whoar.co.nz

“..But that seems to be exactly what the Key Government is doing..”

(cont..)

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Brian Rudman: Super City RIP… and it’s the parents’ fault – Opinion – NZ Herald News.

“..Lockwood Smith is living in rented digs at a cost of $7500 a week -

- as the Government plans to sell its swanky high commissioner’s residence in London.

The former Speaker arrived to take up the high commissioner post in February – after nearly three decades as an MP.

He has settled into diplomatic life well -

- flamboyantly hosting functions -

- and having an audience with the Queen..”

(cont..)

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Lockwood Smith Paying $7500 Rent in London | Stuff.co.nz.

“..In his own party the leader revels in being called the “Silent Assassin”.

And he positively glows when challenged about his and his party’s arrogance at selling state assets despite the massive public opposition.

And with a nod and a wink from the PM the owners of a casino can avoid a transparent process to construct a convention centre – and can have extra pokies for the asking.

Forget about public concerns on problem gambling.

If Hollywood Moguls don’t like New Zealand labour laws then Mr Key will simply arrange for them to be changed to meet the needs of said moguls.

If the GCSB has broken the law and spied on New Zealanders the answer is simple – change the law to make such spying lawful.

His colleague Judith Collins clearly likes being known as “Crusher”.

She likes to appoint friends to high places -

- and to toss aside the findings of High Court judges that are not to her liking.

John – Judith – Stephen – Gerry – Bill – and their senior colleagues -

- all played their part in leading Aaron Gilmore to think that arrogance and contempt for the public is the route to success and high office.

If AG had looked back a few years the Douglas cabinet would also have inspired him.

Roger and his colleagues sold public assets – and drove down living standards for the masses -

- with an insouciance that literally took the breath away..”

(cont..)

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You Are Not Alone Mr Gilmore « The Daily Blog.

“..A small number of wealthy investors including businesses and trusts snapped up nearly half the Mighty River Power shares set aside for retail buyers -

- sparking accusations the Government’s sales pitch about selling to “mum and dad investors” was a cynical ploy.

An analysis of the partial float reveals that 101,000 “mum and dad” shareholders were allocated just 13.4 per cent of the former state- owned enterprise.

Roughly the same amount went to a much smaller group of wealthy investors – charities – businesses – and superannuation funds.

The figures – confirmed by Treasury – show that of the 113,000 retail investors who paid $912 million for shares at $2.50 each -

- 12,844 buyers who represented the top 10.9 per cent bought roughly half the retail pool.

They invested an average $34,618.

Of those – a select sub-group of 394 investors bought $90m worth of shares in parcels of more than 100,000 shares –

- an average investment of $228,865..”

(cont..)

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Mighty River: Wealthy grabbed Big Share | Stuff.co.nz.

“..The myth that National sold Mighty River Power to ‘mum and dads’ is dead.

New analysis shows that half the retail shares went to just 12,844 people.

A tiny group of 394 people bought 10% of the retail shares.

Only 13.4% of the company is owned by what you might call ‘ordinary Kiwis’ – less than the amount owned by foreign investors.

But the truth is – ordinary Kiwis are the 98% who bought nothing..”

(cont..)

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The myth of ‘mum and dad’ investors – The Standard.

“..What the media described as a “back to black” Budget was greeted in some quarters as though it was a test match victory.

Beyond the headline however – little attempt was made to help the public understand what the Budget was all about.

For many people the prospect of “getting back to surplus” was enough to assure them that all is well.

Few would ask whose surplus we were talking about – whether it was or should be the prime goal of policy – what price we might have to pay to achieve it – and whether its achievement – when it happens – would have helped or hindered the resolution of our long-term problems.

Many – for example – would not distinguish the Government’s position from the country’s -

- still fewer would understand that a government surplus could mean that the country’s indebtedness gets worse.

All other things being equal – it would be nice to have the Government’s books in balance -

- but the debt we should really be worried about is the amount we owe to overseas lenders – and that is going up – not down.

A government surplus means only that it takes more from us in tax than it spends on services – and that is just one part of the overall picture -

- and sadly – its decision that its own accounts should take precedence over the country’s -

- has meant we are much slower in coming out of recession than we should be..”

(cont..)

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Bryan Gould: Budget hides bleak economic outlook – Opinion – NZ Herald News.

“..The Takapuna Beach Holiday Park – which has been running on a month-to-month basis since its lease expired in March – is allowed to take bookings for this summer and possibly longer.

The future of the 80-year-old waterfront camping ground looked grim last week when it was shut out of a spot in the future reserve plans by its landlord – Auckland Council.

Operator Marius Rothmann was shocked to learn a resource consent for tourists’ flats and a manager’s residence expired in January 2014 – with a condition they be removed.

However – on Tuesday night – the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board approved a reserve management plan for the next 10 years -

- which did not flag any other immediate use for the park’s space..”

(cont..)

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Operator of popular beach holiday spot wins reprieve – National – NZ Herald News.

“..Health Ministry problem gambling strategy blames bigger jackpots – and says SkyCity deal will add to problems.

New Zealanders are forecast to spend more on Lotto – casinos – racing – and sports betting -

- in the next three years.

A three-year problem gambling strategy – released by the Health Ministry yesterday -

- forecasts that spending on Lotto and other NZ Lotteries games will grow by 8 per cent between last year and 2016..”

(cont..)

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Jump forecast in Kiwi gambling – National – NZ Herald News.

“..A stoush is brewing among Tainui’s political elite and will reach its peak this weekend – when the tribal parliament decides whether to sack deputy chairman Hemi Rau.

An agenda item for tomorrow’s meeting of Te Kauhanganui said Mr Rau had brought the parliament into disrepute – and he would face removal.

Executive board chairman Tom Roa and first term member Marae Tukere would face censure for issues related to the conduct of Mr Rau..”

(cont..)

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Tainui Parliament Could Roll Deputy Chairman Hemi… | Stuff.co.nz.