As Rob pointed out in his recent “A big gap to close” post, Labour is continuing to loose support with a further 3% lost to alternative parties and now sits on only 28% support, while the left as a whole sits 15% behind in the polls.
What do people think Labour and the left have to do to regain traction and support from the voters?
The moment Goff declared the ETS policy, Key was rushed out with the lie that it would effect milk prices for shoppers. Only later in the day was the lie exposed.
I would start declaring every policy will increase milk prices until everyone got the joke
that is our PM. That we won’t be scared into voting National.
Bringing the ETS forward may not affect international milk prices, but it could affect us locally like the Fonterra price freeze, and it will certainly affect farm profits, and it gives our farmers an unfair disadvantage.
Talking of dairy I just heard some bullshit from Goff on NatRad. He said something like: “The rise in GST has pushed prices far higher than wages”.
Significant price rises, like petrol and dairy products, have been due to international influences. The GST rise was offset by tax and benefit changes. If Goff understands that dairy prices are set on the international market then he must understand he is wrong about GST, so it is blatant bullshit – unless he’s parroting and doesn’t undeerstand?
Significant price rises, like petrol and dairy products, have been due to international influences. The GST rise was offset by tax and benefit changes
Free market failure.
Time for the Government to intervene.
and it gives our farmers an unfair disadvantage.
So you want hard working NZ families to pay higher milk prices to make it OK for farmers? You know, at the same time that Fonterra is reporting record milk payouts?
The price may be set internationally, but GST is levied locally. The rise went on top of the then current price, Pete, therefore Goff is correct to say that GST has affected the price more than wage rises which have been internalised in the ‘international’ price.
So the bullshit/failure to understand is all you, bud.
1. Focus on the economy
2. Announce their policies
3. Provide counters to/have answers for National’s BS
4. Avoid scandals on their team, and in-fighting between parties on the left
About tell the story as it is, don’t embelish it and then you look stupid “..they would have pulled back on their almost $25billion in tax cuts, which is responsible for roughly $130 million a week worth of our borrowing…”.
And why are well selling our economy out ? Just to look good at the RWC, and I still after a nights sleep don’t get it with higher unemployment are we allowing govt policies to have tourists take the jobs that will be available over this period. And no comment on the Labour site.
Who do these politicians represent??? Labour doesn’t want asets to be sold, but it appears it is ok to sell our jobs !!!. These are the day to day issues that effect people. Jobs, jobs, jobs and we hear nothing http://www.worldcup2011newzealand.com/2011/05/tax-breaks-for-rugby-bodies/ http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/outrage-over-visa-extensions-rugby-world-cup-4186681
The Left need to stop being so utterly 19th century about everything. Yes, we know, they didn’t like the Industrial Revolution. Big deal, move on.
Nice parody site you have going here. If Labour ever get into power I imagine they’ll create a Ministry of E-ffairs to shut down such good-hearted hi-jinks.
Tell me Charlie Parker, what is 19th century about a green revolution? Clean tech is the cutting edge of development. It is a big deal with countries like Germany embracing the change instead of being stuck in the 19th century where coal is king. They have low amounts of wind and sun and not much space to implement renewables, but they have and this shows that any country in the world can.
The only people who are stuck in the 19th century are the right wing hacks who have investments in oil and coal and therefore don’t want a renewable source of energy. They would rather destroy the world for a few bucks in the back pocket.
Nationals outdated thinking and backwards policies mean New Zealand will not be on the crest of the wave surfing into a brighter future. A lack of R&D means that the only large implementation of new renewable infrastructure New Zealand will have is when we buy it from another country. By then the 19th century right wing environmentally ignorant fuckwits might have destroyed us.
A lack of R&D means that the only large implementation of new renewable infrastructure New Zealand will have is when we buy it from another country. By then the 19th century right wing environmentally ignorant fuckwits might have destroyed us.
No “might” about it. The last three decades of unsustainable right-wing policies has almost done so already.
Yeah, the left really hated how the industrial revolution lifted the living conditions of millions of people across the globe. The left wish everyone was consigned to the poor house and child labour. That’s why they have so many policies about abolishing the minimum wage and getting rid of social welfare.
Do you actually stop to think about what you’re writing? It doesn’t look like it.
The industrial revolution effectively formalised the power of capital over labour. It took decades before labour laws and protections caught up with the changes wrought by the industrial revolution.
Frankly, it would have been a far better change for the people if it had been the workers who had owned the new factories and the new machines. Then they might have been against things like sending child labour into coal mines etc.
Stuff report on setting up of system to sell SOEs. This doesn’t sound like restricting to selling only to Kiwi Mums and Dads?
“The Government favours an initial public offering approach, keeping at least 51 percent of each business and wants to give local investors priority over foreigners. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5052188/Treasury-kicks-off-asset-sales-process
Is this the same treasury that gave such compelling advice to the idiots running this country ? and invented 170,000 jobs. Now what ? they are going to what come up with an even more fantastic document to encourage said idiots to sell more than the 49%.
Oh great a bumbling idiot in charge of the government, and Treasury looks like they are all on drugs.
The maori party are getting strong, smart advice and their latest campaign has legs because they are reiterating their key message of incremental progress. Unlike others i see no problems with multiple choices for Māori and i also see the debate as positive for empowerment of Māori so i say go hard maori party, the harder the better.
Any one notice the latest bit of corporatist lunacy. One SOE power company being forced to pay millions to buy power stations from another SOE power company. As if that was not crazy enough, the buyer has been forced to borrow the money at commercial rates.
Treasury is starting the asset sales process, KiwiSaver changes start from July… how is that seeking a fresh mandate before National start breaking all their 2008 promises?
A short-list is expected to be prepared by June 10, with the contract expected to begin on June 20.
The initial term will end on November 26, the day of the election, with an extension dependent on whether the elected Government proceeds with the asset sale programme.
So it’s preliminaries, not actually selling anything.
KiwiSaver changes start from July…
In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.
“In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.”
I’m sure the accounting changes have happened already.
Call me superficial or that I display ageism traits, yet I hope that is not THE reason not to sell our power coys, retiress in skimpy outfits. If it is I may have to review my oponion. 😉
Yeah, I’m not sure either.
It runs really slow. And I chose the apple. After all, apples are good for you, and a little bit of sin is good for you too, in moderation.
Its a perfect example of everything that is wrong with National’s approach. The people of Christchurch are being shut out of decisions about their own city, their own future, by back-room deals cooked up by a micromanaging dictator. They deserve better.
So, the dictatorial, non-consulting nature of CERA shows it’s teeth.
How is it that the US government could get two of the tallest buildings in the world demolished, top down and falling within their own footprints in less than a couple of weeks, yet ten years later the NZ government can’t get a building a quarter the size demolished in a year? Have they not seen travellerev’s youtube links?
Most likely that was not a mistake. Hard to mistakenly control demolition a large building since it takes months of planning and preparation, checking and rechecking.
Labour will win the election if they 1/ stop the politics of envy and 2/ forget socialism 101 – robbing from the rich for ‘redistribution’ 3/ promote hard work and success – even if ones comes from a background of adversity.
A prime example of how not to argue with science. The research says that the pesticides used on GM food crops in North America + a modified form of the bt toxin Cry1Ab. Where as Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand*, without taking into account that fact that the pesticides have been in use since the 1970’s[1], as have bt bacteria sprays, chock full of Cry-toxins since the 1930’s[2]. Observed toxicities of both are considered low to humans compared to other toxins, due to the specificity of the mechanisms of toxicity for them. Plus it doesn’t call for ban, merely more lots more research.
What glyphosphates do is block shikimate synthesis, which plants require in order to biosynthesise aromatic side chain amino acids, various aromatic chemicals that plants use for protection, and lignin which glues plant cells together. Animals have generally lost the ability to synthesise shikimate and kinked compounds as they generally acquire what they need from their food. However, biology is messy, and thus glyphosphates can interact with other enzymes, and in case of being used near freshwater, need to have the right formulation to prevent it becoming a problem for aquatic animal life. However, I can’t provide a better breakdown on dosage effects due to not being at uni any more, as there are hints of impacts of pregnant rats, but the abstract has no info on dosage given.
In this particular case, I’m sceptical given what I know about developmental biology that very low levels of glyphosphate will have major impacts on foetal development, compared to the vast array of other common chemicals we already know to disrupt endocrine signalling or have other know toxic effects on development. Like methyl mercury from salt water fish, like tuna, or various other pesticides we haven’t outlawed despite known issues.
As for Cry toxins, they rely on binding to specific cell surface receptors so they can create a large pore in the cell membrane. Which without, unless used at rather insane dosages, they have very very low toxicity to non target species, although there are issues with other insects such as bees and evolution of resistance in target pest species. The source bacteria as mentioned before was and still is used as a spray, and if memory serves me right is considered okay to use for organic crops. The modifications made to the various Cry toxins used in GE plants are missing a protein chain that’s cleaved off by insect gut proteases to activate the toxin, to make them faster acting. Personally, this was probably not the brightest of ideas as it remove a specificity filter, but to date evidence has been sketchy on toxicity in humans at low levels. Thus I’d bet that the amounts found are unlikely to be an issue, especially as the mean of action by cry toxins doesn’t interfere with developmental signals, which is what endocrine disruptor’s and thalidomide do.
If anything, the glyphosphates are a possible issue, but as I said earlier, prior hasn’t produced any signals of problems on that front. It definitely is worth researching, because as the authors state there’s a dearth of research into this. But is it worth banning GE crops over? Hardly.
Thus I sort of consider Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand claims to be a bit dodgy on this, more knee-jerk than anything based on teh literature.
______________________________________________
*hmmmn, not sure what to make of this group, especially given the lack of any major genetics researchers in their trusties list, particularly as one of my former lecturers is very involved in dealing with possible GMO issues. Suggests group is “amateur” and google turns up links to an NZ anti-fluoridation group, spouting the usual science-fail/toxicology 101-fail claims about the horrors low levels of fluoride in water supplies will cause. Also, they refer to “toxic chemical based agriculture” and want organic farming everywhere. Make of that what you will, especially if you know thy basic organic/biochem (we’re made of chemicals) and issues with mass production of organic food.
Labour is demanding answers after a multi-million dollar Government contract was awarded without any competition.
Oh dear, it seems that Nact have been going round giving out non-tended government funds – again.
The chief executive of Parents Inc is Bruce Pilbrow who was appointed by Bennett to the Families Commission two years ago
More of our money for their mates? At the very least it looks like a company getting the job because they knew what the specs would be because of the CEO working for the government. In fact, reading that article, it seems the CEO managed to sell the product to the minister directly.
Parents Inc is a Christian based programme, and Pilbrow was one of her Christian fundamentalist appointees to the Families Commission. Why is government money going to this programme without a tender process? I think the Auditor-General should investigate as usually anything over about $20,000 has to go out on the GETS tender system. 1. Why did it go without tender? 2. Why this company (which has little evidence-base for effectiveness)?
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said that was the product the Government was after.
”It’s really the tool box that we are buying and no one else has it, so if we put it out for tender someone else would have to create something that is already there,” she told TVNZ.
Well, that’s the excuse but really they should have determined what they wanted to achieve and then put it out to tender and not give the sale straight to the salesman who also happened to be a Paula Bennett appointee.
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
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This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
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Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
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Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
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Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
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Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
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Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
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In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
The campaign will engage the community and encourage submissions on the bill to the New Zealand government by the closing submission deadline of Friday 31st of May 2024 4pm. ...
The paper raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand's political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency plays in that. ...
The Urban Habitat Collective was an attempt to built an innovative new form of apartment building in Wellington. Here’s why it failed, and why the idea could still work, writes co-founder Bronwen Newton. When we started the Urban Habitat Collective in November 2018, we thought we were starting a revolution, ...
Two decades ago this week, a controversial law that attempted to define ownership of the foreshore and seabed prompted a formidable display of outrage and kōtahitanga as 15,000 marched to parliament. Jamie Tahana looks back.‘Hīkoi, hīkoi,” they chanted by the thousands as the biggest Māori march in a generation ...
While women’s sport is exploding in Aotearoa and around the world, you still don’t hear a lot of talk about athletes and their periods, RED-S, breastfeeding and visible panty-lines. SASS (Suze and Sez Sports)Talk isn’t afraid to have that kōrero.LockerRoom founder Suzanne McFadden and Olympian broadcaster Sarah ...
On an unusually hot night in January 2019, a little boy’s lifeless body was found face up in a small town’s sewage oxidation pond. To the police, it was an open and shut case: three-year-old Lachlan Jones had run away from his home in the Southland town of Gore, climbed ...
A Labour Party Member’s Bill aims to plug a culpability gap between manslaughter and health and safety breaches The post New push for corporate killing laws appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Terence O’Brien had the rare and no doubt undesired distinction of rising to one of the most exalted positions in New Zealand diplomacy, then being unceremoniously recalled to Wellington without explanation just when his career was at its zenith. What is perhaps more surprising is that he appears to have ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 2 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Why has New Zealand slipped from third to 12th on Quality of Death Indexes over the past decade or so? Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive Wayne Naylor has a list of reasons. “We don’t have a current national strategy – the Government hasn’t renewed our 2001 strategy, so we don’t ...
Rongotai MP Julie Anne Genter has apologised in Parliament after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers in the House. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders met on Wednesday as the national cabinet to discuss a crisis gripping Australia – the horrific number of women murdered this year. The killings have shocked ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...
Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University Violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it is a whole of society problem to solve; and men in particular have to take responsibility. Those were the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Allen, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Newcastle Snapshot freddy/ShutterstockPlans to revive an old coal-fired power station using bioenergy are being considered in the Hunter region of New South Wales. Similar plans for the station ...
Responding to the long-awaited release of judges’ special allowances, including free air travel and hotels for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said: “In what world does your employer ...
Analysis - The United States has unveiled plans to boost the weapons trade with Australia and the UK, on the same day that Winston Peters is expected to sketch NZ's position on AUKUS. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Carson, Professor of Political Communication, Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University Since Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, diverse commentaries have sought to explain why it failed. But what does an analysis of media ...
Lawyers representing two iwi as well as the Māori Women’s Welfare League on Wednesday asked the Court of Appeal to overturn last week’s High Court decision on the Waitangi Tribunal’s decision to summons Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. The Tribunal is currently investigating the Government’s decision to repeal section 7AA of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation to ban deepfake pornography and provide more funding for the eSafety Commission to pilot age-assurance technologies. The contribution of internet sites to gender-based violence was one major issue ...
Average ordinary time hourly earnings, as measured by the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), increased 5.2 percent in the year to the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Annual wage cost inflation, as measured by the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, FinTech Capability Lead | Senior Lecturer, Emerging Technologies and FinTech, Swinburne University of Technology Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash In the digital era, the job market is increasingly becoming a minefield – demanding and difficult to navigate. According to the Australian Bureau ...
As of the March 2024 quarter, we can now look back on 20 years of data related to youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET), as collected by the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS), according to figures released by Stats NZ today. "The ...
Thousands of workers attended public events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch today to celebrate International Workers’ Day (May Day), but union representatives are urging caution and vigilance over the Government’s blatantly "anti-worker" ...
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the March 2024 quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the previous quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...
The PSA is warning the Government that the sensitive information of New Zealanders held by various agencies will fall into the wrong hands if the latest round of proposed cuts goes ahead. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Talitha Best, Professor of Psychology, CQUniversity Australia Victoria Rodriguez/Unsplash How do sugar rushes work? – W.H, age nine, from Canberra What a terrific question W.H! Let’s explore this, starting with some of the basics. What is sugar? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karinna Saxby, Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Increasing income support could help keep women and children safe according to new work demonstrating strong links between financial insecurity and domestic violence. ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark A Gregory, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, RMIT University The telecommunications industry faces a major shakeup following the release of the post-incident report on last November’s 12-hour Optus outage. Telecommunications companies will have to share more information with customers during future ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Eden Denyer, bookseller at Unity Books Auckland.Weirdest question/request you’ve had on the shop floorA mother came in looking for anything we might have on Alaskan bison as that was her little boy’s ...
NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said new data released by Statistics New Zealand shows the need for Government to act now, with unemployment rising from 3.4% to 4.3%. ...
The outpouring of anger over Maiki Sherman’s hyperbolic presentation of this week’s ‘nightmare’ poll is itself an overreaction, argues Stewart Sowman-Lund. Politicians love nothing more than to pretend they don’t care about polls. This week, deputy prime minister Winston Peters said he didn’t give a “rat’s derriere” about a TVNZ ...
Asia Pacific Report Ngāti Kahungunu in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region has become the first indigenous Māori iwi (tribe) to sign a resolution calling for a “ceasefire in Palestine”, reports Te Ao Māori News. Reporter Te Aniwaniwa Paterson talked to Te Otāne Huata, who has been organising peace rallies ...
By Dale Luma in Port Moresby “We want grants and not concessional loans,” is the crisp message from Papua New Guinea businesses directly affected by the Black Wednesday looting four months ago. The businesses, which lost millions after the January 10 rioting and looting, say they need grants as part ...
Happy May Day. Join a union. Q: What’s worse than a staff break room where the only place to sit and have a cup of tea is on a teetering stack of old pornography magazines? A: Your boss replacing the magazine stacks with chairs that are “heartily encrusted with ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Former opposition leader Matthew Wale has been announced as the second prime ministerial candidate ahead of the election in Solomon Islands tomorrow. He will face off against former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele, who was announced by the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation ...
We get but one birthday a year – why not make it last as long as possible by scheduling as many meals with friends and family as you can? This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate at ...
A Koi Tū discussion paper released today proposes sweeping changes to New Zealand’s media industry. The principal’s key author, Gavin Ellis, explains how journalists have a key role to play in making others value their role in society. This is an abridged version of a piece first published on knightlyviews.com ...
The Government’s spending cuts are again targeting support for Māori with proposed reform of the agency charged with advising on Māori wellbeing and development. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Douglas, Honorary Senior Lecturer, UNSW Aviation., UNSW Sydney The history of budget jet airlines in Australia is a long road littered with broken dreams. New entrants have consistently struggled to get a foothold. Low-cost carrier Bonza has just become the industry’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosalind Dixon, Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW Sydney Australia is finally having a sustained conversation about violence against women and what we can do about it. It is more than time. Australian women and girls continue to experience ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne stockfour/Shutterstock Preliminary bulk billing data released this week shows a 2.1% rise in bulk billing up to March. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Schulz, Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Australia is once again grappling with how we can stop gendered violence in our country. Protests over the weekend show there is enormous community anger over the number of women who are dying and National ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University AnastasiaDudka/Shutterstock What if the government was doing everything it could to stop thieves making off with our money, except the one thing that could really work? That’s how it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury The Conversation It seems to be a time of old favourites. This month our experts have recommended two new seasons – the second season of Alone Australia (although ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland A bright Eta Aquariid meteor photobombed this photo of comet C/2020 F8 (SWAN) in May 2020.Jonti Horner Meteors – commonly known as shooting stars – can be seen on any night of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Flannery, Honorary fellow, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Current concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere are unprecedented in human history. But CO₂ levels today, and those that might occur in coming decades, did occur millions of years ago. ...
Winston Peters has been keen to dismiss speculation on our involvement in Aukus but will give a speech tonight on the direction of our foreign policy, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Usmar, Lecturer in Critical Media Literacies, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images With the coalition government’s ban of student mobile phones in New Zealand schools coming into effect this week, reaction has ranged from the sceptical (kids will just get ...
Hospitals around the country are not allowed to make a single hiring decision without the approval of Te Whatu Ora's head office, including for cleaners and administration staff. ...
As Rob pointed out in his recent “A big gap to close” post, Labour is continuing to loose support with a further 3% lost to alternative parties and now sits on only 28% support, while the left as a whole sits 15% behind in the polls.
What do people think Labour and the left have to do to regain traction and support from the voters?
Remove the deadwood MPs and bring up/in new talent, at the moment Labour look old, tired and bereft of ideas
Stop looking for dirt on John Key (or at least keep it quiet) because its just not there and makes Labour look sordid
Try listening to what D O’Connor had to say but add in the teaching and university professions
Most importantly Labour must start acting like a team and stop back-stabbing each other
None so blind as those who will not see…
The moment Goff declared the ETS policy, Key was rushed out with the lie that it would effect milk prices for shoppers. Only later in the day was the lie exposed.
I would start declaring every policy will increase milk prices until everyone got the joke
that is our PM. That we won’t be scared into voting National.
Talking of fibs, did Goff talk to Ferrier or not?
Labour is going to bring ETS in two years earlier. If Key is such a dick he
thinks ETS will raise milk prices then he deserves the ripping.
Bringing the ETS forward may not affect international milk prices, but it could affect us locally like the Fonterra price freeze, and it will certainly affect farm profits, and it gives our farmers an unfair disadvantage.
Talking of dairy I just heard some bullshit from Goff on NatRad. He said something like: “The rise in GST has pushed prices far higher than wages”.
Significant price rises, like petrol and dairy products, have been due to international influences. The GST rise was offset by tax and benefit changes. If Goff understands that dairy prices are set on the international market then he must understand he is wrong about GST, so it is blatant bullshit – unless he’s parroting and doesn’t undeerstand?
Free market failure.
Time for the Government to intervene.
So you want hard working NZ families to pay higher milk prices to make it OK for farmers? You know, at the same time that Fonterra is reporting record milk payouts?
I wonder which side you are working for.
I thought that was obvious CV – He’s working for his masters’ side.
The price may be set internationally, but GST is levied locally. The rise went on top of the then current price, Pete, therefore Goff is correct to say that GST has affected the price more than wage rises which have been internalised in the ‘international’ price.
So the bullshit/failure to understand is all you, bud.
Er, except – not really! (That is to say, not noticeably)
There is a post on Red Alert where Ferrier tells John Campbell exactly how milk prices are set.
http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/05/24/who-knows-better-fonterra-or-key-on-setting-dairy-prices/
It was a morning post but what I should have said was: until you have actual proof because otherwise it makes Labour look cheap
1. Focus on the economy
2. Announce their policies
3. Provide counters to/have answers for National’s BS
4. Avoid scandals on their team, and in-fighting between parties on the left
About tell the story as it is, don’t embelish it and then you look stupid “..they would have pulled back on their almost $25billion in tax cuts, which is responsible for roughly $130 million a week worth of our borrowing…”.
And why are well selling our economy out ? Just to look good at the RWC, and I still after a nights sleep don’t get it with higher unemployment are we allowing govt policies to have tourists take the jobs that will be available over this period. And no comment on the Labour site.
Who do these politicians represent??? Labour doesn’t want asets to be sold, but it appears it is ok to sell our jobs !!!. These are the day to day issues that effect people. Jobs, jobs, jobs and we hear nothing
http://www.worldcup2011newzealand.com/2011/05/tax-breaks-for-rugby-bodies/
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/outrage-over-visa-extensions-rugby-world-cup-4186681
The Left need to stop being so utterly 19th century about everything. Yes, we know, they didn’t like the Industrial Revolution. Big deal, move on.
Nice parody site you have going here. If Labour ever get into power I imagine they’ll create a Ministry of E-ffairs to shut down such good-hearted hi-jinks.
Tell me Charlie Parker, what is 19th century about a green revolution? Clean tech is the cutting edge of development. It is a big deal with countries like Germany embracing the change instead of being stuck in the 19th century where coal is king. They have low amounts of wind and sun and not much space to implement renewables, but they have and this shows that any country in the world can.
The only people who are stuck in the 19th century are the right wing hacks who have investments in oil and coal and therefore don’t want a renewable source of energy. They would rather destroy the world for a few bucks in the back pocket.
Nationals outdated thinking and backwards policies mean New Zealand will not be on the crest of the wave surfing into a brighter future. A lack of R&D means that the only large implementation of new renewable infrastructure New Zealand will have is when we buy it from another country. By then the 19th century right wing environmentally ignorant fuckwits might have destroyed us.
No “might” about it. The last three decades of unsustainable right-wing policies has almost done so already.
Yeah, the left really hated how the industrial revolution lifted the living conditions of millions of people across the globe. The left wish everyone was consigned to the poor house and child labour. That’s why they have so many policies about abolishing the minimum wage and getting rid of social welfare.
Do you actually stop to think about what you’re writing? It doesn’t look like it.
The industrial revolution effectively formalised the power of capital over labour. It took decades before labour laws and protections caught up with the changes wrought by the industrial revolution.
Frankly, it would have been a far better change for the people if it had been the workers who had owned the new factories and the new machines. Then they might have been against things like sending child labour into coal mines etc.
Redbaiting season at Kiwiblog?
http://readingthemaps.blogspot.com/2011/05/chatting-at-hate-show.html
Full marks for forebearance Scott. Pearls before swine, but such beautiful pearls, such fascinating swine….first-class entertainment.
Well done Scott. Hugely enjoyable interchanges.
Stuff report on setting up of system to sell SOEs. This doesn’t sound like restricting to selling only to Kiwi Mums and Dads?
“The Government favours an initial public offering approach, keeping at least 51 percent of each business and wants to give local investors priority over foreigners.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5052188/Treasury-kicks-off-asset-sales-process
Is this the same treasury that gave such compelling advice to the idiots running this country ? and invented 170,000 jobs. Now what ? they are going to what come up with an even more fantastic document to encourage said idiots to sell more than the 49%.
Oh great a bumbling idiot in charge of the government, and Treasury looks like they are all on drugs.
The maori party are getting strong, smart advice and their latest campaign has legs because they are reiterating their key message of incremental progress. Unlike others i see no problems with multiple choices for Māori and i also see the debate as positive for empowerment of Māori so i say go hard maori party, the harder the better.
http://mars2earth.blogspot.com/2011/05/harder-better.html
Dude I really really think that Mp should run with this campaign NB I am one who thinks that they should lose every seat they hold currently 🙂
Any one notice the latest bit of corporatist lunacy. One SOE power company being forced to pay millions to buy power stations from another SOE power company. As if that was not crazy enough, the buyer has been forced to borrow the money at commercial rates.
Yep, post up on Red Alert.
Ta. Didn’t see anything in the media though.
Treasury is starting the asset sales process, KiwiSaver changes start from July… how is that seeking a fresh mandate before National start breaking all their 2008 promises?
Treasury is starting the asset sales process…
So it’s preliminaries, not actually selling anything.
KiwiSaver changes start from July…
In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.
“In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.”
I’m sure the accounting changes have happened already.
Nah, not actually selling anything.
And I’m not actually off to the pub.
Then where are you going?
Oh, I’m just walking out to the car.
So you can drive to the pub, right?
Well yeah, but I’m not actually “going to the pub” right now, I’m just “walking to the car”.
So you might decide to drive somewhere else?
No, I’ll definitely be going to the pub. But right now I’m just walking to the car.
I don’t think you should be driving to the pub.
I’m not. I’m just walking to the car.
etc
etc
etc
And by the same logic, Customs should not stop the import of bulk pseudoephedrine. After all the recipient may just have an enormous headache.
What the …
Call me superficial or that I display ageism traits, yet I hope that is not THE reason not to sell our power coys, retiress in skimpy outfits. If it is I may have to review my oponion. 😉
Kooky!
I’m loving the Chuck Norris bit. And the Trev vs Tau…
In an age of choosing sides I’m not sure what the choices are! Very odd. Is it officially Labour made or…
I thought it was a piss-take (a poor taste one at that) at first but apparently it’s actually an official Labour site.
Yeah, I’m not sure either.
It runs really slow. And I chose the apple. After all, apples are good for you, and a little bit of sin is good for you too, in moderation.
Brownlee puts his foot down
So, the dictatorial, non-consulting nature of CERA shows it’s teeth.
How is it that the US government could get two of the tallest buildings in the world demolished, top down and falling within their own footprints in less than a couple of weeks, yet ten years later the NZ government can’t get a building a quarter the size demolished in a year? Have they not seen travellerev’s youtube links?
Except the US government also managed to get tower 7 taken out, by mistake.
I think we’re trying to avoid that sort of scenario here.
Most likely that was not a mistake. Hard to mistakenly control demolition a large building since it takes months of planning and preparation, checking and rechecking.
Labour will win the election if they 1/ stop the politics of envy and 2/ forget socialism 101 – robbing from the rich for ‘redistribution’ 3/ promote hard work and success – even if ones comes from a background of adversity.
It’s not “robbing from the rich” as they didn’t produce the wealth – merely appropriated it.
http://tvnz.co.nz/health-news/research-prompts-calls-ge-food-ban-4188129
A prime example of how not to argue with science. The research says that the pesticides used on GM food crops in North America + a modified form of the bt toxin Cry1Ab. Where as Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand*, without taking into account that fact that the pesticides have been in use since the 1970’s[1], as have bt bacteria sprays, chock full of Cry-toxins since the 1930’s[2]. Observed toxicities of both are considered low to humans compared to other toxins, due to the specificity of the mechanisms of toxicity for them. Plus it doesn’t call for ban, merely more lots more research.
What glyphosphates do is block shikimate synthesis, which plants require in order to biosynthesise aromatic side chain amino acids, various aromatic chemicals that plants use for protection, and lignin which glues plant cells together. Animals have generally lost the ability to synthesise shikimate and kinked compounds as they generally acquire what they need from their food. However, biology is messy, and thus glyphosphates can interact with other enzymes, and in case of being used near freshwater, need to have the right formulation to prevent it becoming a problem for aquatic animal life. However, I can’t provide a better breakdown on dosage effects due to not being at uni any more, as there are hints of impacts of pregnant rats, but the abstract has no info on dosage given.
In this particular case, I’m sceptical given what I know about developmental biology that very low levels of glyphosphate will have major impacts on foetal development, compared to the vast array of other common chemicals we already know to disrupt endocrine signalling or have other know toxic effects on development. Like methyl mercury from salt water fish, like tuna, or various other pesticides we haven’t outlawed despite known issues.
As for Cry toxins, they rely on binding to specific cell surface receptors so they can create a large pore in the cell membrane. Which without, unless used at rather insane dosages, they have very very low toxicity to non target species, although there are issues with other insects such as bees and evolution of resistance in target pest species. The source bacteria as mentioned before was and still is used as a spray, and if memory serves me right is considered okay to use for organic crops. The modifications made to the various Cry toxins used in GE plants are missing a protein chain that’s cleaved off by insect gut proteases to activate the toxin, to make them faster acting. Personally, this was probably not the brightest of ideas as it remove a specificity filter, but to date evidence has been sketchy on toxicity in humans at low levels. Thus I’d bet that the amounts found are unlikely to be an issue, especially as the mean of action by cry toxins doesn’t interfere with developmental signals, which is what endocrine disruptor’s and thalidomide do.
If anything, the glyphosphates are a possible issue, but as I said earlier, prior hasn’t produced any signals of problems on that front. It definitely is worth researching, because as the authors state there’s a dearth of research into this. But is it worth banning GE crops over? Hardly.
Thus I sort of consider Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand claims to be a bit dodgy on this, more knee-jerk than anything based on teh literature.
______________________________________________
*hmmmn, not sure what to make of this group, especially given the lack of any major genetics researchers in their trusties list, particularly as one of my former lecturers is very involved in dealing with possible GMO issues. Suggests group is “amateur” and google turns up links to an NZ anti-fluoridation group, spouting the usual science-fail/toxicology 101-fail claims about the horrors low levels of fluoride in water supplies will cause. Also, they refer to “toxic chemical based agriculture” and want organic farming everywhere. Make of that what you will, especially if you know thy basic organic/biochem (we’re made of chemicals) and issues with mass production of organic food.
Oh dear, it seems that Nact have been going round giving out non-tended government funds – again.
More of our money for their mates? At the very least it looks like a company getting the job because they knew what the specs would be because of the CEO working for the government. In fact, reading that article, it seems the CEO managed to sell the product to the minister directly.
Parents Inc is a Christian based programme, and Pilbrow was one of her Christian fundamentalist appointees to the Families Commission. Why is government money going to this programme without a tender process? I think the Auditor-General should investigate as usually anything over about $20,000 has to go out on the GETS tender system. 1. Why did it go without tender? 2. Why this company (which has little evidence-base for effectiveness)?
Well, that’s the excuse but really they should have determined what they wanted to achieve and then put it out to tender and not give the sale straight to the salesman who also happened to be a Paula Bennett appointee.
Damn, stuffed up the link:
Call for $2.4m Govt contract to be scrutinised
Can you roll eyes and cringe at the same time?
Maybe when this was suggested the answer should have been “let’s not”.