Hey everyone, I hadn't intended to open this up, but some paid subscribers are experiencing issues, so I'm going to remove the paywall. I hope folks don't mind.
Music is my refuge. I'll be hiding there for a day or two to let other people's words speak for and to me.
I found today I do not have a bad enough expletive to describe this government. Brooke Van Veldens is not explosive enough to even. May the fleas of a thousand camels infect their rancid armpits.
👏 Thanks for reminding me of my favourite saying from years ago 👏 Someone I knew parked their car in a space reserved for disability drivers/passengers & came back to find a note under the wipers "May the fleas of a 1000 camels infest your armpits" & I nearly died laughing at the passive aggressive takedown of someone's inconsiderate behaviour 😁
Despicable! Women, children and young people hammered again. Guess who some of the young people on jobseeker are - the kids in families with parents in low paid jobs, who are already struggling, AND young people, from already wealthy families, whose parents hide their true income in trusts so they can claim any 'low income' govt support available. Grumpy Old Tart
I went to protest at Parliament today, along with thousands of others. There was lots of chat between the group of women I stood with, all of them strangers at first. We were nurses, caregivers, teacher aides, a library assistant and a carer for disabled people. Some retired, some still working. There was great solidarity and kindness in that group.
On the news tonight I saw Willis smirk her way through the budget, finish reading and then fall into Luxon’s arms for a nice cuddle. Not a single fuck given.
I agree that Chris Hipkins is intelligent, articulate, authentic... everything our ovoid PM is not. But Labour need to REALLY read the room and offer an alternative to the neoliberal death cult that politics has been since 1984. They are just Nat Lite as things stand, as evidenced by Barbara Edmonds' commitment to the arbitrary 50% debt/GDP ratio. What I'm hoping is that this was a recognition that borrowing is not the only source of funds for the things that matter. A sensible and equitable tax base would mean we don't need to borrow heavily.
I was shocked by Maiki Sherman's arse kissing of Willis at the end of 1News' coverage - not really what I expected from a reporter of her experience. Perhaps lining up her next gig in PR.
Overall, a shuffling of the deck chairs on the Titanic budget - and a funding boost for private schools, just to put the boot into all us Bottom Feeders.
Oh, I'm aware of her bias - I just wasn't prepared for the bare faced arse kissing. Ordinarily, you'd expect that from a fellow caucas member, or a PR hack, but not from a senior Political Reporter. She must have opened a fresh can of superlatives to describe Willis' "performance" (budget reading as a performance art piece) and the budget itself. Not an ounce of objectivity was harmed in her report, and the little inconvenience of the Pay Equity thingy was just brushed away.
This is correct, I did understand you, I was just responding in kind in a clunky way. She’s the Audrey Young of tv with a much wider audience and greater responsibility to do a better job.
I really can't understand how they can stand and blatantly say 'we used the pay equity money'. That just says to these women you really, really dont matter. Those who care for mothers giving birth, and care for those dying and care for those with disabilities, teach the children and many other women in other roles.
Willis and Luxon look like they're going to a wedding. Weird. Well I guess they paid their sponsors. Willis's dad in the oil industry, private schools and new uses for farmers.
It sounds like you had a wonderful morning before what would turn out to be a really ugly afternoon, listening to the carnage set down by our unqualified Finance Minister, Nicola Willis.
I will admit to not understanding everything that was announced this afternoon, but what I did understand was how absolutely cruel this budget is.
While watching Nicola Willis speak iin Parliament was excrutiating.
The absolute arrogance of our incompetent so-called Finance Minister was mind-blowing.
Her lack of any care and decency was clear to see, and by gosh, my language was not particularly polite.
Thank you for posting Chippy's speech. I will go and watch that, but you are right. People won't forget what Nicola Willis has done to low-paid women so she can save her arse.
Operatunity knocks indeed - great title! It was an enjoyable day out - lovely that you could come. And thanks for your well-considered Budget comments.
You said it so well Nick. I'm so disgusted at what these pricks think they can get away with. It will not go away. All my friends and work colleagues feel the same and it's a nail in the coffin for LuxCon and his NASTY cohorts!
I noticed Willis said in her speech today that women affected by the changes in pay equity will still have the opportunity to negotiate for better wages in their collective bargaining. PPTA and NZEI are about to start the collective bargaining process. Let’s see just how open to fair pay this government will be, especially as secondary school teachers are now shut out of pay equity negotiations. I’m not holding my breath so I hope the unions give them heaps.
In opera news, I absolutely love opera but have never had the opportunity to see Operatunity. They sound fabulous and the chance for a singalong sounds even better. But I have forked out for one of those expensive Auckland tickets to see La Boheme next week. Very excited! And it will bring far more joy than this budget!
How come no one has mentioned that private schools get more? This sickens me. National does this every time it gets in. If you can’t afford to pay for private go to any or all of the damn good state schools. They come up with the same fatuous argument every time. The education system is desperate for support and those arseholes give it to private schools.
Thanks for Chippy. Thanks Nick. Everyone needs to do some soul refreshing and mind calming activities. Then start writing to your team of choice. Offer Billboard space for the election. Go to your local group, connect, as one writer said, go where you connect with like minded people who can build the future. If you can donate a small amount each pay, do. (We are selling excess stuff.) Always remember most of these smug people are riding for a fall. Let us make that happen.
Hey everyone, I hadn't intended to open this up, but some paid subscribers are experiencing issues, so I'm going to remove the paywall. I hope folks don't mind.
Yup, you're all good Mate.
Reading your articles is cathartic for me. I want others to have that benifit too. 😊
I have no problem with you opening this up Nick - the more people who read it, the better.
Music is my refuge. I'll be hiding there for a day or two to let other people's words speak for and to me.
I found today I do not have a bad enough expletive to describe this government. Brooke Van Veldens is not explosive enough to even. May the fleas of a thousand camels infect their rancid armpits.
Reading back, that was a little garbled, I was that flipping angry.
I feel the same about what I wrote, it was a bit of a vent, but one that is warranted.
I do like your final sentence, though! Nothing quite like a good curse.
Perfect curse!
👏 Thanks for reminding me of my favourite saying from years ago 👏 Someone I knew parked their car in a space reserved for disability drivers/passengers & came back to find a note under the wipers "May the fleas of a 1000 camels infest your armpits" & I nearly died laughing at the passive aggressive takedown of someone's inconsiderate behaviour 😁
Originally used in modern times by Johnny Carson, I believe, but I remember it from M*A*S*H, a Klinger quote. It was a favourite of my dad's.
I think you could safely use Erica Stanfords bite (NZs school portfolio expert elevated
grammar 😏:
‘ stupid bitch’
toward witless Willis - I have more under wraps for loser Luxon!
Brilliant description Sian! smiley face.
Despicable! Women, children and young people hammered again. Guess who some of the young people on jobseeker are - the kids in families with parents in low paid jobs, who are already struggling, AND young people, from already wealthy families, whose parents hide their true income in trusts so they can claim any 'low income' govt support available. Grumpy Old Tart
I went to protest at Parliament today, along with thousands of others. There was lots of chat between the group of women I stood with, all of them strangers at first. We were nurses, caregivers, teacher aides, a library assistant and a carer for disabled people. Some retired, some still working. There was great solidarity and kindness in that group.
On the news tonight I saw Willis smirk her way through the budget, finish reading and then fall into Luxon’s arms for a nice cuddle. Not a single fuck given.
I know which group I prefer.
Its almost as if she is gleeful at people’s suffering.
I agree that Chris Hipkins is intelligent, articulate, authentic... everything our ovoid PM is not. But Labour need to REALLY read the room and offer an alternative to the neoliberal death cult that politics has been since 1984. They are just Nat Lite as things stand, as evidenced by Barbara Edmonds' commitment to the arbitrary 50% debt/GDP ratio. What I'm hoping is that this was a recognition that borrowing is not the only source of funds for the things that matter. A sensible and equitable tax base would mean we don't need to borrow heavily.
Absolutely agree John.
Talking to the gym guy - most of his clients voted national when the govt was first elected. A hard core national town.
Last weekend the gym guy says that he'd be surprised if national gets in next year because those hard core supporters have had enough.
Fingers crossed 🤞
I was shocked by Maiki Sherman's arse kissing of Willis at the end of 1News' coverage - not really what I expected from a reporter of her experience. Perhaps lining up her next gig in PR.
Overall, a shuffling of the deck chairs on the Titanic budget - and a funding boost for private schools, just to put the boot into all us Bottom Feeders.
Why are you shocked by Maiki’s bias? She is consistent in this respect and if her segment was a drinking game you’d be off your face in no time.
Oh, I'm aware of her bias - I just wasn't prepared for the bare faced arse kissing. Ordinarily, you'd expect that from a fellow caucas member, or a PR hack, but not from a senior Political Reporter. She must have opened a fresh can of superlatives to describe Willis' "performance" (budget reading as a performance art piece) and the budget itself. Not an ounce of objectivity was harmed in her report, and the little inconvenience of the Pay Equity thingy was just brushed away.
This is correct, I did understand you, I was just responding in kind in a clunky way. She’s the Audrey Young of tv with a much wider audience and greater responsibility to do a better job.
Sherman is alright wing apologist, can't bear to listen to her
I really can't understand how they can stand and blatantly say 'we used the pay equity money'. That just says to these women you really, really dont matter. Those who care for mothers giving birth, and care for those dying and care for those with disabilities, teach the children and many other women in other roles.
Willis and Luxon look like they're going to a wedding. Weird. Well I guess they paid their sponsors. Willis's dad in the oil industry, private schools and new uses for farmers.
They'll learn eventually.
Kia ora Nick.
It sounds like you had a wonderful morning before what would turn out to be a really ugly afternoon, listening to the carnage set down by our unqualified Finance Minister, Nicola Willis.
I will admit to not understanding everything that was announced this afternoon, but what I did understand was how absolutely cruel this budget is.
While watching Nicola Willis speak iin Parliament was excrutiating.
The absolute arrogance of our incompetent so-called Finance Minister was mind-blowing.
Her lack of any care and decency was clear to see, and by gosh, my language was not particularly polite.
Thank you for posting Chippy's speech. I will go and watch that, but you are right. People won't forget what Nicola Willis has done to low-paid women so she can save her arse.
Operatunity knocks indeed - great title! It was an enjoyable day out - lovely that you could come. And thanks for your well-considered Budget comments.
You said it so well Nick. I'm so disgusted at what these pricks think they can get away with. It will not go away. All my friends and work colleagues feel the same and it's a nail in the coffin for LuxCon and his NASTY cohorts!
I noticed Willis said in her speech today that women affected by the changes in pay equity will still have the opportunity to negotiate for better wages in their collective bargaining. PPTA and NZEI are about to start the collective bargaining process. Let’s see just how open to fair pay this government will be, especially as secondary school teachers are now shut out of pay equity negotiations. I’m not holding my breath so I hope the unions give them heaps.
In opera news, I absolutely love opera but have never had the opportunity to see Operatunity. They sound fabulous and the chance for a singalong sounds even better. But I have forked out for one of those expensive Auckland tickets to see La Boheme next week. Very excited! And it will bring far more joy than this budget!
How come no one has mentioned that private schools get more? This sickens me. National does this every time it gets in. If you can’t afford to pay for private go to any or all of the damn good state schools. They come up with the same fatuous argument every time. The education system is desperate for support and those arseholes give it to private schools.
I really only have one thing to say and that is Fudge The Bucket. All the other commenters have adequately covered the topic. Thanks team.
My mum got great joy out of Operatunity in the last years of her life
I hope the performers are paid what they are worth!
Thanks for Chippy. Thanks Nick. Everyone needs to do some soul refreshing and mind calming activities. Then start writing to your team of choice. Offer Billboard space for the election. Go to your local group, connect, as one writer said, go where you connect with like minded people who can build the future. If you can donate a small amount each pay, do. (We are selling excess stuff.) Always remember most of these smug people are riding for a fall. Let us make that happen.