Posts by simon g
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What a docile bunch we are.
Imagine these stories: "Mayor of London / New York works hand-in-glove with a blog from the depths of the sewer." Imagine the response.
But, hey, it's Auckland, it's just good old Banksie. And it's a long weekend. We're having a nap.
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And how history may judge her, two words
Winston Peters
That's like saying history judges FDR in one word: Yalta.
There are several pretty big volumes of history to read before you get to that chapter. History may be written by the winners, but it certainly shouldn't be written by the amnesiacs.
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He was speaking as Minister of Maori Affairs when he attacked the government's decision on the Auckland council seats. He said so.
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Why is Pita Sharples still the Minister for Maori Affairs? Or maybe, why did he take the job in the first place?
As I understand it, Ministers are responsible for their portfolios. All the "agree to disagree" stuff is about issues outside their portfolios. The Minister for Maori Affairs must speak for the government on Maori Affairs. (I think Dean Knight was essentially saying this on Checkpoint tonight, though I was distracted by domestic matters at the time, and only half-listening).
Winston Peters opposed the China FTA in Labour's third term, and his excuse was that his portfolio was Foreign Affairs, not Trade. It was scarcely credible, and mnay commentators said so. Some called for his resignation - not least our friends on the blogs. And they had a point. But the issue blew over, because the public disagreement was specific to that trade agreement, and so it died once the FTA was passed.
But Maori Affairs is harder to fence off. It's ongoing. So Pita Sharples is going to be a Minister for Maori Affairs who continues to criticise the government he is a member of, for their policies in Maori Affiars. And the Auckland seats conflict isn't going away - far from it.
Can anyone explain how he doesn't have to resign, especially if he backs up his rhetoric when he votes on the issue in Parliament?
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Yes, the pendulum swings. And the block voting system makes it swing further.
There is the amusing prospect of an election in 18 months' time, or even the time after that, in a very different political climate, producing a council with minority support on a minority turnout, spearheaded by the angry and dispossessed of South and West Auckland. Thus was born the People's Republic of Tamaki Makaurau, with a CBD featuring Castro Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. "An affront to democracy" thunders the Herald, before being closed down (new local by-law).
Eliminate checks and balances, and "strong leadership" can blow up in your face.
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Minister slams government:
“Without distinctive Maori councillors and mana whenua positions, as the Royal Commission recommended, Maori will almost have no chance of being elected to the board. Representation at-large will cater for the corporate few, while tangata whenua and grass-roots have been marginalised and relegated to the community level.
...“The point of consultation is to take notice of the viewpoints you hear. Before the government sets aside the Royal Commission’s recommendations, it really must inform itself by listening to the people,” said Dr Sharples.
“These announcements are not in the best interestes of Maori and I will be organising a consultation hui for Maori to discuss the best ways we can respond,” said Dr Sharples.
(press release)
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The Supa City decision in full:
1. We don't need any further consultation, because the Royal Commission has already done that.
2. We're ignoring those Royal Commission recommendations we don't like.
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Re- rates, cycleways, three strikes, seabeds and pretty much everything else.
John Key's mentor is that popular Inuit philosopher, Havalookat.
"So, Prime Minister, David Garrett has proposed waterboarding for jaywalkers."
"Yeah, we'll have a look at that ..."
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Step away from the twitter, sir. Put it down now.
The death toll in the Victorian bushfires has today been revised from 210 to 173. You see, it's worth waiting a month for the news. Who needs more misery, faster, falser?
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Stacey campaigned for
Helen. Quit. After three years
A stunning comeback.