Auckland is too expensive for 'workers' in many industries to be able to live there!

I was listening to news reports that Auckland is going to be short of workers in 'essential' industries, because those workers can no longer live near their place of work. Such workers are living quite some distances from their place of work, but up until recently they have somehow managed to carry on, albeit in a 'hand to mouth ' sort of fashion. These would include cleaners, security workers and even nurses and teachers at the other end of the scale.I suggest that this has been going on for quite some time. One hears of many teachers who have given up on the dream of ever owning a home in Auckland, but now this phenomenon has included the renting option as well. They are heading to the provinces where 'modest' incomes can support a far better lifestyle. Imagine what the situation is like for those on lower incomes, or people on 'fixed incomes,' the elderly and those on 'benefits.' On the same news reports, I heard it suggested that the 'market will adjust to this new situation,' and respond accordingly. Really?! Do people who believe that this could happen now support the concept of a 'living wage?' I very much doubt it. I have no faith that the 'market' will increase wages and salaries to the point that the occupational groups so affected will see a boost in their income. Has there ever been a time where such 'readjustments' have happened? I accept in times of 'labour shortages' that there have been small movements in wages and salaries, but never on the scale that is needed now. We are going to see more and more people moving from Auckland, to be replaced by increased immigration, from people who are seeking new beginnings, who would work for less, in order to improve their positions, but expect Auckland to become increasingly 'different' to the rest of NZ. This 'change' is going to accelerate' as NZ faces ever more pressure to accept people who have been displaced by wars and other global phenomenon. The 'market' is going to respond to these new pressures, but not quite in the manner that is necessarily going to make Auckland a better place---for all! How many of you, reading this, are wondering when YOU are going to make the jump---out of Auckland? Are housing, transport costs and other living expenses associated with living in Auckland going to push you over the edge?

Syria---what a bloody mess!

No one can convince me that Russia, the USA or any other nation actually gives a stuff about the Syrian people. NO----all of the above care only about how their involvement in this sad conflict can benefit them---or to be more precise the business groups within the said countries. Some of those transgress national boundaries. They are the 1% and they exists in all countries, superseding the powers of national governments. I am extremely cynical about the efforts of the UN to bring peace. That organization must first cut through the special interest groups who would gain by having influence in the country that was once called Syria. Convince me otherwise that the aforementioned nations can actually make a difference. Be it Obama, Putin, Merkel or any other 'world player,' the result will be the same: Syrians will keep suffering and the human tidd we are witnessing will only become a deluge, no matter what barriers are put in front of them. Rescue me from my cynicism! I shall thank you!

Palin and Trump===that would be a crazy flip of the cards!

I watched a clip of Palin endorsing Trump; mind you most of her 'screeched' words were about HER. I pondered for a while, whether the USA is Palin---oops stupid enough to elevate either of them or God forbid, a combination of the two to the top jobs! Surely not. Can you imagine them working through the issues that face the USA and the world? Can you envisage 'her' with the beaming Trump actually 'kicking arse re the ME?' OK, let's take a step back---to that clip. Did you not noticed the strange look on Trumps face? It almost said in that sexist manner he has so often exhibited, that he was not all that 'taken by her little charade.' There was a look that seemed to say---'STFU lady and go back to your kitchen in Alaska and sort out your own family---you know---the one that is transgressing re a few laws that most of us observe,' but them I realized that ANYTHING is possible in politics, be it in the USA, NZ ---if the populace does not take part in the process. Here is a prime example of what can go so horribly wrong when we bury our heads on the sand and let the likes of FOX News 'inform' us of what we should think!

Is the cup half empty---or half full?

The long holidays have been a strange mix for me. I could have dwelled on the negative, but I prefer to take the view that the cup is not only half full, but heading towards overflowing. Sure there were some cardio issues for myself and an ongoing issue for a loved one. Yes, the holiday was one in which opportunities were missed as both of us spent time being looked after by our most excellent health system. We are thankful for that support. Both of us had issues 'explored, explained and resolved.' We can see a way forward; a positive one where there is hope for a better and much more healthy future. We are thankful for the fact that we live in a country that allows this; one in which its citizens see such an outcome as not just a privilege for the few, but all so a right for all.' As for us---its is our responsibility to take a positive view---and get on with life.

New Zealand's free medical support system---fantastic---yes---mostly!

One often hears a great deal about Obama Care and how large 'interest groups' fight the President to make sure it does not get fully implemented. It seems that money rules in the USA, leaving mnay without adequate support in their times of need. This is so wrong in what we are often told is the world's strongest economy. It comes down to who controls the purse strings leaving many without help.The situation in New Zealand os vastly different and except for some issues re access to elective surgery and some regional access issues, we have a very much better system, supported by taxation and the general public. Yes, there has been a move to more privatisation but it is still a system that is there when you need it. Like most people, NZers sometimes complain about high taxation, but it is times of crisis that we see the benefits of our health support system. I have used it twice over the last few weeks, re some heart issues and a loved one receive immediate support last nigh and is on the way to recovery. It makes me want to 'shout out loud' about retaining this system---even extend it, but that can only happen of we accept that the expense must be met via taxation. There may be other models, but they favour the rich. In NZ we have always had pride in out more equitable system, not just for health, but also for education and other social support. I will only support politicians who espouse such beliefs. The threat from the 'right' in recent years is one that must be resisted, or we face a future, not dissimilar to that of so many USA citizens. Stand up for our hard won benefits, KIWIS!!! We live is a fantastic country.

My readership is a strange old thing---Russia rules supreme re my blogs for the past month.

If only the numbers of Russians reading my blogs, translated into downloads for Roskill (soon to be joined by Talk To Me). Indeed if that were so, I would be on a a plane to see that huge country. It would take a bit of 'getting around! I think NZ would for into some of its lakes!!!! How about some feedback, dear Russian friends. How about some discussion. I had that with a young student from your country recently and he expressed sadness about what is happening in Syria. It seems that Russia is falling into the same trap that the uUA has exhibited over the years. The Middle East is a quagmire, that big powers seem to get sucked into, all in the name, although not overtly admitted, of geo-politics. Do we ever learn from history? In the meantime, for a little light relief, keep reading my blogs and downloading my books.

Oh you naughty little Hyundai I20-----well I never!

Several months ago, I purchased my first ever new car; nothing pretentious, over-the-top or expensive. I settled for a smaller end car, with an engine size that 'would not get me into trouble'---a Hyundai I.20. My previous car was something similar, also a Hyundai, a Getz. An issue I had with the older car was that when I traveled in a 50kl speed zone, the damn thing never quite knew what gear to inhabit, hence the constant gear changing (we are talking 'auto' of course) and attendant frustration. I am sure there is a technical term for this. I was often to be seen traveling at either above or below the limit. I guess you are wondering why I would ever buy what is essentially a newer version of the same car. Well, that happened when I took the older one in for a some maintenance (I must say that the Gezt was incredibly reliable and I had very few complaints) which necessitated driving a 'new' I.20 courtesy car. I was sold---the difference was huge---more power and so much smoother, especially at that pesky 50kl limit. That was all six months ago and I have to say that I have been very pleased with the new model. It has proven to be so much less frustrating in that 'speed zone.' TODAY, I was given a reminder that one still has to pay attention to the speed at which one travels: Yes, I received a 'gift' in the mail. Yes---I was back to my old tricks---letting the speed creep up! I am sure you are all aware that over the Xmas period, there has been 'zero tolerance' re speeding- There is a 4 kl gap. Today I learned that on December the 18th, I indeed transgressed and now I must pay the price. I was doing 55kls down Dominion Rd and was the recipient of a $30 speeding ticket. Oh, woe is me! I must not trust the faithfulness of my little saphire blue I.20. In the end, it is over to me--to maintain the correct speed. As I wrote this blog, I was watching 'Motorway Patrol,' and I meekly submit that my crimes are minimal when compared; when I recall some of the speeds those twerps were attempting. I plead guilty, nevertheless! Oh little Hyundai---protect me from---myself.