Yes, the wardrobe is beckoning me----indeed it is imploring me to lighten up its load. The sounds of my clothes battling for space and yet, I must say goodbye to about half of the residents of that overcrowded wardrobe. It is time to move on and get rid of those bulky over-sized shirts, jeans and tops. Sorry my dear loyal 'accoutrements,' but you really don't suit me any more; you just don't fit. You make me look like a man who has fallen on hard times and robbed the local clotheslines in order to keep attired. I won't throw you into the rubbish bins. You deserve better than that, so it's off to various places where you can have another life. You are after all not all threadbare and lacking in personality; you have the capability to keep others warm and decent. I shall think of you as I make friends with newer models; nothing too pretentious, just good down to earth items that will accompany me on the remainder of my new journey. So, farewell to the old and bring in the new! Losing 27 kilogrammes is enough to bring about changes in many aspects of my life. Feel free to contact me, my dear readers, if you wish to 'chat' about 'your' journey down the road to better health. Just hook into my website by typing in www.authorneilcoleman.com in the address bar at the top left hand corner of the window and follow the links.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Bill English says that the Government is going to close the gap between rich and poor---Yeah right!
Bill English must take the people in NZ for idiots, particularly those who he describes as poor. He quotes the list of things his Government has done and will be doing. I shall be watching that space to see the action that will lift people out of poverty, ill health and poor housing conditions. What he says is 'extra' spending on the part of Government most probably comes from other areas of Government spending in areas that are already suffering.
His words are just a cynical off the cuff load of patronizing crap. His Government is not about to offend their friends in industry, the property tycoons or any other sector that benefits from the National Party's continuing in power. I doubt very much that he is going to emulate the stated aims of his friends in the Conservative Party in the UK who say they are going after the big businesses who pay little or no tax. We are a small economy but I am sure the same cosy big business/Government relationships exist in New Zealand, just on a smaller scale.
Do I have any faith in the NZ Labour Party and their friends? NO---once they achieve power again, no doubt the 'reality' of NZ's huge debts will dictate a watering down of their public statements about what they wish to achieve. That is a fact of life for any Government. Policies in the real world are usually a shadow-version of espoused political philosophy. As for the 'also-rans'---they can say what they like, because their chances of being in power are remote to say the least. At best, the can sidle on up to one of the two main parties and have a small influence on the Government of the day; the exception of this, would be the ACT Party driving the initiative for Charter Schools.
So when Bill English plays the good witch from 'wherever,' take his words with a dose of ---'What a load of shite.'
His words are just a cynical off the cuff load of patronizing crap. His Government is not about to offend their friends in industry, the property tycoons or any other sector that benefits from the National Party's continuing in power. I doubt very much that he is going to emulate the stated aims of his friends in the Conservative Party in the UK who say they are going after the big businesses who pay little or no tax. We are a small economy but I am sure the same cosy big business/Government relationships exist in New Zealand, just on a smaller scale.
Do I have any faith in the NZ Labour Party and their friends? NO---once they achieve power again, no doubt the 'reality' of NZ's huge debts will dictate a watering down of their public statements about what they wish to achieve. That is a fact of life for any Government. Policies in the real world are usually a shadow-version of espoused political philosophy. As for the 'also-rans'---they can say what they like, because their chances of being in power are remote to say the least. At best, the can sidle on up to one of the two main parties and have a small influence on the Government of the day; the exception of this, would be the ACT Party driving the initiative for Charter Schools.
So when Bill English plays the good witch from 'wherever,' take his words with a dose of ---'What a load of shite.'
Indonesia and New Zealand 'talk trade.'
Trade mission eyes up Indonesia opportunities
7:38 PM Saturday May 18, 2013
A 52-strong trade mission is flying to Indonesia this weekend for two weeks of intensive briefings and meetings.
It is being led by Maurice Williamson and Sir Ken Stevens, who's chairman of Export New Zealand.
Representatives of the food and beverage, education, geothermal and banking sectors are going, along with a large group from the aviation industry.
Sir Ken says there's huge potential for aviation in the Indonesian market.
"We're following on in the footsteps of the Prime Minister just about 12 months ago so this is well considered by the Indonesians and well targeted by our people so we're looking to do some good business up there."
Sir Ken says the mission presents a viable and formidable force to increase trade.
- Newstalk ZB
Apart from the times when New Zealand had issues over Borneo (Kalimantan) and East Timor (and more recent protests by some in NZ over the treatment of indigenous Irian Jaya people) the relationship between NZ and Indonesia has been strong. We have had links in the geothermal, educational, finance and a growing trade sector. This makes so much sense as Indonesia is a close neighbour. We both stand to gain and this weekend's announcement that a large team of officials and sector area representatives are heading to Indonesia for two weeks of discussion must be seen as a growing trend. At times NZ will have to take a back step when it comers to those issues that still cause some discontent in NZ, mush like we have swallowed our sensitivities as per the China trade. The economic relationship between New Zealand and Indonesia makes sense also in that it is never good to have all of our eggs in one basket, that is with China. That situation has come about as NZ turns its back on the UK and the Euro/USA market. Whilst our trade remains strong with those nations, it must aid our overall economic performance by 'spreading the risk' as it were.
There will be hooks in our developing relationship, but those can be worked through. Indonesia is an emerging giant on the world scene and it is making real gains on issues that concerned us as evidenced by the sad events in Bangladesh. Indonesia has a large and growing middle-class and it is that group that will drive the moves to improve the lot of those less fortunate. In the past Indonesia has had some of the lowest paid workers in Asia, but that too is changing as the 'trickle down' trend has taken hold. By no means would NZ workers agree to the conditions as they exists in Indonesia now, but there is a gradual improvement in the treatment of Indonesian workers. Politically the Indonesians have become more stable and investment has flowed into the country. It makes sense that NZ is part of this, but on a two-way scale. Indonesians have also invested in NZ. Underlying this burgeoning relationship is the fear of 'fundamentalist Islamists,' and how the Indonesian Government grapples with this very real fear. That is of course an issue that the people and Government of Indonesia have to work out for themselves. After all, they have several centuries of colonialism to recover from and the journey towards a modern nation is one that still has a way to go. We need only to look back into our own history and acknowledge that before we become too critical of our huge friendly near-neighbour. Lets hope that the upcoming 'talks' are beneficial to both nations.
It is being led by Maurice Williamson and Sir Ken Stevens, who's chairman of Export New Zealand.
Representatives of the food and beverage, education, geothermal and banking sectors are going, along with a large group from the aviation industry.
Sir Ken says there's huge potential for aviation in the Indonesian market.
"We're following on in the footsteps of the Prime Minister just about 12 months ago so this is well considered by the Indonesians and well targeted by our people so we're looking to do some good business up there."
Sir Ken says the mission presents a viable and formidable force to increase trade.
- Newstalk ZB
Apart from the times when New Zealand had issues over Borneo (Kalimantan) and East Timor (and more recent protests by some in NZ over the treatment of indigenous Irian Jaya people) the relationship between NZ and Indonesia has been strong. We have had links in the geothermal, educational, finance and a growing trade sector. This makes so much sense as Indonesia is a close neighbour. We both stand to gain and this weekend's announcement that a large team of officials and sector area representatives are heading to Indonesia for two weeks of discussion must be seen as a growing trend. At times NZ will have to take a back step when it comers to those issues that still cause some discontent in NZ, mush like we have swallowed our sensitivities as per the China trade. The economic relationship between New Zealand and Indonesia makes sense also in that it is never good to have all of our eggs in one basket, that is with China. That situation has come about as NZ turns its back on the UK and the Euro/USA market. Whilst our trade remains strong with those nations, it must aid our overall economic performance by 'spreading the risk' as it were.
There will be hooks in our developing relationship, but those can be worked through. Indonesia is an emerging giant on the world scene and it is making real gains on issues that concerned us as evidenced by the sad events in Bangladesh. Indonesia has a large and growing middle-class and it is that group that will drive the moves to improve the lot of those less fortunate. In the past Indonesia has had some of the lowest paid workers in Asia, but that too is changing as the 'trickle down' trend has taken hold. By no means would NZ workers agree to the conditions as they exists in Indonesia now, but there is a gradual improvement in the treatment of Indonesian workers. Politically the Indonesians have become more stable and investment has flowed into the country. It makes sense that NZ is part of this, but on a two-way scale. Indonesians have also invested in NZ. Underlying this burgeoning relationship is the fear of 'fundamentalist Islamists,' and how the Indonesian Government grapples with this very real fear. That is of course an issue that the people and Government of Indonesia have to work out for themselves. After all, they have several centuries of colonialism to recover from and the journey towards a modern nation is one that still has a way to go. We need only to look back into our own history and acknowledge that before we become too critical of our huge friendly near-neighbour. Lets hope that the upcoming 'talks' are beneficial to both nations.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
'Smaller' New Zealand banks at risk according to IMF!
The IMF has put 8 smaller NZ banks on notice that they have a one in two chance of being at risk. They followed this up by warning of downgrading these institutions. Should those who have their money and businesses with these banks be worried? Who knows? The IMF has also warned us in recent days that our housing market is overheated and overvalued. That we should already know. If the drought and the effects of that persist then any other ‘shock’ to the NZ economy could well push us over the edge according to the above forecasts. That other banks that have strong ‘overseas parents’ could weather any storm is partly comforting to those who deal with such banks. It would be a sad day if the utterings and actions of the IMF serve to undermine some of these fine institutions. The TSB has been around for a long time and it is slowly reaching into areas beyond its initial base in Taranaki. There is no doubt that many people are loyal to this and other banks but we need to be mindful of these warnings. Whether the Government through economic policy can avert any undue ‘failings’ in our economy is a moot point. I am sure that they will not want to see our smaller banks failing any more than the customer. This stance, should be taken as proven, but the connections amongst the National Party members may well serve us a different result. When it comes down to profits and money in the pocket, who knows what well-heeled members of the National Party will chose; the best interests of New Zealand or their own agendas. That the housing stock is overvalued, is a worry and perhaps the answer to our possible predicament means a realigning of that situation---where more realistic expectations are put in place.
I could write about the budget, but-------
Yeah, we all know that the debate surrounding the initial release of the budget is one that is mainly tied to the political fortunes of our MPs and the looming election in 2014. Yes, we have contributions from the business sector and other interested parties, once again linked into their particular stands. If it’s not the representatives of workers, beneficiaries or housing sectors (be they private or State tenants) it will be someone else.
The yearly budget represents an opportunity for every person and their dogs to have a say. The media reports the comments of the high and mighty while social media gives us minions a chance to quote and comment and generally stir things up.
We have heard the critics of Charter Schools (I am one of them) point out that funds have been diverted from the State sector and put into the Government’s pet projects (read CS and Private Schools). We know that a good deal of money will be ear-marked for the Christchurch re-build and not many will complain about that.
Any Government, of any political hue is rarely onto a winner. If they spend too much they are labelled as being ‘irresponsible’ or trying to capture the vote for upcoming elections. If they don’t spend enough on any particular area they are labelled as mean and short-sighted. Bill English is fairly thick-skinned so I doubt that he will be too worried about the fingers pointed, possible upwards, towards him.
We witnessed the usual response from Opposition Parties whereby, one had the distinct impression that Mr Shearer wrote (or had someone write it for him) well before he read the actual budget. I don’t see any problems with that, because lets’ face it, the hours and next few days after the release of the budget are just a ‘staging phase,’ so we will have to wait a few days to get to the real issues about what the 2013 budget actually means for New Zealand’s future. Hell, don’t worry--- I am not going to get too serious today, and that risks me being labelled as non-consequential in my response to yesterday’s effort from Bill English.
Wait until the weekend and we shall see the real analysis(s) reveal themselves as the many knowledgeable people put forward their versions of what is really needed in New Zealand. Just a word of caution about that too-----take what they say too as words that spring from their particular philosophies. I am looking forward to the words of wisdom and I hope to garner a semblance of where we should be heading as a nation. I also know that the biggie at the end of next year, the General Election will be the main targets for most interest groups. Would we have it any other way? NO======= just look beyond our borders and I think that most of us will shrug and elect to stay with our system, ‘warts and all.’
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Star Wars had it wrong!
Many of us watched the Star War movies and were possibly excited by the full-on action that the films were famous for. We may even remember the space-version dog fights that still have pilots as the main focus. The stories were about people as much as they were about 'events.' The advent of drones in the 21st Century (and a little before) has possibly changed the face of warfare. The USA has been using drones in Afghanistan and elsewhere for quite some time and there has been much criticism about the deahts of civillians as a result of the strikes on possible insurgents. We see today that the USA has gone one step further with the launch of an even more advanced drone; one that is capable of even more destruction to those who oppose American policies. The USA justifies the new drones as 'saving the lives of pilots' and that is possibly correct, but it also brings to question, just where we are going? Is warfare going to become even more 'impersonal?' Will this new trend mean that someone in an airbase in part of rural USA going to be conducting the war, just like in some Sci-Fi movie? Well it looks like that is exactly the scenario that we are facing. We can be sure that other nations will be watching and trying to emulate the USA example. The trend will not stop with drones and the technology will rapidly change and move to other unimaginable weapons, all controlled from afar. God knows what we are unleashing. Warfare has always been revolting in the detahs it causes, but with these new weapons, the one thing that had a controlling factor was that epople were at the 'frontline.' Then again, the wars of the past do not stand out as anything but destructive and nearly always it is the ordinary people who suffer, be they the 'canon fodder' at the front lines or the civillians who pay the ultimate price, on all sides. Wars are not going to suddnely disappear; it is the method by which they are conducted that will change!
Maybe Air New Zealand needs a clause that 'reserves the right to----etc.
The report in the New Zealand Heralth this morning that a female passenger stubbornly refused to give up her 'elite' seat to a dissabled passenger show us that there are still people out there with no understanding or empahty for those less fortunate. It would should have been a simple matter of human decency for the woamn who was desribed as a 40ish blond' to simply move to the seat that was offered just a short distance away. What made matters worse was the fact that she was accompanied by two teenagers. What message did her behaviour give to those children? Do they now accpet as 'normal,' her slefish behaviour or were they maybe a little embarrased by the selfish actions of thier parent? Does this incident mean that Air Zealand need to have a clause in the 'condiotns of flight' that clearly states that in certain instances, passnegers may be 'required' to move at the requests of airline staff. This in itself is rather sad that such changes are actually necessary. I guess we have always had selfish people and no doubt we are going to hear from this woman who will come up with an excuse that puts her side. It will need to be be one 'big heartfelt' piece of reasoning to convince me that her actions were justified. In the meantime she has taught her kids that it is all about ME ME ME!
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