Hard News: Anatomy of a Shambles
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It's as much a show of compliance and subservience to Warner Bros as anything else, isn't it? In the "hope" that the government will give them whatever they ask for.
Still find it extraordinary that our Prime Minister is meeting with the head of a studio, but c'est this particular guerre I guess.
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SHG,
Giovnni, Key is also the Minister of Tourism.
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It's as much a show of compliance and subservience to Warner Bros as anything else, isn't it? In the "hope" that the government will give them whatever they ask for.
I don't think that's right. So long as this is largely a commercial deal, the financials have to stack up and if the government can assist in such a way to help the development of a sustainable, competitive and rewarding industry in NZ, then it should (provided it doesn't require abrogating baseline employment rights).
Still find it extraordinary that our Prime Minister is meeting with the head of a studio, but c'est this particular guerre I guess.
I understand this sentiment, I'd possibly agree if it weren't for all the fuss of the last month.
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Didn't the previous government have a Ministerial position for the Lord of the Rings movies?
It's big business for any small nation. Taking the hype into account, it still seems plausible that this debacle could have an effect on a valuable industry beyond this particular $700m project. Hence the Minister of Economic Development's involvement.
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I'm not sure what it says about our sovereignty, that's all. Surely Key is not meeting with them in his capacity of Ministry of Tourism?!
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I'm not sure what it says about our sovereignty, that's all.
I don't think it pertains to our sovereignty particularly. Possibly all western liberal democratic governments engage in discussions over large foreign investments. If, on the other hand, we start to frame or amend laws with the sole intention of appeasing offshore interests... that's another matter.
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Being involved in negotiations is one thing. Clearing the Prime Minister's schedule when a CEO visits the country, another. Also in terms of the symbolism.
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Thanks to the way this situation has developed, I'd say our government will be trading off as much sovereignty as they're comfortable with. And Key is a very relaxed man.
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Employment academic not impressed.
An Otago University employment law specialist has criticised the Government's suggestion that law changes could be made to suit the producers of The Hobbit movies.
Professor Paul Roth said it was "business as usual" in terms of New Zealand lawmaking, showing what a Third World country New Zealand was. "If that's what the Government wants to do, it can do it."
It showed that rather than being a First World country, New Zealand was "teetering" on Third World status - prepared to "basically lie back and prostitute ourselves to get more employment into this country".
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Professor Roth said a law change specific to the film industry could set a precedent so that any time an industry looked likely to be damaged by overseas competition, similar action might be required....
Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee has suggested the Government might look at the law to clarify issues relating to the difference between an employee and a contractor.Professor Roth said there had been thousands of cases on this issue around the Commonwealth and the rest of the world. "It is probably the most considered issue in employment law."
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Clearing the Prime Minister's schedule when a CEO visits the country, another. Also in terms of the symbolism.
I sort of agree though in my politics, it's ok for the PM to be engaged in discussions that relate to industry development provided they're transparent and don't consider subverting democratic policy/rights.
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and don't consider subverting democratic policy/rights
From this lot? Hahahaha
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Finally caught the Q&A session from yesterday - transcript has links to video of a rather impassioned Holmes interviewing Helen Kelly and producer John Barnett, and to the panel anlaysis of it including Phil O'Reilly and Sue Bradford.
Some very different understandings of what is going on and what it means.
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Hahahaha
Yes and timing really does seem to be, yet again, appalling. I am saddened that these rallies (protests not) are on Labour Day, no matter what was intended. We actually know what will be perceived.
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Sue,
well from the photos coming in from wellington it doesn't look very anti union.
to be honest i really think loads of people just want the film made in nz.
I'd liken going to the LOTR film openings in wellington as the film equivalent of attending an all black game. -
well from the photos coming in from wellington it doesn't look very anti union.
That's great, I look forward to the TV news tonight reinforcing that view, although I wont hold me breath.
(I'd insert a wink here but major keyboard and computer probs has forced my hand to not, dammit, I can't even smile) -
surely you can copy and paste a smile there Sofie?
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surely you can copy and paste a smile there Sofie?
wha' y'mean go look for one? I even lost the ones 3410 sent me.
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:-)
:)
;-)..... look what I just got! -
Quality. i hear it's a nice day there. Have fun!
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Quality. i hear it's a nice day there. Have fun!
Having fun,
In the sun,
Beer in hand,
Life is grand, innit? :):) -
well from the photos coming in from wellington it doesn't look very anti union.
Nah. And the little one in Auckland didn't either. I was being a bit arch in making the point.
OTOH, I saw a Young Nats branch sending out invites on Facebook, and Kiwiblog was carrying ads for it ...
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Life is grand, innit? :):)
While the glass is half full 8D
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"About 40" supporters turned out in CHCH...
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Sue,
the big crowd was always going to be in wellington tho, it's where the films are based, and everyone is 1 degree of separation from peter jackson
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* excluding Peter Jackson
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