A bit puzzling that I have seen no support for the Government actions. Why not?

Interesting that apparently the Maori Party voted this through. Must ask one of the party, why?

Ominous. Arrogant Governance. Serious assault on the people of NZ. Nearly 9,000 visits to Andrew Geddis's post on Pundit.
And on the MSM? Nothing. (I think it got a mention on National Radio news on Saturday then silence.)
What to do about it.

Brilliant chewy data. Makes the news commentary a bit facile.

Thank goodness there is serious discussion/information here. Mai Chen is right but this Government seems able to just trash the existing laws and plow on regardless untouched by human hands.
I despise the line that "this Government publicised the plan before the election, they won so they have a mandate. Eat that!"

I have enjoyed the passion and ideas on the Standard but this time the recriminations cause me great sadness. For once I agree with John Armstrong. This time I think he is so right with the big picture:

"_Labour cannot afford to end up with what would be a hopelessly divided caucus. That is not a recipe for good government - or even good Opposition. It would poison Labour's chances of winning the 2014 election._"

It baffles me that so many Government MPs are not fronting up to candidates meetings nor for interviews. Especially since Mr Key is the National Party as shown by billboards and speeches, surely he would be pleased to front up and talk about his policies and long term plans? But apart from reading prepared statements he just doesn't front and neither do many of his Ministers. Surely it would be a good poll question to find out if the people believe that democracy is being bypassed by the PM.

Great post Derek. Actually on the right day it doesn't even matter if you don't catch anything. And you don't even need a boat. Just the rhythm and the stillness. Ah yes. Can't wait

Dr Lockwood's finest moment was as quizmaster on that TV quiz show. He got such a kick out of it, that his future as the master of Question time became his ultimate dream realised. All the other in-between stuff that you so loyally and truthfully relayed to us David, was nothing compared to his being in control of those rowdies in Parliament.
"Now to question number 6. For $10 the Right Honourable.......

I think that the bulk of kids just go with the flow and accept that the good and the bad stuff is normal. Sadly this often forms otherwise intelligent kids into mediocre performers. The really interesting kids are their own people and either live happily in their own world or rebel against the system. The system often attempts to "reform" these kids instead of celebrating them. Celebrations David!