Regarding Upston's new disability strategy - it has some nasty hooks. Allocations will be based on the last two years spending - one of those years had severe restrictions on spending and a lot if people were not able to utilise any of their funding ... which means their future allocation will be impacted significantly. I get the impression the system is being manipulated by those with a hidden agenda.
That is exactly what I thought would happen. Don't ever make the mistake of thinking this lot won't ever make an announcement that hasn't got shark hooks.
Their agenda is not so hidden really - they just try to disguise it. But anyone who's been struggling without disability funding can see through the disguise to the heart of cold shrivelled poop.
By not attending Koroneihana and with the removal of te reo from new education curricula, as well as many other instances of anti Maori actions, FIGJAM and his coalition partners have shown such a disdain for our Te Tiriti obligations it is to be hoped that the next election sees the exit of their malevolent presence.
Hipkins ‘FIGJAM’ description of our esteemed PM looks like it is going to stick (like jam on blue shirt), might be the best blow for public awareness in the last two years.
There certainly is a lot to digest in today's newsletter.
While it's a good thing that māmā will not have to travel to Tauranga if their labour isn't as straightforward, it pisses me off no-end that he can't seem to understand that Whakatāne Hōhipera or pregnant māmā, should never have been put in that place in the first place.
As for Louise Upston and her announcement yesterday, this has really pissed me off.
I am disabled myself, I have Spina Bifida, and although I don't suffer to the extend that so many others, I still feel as though I'm qualified enough to speak on this matter.
As much as she thinks that these changes are appropriate and many in the disabled community are pleased with this announcement, I feel that it's still somewhat limiting to those who need extra supports.
To say that disabled people and their whānau get a budget based on their previous spending is quite honestly insulting.
Disabilities DON'T get better. Disabilities GET worse which means giving people a budget and saying once it's gone, it's gone is just plain wrong, and the most galling aspect of her announcement is that she stood by the changes made by Penny Simmonds. I mean WTAF is with that, and absolutely where is the apology or at least an admission that they fucked up.
And lastly, how good was it to see Dame Jacinda endorsing someone who she respects and admires to be the MP for Tamaki Makaurau.
Josephine: seems to be a bit of a pattern of National; cancel, or cut back, then add to it further down the line, boast about it and pat themselves on the back!!
The National Party has never considered disabled people as "people". I guess John Keys would have sanctioned them for making bad choices I recall Jim Bolger telling me that funding respite care for family members was out of the question. He said on radio "you've got to draw the line somewhere" and drawing the line on the least able of our society is the true ethos of National Party
Luxon's racism is on full display - he takes "male, pale and stale" to industrial degrees! .... given his obvious prejudice and how thick he truly is has no one in his blighted circle pointed out he is supposed to be the PM for ALL New Zealanders including her indigenous people not just the rich donors and narrow voting bloc he is courting desperately!
Good issues identified, as usual, today Nick. Whakatane Hospital lack of Gynie support, real evidence of BOPDHB being told not to replace staff when they resign. When specialists leave a Public Hospital they give at least 3 month notice, plenty of time for replacements to be employed you would think. Specialists often spread the word that a vacancy is going to be available through their own networks too. It was Public pressure that caused Government change of mind here, 18 months down the track, despite the spin.
The film is great too. Thoroughly recommend 'Prime Minister', and it's a great companion view to 'Ms. Information' about the hell Siouxsie Wiles also faced.
I can’t help but think the insinuations by Simeon and Louise that in their portfolios change for the better for disabled people and pregnant women is on the horizon are little more than scraps of bait aimed at Labour, to see if they will reveal some of their own policies on these and other issues, so the coalition can grab and claim as their own, leading up to the next election.
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time. This is a Government that is desperately trying to make up for lost ground. Coincidentally, I sent the letter below to the Herald a couple of days ago, not really believing it would be published.
It seems the media worms might, if not aggressively, (yet),be turning somewhat. I was very surprised to see it! If all this sounds a bit cynical, it’s because it’s unfortunately hard to think any other way at the moment.
Having watched Luxon, Seymour and Stanford deliver their latest attempt at luring overseas investors to spend their money in AotearoaNZ, one thing has become clear. This administration has simply failed to deliver on the promises made pre-election and are now desperately trying to think of ways to help themselves out of a crisis of their own making. This looks to me like the last straw to be grabbed at the last chance saloon. Our country is now for sale. The “Reset” didn’t work.
He's made a big deal about telling everyone he had a private hour and half private meeting with the Maori Queen that was very productive.....that's why he doesn't need to go to Koroneihana. Anyway being at Ikea is much much more important....and it was much much whiter.
Great read again Nick this govt. are a joke they must think people are pretty gullible to swallow some of this stuff. I was pleased to see Helen Clark & even John Key ( gob smacked actually) in China keeping up diplomacy as I think that's where our alliance should be at this time.
I find it interesting that Key, when he was PM, warned us about becoming tenants in our own country because of “foreign ownership” of our properties. After he left the role he decided we had nothing to fear from China. I’ve never trusted him and never will.
I believe that Helen Clark would be working hard to establish cordial engagement between China and AotearoaNZ for overall benefit, not just for herself.
Excellent analysis. Thank god I am not the only one who saw Whakatane birthing, disability budgets and councils combining for water infrastructure as a sign that the government is getting the message that they are mucking up
I’m too cynical to believe the government is getting the message they are messing up, seems more like a ploy. A little bit of empty mea culpa to lull people into thinking the government has listened leading up to the election in the hope of getting back in, whereupon they will redouble their efforts to sell off the country and introduce even greater spending cuts and austerity.
Labour and the Greens at Turangawaewae this morning; the difference could not be greater with the coalition:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C6CSXVEMJ/
Regarding Upston's new disability strategy - it has some nasty hooks. Allocations will be based on the last two years spending - one of those years had severe restrictions on spending and a lot if people were not able to utilise any of their funding ... which means their future allocation will be impacted significantly. I get the impression the system is being manipulated by those with a hidden agenda.
I'm looking forward to Dr Bex's analysis
That is exactly what I thought would happen. Don't ever make the mistake of thinking this lot won't ever make an announcement that hasn't got shark hooks.
Their agenda is not so hidden really - they just try to disguise it. But anyone who's been struggling without disability funding can see through the disguise to the heart of cold shrivelled poop.
By not attending Koroneihana and with the removal of te reo from new education curricula, as well as many other instances of anti Maori actions, FIGJAM and his coalition partners have shown such a disdain for our Te Tiriti obligations it is to be hoped that the next election sees the exit of their malevolent presence.
Hipkins ‘FIGJAM’ description of our esteemed PM looks like it is going to stick (like jam on blue shirt), might be the best blow for public awareness in the last two years.
Āta mārie Nick and all Nick's Kōrero readers.
There certainly is a lot to digest in today's newsletter.
While it's a good thing that māmā will not have to travel to Tauranga if their labour isn't as straightforward, it pisses me off no-end that he can't seem to understand that Whakatāne Hōhipera or pregnant māmā, should never have been put in that place in the first place.
As for Louise Upston and her announcement yesterday, this has really pissed me off.
I am disabled myself, I have Spina Bifida, and although I don't suffer to the extend that so many others, I still feel as though I'm qualified enough to speak on this matter.
As much as she thinks that these changes are appropriate and many in the disabled community are pleased with this announcement, I feel that it's still somewhat limiting to those who need extra supports.
To say that disabled people and their whānau get a budget based on their previous spending is quite honestly insulting.
Disabilities DON'T get better. Disabilities GET worse which means giving people a budget and saying once it's gone, it's gone is just plain wrong, and the most galling aspect of her announcement is that she stood by the changes made by Penny Simmonds. I mean WTAF is with that, and absolutely where is the apology or at least an admission that they fucked up.
And lastly, how good was it to see Dame Jacinda endorsing someone who she respects and admires to be the MP for Tamaki Makaurau.
I think I've said enough now.
Kia pai te rā ehoa. Enjoy your day.
Josephine: seems to be a bit of a pattern of National; cancel, or cut back, then add to it further down the line, boast about it and pat themselves on the back!!
good Nick as always you speak for us.
The National Party has never considered disabled people as "people". I guess John Keys would have sanctioned them for making bad choices I recall Jim Bolger telling me that funding respite care for family members was out of the question. He said on radio "you've got to draw the line somewhere" and drawing the line on the least able of our society is the true ethos of National Party
Lovely to see Jacinda in that supportive role with Pene!L lessons can be learned!!
Luxon's racism is on full display - he takes "male, pale and stale" to industrial degrees! .... given his obvious prejudice and how thick he truly is has no one in his blighted circle pointed out he is supposed to be the PM for ALL New Zealanders including her indigenous people not just the rich donors and narrow voting bloc he is courting desperately!
Good issues identified, as usual, today Nick. Whakatane Hospital lack of Gynie support, real evidence of BOPDHB being told not to replace staff when they resign. When specialists leave a Public Hospital they give at least 3 month notice, plenty of time for replacements to be employed you would think. Specialists often spread the word that a vacancy is going to be available through their own networks too. It was Public pressure that caused Government change of mind here, 18 months down the track, despite the spin.
I've just finished reading Jacinda Ardern's book. A truly great leader. Makes this lot look shallow and crooked.
Thing is Jane, they ARE shallow and crooked
A fry of mine has just read the book she thought it was amazing.
Fry really I mean friend I need coffee.
The film is great too. Thoroughly recommend 'Prime Minister', and it's a great companion view to 'Ms. Information' about the hell Siouxsie Wiles also faced.
The linked pages have trailers for both:
https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/prime-minister-2025
https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/ms-information-2023
Thanks Robin.
For the comment author there's a Edit option off the three dots ... on the right of the comment. I'm a frequent user, irrespective of caffeine levels!
😂🤣😂 thanks
Great post Nick.
Don’t we all!
Absolutely 😁
I can’t help but think the insinuations by Simeon and Louise that in their portfolios change for the better for disabled people and pregnant women is on the horizon are little more than scraps of bait aimed at Labour, to see if they will reveal some of their own policies on these and other issues, so the coalition can grab and claim as their own, leading up to the next election.
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time. This is a Government that is desperately trying to make up for lost ground. Coincidentally, I sent the letter below to the Herald a couple of days ago, not really believing it would be published.
It seems the media worms might, if not aggressively, (yet),be turning somewhat. I was very surprised to see it! If all this sounds a bit cynical, it’s because it’s unfortunately hard to think any other way at the moment.
Having watched Luxon, Seymour and Stanford deliver their latest attempt at luring overseas investors to spend their money in AotearoaNZ, one thing has become clear. This administration has simply failed to deliver on the promises made pre-election and are now desperately trying to think of ways to help themselves out of a crisis of their own making. This looks to me like the last straw to be grabbed at the last chance saloon. Our country is now for sale. The “Reset” didn’t work.
FIGJAM went to IKEA instead of going to te Koroneihana. I'm disgusted with him. What a poor excuse for the leader of our country.
He's made a big deal about telling everyone he had a private hour and half private meeting with the Maori Queen that was very productive.....that's why he doesn't need to go to Koroneihana. Anyway being at Ikea is much much more important....and it was much much whiter.
Sadly, yesterday, Nick, you have one less keen follower, with the sudden death of Substack's Starting From Scratch writer, Anna Mahoney RIP.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that—much love to those who knew Anna. Thank you for letting us know.
Great read again Nick this govt. are a joke they must think people are pretty gullible to swallow some of this stuff. I was pleased to see Helen Clark & even John Key ( gob smacked actually) in China keeping up diplomacy as I think that's where our alliance should be at this time.
I would suggest that Helen was there as a diplomatic gesture, Key was probably there “on business”
Probably I know they were both invited.
I find it interesting that Key, when he was PM, warned us about becoming tenants in our own country because of “foreign ownership” of our properties. After he left the role he decided we had nothing to fear from China. I’ve never trusted him and never will.
I believe that Helen Clark would be working hard to establish cordial engagement between China and AotearoaNZ for overall benefit, not just for herself.
How awesome to see and hear Jacinda.
Excellent analysis. Thank god I am not the only one who saw Whakatane birthing, disability budgets and councils combining for water infrastructure as a sign that the government is getting the message that they are mucking up
I’m too cynical to believe the government is getting the message they are messing up, seems more like a ploy. A little bit of empty mea culpa to lull people into thinking the government has listened leading up to the election in the hope of getting back in, whereupon they will redouble their efforts to sell off the country and introduce even greater spending cuts and austerity.
Agree 💯