watching brief

ROGUE POLLS

2011-07-19T20:32:00.000+12:00

WB is looking forward to the continued series of "Rogue Polls" We are sure that in the lead up to the election we will see more of these out of character results even to the extent that the Greens will continue to improve.

We love the feeding frenzy of the left feeding on the left!!!

Muslims immune from Eathquake Damage?

2010-09-04T17:02:00.002+12:00

WB notes that “The Press” is reporting; Canterbury University has closed its campus for one week following the Canterbury earthquake. The one exception is in consideration of Ramadan so the Muslim prayer centre will remain accessible.

WTF!!! so Muslims are catered for, but Christian students cannot visit The University Chapel.

It seems to WB that Muslims are immune from safety requirements…..hold on of course they are…..when was the last time one ever saw a Christian hijacking a plane and flying it into a building!!!!

Party Central

2010-07-10T08:16:00.002+12:00

WB would suggest that we leave the wharf and old sheds and tents et al to the seagulls. A far better use of resources would be to offer Cactus Kate a substantial retainer to draw up a Party Central Plan for the RWC Punters after all she is one of the more knowledgeable people in where one should dine and imbibe in downtown Auckland.

There could be one plan for those who eat Pies, drink Beer and RTD's i.e. keep them on the eastern side of Queen Street and another for those whose tastes are somewhat more cultivated whereby they would have the western side of Queen Street.

The plans could be drafted along the same lines as those ghastly "jogging routes" that five star hotels give to their guests (why hotels do this always defeats WB), this together with the appropriate ID would ensure that RWC punters could set out knowing that there is only one checkpoint, that of Queen Street and the security people can keep the Westies for once in their lives "East" whilst those who are more appreciative of fine living can continue to do so.

Great Advice NOT

2010-05-10T21:25:00.005+12:00

I note that No Minister is reporting that Red Alert or whatever the communists call their web site that the followers of Trotsky are publishing somewhat of a (yawn) satirical take off of Rodders Hide offering advice to the The Tories and the loonies (aka Lib Dem's).

WB would have thought that the best advice Red Alert could offer would be in the words of their "Dear Leader".............. "Last cab off the rank" and David C should have a chat to Helen C so as to tell Clegg to FO

Naphui and their own State

2010-05-10T21:01:00.004+12:00

Essentially it is pretty simple let Naphui secede, let them look after their "tribe" in totality.

I am sure the Henare's would be pretty upset given that they would have to take their lips off those of us who pay tax to fund their troughing and instead rely upon their "Bros" for support.

I guess the disparite hapu could always survive by eating one another!!!

Paying for Abiding the Law

2009-07-08T09:54:00.002+12:00

Labour's submission on a Ministry of Justice discussion paper covering political donations and election spending calls for state funding of political parties.

What is more Labour is calling for every registered party being paid a base sum of $50,000 as an allowance for compliance with the Electoral Act.

WB just cannot understand the Left, if parties are paid an allowance to abide by the law then why not all of us being paid an allowance to abide by the law!!!!!

Is Richard Worth It?

2009-06-05T11:59:00.002+12:00

WB will not comment on the Worthiness or otherwise of the allegations against the former Member for Remuera, however we make the following observations;

He has not done a Clark 1 "Paintergate"

He has not done a Clark 2 "I did not know we were speeding"

He has not done a Dyson "DIC"

He has not done a Samuels "I thought the corridor was the toilet"

He has not done a Dalzeil "I didn't mean to mislead the House"

He has not done a Mallard "It was just a bit of biffo towards another MP"

He has not done a Benson Pope " where is that tennis ball?"

He has not done a "Thaito"

That said WB fully supports the PM in requesting his resignation or be sacked. Nathan Guy or Craig Foss would and could do a far better job as Ministers of the Crown.

Perhaps the National Party should consider changing the rules for their members if you lose your electorate seat then do not expect to get back on the List, certainly the electorate at large is somewhat askance at the Worths and Barkers of this world who cannot make it in their electorates but are returned to Parliament on the "List"

A New Zealander Opened a Bank Account Today

2009-05-26T22:12:00.001+12:00

It has been reported that a New Zealander opened a bank account today.

A spokesman from Bestwack where the account was opened said the Bank were taking this news very seriously, he went onto say that “if every New Zealander did the same thing the Bank would need to ask the Government to look at increasing the penalties for such blatant breaches of the law”

When asked why the Bank was so concerned he said “well if people have bank accounts then it opens up the possibility that the Bank may lose money by depositing funds in the account, it is simply outrageous that the Bank can be exposed in this way”

He went onto say that “ordinary New Zealanders cannot be trusted to have a bank account, the Bank will for a small weekly charge provide a money box where people can keep their money and when the box is full they can bring it to the Bank where for another small charge the Bank will place the money into the Bank’s account”

When asked about the practicality of this he replied “the Bank offer a range of money boxes catering for both small and large amounts of money and this enables our customers to have a wide choice”

The Bank refused to be drawn on how internet banking can be conducted using money boxes, however the spokesman did say “well we have mail boxes and the mail seems to be able to be moved around and it is exactly the same with money boxes”

MP's and Expenses

2009-05-24T02:49:00.002+12:00

Parliamentary speaker Lockwood Smith has ruled out MPs releasing details of their expenses. WB has commented about this before, IMHO politicians should only receive reasonable expenses for their time and trouble that way we would have elected representatives that only hold office for altruistic reasons rather than the sorry lot we have now (mostly from the left) who receive a pay rise upon their election.

What is the point of having Bail?

2009-05-11T12:59:00.002+12:00

WB would like to know why the NZ Police did not oppose Bail for this thug

This from the NZ Herald today

"Kurariki admits assault, freed on bail 11:10AM Monday May 11, 2009
Bailey Junior Kurariki leaves the Manuaku District Court after he was granted parole in February. Photo / NZ Herald
Related links:
Kurariki back in jail charged with assault
Kurariki remanded in custody on assault charge
Bailey Junior Kurariki has been released on bail after pleading guilty to a reduced assault charge today.
New Zealand's youngest convicted killer has been in custody since March 29 after being arrested on a charge of assaulting Janie Martin, believed to be his girlfriend.
He was originally charged with male assaults female but his lawyer Jeremy Sutton and police agreed to a lesser common assault charge when he appeared in Manukau District Court today.
Kurariki was granted bail on conditions, including a 7pm-7am curfew after police did not oppose bail.
He will be sentenced on the assault charge and three charges of breaching parole later this month."

THE WEARING OF HATS INDOORS

2009-04-18T23:03:00.003+12:00

WB can only agree with Cactus and Home Paddock in regard to the Veitch violence.

The media coverage is simply distasteful.

WB considers that violence (except in time of war, self defence or to protect another e.g. Mr. Hemmings) is to be deplored.

WB saw Veitch the women basher in Fiji a few years ago (with we think a blond female sporty "celebrity" type person) anyway suffice to say any male who wears headdress (especially a baseball cap) indoors (inside the aircraft, inside the hotel as seems to be the Veitch penchant) can only be regarded as being of the lower orders and certainly not a gentleman in fact it is inexcusable for a male from any background to hit a female.

MULTIPLE VOTING

2009-04-11T09:52:00.004+12:00

WB would suggest that with review of the Electoral Finance Act underway, the review should be broadened to include a progressive voting system. Given that the cloth cap socialist left are very supportive of a progressive taxation system (the more you earn the higher percentage rate of taxation), it does seem logical to have the arbiters of political power treated progressively as well.

So with acknowledgement to Neville Shute's novel "In the Wet", WB believes our voting system should change to allow multiple individual votes along the lines of;

Basic Vote

Everyone receives one so long as the voter is over the age of 18.

Education Vote

Given to those who have completed a Bachelor's University Degree.

Family Vote

Given to the mother and father of children who remain married until the youngest child's eighteenth birthday.

Foreign Travel Vote

Given to everyone who has earned a living outside of New Zealand for at least five years (three of which must be continuous).

Taxation Vote

Given to everyone whose personal amount of tax paid to the IRD (in the three years prior to the closing date of the electoral roles) was greater than that of the total average personal amount paid over the same time frame.

Company Vote

Given to any organisation that paid company tax of an amount equal to or greater than "the total average personal amount" as defined by the Taxation Vote.

Achievement Vote

Given to those whom the Governor General determines have made a significant contribution to New Zealand. This vote is in the sole power of the Governor General acting alone and is intended for those New Zealanders who in the GG's opinion are deserving of the vote whether their achievement be at the local or national level paid or unpaid.

WB could well appreciate why the left would be apoplectic about such a system, however WB believes that our current flat voting system (one person one vote) is a very regressive system and seriously needs reform along the lines above.

This system would allow those who are educated, travelled, have more at stake and have made financial and or personal contributions above the average to have a greater say in choosing our government.

RATS DESERTING THE SINKING SHIP

2009-04-07T21:49:00.004+12:00

According to the NZ Herald website today former Labour Finance Minister Michael Cullen is leaving politics to take up the deputy chairmanship of New Zealand Post.

Whilst this may have some of the VRWC spitting tacks WB applauds the move.

We have a PM in John Key who knows how to emasculate the opposition; first Clark and now Cullen exiting (as is only right) stage left from the political scene.

John Key has now exposed what is left of Liarlabour MP's as a complete and utter motley bunch

Without Clark and Cullen the remnants will be left running around like headless chooks. The two people who were their heroes six months ago have decided that there is no hope of their party ever returning to office in their lifetimes so like rats deserting the sinking ship they have found a new home.

Like the lowlife that they are they have determined that a few pieces of silver are better than putting up with their former shipmates.

ONE LAMPSHADE SHORT OF A LIGHTBULB?

2009-04-01T16:24:00.004+13:00

The NZ Herald reported Judith Lizard this morning as saying "she was enjoying life outside Parliament and was astonished at the "craziness" of speculation about her possible return.
I am gardening, I am spending time with my friends and family. I am reading, I am writing. I have just gone and bought a lampshade. I have a life."

Interesting statement, is Judith Lizard unemployable saying that the speculation about her possible return to Parliament is crazy because in fact in her mind there should not be speculation rather that her return is a reality?

FROM TROUGH TO TROUGH

2009-03-25T14:29:00.003+13:00

It is being reported that Helen Clark has been appointed to the UN position of Administrator of the United Nationals Development Programme.

What is it about socialists that they can flit from one trough to another without ever thinking about embarking on a career in the "real world"?

All Helen Clark and her ilk can do is dream up ways to spend the "cake" rather than come up with ways to make the "cake" bigger.

That said there is now a golden opportunity for National to embarrass the socialists by putting up a credible candidate in Mt. Albert. At worst HC's majority can be markedly reduced at best National win the seat.

WB is sure Judith 'Lazy Lizard" is waiting with baited to breath to again climb on board the tax payer funded gravy train.

TVNZ..WHAT TO DO?

2009-03-20T23:05:00.002+13:00

At the moment TVNZ is an absolute shambles from several viewpoints;

1 Management have a great deal of difficulty trying to understand and then deliver what the shareholder requires (i.e. dividends versus Charter obligations etc etc)

2 Their audience require quality programming and no advertising

3 Their staff believe they are public servants with all the entitlements that are part and parcel of working for the tax payer (or is it more a question of who cares? the taxpayer is picking up the Corporate Cab chit)

Why is it in the real business world we do not talk about entitlements rather than effort ='s results ='s rewards?

It seems to WB very simple

Lease TV2 to the highest bidder for say 30 years with rights of renewal, by way of an auction process so the taxpayer receives both an upfront payment and an annual rent

Merge TV1 and RNZ into one entity to provide a public broadcasting non commercial service

Win win all round we have our own version of the BBC with costs funded by the lease of TV2 and no broken election promises because nothing has been sold

Public Transport WTF!!

2009-03-17T23:23:00.002+13:00

Over at Whale Oil WB was interested in the looking at the options as suggested by Whale in terms of moving around Auckland, so WB had a glance at the http://maxx.co.nz/ website. From time to time WB flies his own plane to Ardmore and always arranges a rental car to drive to downtown Auckland. So, rental car Ardmore to Queen Street is around 30 minutes (off peak) compared to what Maxx estimates at 2 hours 19 minutes, even allowing for the fact that WB needs to walk the thick end of 4 kilometres before even stepping on board a bus or train.

All WB can say is that those morons who profess to be green, cloth cap, loser lefties are welcome to the complete and utter waste of time that is public transport, furthermore they should pay the full cost of their journeys on foot/rail/bus rather than relying on WB to subsidise their aimless dope fueled wanderings.

Walk 3750 metres to 161 Clevedon Rd**
Map
9:12am* 9:20am
STAGECOACH AUCKLAND - Route KERI HILL SHOPPERS LOOPDeparts from 161 Clevedon Rd Arrives at 192 Great South Rd (arrive)
Map

Walk 450 metres to Train Station - Papakura**
Map
9:35am 10:28am*
VEOLIA TRANSPORT AUCKLAND - Route PAPAKURA TO BRITOMART VIA NEWMARKETDeparts from Train Station - Papakura Arrives at Train Station - Britomart
Map

Walk 480 metres to Anz Queen St Near Vulcan Lane**

Anonymous left a comment....Cristal?

2009-03-17T22:48:00.005+13:00

WB is abashed, anonymous is correct Cristal is spelt "Cristal" rather than Christal.....

ONLY TURN LEFT

2009-03-10T22:57:00.002+13:00

This will be the first of a random series of flight reports.

WB suggests a simple scoring system, 1 point for achieved 0 points for average and -1 for fail

The categories are;

Check In

Lounge

Boarding

In Flight

Leaving

Here we go

SIN-AKL Seat 1A SQ285 Boeing 777

Check In; Score 1 (dedicated first class area no waiting and boarding pass pre printed)

Lounge; Score 1 (Private first class lounge plenty of reading material three course meal available and Krug Champagne)

Boarding; Score 1 (Escort to the aircraft through separate airbridge and impossible to see or hear economy pax)

Inflight; Score 1 (Krug or Christal available throughout the flight, hostesses that take time out to re-sew a shirt button and what is more address one by Mr. WB rather than the tacky NZ lot who are presumptive enough to call one by one's Christian name)

Leaving; Score 0 (Maybe unkind to SQ however the AKL MAF Xray is just diabolical, WB only had hand carry bags so was first out the door, first through Customs but then came the MAF Xray machines, ........WB fully appreciates our MAF boarder controls however WB cannot understand why the so called "facilitators" either side of the Xray machines just stand around....they refuse to a/ lift your bags onto the machine and b/ then refuse to take the bags off and replace them on the trolley.......Why on earth do we pay pax tax to give jobs to such a lazy bunch of morons?)

So out of a possible 5 SQ scores 4 out of 5

A New "Co-Leader" for the Greens

2009-02-24T19:27:00.005+13:00

So, the Greens are electing a new Co-Leader. WB says who cares! The choice is between an anarchist and a communist. It just goes to show how the far left are so self consumed with their little but self important world. WB quotes from Wikipedia in terms of the definition of a leader “process of social influence in which one person is able to enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”

Note the words "One Person" the Greens cannot and will never be anything but a nuisance (and a dangerous one at that) if they continue to expect that they should be taken seriously given their Leninist/People's Commissariat approach to politics.

The Greens have shown themselves to be an absolute irrelevancy, they hitched their band wagon to LiarLabour and now find themselves between Scylla and Charybdis i.e. do they engage with the Government and attempt to leverage a policy gain or two knowing that they will shed their far left supporters, or do they continue to suck on the tit of the discredited LiarLabour opposition?

The Value of Boot Camps

2009-02-17T22:13:00.002+13:00

WB has been involved with the New Zealand Cadet Forces for the past ten or or so years.

WB has had first hand experience as to how a sense of discipline, teamwork and recognition can alter the mindset of an at risk teenager.

WB may be somewhat old fashioned in his thinking but if every school had a Cadet Force Unit (as it was forty or so years ago) and the funding to go with it, our at risk teenagers would be channelling their energy into an organised and legal gang (yes with firearms training) rather than being being preyed upon by the local heavily tattooed f***kwits from, well take your choice, The Mob, Crips and whatever other ridiculous name these deviants call themselves

Home Invasion and the Castle Doctrine

2009-02-17T21:46:00.003+13:00

WB noted the Herald report where David Allen, said he was acting in self defence when he fired once at Muni Rangi Sam Collier - known as "Boxer". WB also applauds the verdict of the Jury; after deliberating for five hours, the jury of seven men and five women in the High Court at Hamilton accepted his defence, also ruling out manslaughter. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10557174

WB believes that NZ needs to have a inviolate "Castle Doctrine" clause in our law so as to ensure that crims that enter our property can be deterred up to and including the use of deadly force.

WB lives in a rural community, it is facile to suggest that we should call the Police (at best they are 40 minutes away) to arrest the crim that has already fled the scene (with spoils) or in the all to common case left the householder bashed, raped and or dead.

WB has borrowed from Wikipedia here however the Castle Doctrine allows;

An intruder must be making (or have made) an attempt to unlawfully and/or forcibly enter an occupied home, business or car.

The intruder must be acting illegally -- e.g. the Castle Doctrine does not give the right to attack officers of the law acting in the course of their legal duties

The occupant(s) of the home must reasonably believe that the intruder intends to inflict serious bodily harm or death upon an occupant of the home

The occupant(s) of the home must reasonably believe that the intruder intends to commit some other felony, such as arson or burglary

The occupant(s) of the home must not have provoked or instigated an intrusion, or provoked or instigated an intruder to threaten or use deadly force

In all cases, the occupant(s) of the home must be there legally, must not be fugitives from the law, must not be using the Castle Doctrine to aid or abet another person in being a fugitive from the law, and must not use deadly force upon an officer of the law or an officer of the peace while they are performing or attempting to perform their legal duties.

Catherine Delahunty and Yesterday's Fish and Chips

2009-02-15T00:42:00.003+13:00

Over at No Minister there is a comment about Green MP Catherine Delahunty's Maiden Speech http://nominister.blogspot.com/2009/02/translation-please.html

WB would suggest that Catherine would be be better employed advising the media that they should not print any of her comments as the "fish and chips" would recoil from being wrapped up in such unmitigated garbage

Mr. Hemmings

2009-02-11T00:16:00.002+13:00

WB will not let Mr. Hemmings ultimate sacrifice be forgotten.

Having read the New Year Honours List WB fails to understand why Mr. Hemmings was not awarded (posthumously) the New Zealand Cross formerly known as the George Cross

MP's and Pay

2009-02-11T00:01:00.002+13:00

WB believes that everyone elected to full time public office should receive a salary equal to the average wage, plus of course reasonable expenses incurred in "the line of duty".

For to long we have had elected people who by virtue of their election received a pay rise! We should only elect people who go into public office for the greater good of the community they serve rather than for the money.

If this policy discounts the trade unionists, academics and others of their ilk from standing for public office so be it.

NZ Police and Consistency

2009-01-29T21:51:00.003+13:00

Whatever the rights and wrongs are about the the police shooting of the innocent motorist Halatau Naitoko last Friday, one thing needs to be considered, the NZ Police are very quick to charge a farmer for discharging a firearm at interlopers who appear at the implement shed trying to steal a farm bike or indeed the guy in the gun shop when the crim was waving a machete; therefore the NZ Police have to accept the fact that they are not superior to the law they have a duty to enforce.

Essentially whilst WB's inclination is to accept that the Constable(s) who shot Naitoko were trying to do their best in a very difficult situation, it beggars belief that those same Constables should not be charged with manslaughter, after all the truth will out in the end.

Pacific Forum or Pacific Joke

2009-01-24T20:03:00.004+13:00

WB refers to the following from today's Herald "PNG's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, decided to cancel Tuesday's meeting of Pacific Islands Forum leaders and set a new date of February 10."

WB further understands that the Forum is now going ahead, what WB cannot understand is why John Key and Kevin Rudd do not tell these tinpot chieftains of Robinson Crusoe like islands that they are a complete joke in terms of an independent "country" and if they want to keep receiving aid dollars from the tax payers of NZ and AU then they should also "toe the line", retire to their grass huts and be very thankful that they can keep on being very small fish in a minuscule pond.

WB is sure that the inhabitants of the greater Robinson Crusoe islands would be far happier and would not have to put up with their corrupt chieftains if their Islands were still colonies or protectorates of NZ and AU

Making a Fortune In Prison

2009-01-11T17:11:00.004+13:00

WB noted the Herald on Sunday article "Inmates in our most secure prison are accused of making fortunes from a highly organised drug ring run from behind bars, with at least one alleged to have become a millionaire."

WB suggests that we need to look at new options for our maximum security prisons, the Auckland Islands springs to mind as a location we could use. As did the whalers a century or so ago release a few goats and pigs onto the Islands for the prisoners to eat and transport the felons to the Islands by Air Force Hercules, the plane just needs to do a low level pass whilst the crew kick the B's out the back door

The Best of 2008

2008-12-21T20:10:00.002+13:00

Best Current Affair Blog, Kiwiblog

Best Affair Blog, Cactus Kate

Best News Item, The Election Result

Best Dressed in Yellow, Rodney Hide

Best Person to Suffer a Hangover for, Cactus Kate

Best Airline First Class, Emirates

Best Electorate Result, Auckland Central

Best Rural Blog, Home Paddock

Best Newspaper, The Telegraph

Best Unmitigated Crap Blog, The Stranded

Best Experince, Upside Down in my Aircraft

Best Wine Drank, 04 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc

Letter to the Bank.

2008-12-07T01:12:00.001+13:00

WB had to chuckle at this one;

Letter to the Bank.

Dear Sirs,

In view of what seems to be happening internationally with banks at
the moment, I was wondering if you could advise me correctly.

If one of my cheques is returned marked "insufficient funds," how do I
know whether that refers to me, or to you?

Respectfully,

New Zealander of the Year

2008-12-07T00:57:00.004+13:00

WB is amazed that Austin Hemmings has still not been officially recognised for his courage. I refer to my post dated ;

Thursday, 2 October 2008

The NZ Cross for Mr. Hemmings

Mr Hemmings' funeral yesterday was a very sad affair and he deserves recognition for paying the ultimate price for his bravery in helping a woman in need.

Watching Brief believes that he should be posthumously awarded the New Zealand Cross formerly known as the George Cross.

Trotski's Planet

2008-12-07T00:24:00.003+13:00

From Stuff today http://www.stuff.co.nz/4783335a1861.html

I would say to Trotski What planet are you on Chris? As the owner of an SME I personally guarantee bank loans that provide the liquidity for my business to function and pay my employees, yet they can leave my employment giving two weeks notice yet I have to go through convoluted hoops to do the same, I agree a fair day's pay for a fair day's work but in the words of I suspect one of your heroes Fraser "slackers should be drowned"

Trotter's Blog the new Pravda?

2008-11-18T00:46:00.003+13:00

Perhaps we should call Chris Trotters new blog (http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/) Pravda.

Chris seems to have determined that they only way the left can have a voice is through censorship.

WB quotes from the rules of his blog "However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen."

Notice that only the far right are subject to rules yet the far left i.e. those who worship Chris are free to "vent their spleen"

And by the way Pravda translated means "The Truth" One can only admire Orwell's foresightedness

The Jangled World of Chris Trotter

2008-11-18T00:15:00.006+13:00

WB notes that the self appointed guardian of the left seems to have a new blog site; http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/

Chris, can you please explain amongst the jangled jargon of labels that you employ in your writing what exactly is your problem? Presumably when the electorate at large voted for the left they were correct but when they voted for the right they were wrong?

Socialists Plotting

2008-11-15T22:06:00.003+13:00

Over at the Stranded or should I say Beached the left are plotting again, this quote has all the hallmarks of typical left thinking

"Thought also needs to be given as to how the Left will win control of the councils in the 2010 elections"

Remember the Left are all about power for its own sake, another quote from the Stranded "councils have a lot of control over infrastructure and urban planning"

So according to the Left it is very important to be in a position to exercise CONTROL, nowhere is there any mention of gratitude let alone acknowledgement that local bodies are funded by ratepayers.

WB suggests that the fellow travellers having been cut off from the tax payers tit until at least 2011 are trying to latch onto the ratepayers tit in the meantime.

WB reminds readers "the price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

I wouldn't describe it as Armageddon

2008-11-12T22:53:00.004+13:00

Stuff are reporting that "The Treasury opened the books for incoming prime minister John Key today, and he was not greatly concerned by what he saw.

After meeting Treasury secretary John Whitehead and senior officials, Mr Key told reporters the situation had deteriorated "a little bit" since the pre-election fiscal update.

"They are more pessimistic but I wouldn't describe it as Armageddon," he said."

All WB can say is what a relief that we finally have a PM that understands numbers in a fiscal sense rather than an ex PM who only saw numbers in terms of 'how many of the great unwashed that I need to convince (bribe) to keep me in power."

Amazing; Judith Tizard is going to think

2008-11-09T20:19:00.003+13:00

The Herald today reported Judith Tizard as saying, following her well deserved ousting by Nikki Kaye;

"I'm looking at my somewhat chaotic garden thinking, you know, this is the first time in 18 years I'll be able to get in and do some serious gardening. I mean I think I just need to stop and think."

Judith, you should have been thinking for a long time before this, and I mean serious thinking rather than thinking about thinking where and when you could acquire the next free canape and a glass of plonk.

Trot Off

2008-11-09T20:09:00.004+13:00

Over at the Sunday Star Times today Chris Trotter was at his vitriolic best;

Well Chris in the words of one your heroes; the recently "fallen on my sword" Michael Cullen

"We one you lost eat that"

JOB DONE

2008-11-09T01:48:00.002+13:00

The title says it, now we look forward to the clean out of the left sycophants from all their tax payer funded posts across Crown Entities

Helen Clark Crackers?

2008-11-04T19:34:00.003+13:00

What a joke the latest "tape" on TV3 turned out to be. WB is now seriously thinking that rather than Clark's description of the tape as being "a cracker" that it is Clark who is crackers.

WB believes Clark has never recovered from primary school when she told interviewer Virginia Myers for the book Head and Shoulders.

“I was terribly shy, because of the lack of contact with other children. There were no others in the area and when I went to primary school I developed a lot of psychosomatic illnesses from having to mix with other kids.

“I had a very narrow social experience. There are still [as of 1984] whole slices of New Zealand I’ve never been in contact with and don’t feel at ease with. Like the business community. I’ve never had much to do with middle class urban New Zealand.”

WB would suggest that in 2008 Clark has exactly the same unease as in 1984.

More Toys for Prisoners?

2008-11-04T14:08:00.003+13:00

The Herald reports today that Toys have been removed from Christchurch Men's Prison's visiting area after they were used for fighting and drug smuggling.

WB says this is excellent at last the Corrections Department is treating prisoners as prisoners.

But wait there is more;

The Herald went on to quote Southern Assistant Regional Manager for the Department of Corrections Ian Burke "Mr Burke said a more suitable range of toys were being looked at to replace those that had been confiscated."

WTF?????

WB wonders if the new toys will be in time for Christmas.

This readers is a classic example of what is wrong with this Labour Government. New toys for incarcerated criminals rather than providing some toys for the Sallys to give to disadvantaged kids at Christmas.

The TV 3 Debate

2008-11-03T21:59:00.003+13:00

If one had only listened to the debate rather than watched then I suspect the score would be pretty even, however even is not enough to get Clark over the line.

The telling part was the contrasting demeanour of the two; Clark looked tired and haggard whereas Key looked pretty relaxed and confident.

In short we saw a Prime Minister on the way out and a Prime Minister on the way in so I would have to give the result to John Key.

One interesting snippet during the analysis afterwards was Linda Clark's observation that the National Party's private polling showed it's lead extending.

Another point; John Campbell will have a sore throat on Tuesday given the amount of talking he indulged in.

Fiction and Nicky Hager

2008-11-02T21:52:00.002+13:00

Over at http://www.pundit.co.nz Nicky Hager says (in italics) the following, after which WB has added comments.

“A presidential-style focus on John Key, that serves to keep people's minds off the line-up of 1990s privatisers, deregulators and social service-cutters who would make up much of a National-ACT Cabinet. “

Very interesting. Is there not also a presidential-style focus by the left on Helen Clark?

The very same Helen Clark when she was Deputy PM in the Lange/Palmer Labour government personally signed off on the sale and privatization of more state assets than at any other time before or since such as Air New Zealand (1989), New Zealand Steel (1987), Petrocorp (1989), Postbank (1989), Telecom NZ (1990) and Works Corporation (1989).

The contrast with John Key could not be more stark, Helen Clark sold state assets, John Key has said he will not.

“ Not releasing policy, not answering questions and not debating policy except when it suits them; and now, mid-election campaign, releasing "policy" that is little more than publicity stunts and too late for proper scrutiny.”

WB notes that Labour are saying that following the election they will bring in a mini budget to address the economy……..but we have no idea of what it contains.

“An orchestrated campaign to knock Winston Peters and the New Zealand First Party out of the election, thereby (they hope) swinging the MMP balance in National's favour. (Remarkably, there has been almost no discussion about where this campaign came from, why it is happening now and who stands to benefit from it.) “

This Hager comment is the ultimate in irony given his comments “that the Electoral Finance Bill is the sort of legislation you would expect to see introduced by the Nazi party.” A piece of legislation that his beloved NZ First Part voted for.

Or are you so deluded Nicky that you think you can sell the idea of another work of fiction purporting to chronicle the vast conspiracy to demolish Winston Peters as opposed to the facts as reported by Phil Kitchin, an award winning journalist.

Nicky Hager you are not a journalist, you are unable to see the world through a neutral pair of eyes and then follow the evidence, you are simply just another foot soldier of the left, that is blinded by ideology, a person who in the the 1940’s would be known as Goebbels

Minor Parties and Vision Statements

2008-10-28T13:59:00.004+13:00

WB has an antipathy towards "vision statements" how many times do we see them perfectly framed and mounted in office foyers proclaiming that zyx company values its staff, the community all the other stakeholders and what is more, strives to be a good corporate citizen"

The companies that WB is directly associated with have a vision statement being simply "maximise returns to shareholders"

Given that we are all shareholders in NZ Inc, WB simply laughed at the vacuous vision statements from all but one of the leaders of the minor parties espoused on last nights TVNZ debate.

Peter Dunne....."My vision is for another cabinet seat"
Tariana Turuia..."My vision is on the one hand then on the other"
Jim Anderton..."My vision is to up the drinking age"
Winston Peters..."My vision is to work with anyone that will retain my baubles"
Jeanette Fitzsimons..."My vision is to save the planet (possibly Mars?)"

The only leader who had a vision statement that one could understand was Rodney Hide

"Three strikes and your out, cap government spending, dismantle red tape and the ETS"

Peters Pledge to Anderton re the Sale of Kiwi Bank a Forgery?

2008-10-21T14:57:00.004+13:00

The NZ Herald reports that Mr Peters yesterday put forward a radical proposal to float shares in Kiwibank, with their sale restricted to New Zealanders, and channel all the Government's $55 billion a year business through it.

But Mr Anderton said Mr Peters had recently signed the Progressive's pledge stating "my party will not initiate or support the sale of Kiwibank".

With Labour and the Greens both opposed to the sale of Kiwi Bank how on earth can the voting public expect that a coalition of the left including NZ First ever hope to form a cohesive government.

As an aside obviously Mr. Peters believes that a signed pledge to the Anderton Party is a another forgery.

The Local Sheriff

2008-10-21T08:50:00.005+13:00

When one observes that of the extra 1250 police recruited since the election, only 210 were posted to general duties but 133 to traffic duties, we believe the time has come to drastically overhaul our Police Force.

WB would suggest that the police need to be responsive to what local citizens demand in terms of policing policy. Therefore the present police structure should be abandoned completely and replaced with;

1/ A National Police Force similar to the Australian Federal Police or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, responsible for issues such as; Organised Crime, White Collar Crime, Security and Diplomatic Protection. The top officer being appointed by the State Services Commissioner following consultation between the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition

2/ A National Highway Patrol with jurisdiction limited to State Highways and Motorways, The top officer being appointed by the State Services Commissioner following consultation between the Minister of Transport and the Opposition Spokesperson for Transport.

3/ Regional Police Forces based on regional boundaries with the top officer in each region being elected for a fixed term by that region's voters.

WB firmly believes that local police chiefs should be directly accountable to the communities they serve, rather than to a politically appointed Commissioner based in Wellington.

With the local police chief under no illusions as to community expectations and with the ability to direct resources locally, we would I believe see a drastic drop in the crime rate.

300 Cops Causing Fear

2008-10-20T15:07:00.003+13:00

Stuff reports that Police Minister Annette King has hit out at National's announcement that it would put 300 extra cops into front line roles in South Auckland, saying the move was "creating fear".

WB is now seriously worried about Annette (Sun and Moon) King either a/ she is supporting National's policy by saying that it will make the crims fearful or b/ the people of South Auckland are worried about having more police to protect them from the crims.

Either way it does appear as if the sun and moon are having an affect on the soon to be ex minister of Police.

Barker being Decorative with Documentation

2008-10-18T09:46:00.006+13:00

In a press release dated 7 October 2008, Rick Barker said "Decorative birth certificates available now"

WB wonders if Rick Barker decided that because a recent immigrant seemed to have a number of "decorative documents" then all New Zealanders should have the same opportunity.

Give The Cullen Fund Back

2008-10-15T22:26:00.003+13:00

Over at kiwiblog dpf links to the National Party Announcement that an incoming National Government will legislate for the NZ Superannuation Fund (i.e. The Cullen Fund,) or as WB prefers to call it; The Canute Fund, to invest 40% of its value within NZ.

WB says why not 100%, after all its our money in the first place, WB suggests that we just divvy it up, what could be more simple, just pro rata the amount of tax that we have paid individually since the fund was established against the total amount of the Fund and give us our money back.

Last Shower

2008-10-15T00:20:00.001+13:00

WB's take on the TVNZ Leaders Debate;

Its very obvious John Key did not come down with the last shower

Who is the Prime Minister?

2008-10-08T21:12:00.004+13:00

WB viewed Close Up on TV One tonight, our impression was that John Key clearly enunciated National's economic policy, he was very focused and delivered an impressive summary of the key points of his policy and gave reassurance to electors in that he would be a very good custodian of the Nation's financial affairs. In short he looked, acted and spoke like a Prime Minister.

Whereas Helen Clark was on the defensive all she could do was attack, as evidenced by such emotive terminology such as "wrecker". In short she looked, acted and spoke like a Leader of the Opposition.

If this election is about "trust" then it is readily apparent that we can trust Labour to have no policy settings that would in any way mitigate the financial turmoil that we are currently experiencing.

PREFU, the Acronym

2008-10-06T21:18:00.009+13:00

WB is a pilot and those readers who are of the same volition will know that when we fly we have a series of checklists consisting of acronyms e.g. the downwind checks (i.e. immediately prior to landing) are; "BUMFISH" standing for; Brakes, Undercarriage, Mixture, Fuel, Instruments, Switches and Hatches.

Now for the PREFU, WB believes that the acronym according to Michael Cullen, means for the Labour Party Faithful; P for Pissing on you, R for Ripping you off, E for Exploiting you, F for Fucking you over and U for being so Understanding.

What Cullen does not understand is that for the rest of us PREFU is shorthand for PREtty much Fuck U

The Removal of Mike Williams et al from the Gravy Train

2008-10-04T09:33:00.004+13:00

32 Term of office of members

(1) A member of a statutory entity holds office for—
- (a) 3 years or any shorter period stated in the notice of appointment, in the case of a member of a Crown agent or autonomous Crown entity; or
- (b) 5 years or any shorter period stated in the notice of appointment, in the case of a member of an independent Crown entity.
- (c) Notwithstanding clauses 32 (1) (a) and (b) a member of a statutory entity will be deemed to have resigned their office upon the appointment of a new responsible minister.

The NZ Cross for Mr. Hemmings

2008-10-02T05:43:00.004+13:00

Mr Hemmings' funeral yesterday was a very sad affair and he deserves recognition for paying the ultimate price for his bravery in helping a woman in need.

Watching Brief believes that he should be posthumously awarded the New Zealand Cross formerly known as the George Cross.

Helen Clark and Hypocrisy

2008-09-17T21:43:00.003+12:00

Helen Clark said "Hard Hats On" WB would suggest that Clark is advising her pinko left wing colleagues to put their hard hats on to protect themselves from her vomit inducing drivel from her comments as reported in http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10532691 saying
"Had National got into Government it would have sent troops to Iraq and on a pro-rata basis, considering 4000 US troops were killed, there would be 60 body bags coming home,"

This from a Prime Minister who was and is still prepared to have our SAS troops on the front line in Afghanistan, and whom as witnessed by Corporal Willie Apiata's, well deserved VC are actually fighting under her watch.

The hypocrisy of this cunning conniving women knows no bounds.

To draw our Defence Forces (which her Government has done their best to emasculate) into her self serving quest for another term in power, quite simply shows the depths of her shonky government.

A PM who has one rule for her own colleagues but another one for Winston Peters simply proves that she is not fit to be Prime Minister but moreover suggests that her hand ringing attendance at so many of our remembrance ceremonies were more designed for photo ops rather than any deep seated respect for those which our country put in harm's way.

Trust Is Earned Not Demanded

2008-09-16T22:57:00.006+12:00

Helen Clark is talking about an election based on trust;

Can we have trust in the following?

A Prime Minister who the NZ Police determined that there was a prima facie case established that she was fraudulent in signing a painting that was not her work.

A Prime Minister that was so busy reading that she did notice that her driver was exceeding the speed limit by some several tens of kilometres per hour.

A Prime Minister that was deliberate in sacking Ministers such as Dover Samuels and Phillip Field because of swirling allegations.

But a Prime Minister who still trusts Winston despite all the evidence to the contrary.

A Prime Minister who presumably still has confidence in her Minister of Finance when having announced the "chewing gum" tax cuts then reneged on the announcement

Please,we need a dose of reality here

Trust or Believe

2008-09-15T21:21:00.003+12:00

Who do you trust?

Michael Cullen, says

“Given his background in Merrill Lynch, which has just gone belly up, I would have thought New Zealanders would come to the conclusion you wouldn’t put a man like that in charge of New Zealand’s economy,”

Bank of America confirmed it will pay $29 a share to acquire Merrill, which is a 70% premium on its closing price of $17.05 on Friday

An Early End to the Privileges Committee

2008-09-10T22:11:00.005+12:00

WB having observed the Privileges Committee hearing tonight, and deciding that Winston Peters was not credible predicts the following;

1/ Peters resigns (before he is pushed) as a Minister I believe without portfolio

2/ Helen Clark asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament

3/ The timing of 2/ will ensure that the Privileges Committee will not be able to deliver a Report prior to Parliament rising and thus allow at least one of the enquiries into Winston Peters to lapse

Trotter and Trotsky

2008-09-08T21:31:00.003+12:00

WB has had a look at Chris Trotter’s or is it Chris Trotsky’s latest blog (http://www.policy.net.nz/)

WB wonders if Chris Trotter would be more at home in a time shift back to the the days when the USSR pretended to be a voice from the left (as well as trying to extend its hegemony world wide), his blog is imbued with the grammar from Orwell’s Animal Farm with phrases and comments such as business-friendly neotribal (sic) capitalists, working class compatriots and pakeha ruling class.

Trotters closing comment seems to lament the time when The Listener was the left’s mouthpiece with the comment “It’s a tragedy that this once proud (my words left wing) publication has sunk to the intellectual level of this week’s editorial”

Gongs or Owen Goals

2008-09-08T20:59:00.001+12:00

WB ponders a fictional scenario

1/ Someone from Monaco said to the Party in Government what is the quid pro quo for a $500k donation and an interest free $100k loan

2/ Possibly a bit of a gong and a consulship

3/ OK sounds good

4/ A bit of a problem the person in charge of consulships wants to know what's in it for him

5/ No problem another $100k will fix it

An Expert Panel or a Bunch of Artists

2008-09-07T21:44:00.002+12:00

WB has taken an interest in DPF’s blog (http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2008/09/labour_never_learn.html) and quotes “Labour have learnt nothing from the Electoral Finance Act. It was a partisan attempt to skew the electoral laws in their favour. And they have done it again their announcement of an expert panel to review electoral administration and political party funding.”

So, WB decided to look at who exactly is on the panel;

First we have

Professor Stephen Levine who was the founding Head of the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington

Academic Number 1

Next we have

Associate Professor Andrew Geddis of Otago University

WB notes that his book :Andrew Geddis: Electoral Law in New Zealand: Policy and Practice: Wellington: Lexis/Nexis: 2007. along with Nicky Hager’s : The Hollow Men: Nelson: Craig Potton: 2006 is recommended by the the LGBT (Lesbian Gay etc etc) community with the comment “as long as the government and its allies make the suggested positive amendments recommended from Andrew Geddis, Nicky Hager and the Campaign for Open Government” (http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/31/article_5093.php)

Academic Number 2

And bringing up the rear is

Dr Jean Drage from Canterbury University

WB understands that her background combines research and teaching in political science, local government and women and politics. Apparently she is currently completing new research on women in local government whatever the F**K that is supposed to mean

Academic Number 3

So we have three academics all from Arts Faculties, who are a so called expert panel to review electoral administration and political party funding.

Surely if one was going to appoint an “expert panel” to review electoral administration and political party funding the panel would include a lawyer, an accountant and a political scientist drawn from a wider cross section of Ivory Towers (with cross party support) rather than a trio of artistic types drawn from the southern fringes of the country.

Is the Taxpayer paying for Winston's Legal Bills?

2008-09-03T23:40:00.004+12:00

WB would like to know who is paying Mr Peter Williams QC legal bills....is it the taxpayer? WB understands that if you are a Minister (as Winston Peters still is) then your legal bills are being paid by the Crown in other words the taxpayer.

WB would suggest that the cosy 'setting aside of ministerial responsibility" means in effect that the we are all financially supporting a suppurating ex Minister of Foreign Affairs involved in legal actions that do not relate to Ministerial Responsibility.

So much for Helen Clark's annoucement on becoming Prime Minister that we will ensure high standards in public office

Genuine Mistake or Distorting the Truth

2008-09-02T18:43:00.002+12:00

WB notes that Peter Brown is saying that NZ First's not declaring the Spencer Trust donation of $50,000 was a genuine mistake http://www.stuff.co.nz/4678140a6160.html

WB also notes Peter Mistake Brown’s point of order during Nick Smiths’ speech on the Second Reading of the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill and I quote from Hansard “I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The member is distorting the truth to the degree that it is unethical. By implication he is alleging corruption by either individuals or political parties. I take strong exception to that.”

The sanctimonious Brown needs a big lesson in humility.

Ministerial Confidence??

2008-08-27T23:05:00.003+12:00

WB suggests that John Key asks the following question to Helen Clark tomorrow; "Does she have confidence in the Minister of Foreign Affairs; if so, why?" the answer will be as we know "because he is a hard working etc etc Minister"

The supplementary question then is "Could the Prime Minister explain why swirling allegations surrounding Dover Samuels were sufficient for her to sack her Minister of Maori Affairs however swirling allegations surrounding her Minister of Foreign Affairs are not deemed to be as important, or is it that the difference is between the two is that the baubles of office are more important?

A Pub Crawl By Any Other Name

2008-08-25T22:57:00.005+12:00

The Maori Side Tour is the brainchild of TV presenter and musician, Kimo Winiata according to his own press release of 18 August, http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0808/S00309.htm

Apparently “The Maori Side Tour aims to encourage our youth to take an active role in the political future of Aotearoa” according to Winiata

Watching Brief wonders if the Maori Side Tour is not in fact the Brown Faces Pub Crawl (WB considers if it's acceptable to call European New Zealanders “Pakeha” it is also acceptable to call Maori “Brown Faces”) given that the venues are: Hamilton The Altitude Bar, followed by Rotorua at the Lake House Hotel, then the Carlton Bar at Newmarket in Auckland, then Whangarei at the Onerahi Tavern, then Latitude Live at Napier with apparently a finale at the Loaded Hog in Levin.

WB also observes that Winiata is “looking to team up with the electoral commission to help target Māori Youth throughout the tour - to get 18-25 years olds in particular onto the roll, so that we could finally see the balance of power shift in parliament towards Māori interests”

WB hopes that the supposedly non partisan NZ Electoral Commission will not be committing tax payer dollars to such a partisan undertaking

Clear the Decks of Political Appointments

2008-08-20T12:45:00.001+12:00

Fran O’Sullivan writes in the NZ Herald today (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/466/story.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10527921)

about the appointment of political cronies to government controlled entities she says that an incoming National Government will not be able to re balance appointments “until the next rollover period for SOE and crown company directorships in April 2009. Some 80-100 of these directorships become available each year. The real problem will be down at pygmy level: The myriad smaller jobs (some 140 in five weeks) into which Labour has stacked party favourites. This is where the pressure should go - unfortunately the rollover times will be years away.”

Watching Brief is of the view that National should pass legislation as soon as possible after the election that terminates without compensation all political appointments to government entities that were made in the previous Government’s term of office upon the appointee receiving a months notice from the appropriate Minister. This will enable any future incoming Government to “clear the decks” particularly of those overt political appointments such as Mike Williams and Dianne Yates.

Storming (or is it profaining) Norman

2008-08-12T22:42:00.001+12:00

In a Press Release on Tuesday, 12 August 2008, Russel Norman said “Otago Regional Council must stop protecting names of persistent polluters if it is serious about the problem of worsening river quality in the region.

Watching Brief wonders if the Otago Regional Council should take any account of a an Australian who is one of the worst polluters of the English Language given Norman’s comment "Well, you can stick it up your arse, Stephen." (http://www.stuff.co.nz/4652084a6160.html)

Volunteers and the (Dyson) Example

2008-08-12T21:45:00.003+12:00

Minister for Community and Voluntary Sector, the Hon Ruth Dyson said in a Press Release dated Tuesday, 12 August 2008 'New research revealing that volunteers make up an impressive two-thirds of the workforce in the non-profit sector"

Watching Brief would say to Dyson please do not belittle those of us who actually work in the voluntary sector by trying to take the credit for the people that put in the time. If one could count the number of hours we in the voluntary sector have to put in filling in interminable forms and the rest of the PC Bullshit that goes with it its a wonder why any of us really bother

So spare me the faint praise, I don't need any platitudes from a convicted criminal.

A problem with Windows Explorer

2008-08-04T00:11:00.002+12:00

Watching Brief suggest readers use Firefox http://watchingbrief.blogspot.com/ as IE is unable to give you my latest blogs

Tax Payers' milk and suckling by the left

2008-08-03T23:57:00.004+12:00

Associate Health Ministers Damien O’Connor and Steve Chadwick last Friday gave their support to promote the breastfeeding ‘Big Latch On’ event, which aims to break the record for simultaneous breastfeeding and marks the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week.

Watching Brief has no doubt that O’Conner and Chadwick are enthusiastic about “latching on” after all their Party and fellow cohorts are the biggest suckers of the tax payers’ tit since records began.

Keeping up with the Jones'

2008-08-03T23:24:00.005+12:00

On the 2nd of July Shane Jones issued a press release saying “Today's inaugural building forum in Auckland - " Leading for the Future" - has laid down the foundations for the long-term future of the industry”

He concluded by stating "We are searching for a coherent blue print for the future of Building and Construction Industry and today's forum had let us put down the foundations for that roadmap,"

Watching Brief wonders how many more clichés Jones could utter, mind you, it is difficult to understand how any member of Jones’ Party could be described as being “coherent”.

Watching Brief, if a press release was called for, would have said to the Building and Construction Industry "Forget about buzz words my policy is very simple “build it and they will come”, you are the risk takers so long as your project is properly thought out and constructed, then do it”

Curtains for Dalziel?

2008-07-29T10:15:00.003+12:00

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel yesterday announced the appointment of Donal Curtin as Deputy Chair of the Commerce Commission for a five-year term.

Watching Brief wonders if this is the same Donal Curtin who until last week was the chairman of troubled financial advisory group Vestar's investment committee.

News reports (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/3/index.cfm?c_id=3) say that forty-five Vestar clients are preparing a case against their former financial advisers, the directors of Vestar and its investment committee for giving them poor advice and ploughing millions into finance companies which have since hit trouble. Many were put into the same six finance companies - Bridgecorp, Capital + Merchant, OPI Pacific Finance, MFS Boston, St Laurence and Property Finance. OPI Pacific Finance and MFS Boston were owned by the same company that owned Vestar. The case is likely to include alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act, which is monitored by the Commerce Commission.

The appointment of Donal Curtin yet again demonstrates how out of touch the Labour Government is with the electorate. Why Dalziel would make this appointment when the appointee has exposure to litigation in the very area where the Commerce Commission is also taking a keen interest baffles Watching Brief, or is it that Dalziel is just stupid?

We like Condoleezza we do not like Petersleeza

2008-07-28T01:04:00.007+12:00

I refer readers to Condoleezza Rice's very good speech in Auckland (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10523751) It does seem a pity however that our left wing cabal are not able to be as explicit when it comes to other countries ( I refer you to her very perceptive remarks about China) and forgive one for going off on a bit of a tangent however have you ever noticed the number of dictatorships that preface their official title with the words "the Peoples Democratic Country of Whatever?"

In any event I welcome the positive engagement with the US and even more, I look forward to NZ having a far more constructive engagement with the US as both of our countries look forward to the new leadership provided by John Key and John McCain and given Condoleezza's undoubted talents, Mr. McCain should indeed make her his running mate.

Insofar as our Foreign Minister is concerned the sooner the electorate vote NO the better.

Sue Piper or Pied Piper?

2008-07-24T00:06:00.002+12:00

Hon Judith Tizard, Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister, yesterday announced the appointment of Sue Piper to the Board of Te Papa for a three year term, from 1 August 2008.
Judith Tizard said she was delighted to welcome Ms Piper to the Te Papa Board. “This appointment will bring useful governance skills developed in the local government sector.

Hmmmmm Watching Brief has concerns about Judith Tizard knowing anything about governance or any other issue, including Auckland Issues.

"Sue Piper is Executive Director of the Wellington Community Foundation and a former Wellington City Councillor. Sue is also Chair of the Local Government Commission. Her other governance roles include membership of Sport Wellington Region, Quotable Value New Zealand and the New Zealand Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal."

Watching Brief wonders why Judith Tizard did not say that Sue Piper was elected to the Southern Ward of the Wellington City Council as a LABOUR candidate. She also failed to win re-election however a failed Labour candidate is obviously an ideal background for “jobs for the girls”

Lets have a look at who appointed her to some of her other gravy train(s)
When he was Minister of Local Government Mark Burton appointed her to the Chair of the Local Government Commission and Steve Maharey appointed her to the Prostitution Law Review Committee.

Do we see a picture here? Dianne Yates, Sue Piper the list of failed labour lackeys feeding on the tax payer just keeps on growing.

A Pecuniary Interest

2008-07-23T08:43:00.002+12:00

In a statement yesterday the Office of RT Hon Winston Peters said that yesterday’s Dominion Post article is a smear campaign of unsubstantiated allegations.

Watching Brief would suggest to Winston that rather than talk about “smear campaigns” he talks about why after receiving the benefit of a $100,000 payment for his legal fees he did not declare this gift in Parliament’s Register of Pecuniary Interests for MPs and furthermore seek the permission of Prime Minister Clark to keep a gift worth more than $500.00

It is inconceivable that he did not know that his legal fees were reduced by $100,000 even though he may not have known the details of the donor. However Winston was required to name the donor if the donor’s name is reasonably ascertainable by the member. Watching Brief would suggest that asking your lawyer “who made the donation?” is a reasonable step to take in satisfying this requirement. Refer to the explanatory notes to The Register (see below)

The only other possibility is that Winston’s lawyer never billed Winston for legal services, in that case Winston would need to make a separate disclosure to Parliament’s Register of Pecuniary Interests for MPs (http://www.parliament.nz/NR/rdonlyres/DF02BF69-8E21-46F3-B399-DAB5EB6CA5BF/53301/registernotes2009.pdf) under the heading gifts as the explanatory notes to The Register state;

Gifts (Form 11)
7(1)(b) a description of each gift (including hospitality and donations in cash or kind
but excluding any donation made to cover expenses in an electoral campaign) received by the member that has an estimated market value in New Zealand of more than $500 and the name of the donor of each of those gifts (if known or reasonably ascertainable by the member) This also includes services provided at no charge, such as work on your home.

Botany and Kawa

2008-07-22T09:32:00.002+12:00

Watching Brief has noted that labour have selected (yet another ) academic Toro Kawa to be their candidate for the electorate of Botany.

Mr Kawa seems very well qualified (http://www.business.auckland.ac.nz/comwebContent/index.cfm?fs=pgv&pageid=19107&me=pb) and will be a useful addition to Labour’s ranks (providing he has a high list place as he will not win the seat)

Mr. Kawa’s undoubted IT skills will be welcomed by the Labour back room people in the ongoing development of Labour’s blog sites such as The Standard and No. 8 Wire.

Justification or not for Owen Glenn?

2008-07-21T09:21:00.002+12:00

Winston said in a statement on 19 July that Owen Glenn “did not make a donation to the NZ First Party but I am now aware he made a donation to a legal action he thought justified.”

Watching Brief is quite amused by the word “justified”

When Mr Glenn made the donation was he entitled to believe that it “justified” his claim to be appointed New Zealand’s honorary Consul General in Monaco?

An alternative view to Trotter's

2008-07-20T22:07:00.003+12:00

On reading Chris Trotter’s opinion piece in the Sunday Star Times (http://www.stuff.co.nz/4624713a1861.html) today Watching Brief decided to paraphrase the article.

The Beneficiaries

Backbone of the left, these are the spenders of our tax dollars, with an indefatigable sense of entitlement. These are the people that when asked to act responsibly when they receive welfare payments laugh at the suggestion and justify their actions by placing any blame for their plight on those who fund their largesse. From their ranks comes the majority of criminal behaviour that befouls our society.

The Bureaucrats

The foot soldiers of the left, who take delight in writing reports, gaining funding for studies and reviews of any and all perceived problems and then when there is a failure in policy or performance take an extravagant amount of time and money to conduct an inquiry which of course never mentions the words “who exactly was at fault” and naturally never concludes with what action was taken against the faceless individuals who were at fault.

The Academics

The High Priests and Priestesses of the Nanny State. These are the defenders of an ivory tower view of the world, they are convinced of their own superiority and have as their mantra “do as I say not as I do”. They do all in their power to destroy traditional values; they have a penchant to rewrite history so as to entrench their viewpoints. These are the people to whom “Climate Change” is a religion, criminality is the victims fault and government expenditure is automatically inviolate just because “we know best”

Yes, these are the people you will be supporting by voting for the left. The people who are opposed to any attempt to deal with issues of the moment by using logic, rather they are blinded by their ideology and use the politics of personal denigration and mud slinging to achieve their objectives, whilst at the same time setting limits on the rights of their opponents to publish any criticism.

Tizard being creative

2008-07-17T00:01:00.001+12:00

Associate Arts Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard says (in a media statement issued 16 July) “that it's utterly astonishing that the National Party's arts policy released today failed to have one original or creative idea”

Watching Brief finds it utterly astonishing that Judith Tizard believes that arts policy should consist of “original or creative ideas” when surely any arts policy should provide a platform for artists to have “original or creative ideas” or is the PM’s handbag suggesting that the Ministry for Arts Culture and Heritage change its role to directly employing all artists in order to ensure that the Ministry does have “original or creative ideas”

Does Winston have any wine boxes?

2008-07-16T09:40:00.004+12:00

Tim Murphy the editor of the NZ Herald stood by the Peters/Glenn story ( http://www.stuff.co.nz/4618383a6160.html) saying; "The issue here is simple: Owen Glenn says he donated to New Zealand First. Winston Peters has said, and continues to say, that Glenn didn't. The story, based on explicit emails, highlights that gap,"

Watching Brief is very concerned about the "gap' and suggests that the Serious Fraud Office need to commence an investigation, into what has happened to Mr. Glenn's donation? If it did not go to NZ First where did it go? The SFO could make a start by seizing all the wine boxes in Winston's possession or control.

Progressive food prices

2008-07-15T23:36:00.001+12:00

Rising food prices are a challenge for many struggling families and New Zealand needs to care about them, Agriculture Minister and Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton said in a press release dated 15 July. He went on to say higher food prices, caused by high global prices, are a two-way street for New Zealand.

Watching Brief would suggest that Mr. Anderton would be better employed caring for families by using his position in Cabinet to press for lower government spending thus allowing more substantial tax cuts for “challenged” New Zealand families rather than wasting his time and our money releasing vacuous press statements. Or is it that Mr. Anderton does not really care given he is on a one way street out of government later this year?

Bit of a botch up

2008-07-15T09:35:00.002+12:00

In a media release dated 14 July, Winston Peters says the Crown Agency handling the sale of the former Napier Hospital site has some serious questions to answer about why the deal was botched up.

Watching Brief understands that Mr. Owen Glenn has some serious questions for Winston Peters, one in particular being why the appointment process of Mr. Glenn becoming New Zealand's honorary consul general in Monaco was botched up.

Payouts are concerning

2008-07-14T22:09:00.005+12:00

According to the NZPA (http://www.stuff.co.nz/4617176a10.html) Trevor Mallard said yes he would be concerned if the process under way (in regard to the Veitch affair) ended with a pay out.

Watching Brief is concerned about the multiple payouts to ex Labour MP Dianne Yates. Or is it a case of the lady from the "food bowl" having her very own taxpayer funded "rice bowl"?

A moral crisis

2008-07-14T16:35:00.002+12:00

Miss Clark today said on Newstalk ZB that if senior TVNZ managers knew of the details of the Veitch affair, but failed to act, then there was a "moral crisis in the heart of the organisation,"

Watching Brief says if Miss Clark knew and or colluded with others to break the promise Labour made to the Electoral Commission before the last election, to include the pledge card spending in its cap, and then renege on that undertaking after taking office, then there was a "moral crisis in the heart of the organisation"