Another “satisfied” WINZ client…

– Peter

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I ran a blog called Aotearoawolfing, but stopped posting after I ran out of things to say. Obviously I did it anonymously, as like everyone I have things to hide i.e. my life off the internet.

Basically have left New Zealand for good to the United States (where I also have citizenship – though my family live here). I got out while I still could.

In my case I was depressed and I could no longer could work at my job like I used to, and I couldn’t get a job again at a decent wage. By the time I got through the W&I process I had full-scale clinical depression. No support exists, and the whole experience made me think the sole focus of W&I right now is make young people homeless (which aren’t counted on unemployment statistics) or force the burden of care onto the family.

Hopefully National gets turfed out next election, but if it doesn’t then I am no longer in New Zealand – even if I have to pay off a big student loan with interest (no thanks to the cut to the student loan holiday while overseas). But on that story, most don’t pay it off as John Key has no jurisdiction in places like Canada or the US – only in Australia. In fact most never want to go back to New Zealand, John Key threatening them with prison if they return will only ensure that the best and brightest never return.

Really I don’t understand the government’s paranoid obsession about the unemployed, and student loan borrowers. As the reason there is a shortfall in the budget is due to stagnant wage growth, the richest 10% avoiding tax, and everyone with qualifications leaving the country as they can’t get work in New Zealand. It is the worst crisis since the 1980s-1990s and the government isn’t doing anything to fix it.

Hope I didn’t go on too long, hopefully I can find the time to start blogging again – even if it is from the other side of the world.

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Previous related blogpost

Student Defaulters – to be arrested on sight at all borders

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Advertisement

Full access for everyone!

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Yet again, it takes the public to remind politicians that they are in office for everyone. Please take a couple of minutes of your time to sign this,

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(Click here or on the image)

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It seems outrageous that in the 21st Century we’re still having to prompt the government-of-the-day (almost always National!) to do the right thing!

It seems that our elected representatives seem oblivious to doing the right thing without having to be continually reminded of their responsibilities.

Please take a moment to sign. It’s worth it.

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Geoff Robinson – an era ends.

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Morning Report co-host, Geoff Robinson

Photo Acknowledgement: Sunday Star Times

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It was a feeling of sadness and a losing a familiar part of my world , when I heard today (28 November) that Geoff Robinson would be resigning next year, on 1 April, from his role as Radio NZ’s Morning Report co-host. (see: Geoff Robinson to leave Morning Report)

Geoff Robinson had been a part of my mornings since I “discovered” Radio NZ in the early 199os. He had been part of my mornings since then, outlasting several partners/lovers, and being there as I had my brekky and first of umpteen coffees.

His style was professional and reassuring. He asked the questions and voiced pertinent points from his guests that screamed from my own thoughts.  He always sounded chatty and “laid back” – but his subtle questioning could be deceptively edgy and insightful.

It’s a cliche, I know, but he will be a tough act to follow.

I will miss him terribly. Like a family member who hangs around, never really imposing himself, but always with something interesting to say.

I thank Geoff for making my mornings something to look forward to. How else could one face a Monday morning after a relaxing weekend?

And I thank Geoff for giving us notice up till 1 April. I shall be making the most of the time left and relishing every moment of the time he has given us.

Enjoy your retirement, Geoff. And your lie-ins. You’ve more than earned it.

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“Here was a Caesar! when comes such another?” –  Julius Caesar, Act 3, Scene 2

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Radio NZ: Politics with Matthew Hooton and Mike Williams – 25 November 2013

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– Politics on Nine To Noon –

 

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– Monday 25 November 2013 –

 

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– Kathryn Ryan, with Matthew Hooton & Mike Williams –

 

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Today on Politics on Nine To Noon,

 

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Click to Listen: Politics with Matthew Hooton and Mike Williams ( 23′ 15″  )

 

This week:

• Electorate boundary reshuffles,
• new party leaderships,
• government share sale policy,
• and offshore drilling.

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Radio NZ: Focus on Politics for 22 November 2013

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– Focus on Politics –

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– Friday 22 November 2013  –

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– Brent Edwards –

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A weekly analysis of significant political issues.

Friday after 6:30pm and Saturday at 5:10pm

This week voters in Christchurch East will head to the polls next weekend to decide who’ll be their next member of Parliament.

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Click to listen: Focus on Politics for 22 November 2013 ( 16′ 15″ )

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Acknowledgement: Radio NZ

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One Dunedinite’s response to the passing of the GCSB Bill…

The following images were provided (anonymously) to this blogger. They show one Dunedinite’s response to the passing of the GCSB Bill on 21 August. The message, “John Key is big brother” was painted on the footpath outside National List MP, Michael Woodhouse’s, office…

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Thanks to the person who sent in the images – and kudos for not spray-painting the building with the message.

The question now, is, will an incoming Labour-Green government repeal the GCSB Act, or will it tolerate the creeping growth of State power and surveillance in this country?

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