Kiwis prefer bikes over cars as fuel costs soar

[Lou Girardin]

No one has rights under a Westminster Parliamentary system. You're confusing NZ's political system with the US again. Mind you they don't actually have the rights they used to either.

I'm talking about common law rights and others that are included as simple human dignity.

[Lou Girardin]

I suppose it depends on how much of a lawyer you want to be. In regards to the breath-testing thing, the Bill of Rights uses the words "You have the right not to be subjected to 'unreasonable search or seizure' and 'arbitary arrest or detention'". Do you think stopping people at alcohol checkpoints is a violation of this? Do you believe that it is an unreasonable seizure?

The basic right infringed by breath/blood testing is the protection against self-incrimination.

[James Deuce]

I'm talking about common law rights and others that are included as simple human dignity.

In NZ? You must be joking.

[Lou Girardin]

In NZ? You must be joking.

Good point.

[marty]

you are entitled to refuse a breath/blood test though lou. it cannot be forced upon you.

but you know that.

[James Deuce]

If you want a free feed and a bed that smells like urine marty.

[Lou Girardin]

you are entitled to refuse a breath/blood test though lou. it cannot be forced upon you.

but you know that.

Yes, and you're charged with refusing. Kind of lose/lose situation really.
But I'm not arguing the rights or wrongs of the breath testing legislation. Just how easily basic rights are taken from us without a quibble.

[Gremlin]

Just how easily basic rights are taken from us without a quibble.

Give it a few years, and a couple more laws sneaking up on us, and it won't just be the basic rights...