LIFTING MORALE AT YEAR’S END 2012 – ENGLAND’S PUBLICITY MACHINE IS IN OVERDRIVE – TAKE A READ…
Getting its “chipper on,” England is in overdrive trying to lift morale at year’s end 2012. The Spectator is doing it the best – in an article upplaying the good things of the world. It was the year where media billionaires and the UK government colluded to spy on whoever they wanted to and british bankers turned out to be some of the biggest pirates of the world. So, why is spin so important two weeks from years end? It lift’s morale. A concept that adds to safety, when most have a right to recognize their anger. That usually happens when people take holidays. They have time to work it out, what really went on all year. This year… that’s going to be really challenging for a lot of governments to try and manage. So… let’s take a look at how England (masters of spin) are doing it.
The purpose of the article is: England may be midway through a lost decade economically, but our cultural and social capital has seldom been higher.
Highlights of the article follow: It may not feel like it, but 2012 has been the greatest year in the history of the world… Never has there been less hunger, less disease or more prosperity… [Outside of The West, people are being] lifted out of poverty at the fastest rate ever recorded… We are living in a golden age.
In a way, [it] is the politicians’ job: to highlight problems [in the world] and to try their best to offer solutions… But the great advances of mankind come about not from statesmen, but from ordinary people.
Governments across the world appear stuck in what Michael Lind, on page 30, of his report, describes as an era of ‘freeze’ — all motion, no progress. But outside government, progress is easier. (more…)
CONE DEAL DONE – DEED OF SETTLEMENT SIGNED WITH TAMAKI COLLECTIVE
Press Release – Tribal Affairs – The Crown & Ngati Whatua Iwi:
“The Crown today signed a deed to collectively settle the historical claims of iwi and hapū over shared interests in the Auckland area, including maunga (volcanic cones) and motu (islands), Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson announced.
The deed was signed at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. In attendance were Mr Finlayson and Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples representing the Crown, representatives of the iwi and hapū groups that have been negotiating as the Tāmaki Collective, a number of local Members of Parliament, and also Auckland City Mayor Len Brown.
“Today we have reached a critical step towards settling all historical Treaty grievances in the Auckland region,” Mr Finlayson said. “This deed of settlement resolves some of the most complex overlapping claims and shared interests in the country, and the relationships built here lay the foundations for a better future for iwi and hapū, the Crown, and the city of Auckland.”
The Collective Deed vests the ownership of 14 maunga (volcanic cones) in the Tāmaki Collective. The maunga will be co-governed by a body made up of representatives of Auckland Council, the Tāmaki Collective and a Crown representative.
“For generations the maunga have been intrinsically important to the iwi and hapū of Tāmaki Collective and the people of Auckland,” Mr Finlayson said. “This integrated management approach will bring benefit to everyone and ensure that our iconic symbols will remain long after we have gone.”
Auckland Mayor Len Brown paid tribute to the work of all parties in reaching the settlement. 
BARACK OBAMA’S DNC SPEECH SEPTEMBER 7th 2012
He surfed the wave of renewed, brills momentum. Barack Obama‘s DNC speech 2012. View it right here.
What he said:
“Michelle, I love you. The other night, I think the entire country saw just how lucky I am. Malia and Sasha, you make me so proud but don’t get any ideas, you’re still going to class tomorrow. And Joe Biden, thank you for being the best Vice President I could ever hope for.
Madam Chairwoman, delegates, I accept your nomination for President of the United States.
The first time I addressed this convention in 2004, I was a younger man; a Senate candidate from Illinois who spoke about hope – not blind optimism or wishful thinking, but hope in the face of difficulty; hope in the face of uncertainty; that dogged faith in the future which has pushed this nation forward, even when the odds are great; even when the road is long.
Eight years later, that hope has been tested – by the cost of war; by one of the worst economic crises in history; and by political gridlock that’s left us wondering whether it’s still possible to tackle the challenges of our time.
I know that campaigns can seem small, and even silly. Trivial things become big distractions. Serious issues become sound bites. And the truth gets buried under an avalanche of money and advertising. If you’re sick of hearing me approve this message, believe me – so am I.
But when all is said and done – when you pick up that ballot to vote – you will face the clearest choice of any time in a generation. Over the next few years, big decisions will be made in Washington, on jobs and the economy; taxes and deficits; energy and education; war and peace – decisions that will have a huge impact on our lives and our children’s lives for decades to come. (more…)
THE UN GIVES SHOCK AWARD TO TOBACCO COMPANY
Michael Strand reports a UN controversy in India when an award was given to a tobacco company. Shock waves ensued. “Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been criticised for her role in granting a business award to India’s biggest tobacco company.
Clark, who is now head of the United Nations Development Agency, presented India’s largest cigarette maker, ITC (formerly Indian Tobacco Company) with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) highest prize for improving the environment and removing poverty.” More at Stuff with Michael Field.
[Memo: Heaven forbid... I must not smoke so much!].
Photo: Author’s own, Eden Park hood, Rugby World Cup opening week, New Zealand shorty after returning home from five years in the United States.
Gotta love New Zealand’s embracing and encouraging spirit, aye?! It’s tumeke fun. :)
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 18.7.12~
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS NEWS – NEW ZEALAND
Public demonstrations news are all about demonstrating against ‘the demon.st that rations.’ (I mean that in the nicest way).
It occurs when there isn’t enough parity in society, or people are being crowded out of a Kiwi dream at their own expense while the wealthy just keep on thuggering it, similar to that of a Communist rationing state where privileges have been heavily reduced for majorities to enable only the wealthy mostly. It’s only justifable in war years or years if impending famine, where we choose this path to help others more. Are we in those?
That kind of feeling in NZ the last year or so, has been very erosive of New Zealand society, morale, culture and the economy such an attitude.
If you sell what belongs to the people, they will always strike back if they don’t trust the vehicle the sales flows will be put into. Will any go back to them, is the fear? If you look at the way corporations have rolled in the last three years with the top dogs getting major millies for privatizing assets – that’s a debatable affair of discussion.
With Maori taking water rights to the high court, everyone else is leaping in too regarding State Owned energy companies, being put up on the block.
[We can pay for our own security, the NZ people need to be told that more up front]. (more…)
NEW ZEALAND’S QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND HONORS LIST 2012 IS ANNOUNCED
Comedian and Oscar Winner, Bret McKenzie makes it onto the honors list this year in New Zealand in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Brett’s buddy (equally as talented), Jemaine Clement didn’t. Oh well. There’s next year for young Jemaine to catch up to his Kiwi twin. :)
This year in New Zealand where our economy recorded zero growth (through the books) and the UK’s economy is officially in recession again, while the USA’s unemployment statistics are alarming, and the Eurozone is in crises too - the New Zealand government announced Aotearoa’s honors list June 2012.
At a quick glance, the list may look a bit lite on people who created a thousand jobs (or more) for others, on farmers who paid the bills from their land and labours, on social justice champions too (not on this list) and of course (the usual of) high profile Maori men doing good in communities and the world, while raising children and showing respect to and caring for aged parents as well. Never mind.
We have next year to get that one right with Jemaine and bros being bumped up onto the list just for being funny, talented, authentic-Kiwi awesome. :)
There are so many cool Kiwis and exceptionally talented people on this list. Dedication, focus and passion seems to sum up their collective Kiwi traits this year.
This year’s list on a day where everyone’s staying toasty and warm with friends and family, is:
THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT
Dames Companion Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu, CNZM, QSM, JP, Auckland, for services to Maori and the community Pieter Ane Stewart, Darfield, for services to fashion and the community. Beverley Anne Wakem, CBE, Porirua, for services to the state.
Knights Companion
Dr The Honourable Michael John Cullen, Whakatane, for services to the state. Dr Roderick Sheldon Deane, Wellington, for services to business and the community. John James Patrick Kirwan, ONZM, MBE, Italy, for services to mental health and rugby. Maarten Laurens Wevers, CNZM, Wellington, for services to the state.
Companions
Neville Alexander Crichton, Auckland, for services to yachting and business. The Honourable Justice John Warwick Gendall, Wellington, for services to the state and sport. Stephen William Hansen, Christchurch, for services to rugby. Michael James Houstoun, Feilding, for services as a pianist. Jane Christine Huria, Christchurch, for services to corporate governance. Owen Marshall Jones, ONZM, Timaru, for services to literature. Anne Norman, Auckland, for services to business. David Norman, Auckland, for services to business. His Excellency Mr Paul Thomas O’Sullivan, Wellington, for services to Australia-New Zealand relations. Christopher William Saines, Auckland, for services to the arts. John Shewan, Wellington, for services to business. Professor Peter Donald Graham Skegg, Dunedin, for services to medical law. Wayne Ross Smith, Cambridge, for services to rugby. John Lewis Spencer, Wellington, for services to business. Professor Christine Winterbourn, Christchurch, for services to science.
Officers
Philip Brendan Aldridge, Christchurch, for services to theatre. Emeritus Professor Peter Leonard Bergquist, Auckland, for services to science. Leon Martyn Theodore Blanchet, Leeston, for services to athletics. Robyn Denise Broughton, MNZM, Invercargill, for services to netball. Geoffrey John Chapple, Auckland, for services to tramping, tourism and literature. Assistant Commissioner David Mark Cliff, Rangiora, for services to the New Zealand Police and the community. Shane William Cotton, Palmerston North, for services to the visual arts. Michael Thomas Eagle, Christchurch, for services to rugby. Fiona Farrell, Akaroa, for services to literature. Gregory William Gent, Ruawai, for services to the dairy industry and corporate governance. Thomas James Gerrard, JP, Auckland, for services to education. Dr Ronald George Gibson, Morrinsville, for services to veterinary science. David Timothy Gibson, Wellington, for services to the film and television industry. Richard Alan Guy, Waipu, for services to rugby. Brian Martin Hight, Auckland, for services to agricultural publishing. Nigel Raymond Latta, Auckland, for services as a psychologist. Graham Leonard Malaghan, Auckland, for services to medical research and philanthropy. Bret Peter Tarrant McKenzie, Wellington, for services to music and film. Peter Joseph McLeavey, Wellington, for services to the arts. Margaret Medlyn, Wellington, for services to opera. 
(more…)
JEANETTE THOMAS INTERVIEWS SIR JOHN KIRWAN – AUCKLAND BLUES RUGBY FOOTBALL COACH
Sir John Kirwan was on TV this morning with Jeanette Thomas. When I think of Sir John, I think of my mom sitting with Michael Jones‘ mom, Aunty Maina, at the rugby football park in Northland, in the test match where MJ & JK were both whipper snappers, going for a rugby dream.
You’ve never heard Maori and Samoan mums scream and shout louder in the stands. Nerve-wracking days, both MJ & JK would be successful in being selected for the All Blacks team. It was to be no ordinary team. When Michael got in the All Blacks it was a huge shift in New Zealand consciousness.
The Iceman went on to lift achievement for young people all over New Zealand and the world. Along with Zinzan Brooke, Sir John didn’t do too badly either. A shift abroad proved his worth as a coach and sports brand of entertainment.
Jeanette Thomas has the interview of the Italy, Japan (and now Auckland City) rugby coach talking family, teenagers and having his sights set on a ten-year-career as a coach in New Zealand.
Messages: (Humble) - ”Ten years coaching, then I plan to exit.” “Don’t want to die with music in me.” “Taking a Sir title is not about the title, it is about the reasons.” “Incredibly honored, incredibly humbled, I feel now I have to live up to it.” “If I can help one person through fear, I was a Sir,” he says (paraphrased).
Thomas describes Sir John Kirwan as being a living legend. Watch interview.
The legendary 1987 All Blacks Team included: John Gallagher (Wellington), Craig Green (Canterbury), Joe Stanley (Auckland), John Kirwan (Auckland); Warwick Taylor (Canterbury), Grant Fox (Auckland), David Kirk (Auckland); Wayne Shelford (North Harbour); Michael Jones (Auckland), Gary Whetton (Auckland), Murray Pierce (Wellington), Alan Whetton (Auckland); Steve McDowell (Auckland), Sean Fitzpatrick (Auckland) and John Drake (Auckland), Andy Dalton (Counties), Richard Loe (Waikato), Zinzan Brooke (Auckland), Bernie McCahill (Auckland), Frano Botica (North Harbour) and Bruce Deans (Canterbury).
Rugby was so much fun during these years. Crazy times of sport. It wasn’t so rigid and there was more passion in the game, just for the love of the sport on display. These lads inspired a nation during crucial years where our culture evolved. They were my childhood heroes. The dream team of dreambuilders. With only two channels on TV to choose from, radio commentators in action, no cell phones of any kind and no internet in those days to distract an audience, their celebrity was huge and unparalleled in New Zealand in their spokespersonship roles. They were the voice that shaped a culture. Their words mattered. As a result, they were everyone’s heroes.
What they said and did would shape a nation with depth and meaning. Like all Kiwis of my age-group, in part I too am the product of their character, humour, zest for life and the many gifts of culture that they created on the go, and gave us all as their people.
I could write a book about each one to explain all the pictures of culture they created and shared with their avid audience. They weren’t paid for what they gave, yet they willingly showed generosity of spirit and gave it anyway. Why they are still our bright heroes today. Their ‘books’ they all authored without credit, are a nation of Kiwis. They are some of the finest entertainers New Zealand has ever witnessed, the calibre of whom has rarely been seen since. It’s difficult to know what to say to this generation of stars that the local neighborhoods of New Zealand produced, except Thank you for making us Kiwi too – and a cohesive distinctive society of fun loving people with heart and soul.
~Poster Art: Patricio Guzmán files. 1987 Former All Blacks, photographed with Sir Peter Leitch and Sir Brian Lochore. Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 20.7.12~
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