Report on woman's death after leaving overcrowded ED details extreme stress on health system, yet the Government just removed its migration planning range and is investing much less than needed
Health: Aotearoa urgently needs to prioritize and invest in prevention, not just primary through tertiary services. Difficult decisions need to be made to protect and improve public health. This means regulating unhealthy industry and products, and other things. Start here: https://www.healthcoalition.org.nz/
The interview with Paul Griffiths was very compelling. But boy, was the interviewer annoying with the interruptions. Full credit to Paul for sticking to his guns.
Clearly it's best to not have an accident or get sick in current times but I can't see it getting any better unless we up our salaries for medical staff and provide housing for them (as used to happen). Could we somehow do a Barcelona and stop Airbnbs in various areas and get these short term holiday rentals onto the long term market with rates reductions for owners? How did Barcelona do it and can we do similar?
Barcelona (like Spain in general) had a massive building boom in the early 2000s. So much money was flowing that many otherwise would be Uni students entered construction for the good money. The boom went bust: 1, the would be students were unemployable, and 2 a surplus of houses/apartments. To stop prices falling through the floor the Government eased up on foreigners buying residential property. This influx helped stabilise prices.
Paul Griffiths is bang on the money. Every building in NZ could turn into an electricity production unit with solar panels. In NZ it should be accompanied with an investment in electrified rail as well because electric cars are not going to solve the congestion problem. Denotification of housing and electrification of travel is the way to go.
The government has given themselves extraordinary powers due to an unprecedented crisis situation. Covid has now evolved into something we must live with. Therefore, even an expression of desire to extend those powers exposes the fact that they have been manipulating this crisis to suit their own political means.
Instead, what they should be implementing by May or earlier is a long-term framework for dealing with Covid and similar crises. Surely that must include a strengthening of our health system, amongst other things.
Many of us are struggling while Those Paid To Serve The Public are scheming how to keep their special powers for longer?!
Bernard, I take my hat off to you. You asked the PM a clear question and she purposely didn’t answer it, as usual. The world is shocked by how Truss treated the media but they haven’t seen The Master of the 4 Ds in action. You have to deal with her on a regular basis and you don’t give up!
The Law Society were critical of the Government’s pushing through legislation under urgency with the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act with limited debate or select committee review. Clear abuse of power.
Have you asked her why she prefers children in poverty rather than alter that 30 - 30 thing that you, Bernard talk about. (Sorry I can't remember what it is called)
Bernard, one option to help ease congestion is the encouragement of remote working (where practical) for employees. In my industry I work remotely 2/5 and colleagues with other companies are 4/5. My fuel bill and car depreciation has dropped accordingly. Not practical for some sectors eg retail but could be more widely embraced.
Yep. A great option to reduce the stress. But when you talk to building managers, fleet managers and HR people in big business and big government, they are much more focused on centralisation than decentralisation.
I’m sure each of us know of many incidences of, at times fatal, failures in hospital and other health services. So to building a parallel system based on race is just irresponsible when Government is so cash strapped they can’t even fulfil their basic obligations to the public and it remains that way even after multiple terms. Great interview this is the first time Government have acknowledged the scale of the deficits but still no plan for public services we pay for. Or the preparation they’re doing for the future with the massive improvements and investments required. Instead they are busy shutting people up and down to hide reality of all the multiple failures we can all see and have to tolerate day in, day out. Successive Governments’ in NZ are the Mickey Mouse Donald Duck club. Denying the scale of the problem, refusing to take responsibility or act to fix it. No wonder people are irritated. I would go so far as to say in terms of legal and human rights and public SERVICE function for the public we are a failed state squabbling over minor issues as a distraction as they try to micromanage people into not noticing. I suspect most of Labours “big” plans of incrementalism will end up in the bin at the next election they pick the wrong issues and pay consultants to delay doing anything when we need services functioning on the ground. They’re nearly out of time and have been another incompetent Government in my view given the predictable scale of problems and barriers citizens face. As with everyone they need holding to account for negatively effecting and even risking our lives and I mean everyone as we ALL have equal rights in law. Weasels.
Bernard, I agree with the issue of underfunded public service and infrastructure. I equally get frustrated at limits on government “debt” and on the government spend to GDP ratio. However the only way to build the future we want is with people, so I just can’t get that upset with open immigration specifically, only with the lack of investment that goes with it.
We definitely need to open up roads for walking, add back petrol taxes and put more money into the health system (certainly protect us from losing anyone). All of this building, staffing and teaching/social working needs more people.
I agree Sam. We just need to fund it. There is a real chicken and egg problem. So best to plan for great housing and free range paddocks for the chickens. I’m actually ok with 100k migrants coming. We may have to take that many as climate refugees anyway. So we need to plan for it. Neither side wants to have the tough conversations with the public.
I wish the PM would stop using that 'I'm-giving-away-nothing-voice' and communicate properly. Then she might say something like 'Well one problem is that we can't house people properly and this is very bad for their health, and that's just for starters!" I don't think she's said that?
Nor has she said that the health workers cost money which is mean of them - what has happened to people doing things for love? That seems the unspoken message. I see them not as a centre left party, but a centre right one determinedly pulling the wool over our eyes.
We could have a lot more people if we could provide for them but as it is they'll have to bring their own tents.
Get something real to worry about....maybe go for a walk when you are annoyed at the Prime Ministers' voice. I hear she is renowned globally as an excellent and effective communication. WendtK is just looking for something to complain about.
Thank you Phil for helpful advice. I assure you that said annoyance takes up maybe 30 seconds per every second month so is not featuring greatly in my life. Not enough time to fit in an extra walk. You are right about her work overseas, but I think she blocks too much discussion here at home.
Is there a default in New Zealand's political ideology that is stuck on bigger and dumber rather than smaller and smarter. Seems dominant political parties of both colours are stuck on the former mindset even when there is overwhelming evidence that it is a failed option?
I was chased by a real estate agent last week trying to get me along to an open home. I discussed the market with her. I suggested that the market had changed. She advised she knew of many applications for immigration which had been approved in the past 3 months, and the market was going to bounce back strongly. That's why the immigration tap has been turned on again. Im sure most will land in Mayor Wayne Browns jurisdiction.
The New Zealand economy feels like an immigration Ponzi scheme at this stage
Health: Aotearoa urgently needs to prioritize and invest in prevention, not just primary through tertiary services. Difficult decisions need to be made to protect and improve public health. This means regulating unhealthy industry and products, and other things. Start here: https://www.healthcoalition.org.nz/
The interview with Paul Griffiths was very compelling. But boy, was the interviewer annoying with the interruptions. Full credit to Paul for sticking to his guns.
Yep. Saul is excellent.
Clearly it's best to not have an accident or get sick in current times but I can't see it getting any better unless we up our salaries for medical staff and provide housing for them (as used to happen). Could we somehow do a Barcelona and stop Airbnbs in various areas and get these short term holiday rentals onto the long term market with rates reductions for owners? How did Barcelona do it and can we do similar?
Barcelona (like Spain in general) had a massive building boom in the early 2000s. So much money was flowing that many otherwise would be Uni students entered construction for the good money. The boom went bust: 1, the would be students were unemployable, and 2 a surplus of houses/apartments. To stop prices falling through the floor the Government eased up on foreigners buying residential property. This influx helped stabilise prices.
Paul Griffiths is bang on the money. Every building in NZ could turn into an electricity production unit with solar panels. In NZ it should be accompanied with an investment in electrified rail as well because electric cars are not going to solve the congestion problem. Denotification of housing and electrification of travel is the way to go.
Make it public
Re- extension of Covid-19 powers.
The government has given themselves extraordinary powers due to an unprecedented crisis situation. Covid has now evolved into something we must live with. Therefore, even an expression of desire to extend those powers exposes the fact that they have been manipulating this crisis to suit their own political means.
Instead, what they should be implementing by May or earlier is a long-term framework for dealing with Covid and similar crises. Surely that must include a strengthening of our health system, amongst other things.
Many of us are struggling while Those Paid To Serve The Public are scheming how to keep their special powers for longer?!
Bernard, I take my hat off to you. You asked the PM a clear question and she purposely didn’t answer it, as usual. The world is shocked by how Truss treated the media but they haven’t seen The Master of the 4 Ds in action. You have to deal with her on a regular basis and you don’t give up!
Erina
The Law Society were critical of the Government’s pushing through legislation under urgency with the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act with limited debate or select committee review. Clear abuse of power.
Thanks Erina. I welcome any suggestions for question lines that might work.
Have you asked her why she prefers children in poverty rather than alter that 30 - 30 thing that you, Bernard talk about. (Sorry I can't remember what it is called)
Bernard, one option to help ease congestion is the encouragement of remote working (where practical) for employees. In my industry I work remotely 2/5 and colleagues with other companies are 4/5. My fuel bill and car depreciation has dropped accordingly. Not practical for some sectors eg retail but could be more widely embraced.
Yep. A great option to reduce the stress. But when you talk to building managers, fleet managers and HR people in big business and big government, they are much more focused on centralisation than decentralisation.
I’m sure each of us know of many incidences of, at times fatal, failures in hospital and other health services. So to building a parallel system based on race is just irresponsible when Government is so cash strapped they can’t even fulfil their basic obligations to the public and it remains that way even after multiple terms. Great interview this is the first time Government have acknowledged the scale of the deficits but still no plan for public services we pay for. Or the preparation they’re doing for the future with the massive improvements and investments required. Instead they are busy shutting people up and down to hide reality of all the multiple failures we can all see and have to tolerate day in, day out. Successive Governments’ in NZ are the Mickey Mouse Donald Duck club. Denying the scale of the problem, refusing to take responsibility or act to fix it. No wonder people are irritated. I would go so far as to say in terms of legal and human rights and public SERVICE function for the public we are a failed state squabbling over minor issues as a distraction as they try to micromanage people into not noticing. I suspect most of Labours “big” plans of incrementalism will end up in the bin at the next election they pick the wrong issues and pay consultants to delay doing anything when we need services functioning on the ground. They’re nearly out of time and have been another incompetent Government in my view given the predictable scale of problems and barriers citizens face. As with everyone they need holding to account for negatively effecting and even risking our lives and I mean everyone as we ALL have equal rights in law. Weasels.
Bernard, I agree with the issue of underfunded public service and infrastructure. I equally get frustrated at limits on government “debt” and on the government spend to GDP ratio. However the only way to build the future we want is with people, so I just can’t get that upset with open immigration specifically, only with the lack of investment that goes with it.
We definitely need to open up roads for walking, add back petrol taxes and put more money into the health system (certainly protect us from losing anyone). All of this building, staffing and teaching/social working needs more people.
I agree Sam. We just need to fund it. There is a real chicken and egg problem. So best to plan for great housing and free range paddocks for the chickens. I’m actually ok with 100k migrants coming. We may have to take that many as climate refugees anyway. So we need to plan for it. Neither side wants to have the tough conversations with the public.
Correction: SAUL not Paul, too biblical by-half.
Jacinda's ability to avoid simple questions is skilful but also alarming. These issues need addressing, not avoiding. Very good article
Thanks Pat.
I wish the PM would stop using that 'I'm-giving-away-nothing-voice' and communicate properly. Then she might say something like 'Well one problem is that we can't house people properly and this is very bad for their health, and that's just for starters!" I don't think she's said that?
Nor has she said that the health workers cost money which is mean of them - what has happened to people doing things for love? That seems the unspoken message. I see them not as a centre left party, but a centre right one determinedly pulling the wool over our eyes.
We could have a lot more people if we could provide for them but as it is they'll have to bring their own tents.
Obviously (to me, anyhow) power is very important to her. Hence the power plays with information delivery.
lt really infuriates me - the fingernails on blackboard thing for any of us old enough to know!
Get something real to worry about....maybe go for a walk when you are annoyed at the Prime Ministers' voice. I hear she is renowned globally as an excellent and effective communication. WendtK is just looking for something to complain about.
Thank you Phil for helpful advice. I assure you that said annoyance takes up maybe 30 seconds per every second month so is not featuring greatly in my life. Not enough time to fit in an extra walk. You are right about her work overseas, but I think she blocks too much discussion here at home.
Updated and open for all now.
Is there a default in New Zealand's political ideology that is stuck on bigger and dumber rather than smaller and smarter. Seems dominant political parties of both colours are stuck on the former mindset even when there is overwhelming evidence that it is a failed option?
I was chased by a real estate agent last week trying to get me along to an open home. I discussed the market with her. I suggested that the market had changed. She advised she knew of many applications for immigration which had been approved in the past 3 months, and the market was going to bounce back strongly. That's why the immigration tap has been turned on again. Im sure most will land in Mayor Wayne Browns jurisdiction.