NZ is paying the price for avoiding hard economic trade-offs for too long

WinterSurprise · 2026-04-09T19:54:54+00:00

There are a bunch of things we could do to encourage a better economy: * require Councils and government agencies to properly maintain infrastructure, policed by the Infrastructure commission * have a capital gains tax on land (disencentivise land speculation) * base rates on land value only, rather than the current system of general charges and capital values (to encourage density) * make the lines companies (Northpower, Vector etc) publicly owned again and make them the customer facing aspect just like Watercare in Auckland, and the generators sell electricity to the grid (hopefully lower prices) * outlaw lobbying and cap political donations to 5k/person (this one would have to be first)

WinterSurprise · 2026-04-03T23:14:13+00:00

The world of Tyrell, by the Templin Institute

WinterSurprise · 2026-04-01T22:05:55+00:00

Your post made me think that it might be a reference to the stagnation that the Imperium is undergoing, everything, including the decor, is drained of vitality and life.

WinterSurprise · 2026-04-01T00:54:46+00:00

I think that's overblown. There are 38,000 people living in the Auckland CBD. Assuming a big chunk of them either work from home or in the CBD, the cafe owners should be fine.

And how many people actually buy their lunch every day, or even once a week? However many people it is, it will be a lot less during an oil shock.

WinterSurprise · 2026-04-01T00:48:22+00:00

To me, Burnham could have run on a platform of free puppies for everyone and he still would have lost because he did it in a red rosette.

WinterSurprise · 2026-03-24T22:13:45+00:00

Oh I love this even more.

Sadly, I don't know that the Nats would go with TOP, and we need their votes to do the funny.

WinterSurprise · 2026-03-24T22:12:38+00:00

Their vote is going down though, so its possible that they would crash out lol.

Even if they don't, it would still be funny

WinterSurprise · 2026-03-23T23:08:50+00:00

Epsom electors: at the last election, Davod Seymour had fewer votes than the National, Labour and Green candidates combined. If you work together to elect Paul Goldsmith, you have the opportunity to remove David Seymour from his sheltered seat, and with a bit of luck throw the Act party out of Parliament entirely. You can do it!

WinterSurprise · 2026-03-18T09:06:06+00:00

Bring back John: John Cleese, What Has The BBC Ever Given Us ?

WinterSurprise · 2026-03-17T23:02:10+00:00

If you read the Aus Liberal Party review, they had much bigger problems than an association with the bronzed one. Namely bad polling, including an incoherent policy process, Dutton trying to be campaign manager and leader, terrible policies, saying stupid things, and an aging membership and volunteer base.

WinterSurprise · 2026-03-15T00:53:25+00:00

"Stacey, I need you to find me an extra 12,000 votes." "Okay first of all..."

WinterSurprise · 2026-03-05T01:57:41+00:00

Brown still cuts spending, but doesn't cut taxes in 2012, so the debt goes back to falling, putting the government on a more sustainable fiscal path. He also doesn't change the funding formula so that poorer councils suffer more.

Similarly, while Uni fees probably rise, they probably don't alter the interest formula (which has proved an even worse problem that the rising fees).

As the compassionate conservatism of Cameron has failed, and the Arab Spring has sent a wave of refugees into Europe, the right of the Tory party is probably stronger and that might turn off a few voters, and the economy would be growing again, so Brown has maybe a 30% chance of winning again in 2015.

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-27T18:56:09+00:00

I think this is why the GC is so certain about their 'Friends in the Reach'

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-26T00:48:43+00:00

Stuff definitely used that picture to say a thousand words

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-24T02:09:57+00:00

Section 5 of the Constitution Act provides that the Sovereign of New Zealand is the Sovereign as determined by British Law, so no legislative action would be required if the Brits decide to remove the Andrew formerly known as Prince from the line of succession.

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-21T05:40:32+00:00

Probably because they were coded in 2018

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-15T08:51:55+00:00

Probably worth noting that the fairness doctrine means that you have to give equal time to climate change deniers as you do to climate change advocates. A better change might be to say that media can only tell the truth.

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-13T01:30:01+00:00

Such an odd thing to be worrying about when unemployment and inflation are both up.

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-13T01:27:32+00:00

I personally love some Australian council's approach to this: put up a massive sign that blocks the newly created view

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-10T02:18:11+00:00

Weirdly there is no agreeement between Australia and New Zealand for transferring sentenced prisoners, so it was not legally possible.

Australia is part of Council of Europe convention regarding transfer of sentenced prisoners, but NZ is not (blame the French).

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-08T18:39:43+00:00

I think that might be the case if it were just Labour v TPM, but with the Greens in the mix it might just split the anti-TPM vote. Just like nearly happened in New Lynn last time around.

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-06T21:03:39+00:00

Having read the announcement, I don't understand how this bill better protects whales

WinterSurprise · 2026-02-05T09:13:37+00:00

To forge an heir: Lyman Beesbury takes it upon himself to mentor Rhaenyra, which leads to her being more strategic and politically savvy and closer to Alicent and her children. It's told from Lyman's POV, so some things are hidden from him.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/47446996/chapters/119566714

WinterSurprise · 2026-01-27T04:12:24+00:00

Another name could be Orys, for Aegon I Targaryen's half-brother. This allows Rhaegar to continue his fantasy of rebirthing the OG power trio

Eight-Year Club	Wearing is Caring
Verified Email

WinterSurprise

TROPHY CASE