Public Address | Cafe | Hard News: We need to talk about Len

Hilary Stace

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 21:04:27 +1300

Cathy Casey says on Facebook that she was horrified to see her name on the list of non-declarers, as she did and even remembered the date she did. Turns out putting her name on the list was a mistake.

Craig Ranapia

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 19:52:40 +1300

And as a final Christmas present, Quackers makes a strong bid for the position of Auckland’s village idiot:

Auckland councillor Dick Quax, an outspoken critic of Mayor Len Brown, has called on him to withdraw from hosting Prince William and wife Catherine early next year.

The couple and their baby George…

andin

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 19:35:27 +1300

Also never mentioned
Talk about not mentioning things! Yeah the comments are worth a read…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqgBUOQ-ZnE
Its christmas after all... Time to contemplate etc

Russell Brown

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 18:48:57 +1300

Um, a quick google or herald search brings up nothing about Len Brown today… care to link, or give us a clue what you’e on about?

Turns out Cameron Brewer did, sort of, declare his freebies, but only declared his Gold Coast junket on the day John Drinnan asked him…

FletcherB

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 17:03:54 +1300

Oh, well. In light of the Herald’s story today, let me think about that again.

Um, a quick google or herald search brings up nothing about Len Brown today... care to link, or give us a clue what you'e on about?

Tinakori

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 08:45:38 +1300

Oh, well. In light of the Herald's story today, let me think about that again.

Sofie Bribiesca

Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:22:26 +1300

The Clinton comparison can be overdone, but the core of it is the same: is it about the high road or the low? Is it about the constitution, or Monica’s thong? Only one of them really matters, but only the other one sells newspapers. The Herald has tried to blur…

Russell Brown

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 13:27:42 +1300

The problem of course, is if the “Issue” is clarified, then there are consequences for people other than Len Brown. Adulterers must all resign, or non-declarers must all resign, or Sky City freebie-takers must all resign, or people with rubbish PR (and Brown’s has been hopeless lately) must all resign.…

Craig Ranapia

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 13:03:44 +1300

They’ve painted themselves into a corner. All they can do now is keep saying over and over that he’s damaged goods in the hope it will become true.

Totally. And one more thing about Brewer's junket — who paid for it? A media company, and while sledging the opposition is…

simon g

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 12:44:20 +1300

I have honestly not yet heard an interview – or read a column – where anybody coherently explains what it IS all about. Suggestions welcome (but not if they include phrases like "it's not a good look" or "swirling around", or any other substitutes for facts).

It is iron law…

Russell Brown

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 12:04:44 +1300

And let’s be honest, I’d feel a little more sympathetic towards Brewer if he hadn’t done such a good job of pinning a target to his own arse.

This. His yapping in Thursday's meeting was dreadful. Also how much of a lack of self-awareness do these guys have? Did he…

BenWilson

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 11:44:33 +1300

All they can do now is keep saying over and over that he’s damaged goods in the hope it will become true.

In 3 years, few will remember, and Brown may not stand again anyway. It's so far away that their insistence really can only be seen in the context…

BenWilson

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 11:38:31 +1300

It’s simple really. Sense of entitlement.

But that's everywhere.

It appears to be on the rise in NZ, but on the decline in Japan.

Hard to say. It's a very loose phrase, not exactly something that's quantified. Yes, people whose fortunes are rising tend to feel that is a good…

Russell Brown

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 10:55:48 +1300

So, really, why did they bother? The more I over-think it, I suspect The Herald’s not getting the kind of overwhelming support (internally or from the public) they’d like everyone to believe.

They've painted themselves into a corner. All they can do now is keep saying over and over that…

martinb

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 10:40:21 +1300

and they keep repeating the $39,000 bs over and over again

Rich Lock

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 23:15:42 +1300

I reckon a jackhammer going full bore would be better than most of their output

They might pick up a few listeners from George FM, as well.

Craig Ranapia

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 21:41:08 +1300

It’s amusing how much harder Radio NZ has gone on the Cameron Brewer story than the Herald, which actually broke it.

So, really, why did they bother? The more I over-think it, I suspect The Herald's not getting the kind of overwhelming support (internally or from the public) they'd like…

SteveH

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:39:30 +1300

I’d think it were more likely that it were an effort to convince waning Len Brown supporters that there’s a potentially electable leftie candidate who could take over as an alternative, to convince them to pull their support for him.

That was my thought too. But given that Brown hasn't…

izogi

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:00:29 +1300

If you really want to get conspiratorial, it might be some cunning Labour ploy

If I did, I'd think it were more likely that it were an effort to convince waning Len Brown supporters that there's a potentially electable leftie candidate who could take over as an alternative, to convince…

Russell Brown

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 18:27:36 +1300

It’s amusing how much harder Radio NZ has gone on the Cameron Brewer story than the Herald, which actually broke it. Todd Niall has done his usual good, patient work on it. All he's had back from Brewer is a brief email saying that Brewer won't be commenting on Len…

Jim Cathcart

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 16:51:16 +1300

I really do struggle to see much of a parallel between the countries.

It's simple really. Sense of entitlement. It appears to be on the rise in NZ, but on the decline in Japan. And that sense of entitlement seems to rise and fall based on economic fortune.

Craig Ranapia

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 16:18:26 +1300

What’s the deal with “rumours” that Phil Goff might be interested in the Auckland mayoralty?

Who knows? The only person I've heard saying any such thing is Dick Quax, and I have my doubts his sources in Labour circles are deep or reliable, assuming they exist at all. If you…

izogi

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:52:52 +1300

What's the deal with "rumours" that Phil Goff might be interested in the Auckland mayoralty? Or did Fairfax and TVNZ and the Herald simply and arbitrarily decide to publish stories today which say that he had absolutely no interest... for no obvious reason?

Kumara Republic

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:39:45 +1300

Oh, dear… looks like Cameron Brewer is going to find out what The Herald does to its useful idiots when they’re no longer useful… If you’d excuse me, I have to go comfort my weeping crocodile.

RE https://twitter.com/BernardOrsman/status/413578038060650496

I believe it's a form of blowback. Or, lobbing a live grenade…

Rich of Observationz

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:36:21 +1300

I reckon a jackhammer going full bore would be better than most of their output – I mean, it can't be racist, sexist or Justin Bieber.

Russell Brown

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 13:54:46 +1300

I don’t quite get why a broadcaster would have a commercial interest in a public transport project. Are they worried people won’t listen to the radio when commuting by train instead of car? Or are they just objecting on normal right-wing pave-the-earth principles?

The tunnel route runs right under their…

Rich of Observationz

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 13:42:10 +1300

I don't quite get why a broadcaster would have a commercial interest in a public transport project. Are they worried people won't listen to the radio when commuting by train instead of car? Or are they just objecting on normal right-wing pave-the-earth principles?

Russell Brown

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:53:56 +1300

No, thankfully Cr. Brewer’s sex life remains a known unknown (to coin a phrase). But, boy, while the Filthy Five and the Herald were riding their moral high horses yesterday it turns out Cameron just forgot to declare his own junkets.

As far as I can see, Brewer also flat-out…

Stephen R

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:44:28 +1300

Is it wrong that I feel a nigh-on-orgasmic and highly addictive rush of schadenfreude every time I hear the words “Cameron Brewer declined to be interviewed” on Radio New Zealand?

No Craig, it's not wrong, or if it is, I don't want to be right.

BenWilson

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:36:27 +1300

But that is quite relevant of where NZ’s at now and where Japan was at back in the 80s-90s.

I really do struggle to see much of a parallel between the countries.

Craig Ranapia

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:11:28 +1300

Is it wrong that I feel a nigh-on-orgasmic and highly addictive rush of schadenfreude every time I hear the words “Cameron Brewer declined to be interviewed” on Radio New Zealand?

Sam F

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 09:26:39 +1300

Sorry: CRL? NOR?

CRL = City Rail Link (usually misdescribed as the "rail loop"). The NOR is the Notice of Requirement from Auckland Transport, which requires Auckland Council to identify and set aside land in the District Plan that will be needed for the building of the CRL.

Declining the…

Bart Janssen

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 09:14:05 +1300

Filthy Five

Oh Christine, you're so licky

Rich of Observationz

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 09:09:03 +1300

Sorry: CRL? NOR?

Cam W

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 08:47:09 +1300

Mediaworks is one of the major submitters involved in the CRL and sought that the NOR be declined. Brewer has also been the CRLs most ardent opponent within Council.

Even if the link is coincidental, the fact he didn't declare the gift casts considerable doubt on him now.

Hope Bernard…

Craig Young

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 08:42:42 +1300

However, we should recall that the Mysterons always failed in their objectives. Although is Len Brown capable of retro-metabolism?

Craig Ranapia

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 07:56:16 +1300

And they will be just as wrong for doing it to him as they were for doing it to our democratically elected mayor.

No, thankfully Cr. Brewer's sex life remains a known unknown (to coin a phrase). But, boy, while the Filthy Five and the Herald were riding their moral…

Bart Janssen

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 07:31:02 +1300

looks like Cameron Brewer is going to find out what The Herald does to its useful idiots when they’re no longer useful

And they will be just as wrong for doing it to him as they were for doing it to our democratically elected mayor.

It's not the corruption (minor…

Sam F

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 07:13:40 +1300

I see the Herald once again went full redtop this morning. Never go full redtop, etc.

Underneath all the hiss and roar might just be the shadow of a point, but why this ridiculous OTT crusading stance and why now?

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:40:09 +1300

Or is it really the sex that has got them so workup?

Well, yes — because, of course, I'm sure the self-appointed media morals police are tucked up in their pristine marital beds polishing their chastity belts as we speak. And if you believe that, I've got one slightly used…

Patrick Reynolds

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:20:55 +1300

Bernard Oarsman has just tweeted that they're going to break a whole lot of undeclared perks of Cameron Brewer's in tomorrow's herald. So will they be calling for his head too? Or is it really the sex that has got them so workup?

Hilary Stace

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:48:20 +1300

Meanwhile Akld Council has just voted against any mention of the Living Wage. Unlike Wellington where people like the Living Wage Council and want to work for it.

Jim Cathcart

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:28:23 +1300

What makes the Panasonic case surprising is there’s not many “hotels” per se for under USD100 [=currently JPY10,000] in central Tokyo. There are budget chains as cheap as JPY6000/night, but not in central locations, and breakfast would not be included, and the tariff tends to include “per hour” rates, i.e.…

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:23:27 +1300

Oh, dear... looks like Cameron Brewer is going to find out what The Herald does to its useful idiots when they're no longer useful... If you'd excuse me, I have to go comfort my weeping crocodile.

RE https://twitter.com/BernardOrsman/status/413578038060650496

Sacha

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:17:38 +1300

Shane Jones is the only one who hasn't listened

what a surprise

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:15:34 +1300

He-man Cameron Brewer shows a poor understanding of how influence works:

“He needs to go because he can no longer credibly turn up to Wellington and thump his hand on the desk

I guess someone who actually knows jack shit about grown-up politics should explain to Brewer why John Key…

mark taslov

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 20:42:19 +1300

Yeah, Fair do's Bart, duly noted, thanks for responding and standing up against that.

Sacha

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 20:37:37 +1300

He-man Cameron Brewer shows a poor understanding of how influence works:

"He needs to go because he can no longer credibly turn up to Wellington and thump his hand on the desk

Sacha

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 20:34:06 +1300

Can't do them in the lunch room.

that advice might have saved us all some bother :)

Bart Janssen

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 20:24:34 +1300

Mark, I'm not talking about Len, I'm talking about the councilers who represent their constituents by ... well let's just say I don't want to be represented that way.

david kinniburgh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:54:35 +1300

A coalition of the spineless tried to slut-shame an elected politician out of office,
Spot on

Here's the textbook definition of SOCIOPATH
Does it tick any boxes for the dodgy cast of characters taking party in this whole
sorry affair ????
======
Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and Conning…

BenWilson

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:08:24 +1300

Whoever depicted Quax as a Thunderbird when Len last crushed him at the polls got it all wrong. He is, in fact, Captain Black, under control of the Mysterons. We, the Mysterons, will destroy democracy in Auckland.

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:08:13 +1300

I find the association to be suspect and somewhat crass.

It's also insulting to toddlers who, for the most part eventually develop more appropriate social skills when they don't get their own way. I really can't extend the same pass to the participants in the farce I cringed through today.…

mark taslov

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:30:38 +1300

Perhaps it’s just me, but following this up:

The hypocrisy on display from the editors at the Herald is disgusting.

So actually to answer the post’s question
“No, no we don’t need to be talking about Len”

With some of this the following day:

the impact Brown’s affair had had…

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:13:34 +1300

Very clever mock up of front page of NZ Herald featuring proposed new mayor.

Nah, I really can’t laugh at this. I think we really need to be asking some hard questions of both The Herald and certain councillors who reek of bullshit breath out of both sides of their…

mark taslov

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:13:01 +1300

Sorry to barge in, I’m not a nice person

Yes you are, you are a good sort, a good sort of the best ilk, you're a very passionate advocate of noble and entirely human ideals, keyword is passionate at the mo, but you can't fool me with your renegade fighter…

david kinniburgh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:12:50 +1300

Very clever mock up of front page of NZ Herald featuring proposed new mayor.

And here's advice for the current mayor on how to deal with his tormentor (dated Nov 1970)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_t44siFyb4

Kumara Republic

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:05:29 +1300

Not sure whether this will post properly – shared several times on Facebook today. Very clever mock up of front page of NZ Herald featuring proposed new mayor.

Try Twitter instead. Works for me.

Hilary Stace

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:20:14 +1300

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152426157053066&set=a.176515288065.157399.518203065&type=1&theater

Not sure whether this will post properly – shared several times on Facebook today. Very clever mock up of front page of NZ Herald featuring proposed new mayor.

david kinniburgh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:16:47 +1300

I've just be listening to the audio of my elected councillor Quax. Such outrage. Such indignation. Such vehemence. Must be exhausting. He'll have to go back and review all the sordid dripping details provided by Team Slater (tm) to refresh his condemnation batteries. Probably again and again and again. And…

david kinniburgh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:05:50 +1300

.
! Quacking like Donald Dick, presumably?
In a strait-laced Dutch Reformed kind of way, probably.

One dutchman a religion, two dutchmen a church, three dutchmen a crucifxion

Rich of Observationz

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 16:34:03 +1300

Maybe having journalism done by journalist and politics by politicians, rather than the current situation where it's seen as fine for politicians who's views align with the channel owners (faux 'Labour' to right-of-National) to have radio shows.

Hilary Stace

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 16:29:59 +1300

If the PR person commentating on the Panel is the partner of the person who gave paid PR advice to the Mayor's political opponent a couple of elections ago, should that conflict have been declared? Or is it not a conflict at all? It is all getting very murky in…

Rich of Observationz

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:59:17 +1300

No confidence motion fails

On the very reasonable grounds that there's no point voting on something outside the powers of the councillors.

Gareth Ward

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:56:45 +1300

Craig, simple coincidence I'm sure :/

The lose-lose you mention Rob is what pisses me off the most – act with complete disrepute then claim horror that the mayor has bought disrepute to the Council...

SteveH

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:54:32 +1300

why did the Hilton give him all personal stays gratis, SkyCity almost half, why he thought disclosure wasn’t necessary

The most likely answer to the first question is that he stayed at the Stamford 57 times in 3 years and the others want that business. Of course only the hotels…

Rob Stowell

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:27:29 +1300

the Mayor has escaped answering the handful of relevant questions – primarily why did the Hilton give him all personal stays gratis, SkyCity almost half, why he thought disclosure wasn’t necessary, and what involvement he’s had with any Council business affecting them? All the upgrade/text message/where-his-car-went crap is insignificant distraction…

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:27:19 +1300

All the upgrade/text message/where-his-car-went crap is insignificant distraction that has allowed him to avoid those questions…

Oh, you mean the questions a goodly proportion of Councillors don't want asked of anyone, least of all themselves?

Gareth Ward

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:15:37 +1300

If anything will save @mayorlenbrown, it’ll be his opponents behaving like malignant guttersnipe
Who would have thought a Council Meeting censuring a mayor for affairs and failures of disclosure would have left said-Mayor far from the least-respected member of that body?

The guttersnipe (primarily the usual Auckland CR suspects and…

martinb

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:38:10 +1300

"Labour MP Shane Jones said there was no future for Mr Brown in public life after this, and he had to decide whether to leave now or later."

*facepalm*

Of all the people ffs

martinb

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:35:52 +1300

https://twitter.com/intent/user?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nzherald.co.nz%2Fnz%2Fnews%2Farticle.cfm%3Fc_id%3D1%26objectid%3D11174750&screen_name=BernardOrsman&tw_i=413478609626488832&tw_p=tweetembed

Orsman thinks it bizarre that Brown is not dragged through the street and lynched in the Herald approved manner as usually befits someone that receives upgrades.

15-5 Bernard. What I want to know is how did Dick Quax know about the report before it was released?

Chris Waugh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:28:40 +1300

“reputation that we have worked so hard to build”.

Actually, Auckland's reputation has been boosted in my mind – boosted, I should make clear, by all you intelligent, reasonable, engaged people who live there. It's that petty excuse for a City Council you lot have to suffer under I've lost…

Bart Janssen

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:24:52 +1300

" Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse expressed sadness at the impact Brown's affair had had on the Auckland "reputation that we have worked so hard to build".

What a disgusting hypocrite. She could have cut through the smear campaign in a second but she chose to use it to gain political…

BenWilson

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:23:35 +1300

Censure passes

Bart Janssen

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:20:53 +1300

NZ Herald deeply in love with business interests

"deeply corrupted by" is my guess

The whole response to a fair and democratic election has been for The Herald and The Right to throw an enormous tantrum, screaming and crying so loudly that they might just get their way and we…

BenWilson

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:18:36 +1300

Or do we assume there is some other leader in waiting who will promote the same agenda and ask Len to make way for that person by resigning and having an election?

What, another one? He just caned everyone in one, like weeks ago.

BenWilson

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:17:36 +1300

No confidence motion fails

Steve Withers

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:11:28 +1300

My wife and I stayed at the Langham last year…and we got a free upgrade to the Presidential Suite. I’ll do my best to get them a good deal on dental practice management software when the time comes.

As for Len Brown….he’s become something of a Bill Clinton figure. Obviously…

Kumara Republic

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:51:09 +1300

Quacking like Donald Dick, presumably?

In a strait-laced Dutch Reformed kind of way, probably.

Susan Snowdon

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:31:16 +1300

There’s only a million other ones online

Can't do them in the lunch room.

david kinniburgh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:28:06 +1300

. No more Herald in my letterbox, after decades of loyal subscribing
Amen to that.. I found the Herald front page resignation call partisan in the extreme, and certainly well below the standards I would expect of a wise observer of human nature. But then, a previous editorial was supporting…

david kinniburgh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:10:52 +1300

Dick Quax being Dick Quax
He's my councillor, and I really wish he wasn't. Likewise Sharon Stewart. Maybe its something in the water in Howick, but there seem to be an army of moralistic self righteous folks out here ( including the malevolent blubberous one who fired the first salvo…

BenWilson

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:43:02 +1300

Anyone else making a stand and going cold turkey on the cryptic crossword?

There's only a million other ones online, so cold-turkey is hardly necessary.

BenWilson

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:41:15 +1300

Dick Quax being Dick Quax

Quacking like Donald Dick, presumably?

Graeme Edgeler

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:40:27 +1300

This morning’s story opens with the words “Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse is refusing to back her boss”

It's all journalists have for politicians who refuse to answer the questions put. They should do this more often.

Susan Snowdon

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:38:36 +1300

I finally snapped. No more Herald in my letterbox, after decades of loyal subscribing. I even managed to hold onto my principles and decline the offer of six weeks free Woman's Weekly. (Actually that bit wasn't hard...) I was tempted by an offer for the Saturday only Herald though -…

Russell Brown

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:36:54 +1300

Crickey. Rob Hosking just tweeted this:

If anything will save @mayorlenbrown, it’ll be his opponents behaving like malignant guttersnipe. Learn from Ken Starr’s mistakes, folks.

Also, Penny Bright's in the room. Sigh.

Russell Brown

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:34:37 +1300

The whole meeting is being streamed live here:

http://www.allaboutauckland.com/

Turning into a bit of a circus with noise from the gallery + Dick Quax being Dick Quax. People need to respect the process.

Chris Waugh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:30:40 +1300

The news media have legal and social privileges extended to them because they are supposed to act in the public good,...

There, fixed.

Phil Wallington

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:18:48 +1300

"About a dozen, older folk" at first I thought them friends of Madame Defarge... but it turns out they were simply protesting the lack of room up-grades and other freebies which are so liberally doled out to politicians and some media wankers... er, personalities, in return for favourable treatment.

As…

Bart Janssen

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:13:28 +1300

reached the level of flat out deception, both by commission and omission of relevant context

That’s the way I see it as well. And honestly isn’t there some kind of press council or something that can (pointlessly I guess) censure them?

The news media has legal and social privileges extended…

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:38:23 +1300

I do get the impression that the Granny’s pontificating comes across as bare-faced axe-grinding, rather than being a genuine beacon of morality and rationalism.

Yeah, and I said here about Orsman’s more bizarre anti-Unitary Plan rips, The Herald is perfectly entitled to take an editorial line on whatever it pleases,…

Chris Waugh

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:28:48 +1300

Is it true that in China at some time families of people who were executed were sent a bill for the bullet?

Apparently, yes. At least, that's what I heard. And I also seem to recall hearing only a few years ago that they were going to stop doing that.…

Rich of Observationz

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:20:13 +1300

1863. None.

Kumara Republic

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:14:44 +1300

I’m wondering how well it would go down if Len decided to kick off an EY investigation into all the things undeclared by the 5 councillors who called for a vote of no-confidence in Len, and then sheeted the bill home to those 5 councillors at the end of it.…

Kumara Republic

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:13:10 +1300

Sorry for sounding like a cracked record, but could someone remind me who the fuck elected Shayne Currie, Bernard Orsman, Brian Rudman and Fran O’Sullivan to appoint the Mayor of Auckland?

You forgot John Roughan, though in fairness he doesn't always put his name to it.

I do get the…

Stephen R

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:12:23 +1300

I'm wondering how well it would go down if Len decided to kick off an EY investigation into all the things undeclared by the 5 councillors who called for a vote of no-confidence in Len, and then sheeted the bill home to those 5 councillors at the end of it.…

Craig Ranapia

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:49:05 +1300

And then Christine Fletcher came on Nine to Noon and appeared to countenance an eCan-style government takeover of Auckland Council.

Folks wondering why, despite serious reservations, I committed ideological treason :) and voted for Brown? This is your answer: I actually used to have a lot of time and respect…

Russell Brown

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:40:06 +1300

Several pro-Brown comments read out on Morning Report just now. Segue from Russell’s announcement of Word of the Year before which was the previous item.

And then Christine Fletcher came on Nine to Noon and appeared to countenance an eCan-style government takeover of Auckland Council. I think we're through the…

BenWilson

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:30:05 +1300

Is it true that in China at some time families of people who were executed were sent a bill for the bullet?

Russell Brown

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:27:26 +1300

Who were those anti-Brown protestors from yesterday?

No idea. About a dozen older folk, by all accounts..

Bart Janssen

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:20:58 +1300

“Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse is refusing to back her boss”

At what point does The Herald step over the line into deliberately trying to deceive it's readers and are there any consequences for doing that?

Hilary Stace

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:03:33 +1300

Several pro-Brown comments read out on Morning Report just now. Segue from Russell's announcement of Word of the Year before which was the previous item.

Craig Young

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 08:43:07 +1300

Who were those anti-Brown protestors from yesterday?

Russell Brown

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:00:46 +1300

This morning's story opens with the words "Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse is refusing to back her boss" before eventually acknowledging that she'll vote today to allow him to carry after a motion of censure. And that most councillors are, like Hulse, declining to share their position in advance of today's…

Craig Ranapia

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:55:11 +1300

Incidentally it’s not surprising that she doesn’t have any declaration of interests for 2012: she wasn’t a councillor then.

True — but that's a genuine public interest the media could perform, if they weren't more interested in racist slut-shaming and trying to nullify a free, fair and credible election.

Jim Cathcart

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 19:01:47 +1300

If the ACC is broken, shouldn't someone take responsibility? Who should it be? it seems like this whole episode, whether it fits your political agenda or not, should promote constructive change. And that has to be a good thing.

SteveH

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 18:56:16 +1300

If any of them happen to represent the ward you live in, you have the ultimate sanction: Don’t vote for them.

Well I didn't, but Krum ran a campaign of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (actually let's just call it what it was: outright lies) over the unitary plan and the…

Kracklite

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:47:35 +1300

I lost a family member to suicide. That evil sack of shit Jones thinks that it's funny, and the Herald thinks that it's profitable. If you read that rag, ask what you're paying for.

PSA: I’ve actually found it’s pretty easy to write a protest letter and drink a latte…

Craig Ranapia

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:44:59 +1300

Can I, as a rate payer initiate a vote of no confidence in the five Councillors who are wasting everyones time.

If any of them happen to represent the ward you live in, you have the ultimate sanction: Don't vote for them. I'll certainly be watching Chris Darby and George…

Russell Brown

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:26:29 +1300

Extra for irony-lovers: Stuff’s January story about Brown delivering on his promise to establish the council’s register of interests.

Yes, that’s correct. Len Brown pushed through the accountability measure that has undone him. You’d think that might have warranted a line in a report or an editorial. Oddly, no.

Brodie Davis

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:39:49 +1300

Can I, as a rate payer initiate a vote of no confidence in the five Councillors who are wasting everyones time. Maybe they should go mow some berms for the less advantaged. (I do find it funny that the berms in Grafton are still being mowed though, and they had…

Craig Ranapia

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:16:29 +1300

Golly, Russell. While you're doing Orsman, Rudman and O’Sullivan’s legwork, how about ghosting the outraged columns demanding their resignations as well? (Yeah, right – to coin a phrase.)

Russell Brown

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:58:38 +1300

Wow.

NONE of the five councillors who want to sack Len Brown made their own declarations of interest last year

Danielle

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:56:06 +1300

If you can tear yourself away from your lattes

PSA: I’ve actually found it’s pretty easy to write a protest letter and drink a latte at the same time.

merc

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:32:23 +1300

Suddenly it dawned on me that I never have to read the NZ Herald again.
Massive.

Kracklite

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 11:10:44 +1300

If you can tear yourself away from you lattes, here's a description of Jones' revolting, necrophile column, by the way:

http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/12/17/bob-jones-snuff-column-in-todays-herald/

Remember, someone on The Herald's editorial team thought that this would be a revenue earner. Do you want to keep paying them?

Rich of Observationz

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 11:08:18 +1300

Has the mayor authority (under the special autocratic made-for-John-Banks powers that Rodney Hide devised) to direct the council not to advertise in the Herald? If so, he should use it.

Kracklite

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 09:56:57 +1300

Sorry to barge in, I'm not a nice person as you all know, but The Herald has been truly evil.

Here's something Queen of Thorns has posted on her awfully déclassé blog and which you should pay attention to.

Bob Jones is not simply an amusing curmudgeon, he is evil…

Kumara Republic

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 09:46:56 +1300

This morning, the Herald decrees that Brown must go because otherwise democray might happen:

I'm guessing yet another Roughan Special.

Bart Janssen

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 09:28:32 +1300

This morning, the Herald decrees

This is the same trashy mag that published someone bragging about a successful incitement to suicide yesterday.

It would be nice to have the self proclaimed voice of the people of Auckland under the same level of moral examination that they demand of others.

I'd…

Craig Young

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:50:46 +1300

Uh, I did say I thought that extramarital nookery wasn't a sackable offence, remember? However, he did use council funds to finance his personal dalliance with Ms. Chuang. And as for the irrelevance of his council's more conservative policies to this situation, it's ironic that the moralists calling for his…

Stephen R

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:38:32 +1300

APN last week posted a full-year net loss of A$455.8 million on increased write-downs on the value of goodwill and its newspaper mastheads.

It's nice to know they've noticed how they've been pissing me off.

Now I wonder what they'll do about it.

BenWilson

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:27:40 +1300

My Editorial:

Given that Brown doesn't have to go, and won't go, it's time for the councillors to start doing what they were elected to, and get on with their jobs. Their shrill cries for censure of the Mayor's personal life and minor details of his phone use and room…

mark taslov

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 07:36:25 +1300

Comparing the thread views here with the tens of thousands when this issue first emerged, in answer to the title up top, I’d respectfully counter; no we don’t.;)

Craig Ranapia

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 07:14:08 +1300

Almost as weird as the trite, ham-fisted wordplay in the concluding paragraph

Well, at least the Herald had both its faces on display. These "prurient details" Granny's clutching her collective pearls about are the same ones they've been spraying their pages with, right?

Russell Brown

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 06:56:27 +1300

This morning, the Herald decrees that Brown must go because otherwise democray might happen:

Two months on, that sentiment is no longer sustainable. An issue far more important than the mayor's private life is now at stake. Tomorrow, Auckland councillors will not only formally censure Mr Brown but begin a process…

Rob Stowell

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:09:31 +1300

Remarkable.
And [#offtopicalert] whooo:
APN last week posted a full-year net loss of A$455.8 million on increased write-downs on the value of goodwill and its newspaper mastheads.
The company’s managing director and most of its board resigned this month after major shareholders opposed plans to raise new capital.
The shares…

Craig Ranapia

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:59:57 +1300

Talking of the Herald and its attitude, another poisonous editorial today on the film business incentives. They really don’t want any Americans spending their money here!

And pretty fucking hypocritical weeping and wailing about "lost tax revenue" when their Australian proprietors have happily taken hundreds of millions in tax concessions…

Sacha

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:23:12 +1300

he likely didn't report the hotel rooms because he didn't want his wife to find out

which is hard to reconcile with her supposedly booking them. anyone pushed him on that?

Rich of Observationz

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:39:27 +1300

My head is spinning at the accounting implications of claiming GST on something you bought with a rebate on financial services. I guess for a business it's valid, if you claim banking costs as a business expense, etc.

Chris Werry

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:18:23 +1300

Are you kidding? The IRD isn’t even bothered with the bajillion $ worth of capital gain made by mum and dad property investors buying houses with the intention to renovate and sell them. How many people do you know who have done this? I think I could probably get to…

Graham Dunster

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:57:16 +1300

I once managed to get a GST receipt from the ASB Visa loyalty scheme, True Rewards, for the 'purchase' of something (forgotten what now!). It took a lot of work though.

Talking of the Herald and its attitude, another poisonous editorial today on the film business incentives. They really don't…

Paul Campbell

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:46:55 +1300

I just have to say it because I don't think I've seen anyone point out the obvious: he likely didn't report the hotel rooms because he didn't want his wife to find out .... it's an Occam's razor sort of thing

Rich of Observationz

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:46:33 +1300

Not NRT: here's the link:
https://www.fyi.org.nz/request/text_messages_sent_by_cr_michael

Not sure how they got on with the Ombudsman.

Rich of Observationz

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:28:36 +1300

ISTR that Council cellphone usage is already a matter of public record. I seem to remember that @norighturn or somebody successfully OAI'd Lhaws cellphone records.

Craig Ranapia

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:20:49 +1300

Absolutely, but three free nights a year, when you’re paying for another twenty-odd, probably isn’t it.

No, and I'm just cynical enough to think there's other agendas in play here that have nothing to do with the public interest or fiscal probity. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to the entire council…

Lucy Stewart

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:00:43 +1300

I suspect the IRD cares a lot about who gets the free travel ….. but that’s another issue

We're in the US, where the IRS has decided that loyalty points don't count as income. Don't know what the situation is in NZ, but I somehow doubt anyone's paying tax on…

Paul Campbell

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:12:33 +1300

It's that no-one seems to think there is any question that the benefits (loyalty points) *would* revert to the company – it's a consultancy, so the travel is paid for out of each contract the travel is for, rather than by the company per se. Still having a hard time…

Russell Brown

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 12:21:41 +1300

but misuse of council funds does render the issue more serious

The total of which is making personal calls on his work phone. Which no one ever does, clearly.

Chris Waugh

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 11:25:13 +1300

Sorry, I refuse to give Len Brown a free bus ticket

I'm not giving him a free anything. In fact, part of the problem seems to be people giving him free stuff, and I'd rather not contribute. But in your first comment you wrote:

It’s interesting to compare this to…

Ethan Tucker

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:53:39 +1300

Brown could take a lot of the heat out of the present situation if he said, 'I am the best person to lead Auckland for the next three years, but I acknowledge that I have brought the office into some disrepute. Therefore I will not stand for re-election in 2016'.…

BenWilson

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:49:12 +1300

where Len didn’t book the hotel himself anyway

He probably doesn’t, but I’m sure he’d mention to whomever makes the bookings what his preferences were. And when you’re making bookings, it’s pretty remiss not to get the best deal you can for the money you’re allotted. So if one place…

Rob Stowell

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:11:59 +1300

here is perfectly sound financial reasons that have nothing more sinister in them than influencing the Mayor’s next choice of a hotel to stay in.
In most of the cases,- where Len didn't book the hotel himself anyway, and was a very regular visitor- it just seems weird to think…

Alec Morgan

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:01:08 +1300

Craig “sniper” Ranapia got a huge laugh finally out of me on this one. It really is “Bonfire of the Vanities” territory when you add in the squigglings of a huge supporting cast and several bizarre extras. Have never been a Len supporter particularly after the Ports of Auckland debacle…

Craig Young

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:51:54 +1300

Sorry, I refuse to give Len Brown a free bus ticket, given that he backs destructive attacks on Manukau City street sex workers, many of whom are transgender and therefore part of my LGBT community through backing the Manukau City (Regulating Prostitution in Specified Places), as well his council's anti-beggar…

Lucy Stewart

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:31:47 +1300

I should have said “ many major companies”, but the same principle applies: if the company’s paying, the benefits revert to the company (and shareholders) unless – as in your wife’s case – it’s deemed as part of the package.

Mmm, maybe I should be clearer. It's not a formal…

BenWilson

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 08:40:54 +1300

If the free nights weren’t formally associated with a loyalty plan and were simply gifts (with the assumed intent of keeping him onside), then surely this borders on corruption or – at the very least- gaining pecuniary advantage from his position as a public servant.

It borders, for sure. But…

Stephen R

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 08:08:10 +1300

I guess I have a general problem with any anonymous political donations. People can make perfectly honest political donations, but equally they can expect a quid pro quo. If you're genuine you have nothing to hide, if you're not we ought to know. It seems to me that anonymous donations…

Craig Ranapia

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 07:55:45 +1300

From The Herald today:
Recommendation for Thursday's council meeting

[...]

*The governing body now signals its willingness to work with the mayor and establish better liaison between the mayor's office and governing body in the best interests of Auckland and its people.

What we really need to be talking about…

jb

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 04:56:25 +1300

Her company (and industry) definitely seems to consider that a way to partially compensate people for having to do that much travel
I should have said “ many major companies”, but the same principle applies: if the company’s paying, the benefits revert to the company (and shareholders) unless – as…

Lucy Stewart

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 03:35:53 +1300

The key issue is whether these were gained in a private capacity or in his capacity as mayor.
If the former, it’s none of anyone’s business.
If his spend with the hotel group was paid from public funds, then the accrued benefits should revert to those funds. Most major companies…

jb

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 23:22:00 +1300

Free upgrades
If you’re a member of an airline/hotel/car rental group’s loyalty plan and your spend with them reaches a defined level, you’ll get free upgrades. (I get them with the Marriott group)
Free nights
Same as above. I’ve currently got 3 waiting to be used.

The key issue is…

Craig Ranapia

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 23:17:55 +1300

Good that the councillors are using the opportunity of the mayor’s indiscretions to try and forge more workable relationships.

If that's what it takes, Len Brown can fuck me fifty ways to Friday and I'll spring for the motel rooms as an act of public service. Otherwise, that's just damn…

Russell Brown

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:48:30 +1300

Well said, Susan. I don’t think much of his personal behaviour either. But the last few years have cheered me up, watching my old student days’ city shed the will-we-won’t-we return to trolley buses/ open up the harbour front/ celebrate diversity/ disease.

There's a sense that the city is growing…

Russell Brown

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:33:44 +1300

Interesting post from Sandra Coney on Facebook:

Good that the councillors are using the opportunity of the mayor's indiscretions to try and forge more workable relationships. The legislation gives the mayor the power to propose policy and budgets to the Governing Body, but in practice it seemed to involve directing…

wendyf

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:18:46 +1300

Well said, Susan. I don't think much of his personal behaviour either. But the last few years have cheered me up, watching my old student days' city shed the will-we-won't-we return to trolley buses/ open up the harbour front/ celebrate diversity/ disease.

I've had a niggle in the back of…

Sacha

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:12:33 +1300

good luck with that :)

Sacha

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:12:00 +1300

Len Brown has been doing a good job as Mayor. However he had already been caught out over Manukau council expenses only a few years ago at the urging of the same right-wing critics, so what sort of fool goes and behaves like this again? And why weren't his senior…

Danielle

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:08:25 +1300

I think we might be in charge of keeping the penises moral, or something.

Susan Snowdon

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:52:02 +1300

does it not seem odd that so few women respond to this issue?

I can't answer this, but I can speak for myself. Len Brown cheated on his wife. I think that's reprehensible, but no-one's business but his and his family.

Regarding his position as mayor, he seems to have…

Paul Campbell

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:39:30 +1300

Chris Waugh

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 19:40:49 +1300

Palmer, Moore, Bolger and Shipley,

All but Shipley pre-MMP. Well, Bolger first became PM under FPP and then oversaw the introduction of MMP in '96, but then again he became PM in 1990. Serving 7 years doesn't seem especially less successful.

Rich of Observationz

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 17:53:26 +1300

Many of the less successful PMs (since MMP) have been rolled by their party – some didn't last a full term, or didn't win post rolling the incumbent: Palmer, Moore, Bolger and Shipley, in swift succession.

martinb

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 17:50:25 +1300

Do the opponents of Len Brown have to declare the generous gift he has given them of incalculable political value?

Richard Aston

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 16:54:15 +1300

Why elected mayors are a bad idea:
Michael Lhaws
Bob Parker
John Banks
Tony Kokshoorn
Kerry Prenderghast

Yeah ... nah. Not enough to change the whole system , you could roll out a list of dodgy PMs just as long. The top job will always attract big egos.

Rich of Observationz

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 16:41:01 +1300

Why elected mayors are a bad idea:
Michael Lhaws
Bob Parker
John Banks
Tony Kokshoorn
Kerry Prenderghast

Idiots with big egos who can convince the media and thence the voters that they're the person to go for to "get things moving", "bring Dregsville into the 20th century", "stick up for…

Craig Ranapia

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 16:33:10 +1300

Come on then. Explain why it’s a good idea to have an elected leader for councils when our central government (and almost all others apart from the US) doesn’t.

I’m still to hear why it’s a bad idea, beyond Cameron Slater, the editorial board of the NZ Herald and various…

Richard Aston

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 16:21:03 +1300

Come on then. Explain why it’s a good idea to have an elected leader for councils when our central government (and almost all others apart from the US) doesn’t.

20 councilors voting for a leader with all their factions etc as opposed to large political parties voting for theirs.

Local…

Emma Hart

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 16:12:07 +1300

does it not seem odd that so few women respond to this issue?

Why?

Rich of Observationz

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:46:22 +1300

Come on then. Explain why it's a good idea to have an elected leader for councils when our central government (and almost all others apart from the US) doesn't.

Graeme Edgeler

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:17:25 +1300

But the point is astray. If the CEO of Panasonic can pull his horns in, why should it be any different for the mayor of Auckland, MPs, etc?

Did you miss the part where the mayor of Auckland was staying in free accommodation?

JacksonP

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:09:07 +1300

There’s a Capture thread for the “Berms of Auckland”. I’ve got some beauties out my way. Waist deep thistles and prickles, hemlock and rye. The hedgehogs must be loving it.

Related, a local real estate agent hired a contractor for a day, who took his ride-on lawn mower up and…

tony j ricketts

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:55:13 +1300

… and having now read to the end of the response, (though not double-checking) does it not seem odd that so few women respond to this issue?

Craig Ranapia

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:52:41 +1300

The CEO of Panasonic had limited himself to USD100 max for hotels on his frequent visits to Tokyo and he made a point out of staying in reasonably priced hotels on overseas trips. That is leadership during tough economic times.

Ah yes, I’m sure that’s a great comfort to the…

linger

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:52:10 +1300

What makes the Panasonic case surprising is there’s not many “hotels” per se for under USD100 [=currently JPY10,000] in central Tokyo. There are budget chains as cheap as JPY6000/night, but not in central locations, and breakfast would not be included, and the tariff tends to include “per hour” rates, i.e.…

tony j ricketts

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:48:19 +1300

Maybe we should move away from elected mayors and have them indirectly elected by council. That way, if councillors are unhappy with the mayor, they can choose another one. We don't have a directly elected PM, so why directly elect mayors?

this is such a good idea on so many…

BenWilson

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:46:07 +1300

But the point is astray. If the CEO of Panasonic can pull his horns in, why should it be any different for the mayor of Auckland, MPs, etc?

It shouldn't, but it certainly is easier to "pull your horns in" when your monthly salary is more than all of the…

Jim Cathcart

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:37:59 +1300

ReportReply

Actually the gap between CEO remuneration and average salaries is far lower in Japan than in Western countries. The CEO of Panasonic does not earn millions and only 300 CEOs earned in excess of USD1,000,000 in 2009. Those earning more than 1 million are publically known as their salaries…

BenWilson

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:22:38 +1300

He does get paid millions per annum, so it would…

BenWilson

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:14:37 +1300

Peter Jackson and James Cameron will be able to use the Kikuyu in Ash Street as a set for Day of the Triffids soon.

There's a Capture thread for the "Berms of Auckland". I've got some beauties out my way. Waist deep thistles and prickles, hemlock and rye. The hedgehogs…

Jim Cathcart

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:04:44 +1300

Can Lenny reinvent himself as Jose Mujica? I very much doubt the mayor of Whangarei could do that.

Jim Cathcart

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 13:57:39 +1300

Much of Lenny's defense seems to be based on his ignorance of process. This is the mayor of a reasonably sized city. Does he not have a PA or staff who can manage business expenses, receipts for him? Secondly, why does the mayor not have a ratepayer-funded apartment near the…

Tim Darlington

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 13:51:31 +1300

Did you think the disclosure of the names of some of those who donated to Brash's National Party through the Waitemata Trust via Nicky Hager was a "fairly grievous breach of ... privacy"?

Nope – and if a Herald journo got hold of the details they'd quite likely publish them.…

Martin Connelly

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 13:39:41 +1300

Russell, I thought this a good article on the LB story, one of the best. You point out that the numbers given are so unrealistic – I cannot work out why anyone takes them seriously. I too have had room upgrades, but have never thought of them as a gift.…

Andre Alessi

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 13:25:21 +1300

I'm not particularly impressed with Mayor Brown's conduct through all this, although I think the question of what happens from her boils down to "Can he still work effectively with the rest of the council?" At this stage, I've seen little evidence that that relationship is threatened. That may change…

Glenn Pearce

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:57:45 +1300

I know what you mean, I just want someone to mow the berms.

Peter Jackson and James Cameron will be able to use the Kikuyu in Ash Street as a set for Day of the Triffids soon.

Graeme Edgeler

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:48:14 +1300

I love this idea so much I want Parliament to pass an Act of Attainder against everyone opposed to it.

If this was the real James Dunne, it would have been spelled Acte.

Rich of Observationz

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:45:49 +1300

The take away for me from that vote harvesting conviction (believe that is the technical term) is that we should be very careful about internet voting. If people *can* sell or give away their votes, it's inevitable that some will, and some will be corrupt enough to buy them.

Align…

Craig Ranapia

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:41:07 +1300

Orsman’s story this morning slamming Brown because he isn’t personally paying for the review is quite a stretch. He was never at any point asked to.

"Quite a stretch" is extremely generous, Russell, and sincere ups to you for managing it. I don't know if Orsman's lost his news sense…

BenWilson

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:31:23 +1300

It’s going to be an interesting three years.

Indeed. Who the Mayor slept with, and in what rooms, and how many text messages he sent, are things about the governance of Auckland that don't even make my personal radar.

Russell Brown

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:26:30 +1300

Orsman's story this morning slamming Brown because he isn't personally paying for the review is quite a stretch. He was never at any point asked to.

Craig Ranapia

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:13:28 +1300

Meanwhile, in other news, how about that one time Auckland Council candidate who was convicted of actual electoral fraud this past week? That actually concerns me a lot more than sniffing the Mayor's gruts for spunk stains, but carry on Herald...

James Dunne

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:05:56 +1300

I love this idea so much I want Parliament to pass an Act of Attainder against everyone opposed to it.

Craig Ranapia

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:04:07 +1300

Auckland is facing both opportnities and challenges in the next few years, and – in three years from a standing start – Brown and his council have constructed plans to address both. The city is growing and changing in positive ways. But Brown has deeply harmed his own ability to…

Idiot Savant

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:00:11 +1300

legitimate anonymous donations

You lost me about there. These people gave sufficiently large donations that Parliament has legislated that they should be disclosed. They got around that by manipulating their affairs. They deliberately laundered their donations to evade the law. And that is the very opposite of "good faith".

Russell Brown

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:43:46 +1300

Did you think the disclosure of the names of some of those who donated to Brash’s National Party through the Waitemata Trust via Nicky Hager was a “fairly grievous breach of … privacy”?

If it could be demonstrated that there was a public interest to the level shown in __The…

Graeme Edgeler

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:41:53 +1300

Brown won’t resign and the only way he could be made to is if he was convicted of a criminal office, which has not even been alleged.

If the Council was to adopt a resolution supporting a local bill,* that sacked him, that might work.

(*a local bill is a…

Raymond A Francis

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:37:34 +1300

You have covered this an even handed way Russell

Yes, the $32,888.50 is a beat up, plainly ridiculous though as you say how often do the rest of us peasants get up-grades

But this man is a repeat offender when it comes to not being honest to his supporters

If…

George Darroch

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:37:05 +1300

The most important thing for me (as a member of an organisation trying to stop a council body from sending a motorway though heart of my community) is knowing where this leaves us politically.

Brown is in principle a supporter of a range of issues, and that support has often…