Cancer charities excoriate Govt in joint open letter to Luxon; Health system now paying 'poverty premium' at crisis points; Govt restricts spending on pipes and buses needed to 'go for housing growth'
On the Health Select Committee, the Government has Hamish Campbell, the new Ilam MP, as one of its representatives. He has a background in cancer research, claimed to be of "international" standing (i.e. Sydney). Was he unable to advocate effectively for the cancer medication funding?
Hamish was probably told his number one job was to keep the landlords of Ilam and fendalton happy. That was all that National really cared about - and the only true promise they ever intended to keep.
As an ilam resident I emailed him and didn't even get a response that he received the email. That's how committed he is to serve all of his constituents.
Release please Bernard. I got my “missive “ from the ministry for Seniors today. It is PR 101 headed by Casey Costello a shiv of tobacco industry. Together with Dr Shane Cigaretti and Nicotine Willis they want to get rid of as many old people as possible aided by David Seymour’s suicide bill. I asked to be removed from their mailing list. I hope those” farming old people for profit” get plenty of tax breaks as it is unlikely any drugs will be wasted on “non productive” sick people.
Patrick thanks for the heads up. I always plan to get back to reading said missives but never do. I will force myself to look at today's then likely follow your lead.
luxon was actualy questioned about funding these drugs days before election he chose not to be up front and simply said wate for budget , opportunity missed to be upfront sadly .
Serious question, given the Pharmac model being separate from direct government control, is it not now political gold for National to mine over this term by drip feeding the funding for all the cancer drugs over the term to get maximum positive coverage? This way they get to say they met their pre-election promise (‘we said we’d fund them, just check the fine print for when’) and then a constant stream of announcements for all new cancer drugs to keep them riding high in the polls.
This really shows how ineffective Dr CigaRETTI is. Any health minister worth his salt would have been up in arms about the broken promise. But from Dr CigaRETTI absolutely nothing.
More of the 'penny wise pound foolish' theme... funding for a new school in Omokoroa suspended while new home consents continue to grow leading to kids commuting the seriously choked 40km round trip into Tauranga... massive growth in the suburb completely unmatched with essential services in what seems to be a tried and true formula for governments of either colour as we see the continuing shortfall in infrastructure investment which has to lead to stunted growth. Story in Stuff, here...https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350292093/government-halts-new-school-build-nightmare-commute-continues
It is easy to find issues to comment on in a tough fashion But when it comes to finding solutions that balance out the various issues and pressures, then the commentators are not in the room.
Taking action that is effective in the longer term requires strong minded people who think through the options and priorities then have the resilience to keep to their course until the results become evident over time. Let’s give these people take ing decisions a little positive support rather than a constant steam of complaints
The problem being of course that a lot of the "pressures" have been self-inflicted and National in opposition have shown that they would not be tolerating the rampant incompetence that National in government are showing.
That would be great Graham, if the people taking the decisions had demonstrated any signs of strategic, evidence-based, thinking and planning on the big systemic challenges.
Can you see or point to any such signs?
All I'm seeing is short-term, conservative, narrow-minded, ideologically-driven foolishness
We're not seeing any signs of strong minded thinking for long term solutions here though, we are seeing a repeat of the same basic philosophy that has been in vogue since the mid 80s and we know through simple observation, both here sand overseas, that this philosophy doesn't work. It's a failed economic experiment that has been given far too much time to run its course. If yoiu want an example of strong, principles based solution type thinking, look no further than the ideas presented by Chloe Swarbrick... and note how she and her views are treated by the wider political machine here. There is no hope for serious change while we have a government comprised mainly of landlords governing in the interests of landlords.
Indeed. And see Simon Wilson’s latest article in NZ Herald for more on the downsides of short term pandering to “the median voter” And strong minded solutions for the long term problems facing us.
This lot are driving things through with urgency but not looking at the data or the research or consulting the experts that should. They are not putting in place sensible legislation that looks to a positive future. For instance building more prisons when other countries are closing theirs? We know what causes crime and criminality. We have The Dunedin Study to show us what to do. However, they are ignoring the causal links to our societies ills. We need more housing, more healthcare, more taxes and above all we need hope. The sort of hope that keep our young people here, not sends them off in droves for a better life abroad. What do they do? They sack The Productivity Commission that was doing great work and all those civil servants. They halt Kainga Ora building more housing and do some snarky report on how dreadful it is, penned by one of their old boys. It's just not good enough and they are not up to it.
You are in a miserable situation and I'm really sorry
However if it directly relates to the $5 prescription charge do I help you or the people who can't pick up their prescriptions because they don't have $5 ? Impossible decision.
It’s a pretty devastating list. You could also add that even though Nicola Willis said she was unaware of the 9,000 families worse off it amass clearly written in the Regulatory Impact Statement provided to her in April
I'm really ashamed. Really, really. Smith and Caughey are a beautiful shop but Amazon will put my grandson's birthday present on his Seattle doorstep in time even though I've left it till the last minute. And it probably only happens because the staff are treated atrociously and I'm not helping.
On the Health Select Committee, the Government has Hamish Campbell, the new Ilam MP, as one of its representatives. He has a background in cancer research, claimed to be of "international" standing (i.e. Sydney). Was he unable to advocate effectively for the cancer medication funding?
Hamish was probably told his number one job was to keep the landlords of Ilam and fendalton happy. That was all that National really cared about - and the only true promise they ever intended to keep.
As an ilam resident I emailed him and didn't even get a response that he received the email. That's how committed he is to serve all of his constituents.
😔🥹😔
Release please Bernard. I got my “missive “ from the ministry for Seniors today. It is PR 101 headed by Casey Costello a shiv of tobacco industry. Together with Dr Shane Cigaretti and Nicotine Willis they want to get rid of as many old people as possible aided by David Seymour’s suicide bill. I asked to be removed from their mailing list. I hope those” farming old people for profit” get plenty of tax breaks as it is unlikely any drugs will be wasted on “non productive” sick people.
Patrick Medlicott
Please excuse my ignorance but what is the “missive”?
You’re so perceptive!Jim!
Well said Patrick!
Patrick thanks for the heads up. I always plan to get back to reading said missives but never do. I will force myself to look at today's then likely follow your lead.
luxon was actualy questioned about funding these drugs days before election he chose not to be up front and simply said wate for budget , opportunity missed to be upfront sadly .
Serious question, given the Pharmac model being separate from direct government control, is it not now political gold for National to mine over this term by drip feeding the funding for all the cancer drugs over the term to get maximum positive coverage? This way they get to say they met their pre-election promise (‘we said we’d fund them, just check the fine print for when’) and then a constant stream of announcements for all new cancer drugs to keep them riding high in the polls.
This really shows how ineffective Dr CigaRETTI is. Any health minister worth his salt would have been up in arms about the broken promise. But from Dr CigaRETTI absolutely nothing.
More of the 'penny wise pound foolish' theme... funding for a new school in Omokoroa suspended while new home consents continue to grow leading to kids commuting the seriously choked 40km round trip into Tauranga... massive growth in the suburb completely unmatched with essential services in what seems to be a tried and true formula for governments of either colour as we see the continuing shortfall in infrastructure investment which has to lead to stunted growth. Story in Stuff, here...https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350292093/government-halts-new-school-build-nightmare-commute-continues
Everywhere we look, disaster is looming! Are we going to tolerate it, or revolt??
It is easy to find issues to comment on in a tough fashion But when it comes to finding solutions that balance out the various issues and pressures, then the commentators are not in the room.
Taking action that is effective in the longer term requires strong minded people who think through the options and priorities then have the resilience to keep to their course until the results become evident over time. Let’s give these people take ing decisions a little positive support rather than a constant steam of complaints
The problem being of course that a lot of the "pressures" have been self-inflicted and National in opposition have shown that they would not be tolerating the rampant incompetence that National in government are showing.
That would be great Graham, if the people taking the decisions had demonstrated any signs of strategic, evidence-based, thinking and planning on the big systemic challenges.
Can you see or point to any such signs?
All I'm seeing is short-term, conservative, narrow-minded, ideologically-driven foolishness
We're not seeing any signs of strong minded thinking for long term solutions here though, we are seeing a repeat of the same basic philosophy that has been in vogue since the mid 80s and we know through simple observation, both here sand overseas, that this philosophy doesn't work. It's a failed economic experiment that has been given far too much time to run its course. If yoiu want an example of strong, principles based solution type thinking, look no further than the ideas presented by Chloe Swarbrick... and note how she and her views are treated by the wider political machine here. There is no hope for serious change while we have a government comprised mainly of landlords governing in the interests of landlords.
Indeed. And see Simon Wilson’s latest article in NZ Herald for more on the downsides of short term pandering to “the median voter” And strong minded solutions for the long term problems facing us.
This lot are driving things through with urgency but not looking at the data or the research or consulting the experts that should. They are not putting in place sensible legislation that looks to a positive future. For instance building more prisons when other countries are closing theirs? We know what causes crime and criminality. We have The Dunedin Study to show us what to do. However, they are ignoring the causal links to our societies ills. We need more housing, more healthcare, more taxes and above all we need hope. The sort of hope that keep our young people here, not sends them off in droves for a better life abroad. What do they do? They sack The Productivity Commission that was doing great work and all those civil servants. They halt Kainga Ora building more housing and do some snarky report on how dreadful it is, penned by one of their old boys. It's just not good enough and they are not up to it.
Yes please. Open up this newsletter. Thanks
Bernard, the birds were quite raucous this morning. Wonder whether they too are angry at the government??!!!
Certainly got my hound fired up, he's charging around the house looking for the raucous birds
Ha! Made my day!
Ha!
I'm beginning to wonder if Dr Reti has been nominated as he who goes under the waka when MOF or the coalition partners want some cash...
Keep it coming Bernard! We need to see the facts, and we can’t get it from the media!!
As a National voting incuracle cancer sufferer I am lost for words. I have to pay $1800 a month because the $5 prescription charge has been dropped
You are in a miserable situation and I'm really sorry
However if it directly relates to the $5 prescription charge do I help you or the people who can't pick up their prescriptions because they don't have $5 ? Impossible decision.
It’s a pretty devastating list. You could also add that even though Nicola Willis said she was unaware of the 9,000 families worse off it amass clearly written in the Regulatory Impact Statement provided to her in April
https://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/-/media/project/ir/tp/publications/2024/taxation-budget-measures-bill/ris-personal-income-tax-relief.pdf?modified=20240530021535
many thanks for the link *
I'm really ashamed. Really, really. Smith and Caughey are a beautiful shop but Amazon will put my grandson's birthday present on his Seattle doorstep in time even though I've left it till the last minute. And it probably only happens because the staff are treated atrociously and I'm not helping.
It seems that cancer patients didn't donate enough to these three parties last election (or subsequently).
This is possibly because any spare cash they had was wasted on trying to stay alive.