SOCIETY FOR PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY STANDARDS INC.
Salient, the student magazine of Victoria University, Wellington, published an article entitled “Great Sexpectations” by Grace Sotutu on 13 April 2014 One reader responded to it as follows: “Awesome, thought provoking Thanks for your cogency of argument, as well as a marvellously engaging piece! ” SPCS agrees. Take a read.
Check out. http://salient.org.nz/features/great-sexpectations
Introduction
Liquidation is a process where the assets of a company that cannot pay its debts, are distributed by a liquidator or by a Crown authority called the Official Assignee (AO). The AO only deals with liquidations where it has been appointed liquidator by the court or, in certain circumstances, by itself. A company is placed into liquidation when it is unable to pay its debts. This is done voluntarily or by a court order. A liquidator is appointed to investigate the company’s financial affairs, establish the reason why the company failed, investigate possible offences, and identify and sell any assets to help repay creditors. Officers of the company must assist the liquidator by providing information and answering questions.
Failure to assist the Official Assignee is a serious offence and may lead to prosecution. It is an offence for a director to conceal or remove property with the intention of preventing or delaying the Official Assignee from taking custody of it, or to destroy, conceal or remove records or other documents. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment.
Bankruptcies are managed by the AO and normally last for three years. Bankrupts are unable to direct a company and are not allowed to manage a business without the OA’s consent. [Source: http://www.insolvency.govt.nz/]
The Society for Promotion of Community Standards Inc. is concerned that the ability of liquidators serious about fulfilling their statutory duties to investigate and report possible offences by company officials against the Companies Act 1993, the Financial Reporting Act, the Securities Act and the Insolvency Act 2006; are being undermined and thwarted by a number factors including: [Read more…]
“A Gloomy, grey cloud has replaced the big gay rainbow that Maurice Williamson rode to stardom during the marriage equality debate,” writes Vernon Small in today’s Dominion Post Opinion [lead story – “Fallout will colour public perceptions” ref. 1]. His “big gay rainbow speech” in favour of marriage equality laws was hailed worldwide, and he was courted by The Ellen DeGeneres Show…” writes reporter Stacy Kirk. [SPCS commented sardonically at the time on Williamson’s “most enormous big rainbow” speech that catapulted him “overnight” to “gay icon” status, comparing it to the “Emperor’s New Clothes”. See ref. 2 below]
National Party critics are now effectively accusing the party of corruption. Williamson’s parliamentary career lies in tatters… “now the moment for his time in politics should be over” (editorial opinion).
Maurice Williamson
The Dominion Post reports today: The 63 year old Pakuranga MP, Maurice Williamson, who has served as MP for 27 years, “had no choice but to resign his ministerial warrants yesterday once police confirmed he had called them to inquire about the domestic violence case against wealthy constituent and generous National Party donor – Donghuza Liu. His pre-sacking resignation was handled cleanly and swiftly by Prime Minister John Key … The Cabinet Manual [Rule 4.14] states: ‘[Following a long established principle], Ministers do not involve themselves in deciding whether a decision should be prosecuted or on what charge.”
“The written police version of Williamson’s call – though not verbatim – has him ringing to make sure someone review the matter ‘to ensure we were on solid ground as Mr Liu is investing a lot of money in New Zealand‘.” [Emphasis added]
The Dominion Post editorial (opoinion) entitled “Favours for friends with deep pockets” asks: “Of what possible relevance to a domestic violence charge was Liu’s investment?” Good question! [Some might even be prompted to ask: Was Williamson paid money by Liu to ring the police? If so how much?]
SPCS believes that it is THE PERCEPTION OF CORRUPTION that will be the most damaging “Fallout” from Williamson’s clear breach of Cabinet Manual rules.
[Note: SPCS is a bronze level member of Transparency International (NZ) Inc., the local chapter of Transparency International, the world leading anti-corruption agency].
If Ministers are perceived as showing favour to people based on their wealth (“deep pockets”), this reeks of “corruption” in the minds of many including its critics. [Read more…]
As students get more tech-savvy at creating offensive and defamatory websites, it’s teachers who are in the firing line of online bullying.
Teachers’ Council disciplinary tribunal member Patrick Walsh said attacks on the profession were increasing as students’ understanding of technology evolved.
Sexual images of teachers were being created using headshots from school magazines attached to a naked body and implying the teacher was offering sex services.
Full story: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/9986722/Cyber-bully-students-target-teachers
One of the leaders of the fight to ban legal highs has spoken of his horror over a teenage girl prostituting herself in return for synthetic drugs. TV presenter turned political hopeful Te Hamua Nikora has revealed the sickening plight of a 15-year-old from his hometown of Gisborne who is being paid with legal highs for performing “sexual favours” on adult men.
The girl’s case has come to light after one of her caregivers approached Nikora’s Mana Party office in Gisborne. Nikora is standing for Mana in the central North Island Maori electorate of Ikaroa-Rawhiti.
“We had someone who looks after her . . . come to see us to say she was down there [in the central city] performing sexual favours on men so they would go in and buy her that sort of stuff,” Nikora told Sunday News.
“When we have a young girl down here who is performing sexual favours for guys to go into the shop to buy that stuff . . . that makes me sad, that makes me angry. It makes me want to talk to these fellas and let them know how I feel about it.”
Full story – Story by Neil Reid. Published 27/04/14
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/9978664/Prostitution-a-new-low-for-legal-highs