1300

That might apply if there were more than one 'shareholder' but can you imagine the can of worms in allowing directors who happen to be board members of their sole parent organisation to shaft the subsidiary organisation whenever it suits them? Would fail any conflict of interest test I've ever…

nzlemming

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:18:25 +1300

Which used to be in breach of the Companies Act, but it was changed in 1997:

s131 Duty of directors to act in good faith and in best interests of company
[…]
(4) A director of a company that is carrying out a joint venture between the shareholders may, when…

Sacha

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:04:43 +1300

try and change the constitution retroactively

yes, that was boggling – been learning contempt for proper governance from the government, prehaps?

The report also recommended adding a clause allowing directors to "act in a manner which he or she believes is in the best interests of the company's holding company…

Just thinking

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:01:58 +1300

Yeah cause it's all about rates, in the city that many can't flush their loo for over 17months now, if they still have a house.
Of course Eject Button didn't read the constitution of the Council owned company she was a Director of.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6379811/Vbase-directors-breached-rules

Edit – as always Ian said…

Ian Dalziel

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:00:44 +1300

the beleaguered league of extraordinary stupidity...
Especially that Button was unsure what was in the CERA Act. Oy vey!
Not surprising at all, Button is well out of her depth – it came out today that she and the other 3 directors (Mayor Bob Parker, Councillor Jamie Gough – and…

Sacha

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:48:26 +1300

but rates will go up if commissioners replace the A team, just take her word for it #buffoon

nzlemming

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:18:13 +1300

Especially that Button was unsure what was in the CERA Act. Oy vey!

Islander

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:12 +1300

That was very interesting wasnt it?

nzlemming

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:41:17 +1300

I'm thinking Sideshow Bob just got tossed to the wolves.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has entered the political fray consuming the city council, calling Mayor Bob Parker a ''clown''.

from Stuff.

Kumara Republic

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:26:49 +1300

He was hired to be himself, he hasn’t done that.
I suspect he can’t quite deal with bellicose proclaimations.
The expense isn’t his salary, but the loss of a city as a Isaacs & Brownlee run riot.

He seems a safe pair of hands, but right now he looks like the…

stephen walker

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:52:01 +1300

just about fell off my chair laughing at that one, Joe. kind of like the way my father used to laugh.

p.s. would love to see Te Rerenga Wairua sometime. maybe the powers that be can organise a mini-festival of NZ animated films to tour Japan. big screen, loud speakers.…

Just thinking

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:10:26 +1300

Roger was on the Telly tonight. He doesn't look well, or that could have been the company, CERA or Gerry either way not doing what he normally does.
He was hired to be himself, he hasn't done that.
I suspect he can't quite deal with bellicose proclaimations.
The expense isn't…

Lilith __

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:10:10 +1300

Sutton?

He was in this briefing today.

Islander

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:27:33 +1300

Jeez, that bad?

Hebe

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:26:08 +1300

Sutton?
Gone to ground entirely?
Expensive smiley face?On a deserved holiday?

Islander

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:07:12 +1300

Sutton?
Gone to ground entirely?
Expensive smiley face?

Just thinking

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:37:25 +1300

Check out the bridges in the City. Harper & Bealy Ave is looking very dodgy with lots of broken bits.

Hebe

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:48:21 +1300

I don't believe the sudden rush from Brownlee & Isaac reported today. It's been leaning since September. You're right; I know of a person who has been out of there since Feb 22 — only allowed in for 30 minutes to get whatever could be got. Too dangerous to go back.…

Just thinking

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:27:34 +1300

I don't believe the sudden rush from Brownlee & Isaac reported today. It's been leaning since September. I'm waiting for the building rush on Hagley Park for Hospital and Police expansions.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/6357229/Urgent-demolition-for-Park-Terrace-ordered

Anyway the survey below might be interesting.
http://www.centralcitystudy.org.nz
/http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22DZA2XQUD6

Joe Wylie

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:32:53 +1300

Witchsmeller Pursuivant
Got it! I remember that one . . .
Protest organiser Peter Lynch described Marshall's role as like a band aid over a cut that won't heal. The witchfinder role would be welcomed by Parker's deputy Ngaire Button, who blames the current debacle on 'leakers'.

merc

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:22:23 +1300

Kinda like a Witchsmeller Pursuivant? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchsmeller_Pursuivant

Joe Wylie

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:17:41 +1300

Apart from Kerry Marshall being a former Mayor of Nelson who reputedly pretty much let his own Council's CEO off the leash, he's supposed to be a marriage counselor. I've heard that to excel in that field it helps to be a total can of worms, so that others' problems…

merc

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:58:26 +1300

Newly appointed Crown observer Kerry Marshall was not present. Having been told the meeting would be "pretty straightforward", he instead headed to Wellington to meet government officials and discuss his role in Christchurch.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6358267/Councillors-on-best-behaviour
You would think they would have set his role prior to sending him to Christchurch?

Joe Wylie

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:43:15 +1300

It seems that the effect of Wednesday's action has been like a dose of magic pixie dust on our elected reps.

Just thinking

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:55:54 +1300

The Cordon is just Christchurch Coolaid. Had CCC CD or CERA addressed the largest threats first repair could begin. Their philosophy is for easiest first and hardest last. So slow and painful.
Disater Recovery has a few guiding plans. One key is that the Response and Recovery teams be totally…

Hebe

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:54:27 +1300

Could also lead to a city that's bland and characterless. I'm all for diversity and interest. :-)iJust for those reasons I want an organically growing city in all senses of the word.

Hebe

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:52:09 +1300

Hehhe; indeed. No concrete, no glass. Have you seen the design for the old Press site: looks like tilt slab with seismic uplift. The few new buildings going up look monstrous; there's an especially vile thing in Victoria St where those old shops with the verandahs near Carlton Corner were.

Islander

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:38:49 +1300

Cant we- inhabitants, creatives, lovers-of-place, locals (families & those who have families in Otautahi/ChChCh) really offer our skills for a vibrant *different* sustained & sustaining non-concrete LIVING space?
Hey! It could be up trees! It could be house boats! It could be float-on-land lifetime only places!
We do have the creativity!
The…

Lilith __

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:36:40 +1300

a totally blank canvas could lead to an amazing city.

Could also lead to a city that's bland and characterless. I'm all for diversity and interest. :-)

Hebe

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:07:20 +1300

On the basis that a totally blank canvas could lead to an amazing city. But it cannot happen because the city is not owned by one entity, and the insurance/compensation issues would be epic.

Lilith __

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:56:00 +1300

level the central city and start again.

Even the buildings that can be saved?

Hebe

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:35:46 +1300

These cordonds have saved no-oneWrong.

But I for one am thrilled that a lot of the ugliest tower blocks are to come down, and I agree: level the central city and start again. But it won't happen.

Lilith __

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:24:58 +1300

These cordonds have saved no-one.

Respectfully, I disagree. And I don't think levelling the central city with explosives is a good solution.

Just thinking

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:16:36 +1300

No it wouldn't.
What of the electrocuted Roofer? These cordonds have saved no-one.
This position would require a basic inversion of our current process.
Firstly remove the largest threat first, not the easiest.
Blow up the big buildings, use Artillary if explosives can't be safely laid by engineers. This is…

Joe Wylie

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:50 +1300

Holy crap. Those were lucky people.
Yeah, my reaction exactly, though it wasn't until a couple of years after the event that I caught up with that. I had no idea at the time that the Workers Club was a major music venue.

Lilith __

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:26:53 +1300

at least 1200 had been expected in the area below where the floor collapsed.

Holy crap. Those were lucky people.

Joe Wylie

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:35:09 +1300

If we’d had open access people would have died on June 13.
Good point.
About Newcastle, the partner of an old friend left the Newcastle Workers Club, where nine people died, a few hours before the quake. He'd been setting up band gear for a show that night, where at…

Lilith __

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:16:21 +1300

Newcastle guys came over and campaiged for open access to the City Centre, as their fenched off city died due to cordons.

If we’d had open access people would have died on June 13.

Rich of Observationz

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:54:27 +1300

Why not stop having a mayor?

Elect a council (preferably with a fair voting system) and have them choose a leader who has the confidence of a majority of councillors (just like the way a Prime Minister is chosen). The minority of councillors form the opposition.

Sacha

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:36:59 +1300

A few relevant interviews on today's Radio NZ Morning Report.

Just thinking

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:55:27 +1300

Newcastle guys came over and campaiged for open access to the City Centre, as their fenched off city died due to cordons.
It didn't get through.
No-ones mentioned Roger Sutton for Mayor. He's harder to find these days than Waldo ever was.

Just thinking

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:47:13 +1300

It has to be someone new outside of Council. Mike Coleman or Peter Beck (Pesky Preists), Megan Wood (Good Chick er Sydham MP) maybe someone unknown.

Islander

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:32:59 +1300

So close to a mine... (and, yes, I did read the expert comments...)

Lilith __

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:25:39 +1300

the 1989 Newcastle quake

Thanks for the reminder. Surprisingly damaging for a 5.6! VIII on the Modified Mercalli scale!! And so far from a faultline?

Islander

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:21:07 +1300

Ooo, sounds very good!
I especially like she refused what is, quintessentially, an English 'honour'.
(Boringbit: am patron of the Republican Movement.)
I would certainly urge my many CHCH family ratepayers to vote for her if she wished to stand again-

Lilith __

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:17:12 +1300

Vicki Buck?

Vicki Buck was mayor for 9 years, and she was fantastic. I’m sure we’d have her back in an instant if she wanted to stand. She was offered a Damehood and turned it down because she thinks such things are elitist. She was instrumental in setting up the…

Joe Wylie

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:06:36 +1300

Perhaps this is what the geologists mean when they talk about our "particularly rich aftershock sequence"!
Compared to, say, the 1989 Newcastle quake, the figures are remarkable. A deadly event that would have been much worse but for certain fortuitous circumstances (the hour it occurred, a bus strike), in a…