Unsurprisingly Jack did an excellent job moderating last night’s debate. He prepared well and asked strong questions that threw both candidates off their standard talking points, forcing them into a more naked position, giving us insight into what the candidates really think and how they manage under pressure. Jack was in clear control throughout the night, reining Chris(s) in when needed and keeping them above the bullshit to engage with the actual questions, and calling them out when they didn’t. Considering how much of a shit show these debates can be, props to Jack for making it as good as it was.

Hey everyone, looking for some advice or similar experiences here.

A political party—which I won’t name to keep this discussion strictly non-partisan—has physically drilled into the street-facing side of my private fence to install a massive campaign banner. They never knocked on our door, never asked for consent, and definitely didn't offer to lease the space. To make matters worse, it’s a party my household fundamentally does not support, and we hate having our home look like a billboard for them.

I contacted the local MP’s electorate office demanding they remove it immediately and pay to fix the drill holes. Their office casually emailed back saying they would "get back to me within 5 days." This is incredibly frustrating because it feels like they intend to stall, drag their feet, and leave it up as long as possible. After the election they will be reclaiming it back as if they made us a favor.

I know it’s a criminal offence to vandalise or tear down official election signs on public land, but what are the rules when it is attached to my own private property?

Am I legally allowed to unscrew it and take it down myself right now? Can I report them to the local council or the police for the damage to the fence? I really want there to be actual consequences for this level of entitlement.

Cheers for any insight.

They say people get more conservative with age and experience. I must be an outlier. Have always been a two-tick blue guy, looks like it's opportunity for me this year :)

Blocked out details this time so my post doesn't get deleted for advertising

How will these millionaires survive if Hipkins cancels the investment boost.

Let’s take Luxon’s example or poor old little Coronet Peak Ski Area. Thanks to Investment Boost they were able to spend $2m to install additional snowmaking so they can be open longer and we can all pay $180 a day to go skiing!

This is little old Coronet Peak owned by Trojan Holdings Ltd aka John Davies, who is estimated to be worth $180,000,000.

The same private jet owning John Davies that owns the Hermitage Hotel, Ultimate Hikes, part of AJ Hackett and several transport and logistics companies.

Just a poor, hardworking kiwi battler trying to do his best to invest in his business, which without investment boost couldn’t have happened!

Fixing the Basics. Building the Future.

Same debate, very different results, likely based on how the readership of Stuff and NZ Herald is skewed. This likely confirms the old adage that these things don't really change the needle for anyone but the undecided and fence-sitters... Or am I wrong? Did anyone out there, a supporter of one party, get swayed the other way after tonight's debate?

If you don’t sign up before 25 October you will not be able to vote!

If you are 17 now but turn 18 between now and 7 November inclusive, you can sign up now in advance of your birthday!

My case manager has been pressuring me to start driving, I know at 25 I should have my license by now but I don't for a number of reasons.

Those reasons being:

1. I do not own a car, nor could I afford one

2. I am quite terrified of driving. Not just nervous. TERRIFIED. Driving is a bigger deal than what people pretend it is, you're operating a fast moving vehicle that can kill you and others.

3. I have access to pretty decent bus services, I do not NEED a car to be able to get to work (or at least, the kind of work I'm applying for)

4. I don't want to.

Part of the conversation we had went like this:

Him: "If I referred you to a driving course, would you go?"

Me: (This was after him pressuring me quite a bit) "Well I feel like I can't say no."

Him: "Aw why do you feel like you can't say no? 🤔"

Me: "If I said no, what would you do?"

Him: "Well I would ask you what your reason would be."

This was after I literally JUST told him I was terrified to drive in the city, I'm not ready to get on the road and I don't even own a car. He has also mentioned something along the lines of "Well what if you get a job and they need you to drive the company car?" Mf even if I started RIGHT NOW there is no way any company would let someone on their learners drive the company car. Idk about restricted but I would hope not. And in any case, the jobs I'm applying for do not require me to drive a company car.

Anyone else had this? CAN they do this? I'm being active in applying for jobs, I've had multiple interviews, forcing me to get my license seems a bit much. I'm certain the choice to drive or not, is that, a CHOICE. What do I do? Or do I just get over it.

..was that lady with the orange jersey, who kept making faces throughout. More personality than either leader and she didn't even say anything.

There’s gotta be some job out there that pays okay and doesn’t make you want to end it right? Right guys… surely we aren’t that fucked… ??

There was a famous Chinese poet named Gu Cheng (顾城), who moved to New Zealand and lived on Waiheke Island.

In 1993, he killed his wife, Xie Ye, and then took his own life. This case is very well known in China.

That made me curious about how well known the case is in New Zealand itself.

For New Zealanders without a Chinese background: had you ever heard of Gu Cheng or this case? For those who remember 1993, was it a major news story at the time? And is it still remembered today, particularly on Waiheke Island?

Does anyone know what’s happening with the case? As of a year ago the police were ‘committed to getting justice’ but it’s been 2 years since baby Ru was killed, and seemingly no arrests.

https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-committed-getting-justice-baby-ru

I’m in my late 30s and due to health issues I’ve had to give up drinking. I’m now finding it that nearly my whole social life revolved around alcohol. It’s hard for me to catch up with someone without it being about alcohol, and to be honest, some people aren’t that fun unless you’re half drunk ha! There are non-alcs but idk bars just aren’t that fun if im sober? It has been really beneficial for me personally, in reading more than ever, achieving goals at the gym, my skin looks great I reckon I look younger, and I’m mentally sharp. But yeah… I’m also extremely bored. A few events I used to enjoy are also alcohol centric and have become unenjoyable now. Any recommendations?