Yes, this lot cause constant heartache. Keep trucking Nick. We need you. There is so little funding by this so called Government, that the system is grinding to a halt. Businesses are falling over, Departments overwhelmed and misery is rife with winter beginning. Thank you Jacinda Ardern for the "Winter Warmth Payment " which runs from 1 May through to 1 October. This is the difference between penury and survival for many. There are wonderful people out there who are helping each other for as little money as they can manage, and even doing free stuff. Some are paying it forward to give others hope. We have had our hedge cut by a lovely person who realised it was beyond Norman at present. Another who provides us beautiful dry wood for the really cold winter weather here in Rotorua when 7 deg needs more than a heat pump,, gave us a 50kg 'extra ' bag for our years of support. We are having single friends come to dinner regularly, and we and friends meet and have lunch once a fortnight at one or other cafe's, trying to support our tourist town workers on a Monday or off week Tuesday. The reporters telling of individual hardship, systems failing has begun. I think we have some really good voices out there. Thank you Nick for all you do. It is hard when the misery of their meanness is compounded by the loss of friend or family, it makes the landscape appear bleak. We need to be the light as well as the protest. It does the heart good to help someone, and brightens the day when people shine their light as well. People are good and do usually come down on the side of good not evil, as crowd sense prevails. Kia kaha arohanui .
Yes Patricia. And can I add, Nick we need you and your ilk to keep doing what you are doing. You are crucial to maintaining our democracy. The message must go out. And you do it so well. So people if you can please become paying subscribers so Nick can afford to continue doing what he is doing. Full disclosure: I don't know Nick and have never met him.
Well stated Nick. I, too, read the report on ACTs MP Andrew Hoggards in his role as a Minister of Food Safety. Improving the health of Infants by introducing a higher standard of produce should be paramount yet this recommendation was declined. I find that abhorrent.
Ngā mihi Nick, despondency shared is easier to bear. Like you i am mortified that half of our voters (sort of) support what’s going on and to turn them around will take a shift of epic proportions, starting with ‘it’s not always about me’. Kia kaha!
True, Keith, to shift a Tory will take a DNA transplant. I think we need to start harvesting the non voters, each of us persuading a non voter to vote would be a much more profitable exercise. What about we practice this at the local body elections.
You are a voice of sanity and caring in this really tough time in humanity. Like you I'm appalled that more people aren't horrified by this 3 headed monster govt and would probably vote for them again tomorrow. But I'll keep having faith, especially knowing what a community there is here, that you have built for us; to read, to feel like we are not alone, and to have hope that we'll get it right... I hope your subscriptions pick up soon!
I have days when I hit the wall on how to respond to Coc actions. I'm not surprised that you who has to engage with their rubbish far more than I do has moments of despair. . Kia kaha Nick. Thank you for your service.
I think the worst thing this government has done is create an environment or 'framing' of all of their actions so that they seem reasonable to many people.
They perpetrate racism, and the destruction of publc health, education, housing & worker safety as if they are reasonable thoughts and actions.
I deplore almost everything they have done. However not protecting babies has got to be high on the list of deplorable actions.
Thanks again Nick. Sorry to add to the collective misery but can I please add to the list what's happening to workers, those losing their jobs, those expected to work on poverty wages, the ditching of Living Wage in government procurement for cleaners, catering and security workers, the ditching of FPAs, the return of 90 day trials and now Brooke van Velden's moves on health and safety. I met the families immediately after the Pike River tragedy, watched John Key, Wilkinson and Peter Whittle up on the stage in Greymouth shedding fake tears, while the workers and families were down on the concourse - and the resignation of the Minister after an inquiry. That led to the Health & Safety at Work Act Brooke now seeks to minimise. I frequently met with Forestry Workers families whose loved ones were lost and who mourn to this day, constantly badgered Simon Bridges about the ACOPs in high risk industries, which have been changed by Brooke where they can set their own now - the St Cuths girl who was still at this elite girls school when Pike River exploded. All the stupid stuff about handrails and hotwater taps. I don't know. I think we just pick up our heads and keep fighting. We have to.
I would add the delay in redress payouts to those abused in state care and the appalling waste of resources being poured into the boot camp currently failing these young people. If indeed their offending would cop a ten year sentence, they should be held in detention, end of.
I'm battle weary also..... even if it is simply an emotional battle this point. And now the dumbest arsehole ever to be given power is taking the world's economy and the super I have been stashing money into, compulsory I might add, in the hopes that one day I can afford to retire is likely dead in the water. Yay to that not. I understand now why the French revolution happened.
You should see three dots to the bottom right of your comment which you can click to edit. Might be different depending on how you're reading, but no matter. The stupidest part of this is that it will hit Americans harder than anyone else.
Thank you Nick for spelling out the terrible harm this Govt has done in only half a term. The list of actions you showed us tells the whole story of why we your readers feel so despondent of where we as a country now find ourselves. As an octogenarian I can truly say that it is not rose tinted glasses that make the past seem such a more caring place for a great many more than is currently the case.
Thank you so much for all of your mahi. Sonedays I don't have enough emotional energy to read anything. But most days I read what you say 💜
I know that the constant shitstorm is meant to wear us down and it is so effective. Having the caring community that you have created is a big ole umbrella so thank you for all you do
Right on Mr Nick!!! The system is well and obviously broken! We can no longer continue with partisan politics - Nats or Labour - or any other colour is no longer "fit for purpose". We cannot continue with a one-size fit for all - the world is not like that - people are not like that - nothing is like that! All partisan politics achieves is aggressive abusive disruption plus "spin" misinformation and blatant propaganda as demonstrated by Nicola Willis "money tree" comment, she is either stupid OR is deliberately misleading the voters. Governments make all the money, cash, coin or digital - they print the money as cash or create Bond issues, government make all money in circulation in Aotearoa (or the dutch name if preferred) - govt are the money tree! Out future - for us and the world must be partisan politics OUT - Cooperative Politics IN.
Mōrena Nick......I'm not surprised you hit the wall...as I've said before, you are doing the heavy lifting for many of us and wade through the mire daily so we can be informed, cheered, and feel part of something: a community of like-minded people who daily don't have to feel as alone because of your Kōrero. It's also a great reminder do try and do something nice, and positive every day, either for myself or someone else (or both would be even better)..as Patricia says, this all adds to the collective positivity that we desperately need right now. We will all do what we can, when we can. And I know you are also thinking about and feeling for your dear friend. Kia kaha Nick. I hope good things happen for you today.
Yes, this lot cause constant heartache. Keep trucking Nick. We need you. There is so little funding by this so called Government, that the system is grinding to a halt. Businesses are falling over, Departments overwhelmed and misery is rife with winter beginning. Thank you Jacinda Ardern for the "Winter Warmth Payment " which runs from 1 May through to 1 October. This is the difference between penury and survival for many. There are wonderful people out there who are helping each other for as little money as they can manage, and even doing free stuff. Some are paying it forward to give others hope. We have had our hedge cut by a lovely person who realised it was beyond Norman at present. Another who provides us beautiful dry wood for the really cold winter weather here in Rotorua when 7 deg needs more than a heat pump,, gave us a 50kg 'extra ' bag for our years of support. We are having single friends come to dinner regularly, and we and friends meet and have lunch once a fortnight at one or other cafe's, trying to support our tourist town workers on a Monday or off week Tuesday. The reporters telling of individual hardship, systems failing has begun. I think we have some really good voices out there. Thank you Nick for all you do. It is hard when the misery of their meanness is compounded by the loss of friend or family, it makes the landscape appear bleak. We need to be the light as well as the protest. It does the heart good to help someone, and brightens the day when people shine their light as well. People are good and do usually come down on the side of good not evil, as crowd sense prevails. Kia kaha arohanui .
Yes Patricia. And can I add, Nick we need you and your ilk to keep doing what you are doing. You are crucial to maintaining our democracy. The message must go out. And you do it so well. So people if you can please become paying subscribers so Nick can afford to continue doing what he is doing. Full disclosure: I don't know Nick and have never met him.
Alfred he is genuine and thanks for supporting. We form a community, somewhere for the hopeful kind and concerned to go. The pendulum will swing back.
Love this Patricia..especially: "the misery of their meanness". Quote of the day! I hope you and Norman have a lovely day x
Well stated Nick. I, too, read the report on ACTs MP Andrew Hoggards in his role as a Minister of Food Safety. Improving the health of Infants by introducing a higher standard of produce should be paramount yet this recommendation was declined. I find that abhorrent.
This and other bad choices will lose them National women!!
And men Patricia, I can assure you of that👍
Ngā mihi Nick, despondency shared is easier to bear. Like you i am mortified that half of our voters (sort of) support what’s going on and to turn them around will take a shift of epic proportions, starting with ‘it’s not always about me’. Kia kaha!
True, Keith, to shift a Tory will take a DNA transplant. I think we need to start harvesting the non voters, each of us persuading a non voter to vote would be a much more profitable exercise. What about we practice this at the local body elections.
You are a voice of sanity and caring in this really tough time in humanity. Like you I'm appalled that more people aren't horrified by this 3 headed monster govt and would probably vote for them again tomorrow. But I'll keep having faith, especially knowing what a community there is here, that you have built for us; to read, to feel like we are not alone, and to have hope that we'll get it right... I hope your subscriptions pick up soon!
Kia ora Nick,
I have days when I hit the wall on how to respond to Coc actions. I'm not surprised that you who has to engage with their rubbish far more than I do has moments of despair. . Kia kaha Nick. Thank you for your service.
I think the worst thing this government has done is create an environment or 'framing' of all of their actions so that they seem reasonable to many people.
They perpetrate racism, and the destruction of publc health, education, housing & worker safety as if they are reasonable thoughts and actions.
I deplore almost everything they have done. However not protecting babies has got to be high on the list of deplorable actions.
Take care
Absolutely agree.
Thank you, Nick. We all need a mental health day once in a while.
Yeah, we do, especially with this lot. Appreciate it. 🙂
And now the attack begins on women’s freedom of choice in health care.
In the words of Bowie (courtesy of Gervais) the problem is:
"Little fat man who sold his soul
Little fat man who sold his dream.. He sold his soul for a shot at fame,
Catchphrase and wigs and the jokes are lame,
He's got no style, he's got no grace,
He's banal and facile, he's a fat waste of space"
Thanks again Nick. Sorry to add to the collective misery but can I please add to the list what's happening to workers, those losing their jobs, those expected to work on poverty wages, the ditching of Living Wage in government procurement for cleaners, catering and security workers, the ditching of FPAs, the return of 90 day trials and now Brooke van Velden's moves on health and safety. I met the families immediately after the Pike River tragedy, watched John Key, Wilkinson and Peter Whittle up on the stage in Greymouth shedding fake tears, while the workers and families were down on the concourse - and the resignation of the Minister after an inquiry. That led to the Health & Safety at Work Act Brooke now seeks to minimise. I frequently met with Forestry Workers families whose loved ones were lost and who mourn to this day, constantly badgered Simon Bridges about the ACOPs in high risk industries, which have been changed by Brooke where they can set their own now - the St Cuths girl who was still at this elite girls school when Pike River exploded. All the stupid stuff about handrails and hotwater taps. I don't know. I think we just pick up our heads and keep fighting. We have to.
I would add the delay in redress payouts to those abused in state care and the appalling waste of resources being poured into the boot camp currently failing these young people. If indeed their offending would cop a ten year sentence, they should be held in detention, end of.
Yes. It is shameful.
I'm battle weary also..... even if it is simply an emotional battle this point. And now the dumbest arsehole ever to be given power is taking the world's economy and the super I have been stashing money into, compulsory I might add, in the hopes that one day I can afford to retire is likely dead in the water. Yay to that not. I understand now why the French revolution happened.
Tanking, not taking......apologies,no edit option.
You should see three dots to the bottom right of your comment which you can click to edit. Might be different depending on how you're reading, but no matter. The stupidest part of this is that it will hit Americans harder than anyone else.
I think that’s what needs to happen in order for them to actually understand.
Do you follow “God’s” Substack? It gives me hope, and often cheers me up.
And it’s definitely NOT a Christian Substack.
I wish that made me feel better, but it doesn't.....😥 PS the 3 dots give be a share,hide or delete option.... no edit option for me. 🤔
Thank you Nick for spelling out the terrible harm this Govt has done in only half a term. The list of actions you showed us tells the whole story of why we your readers feel so despondent of where we as a country now find ourselves. As an octogenarian I can truly say that it is not rose tinted glasses that make the past seem such a more caring place for a great many more than is currently the case.
Big ups to you Nick.
Not to proud to show vulnerability and keeping it real.
If only somebody from this coalition could exhibit similar values we might hit the wall less often.
Kia kaha, this too, will pass.
PS: to all you who respect this man and his writing for free..... come on.... eighty bucks for each year....half a tank of gas!
Thank Jim, really appreciate it. 🙂
Thank you so much for all of your mahi. Sonedays I don't have enough emotional energy to read anything. But most days I read what you say 💜
I know that the constant shitstorm is meant to wear us down and it is so effective. Having the caring community that you have created is a big ole umbrella so thank you for all you do
Right on Mr Nick!!! The system is well and obviously broken! We can no longer continue with partisan politics - Nats or Labour - or any other colour is no longer "fit for purpose". We cannot continue with a one-size fit for all - the world is not like that - people are not like that - nothing is like that! All partisan politics achieves is aggressive abusive disruption plus "spin" misinformation and blatant propaganda as demonstrated by Nicola Willis "money tree" comment, she is either stupid OR is deliberately misleading the voters. Governments make all the money, cash, coin or digital - they print the money as cash or create Bond issues, government make all money in circulation in Aotearoa (or the dutch name if preferred) - govt are the money tree! Out future - for us and the world must be partisan politics OUT - Cooperative Politics IN.
Thank you Nick. Especially for the list. I need help with itemising this government’s negative actions.
The list was a collective effort - many thanks to folks who made suggestions on the FB page.
Mōrena Nick......I'm not surprised you hit the wall...as I've said before, you are doing the heavy lifting for many of us and wade through the mire daily so we can be informed, cheered, and feel part of something: a community of like-minded people who daily don't have to feel as alone because of your Kōrero. It's also a great reminder do try and do something nice, and positive every day, either for myself or someone else (or both would be even better)..as Patricia says, this all adds to the collective positivity that we desperately need right now. We will all do what we can, when we can. And I know you are also thinking about and feeling for your dear friend. Kia kaha Nick. I hope good things happen for you today.