Day of Action

Written By: - Date published: 10:38 am, July 12th, 2012 - 89 comments
Categories: democratic participation, Privatisation - Tags:

89 comments on “Day of Action ”

  1. Jim Nald 1

    Come well dressed for the weather – come rain, hail or snow!

  2. alex 2

    Just on that Wellington one, the Greens will have people out collecting signatures around Cuba from 12-2, so great news that there is going to be more action from 2 oclock onwards.

    • Young Labour in Wellington have been mining Cuba Street for months.  I suspect they may have collected most of the potential signatures there already.  I was down there for a weekend and got waylaid by Rory McCourt who is an absolute star.

      But the Greens should also give it a go. 

      • alex 2.1.1

        What we’ve found is that turnover of people in a static spot is fairly frequent, so while there is a lot of merit in moving around a wider area, like a province, there is also a lot of merit in trying to talk to people going to the same area. Chances are there will always be new people coming through who want to sign the petition.
        Having said that, last weekend in Otaki and Paekakariki there was hardly anyone who has signed the petition, which made it really easy. I was at the football field in Paekakariki and it was literally a case of passing it along a row of spectators. It was great because it meant I could watch the very tense and surprisingly highly skilled match.

      • Fortran 2.1.2

        I’m told by a Cuba Street worker that she has been approached by a number of people in the area and she has signed them all to kep them quiet and let her get to work and home.

        • bbfloyd 2.1.2.1

          Liar…. all she needed to do was say she’d already signed….. surely that would take less time than having to put pen to paper…. which means you are making this up…

          Quite apart from the fact that she apparently didn’t think about the fact that knowingly signing the same petition several times is pointless….and could be deemed mischeivious…. a fact the petition organisers would know very well, so wouldn’t be interested in getting repeat signatures….

          The rubbish you tory knuckleheads spout sometimes is quite laughable….. what’s the matter? havn’t got a real argument?

        • Reality Bytes 2.1.2.2

          When I am too busy and a random petitioner/surveyor/charity worker rocks up and starts shooting the breeze and get me to sign up… I just simply tell them I am to busy.

          Which is the simple truth. No offence to these folks, I am happy with my charity/signatory contributions. I see brushing them off as actually useful to their ultimate cause since it frees up time for them to win over on undecideds to assist their cause.

          Sounds a bit convoluted, but if you are genuine and express that kind of view, I think the good folks appreciate it.

          For political things I thank the volunteers for getting people thinking/talking, but say I support something slightly different so cannot provide my signature.

  3. Mark 3

    “the Greens will have people out collecting signatures”
    They would be the paid ones right, making a bit of a joke about the greens line that they couldn’t afford to fund technology for a deaf MP.
    Also making a mockery of a Citizens Initiated Referendum.
    A mockery of democracy, by groups that still fail to accept an election result, even under their treasured MMP.
    The part privatisation will go ahead, to the benefit of all Kiwis.
    Get over it, rather than try to damage the sale process and minimise the proceeds for schoolkids, people who want to work etc.
    Treason by the dishonest Left, again, destined to fail the needy, again.
    Losers

    • Kotahi Tane Huna 3.1

      What a dickhead. The sale of stolen property will benefit no-one. In light of that, I think the rise in power bills should be confiscated from share owners, and paid back.

      The sale – if it ever goes ahead -will be a trainwreck, another Quisling betrayal by the bought party. No compensation should be paid when we repossess our stolen property.

      The Greens are doing a great job, good on them for using their money to strengthen democracy.

    • Dr Terry 3.2

      Mark, it is very hard to believe it, but unfortunately people like you actually exist.

      • Mark 3.2.1

        Thanks for your incisive comment “Dr”
        I am assuming that title is due to many years of rigorous study and examination, either paid for by the rest of us, or possibly you with majority assistance by hard working people.
        If that’s all you can come up with, there has been a whole lot of theft going on, and I sincerely hope, but doubt, that it was your money.

        • McFlock 3.2.1.1

          Right. Like you’re a great contributor to the nation. Any individual tax revenue would be more than outweighed by the self-absorbed moral bankruptcy you display.

          • Mark 3.2.1.1.1

            My contribution to the nation?
            Well, a fair bit of tax for a start..Personally I’m more proud of my record in encouraging/training/employing blue collar workers, sending them home safe, happy, paid for their efforts, developing rather than suppressing them, supporting a hand up rather than a hand out.
            I also maintain a low carbon footprint, volunteer with boys that don’t have dads in their lives, keep myself healthy so as not to burden the health system, keep myself safe so as not to burden ACC, keep myself away from the police and justice system, teach my kids to be good citizens, support their schools.
            Nothing special, just what everyone is able to do, as long as they aren’t told how oppressed and disadvantaged they are.
            You?

            • McFlock 3.2.1.1.1.1

              Jobs&hobbies:
              Workplace safety.
              Public safety.
              Public health.
              Donate to charities.
              Pat puppies.
                       
              Of course, all that “hand up not a hand out” stuff hides an awful lot of victim blaming, so you lose points for that. As well as being a hypocrite –  contrast sentences 3 & 4 here. And then there’s the public vs private good debate regarding your health and helping out your own kids’ schools.  

              • Mark

                No victim blaming here, but I sure as hell blame victim creators.
                But I’ll leave you all to self congratulate on some perceived moral high ground.
                What a fucking joke, and this so called debate is proof enough that most of NZ is on the right track.
                Luckily we are magnanimous enough to defend your right to state your misguided and dangerous opinions, but intellectually what a disappointment you all are.

                • McFlock

                  You’re the one who called a pseudonymous doctorate “theft”. I’m sorry I forgot that the sun shines out your arse.

            • prism 3.2.1.1.1.2

              Mark You aren’t healthy and fit – you display the unmistakeable symptoms of being a smeghead, a fathead, a smug, self-centred superior person. You’ve got a biblical name maybe you are descended from the original St Mark. The man of nonpareil. You aren’t the only person putting great effort into life, and trying to comply with regulations and guidelines, and pay tax. Come down off your high horse.

        • Georgecom 3.2.1.2

          Mark, in case you think otherwise, taxation is not theft.

    • toad 3.3

      The Greens never said they couldn’t afford to fund the support services and equipment necessary to enable Mojo Mathers’ to do her job as an MP. That was a lie, instigated by none other than the Prime Minister.

      What the Greens actually said was that the funds necessary to support Mojo in being an effective MP should not, in principle, come from her personal office budget or from the Greens’ Leaders budget, because a Party should not be financially disadvantaged with regard to what those budgets are intended to be spent on, because one or more of its MPs happen to have a disability.

      • Mark 3.3.1

        Still waiting for the evidence of that lie instigated by the Prime Minister Toad…

        • McFlock 3.3.1.1

          Here.
                 
          The actual quote linked to the source.
                       
          In a reply to the comment where you asked for it. 
               
           

          • Mark 3.3.1.1.1

            This is too easy, exposing the lack of intelligence and morality at The Standard. I’m going to talk to my cats for a while, they too want someone else to look after them, but at least they are honest, and show more intelligence than you lot.

    • alex 3.4

      Hi Mark
      Actually, no, it will be an all volunteer effort. The paid collectors have finished working. If the referendum happens from here, it will be on the back of voluntary efforts.
      And if you want to talk about a mockery of the democratic process, then how about we discuss the fact that National know their policy of partial privatisation is overwhelmingly unpopular, and yet they refuse to listen to what the country is clearly saying.

      • Mark 3.4.1

        Hi Alex
        Thanks for that and I am pleased that it will be a voluntary effort.
        It is also a rare pleasure to engage with a commentator here who doesn’t resort to personal abuse when differing viewpoints are offered.
        However, I feel your comment regarding “a mockery of the democratic process” is disingenuous, if not dishonest.
        Our democratic system is based on a parliamentary term, and in particular the last election was largely fought on Partial Privatisation, with the National Govt winning na almost unprecedented share of the vote.
        Current polls as I understand continue to show majority support for the Govt and partners, and overwhelming endorsement of John Key, who is the public face of the policy.
        Some polls show an underwhelming majority of voters are against the policy, however the country doesn’t, and is unable to operate on a yay or nay type vote per legislative bill, even if it is desirable.
        CIR’ and polls themselves are very open to wording and interpretation, which is why everybody has their chance in an electoral campaign to offer broader policies and intended direction (despite stickergate), as this Govt clearly signalled.
        I guess we could run a poll asking ” do Maori own rain from the sky” which is clearly irrelevant and devisive, but I’m sure we would get a majority “no” response.

        • mike e 3.4.1.1

          Mark they have never said that own the rain.
          Your argument doesn’t exist.

          • Mark 3.4.1.1.1

            My apologies, but where is the demarcation line?.. I thought that rain filled rivers.. must be my RWNJ racist thinking.
            FFS, for a bunch of self stated intellectual superiors, there is a very telling lack of reasoned argument here.

            • Jackal 3.4.1.1.1.1

              Which would improve immensely if you left Mark.

            • gobsmacked 3.4.1.1.1.2

              @Mark

              Democracy means National have the numbers to pass legislation.

              Freedom means people are entitled to campaign against that legislation.

              In 1999, Labour, the Alliance and the Greens all campaigned on a policy of increasing the top rate of income tax.

              After the election, they had the numbers in Parliament, so they did it. The Right (inside and outside Parliament) opposed it.

              In the face of this “mandate” (as you would call it) for the government policy, the National.ACT opposition did not remain silent. And why should they?

              A healthy democracy is not just going into a polling booth once every three years, ticking a box, and then going home to the couch. If you are for or against something, you are free to say so. Loud and clear. At any time.

              When we stop challenging governments (in legitimate, peaceful protest – such as petitions) … then you should start worrying about democracy.

  4. Mark 4

    Their money?? Taxpayer money, in fact stolen money from those earning over $60K or so(rich pricks?) as if you are under that level generally you are not a taxpayer at all.
    Stolen property?
    Rise in power bills? 70% under the last Labour Government, something like 17% under this one.
    The cheapest 25 Power Companies are either private or council owned(1)
    But don’t let facts get in the way of blind ideology will you.
    Traitors

    • Kotahi Tane Huna 4.1

      Taxation isn’t theft, it’s the fee you pay for the privilege of living in a stable governed society. All but the selfish and ungrateful are proud to contribute, because no-one got rich on his own. Amazing how Tories can never seem to grasp that, after all it’s not rocket science.

      Pitiful slogans aside, what was your point again?

      “Cheapest” power company prices? Link or you’re full of it.

      And yes, stolen is an apt phrase – all the justifications for the sale are lies, and in any other context that’s called fraud – but abysmal corruption is all I have come to expect from this government, from John Key’s sale of NZ legislation to John Banks’ sale of John Banks.

      • higherstandard 4.1.1

        “Taxation isn’t theft, it’s the fee you pay for the privilege of living in a stable governed society. All but the selfish and ungrateful are proud to contribute, because no-one got rich on his own. Amazing how Tories can never seem to grasp that, after all it’s not rocket science.”

        What about those that don’t pay this ‘fee’ ?

        Are they selfish and ungrateful ?

        • Kotahi Tane Huna 4.1.1.1

          Those who don’t pay? Are we talking about those who can but don’t or those who can’t?

          • fender 4.1.1.1.1

            Mark must be talking about the people who never pay GST.

          • higherstandard 4.1.1.1.2

            I thought you said that taxation is the fee that is paid for the privilege of living in a stable governed society- surely that should be paid by all in some way ?

            • McFlock 4.1.1.1.2.1

              Is it not?
               

              • higherstandard

                Is it ?

                • McFlock

                  Well, it’s what the IRD are paid to sort out. Any evidence they’re cocking up spectacularly in a Brazilian-tax-evasion” sort of way?

                  • higherstandard

                    I don’t think the IRD is tasked to sort out that a fee is paid for the privilege of living in a stable governed society by all in some way.

                    Perhaps to be more clear I should have said that if a fee is to be paid for the privilege of living in a stable governed society by all, the surely those who are not paying said “fee” due to financial poverty have a duty to ‘pay’ the fee in another way ?

                    • McFlock

                      They do. They live in poverty.

                    • mike e

                      Lowerstandard And the super rich well off who don’t pay any thing or around 7% that the very wealthy only pay they get a knighthood while those living in poverty 8 billion per year drag on the economy they still pay GST Keep filthy rich slum landlords who don’t pay fuck all tax earning plenty.
                      With out the welfare state we would be like Argentina circa1997 when the IMF took over their economy got rid of all state assistance and the pension.
                      Unemployment went from 6% to 38% overnight.
                      80year pensioners were grovaling around digging out grass roots etc to stay alive.
                      Nostandard show me one Conservative govt in this world that is growing in this world.
                      Do a little research before spewing out your redneck Bullshit.
                      Even Jenny Shipley said that we are lucky to have a strong welfare state to keep our economy ticking over in a recession one created then by austerity driven drongo double dipping dipshit from dipton.

                  • higherstandard

                    Mike E

                    What redneck bullshit am I spouting ?

                    • mike e

                      Bullying the weakest your a redneck hero lowering the standard.

                    • higherstandard

                      Can you please attempt to write in an intelligible manner.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      HS you frakking dick

                      The wealthy benefit most by far from the structures of this crony capitalist society, and they should pay the most BY FAR

            • Kotahi Tane Huna 4.1.1.1.2.2

              HS are you arguing that? Hard to tell with all this “surely” and “should”.

              • higherstandard

                What you think I’m arguing ?

                • Kotahi Tane Huna

                  “….that should be paid by all in some way ?”

                  Like GST, as per Fender’s example.

                  • higherstandard

                    Yes GST is paid for by all, but what if that GST is paid for from money paid to one from the taxpayer in the first place is that really a suitable enough fee to pay for the privilege of living in a stable governed society……… as you said above…………all but the selfish and ungrateful are proud to contribute

                    • Kotahi Tane Huna

                      Yes, it is. Naturally the biggest beneficiaries pay the highest tax rates.

                    • higherstandard

                      So for those who are living off the state and having their ‘fee’ paid for them in relation to the privilege of living in a stable governed society, do you think they have any responsibilities to society for having that ‘fee’ paid for them ?

                    • Kotahi Tane Huna

                      “Living off the State” – everyone “lives off the state”. The greater the benefit derived, the greater the responsibility. Instead of asking vague questions why don’t you outline what you think those responsibilities are.

                    • higherstandard

                      “Living off the State” – everyone “lives off the state”.

                      Yes quite so.

                      ..and I agree with your view that ‘Taxation isn’t theft, it’s the fee you pay for the privilege of living in a stable governed society.’ Although I would add to that it’s the fee one pays for the privilege of having access to a variety of publicly funded services and amenities.

                      What I am asking is whether you believe that everyone (able bodied adults that is) should pay a “fee” be it monetary or in the form of other responsibilities for the privilege of living in a stable governed society or should that “fee” be reserved only for those adults earning income above a certain level ?

                    • Kotahi Tane Huna

                      Define what you think those responsibilities are. “Should” means nothing.

                    • higherstandard

                      No, how about you answer my question first.

                      Do you think only those adults earning above a certain level have responsibilities in relation to enjoying the benefit of living in our society ?

                      My opinion is that all able bodied adults have responsibilities in relation to enjoying the benefit of living in NZ.

                    • Kotahi Tane Huna

                      Thanks for answering my question.

                    • higherstandard

                      No problem.

                      What’s your view ?

                    • Kotahi Tane Huna

                      Power confers responsibility. Powerlessness not so much. You mention the “able-bodied” – there are also the “able-minded”, but what of the current situation – where a feeble-minded government is actively pursuing policies that destroy wealth and create poverty – with the apparent witless complaisance of the electorate?

                      It is futile to pretend that the unemployed, for example, are the architects of their own misfortune, when the government swells their ranks every day.

                    • higherstandard

                      Come on – cut the party political broadcast and just answer the question as an just another anonymous commenter on a blog. Whether or not one is the architect of their own misfortune, do you think only those adults earning above a certain level have responsibilities in relation to enjoying the benefit of living in our society ?

                      Or do you agree with my view that all able bodied adults have responsibilities in relation to enjoying the benefit of living in NZ ?

                    • Kotahi Tane Huna

                      The responsibilities change from circumstance to circumstance. I do not believe they are universal, but nor do I believe that only those earning above a certain level are subject to them.

                      I also think that “responsibility” is a very distorting lens. Inequality breeds violence – the more equal the society, the less violent it is. Who is “responsible” for that?

                    • McFlock

                      Or do you agree with my view that all able bodied adults have responsibilities in relation to enjoying the benefit of living in NZ ?

                      So your view is that something that an adult does, or fails do do, should result in them either not being alive or not being in NZ?
                            
                      With the exception of the current deportation protocols for non-citizens, it seems an odd proposition.

                    • higherstandard

                      Mc F

                      “So your view is that something that an adult does, or fails do do, should result in them either not being alive or not being in NZ?”

                      No – not sure how you arrived at that conclusion ?

                      KTH

                      “The responsibilities change from circumstance to circumstance. I do not believe they are universal, but nor do I believe that only those earning above a certain level are subject to them.”

                      Fair enough.

                    • McFlock

                      Lol
                         
                      Just pointing out that if someone is not getting the “benefits of living in NZ”, either the ‘living’ or the ‘NZ’ goes out the window 🙂

              • mike e

                Lowering the standard your right wing Government has just put another 2,000″people”
                on the unemployment benefit last month.
                Brighter future yeah right getting 20,000 of the benefit in four years utter BS.
                Your a bullying redneck.
                If you had any brains you would be complaining that Austerity does not work
                and you would stop being a jerk.

                • higherstandard

                  They are no more my government than they are your government.

                  How am I a bullying redneck ?

                  • Jackal

                    By implying that beneficiaries should be more socially responsible for one thing.

                    Why should somebody who finds themselves in a situation usually not of their own making feel beholden to the government? Surely those who are doing well should be more socially responsible… They’ve often had the privilege of a good education for instance, which the poor can no longer afford.

                    The people who society has essentially failed and forgotten should not have any additional conditions placed on their already difficult lives just because they get a few peanuts to survive on… Only a bully and a redneck would think otherwise.

                    • higherstandard

                      How am I implying that beneficiaries should be more socially responsible Todd ?

                      For the avoidance of doubt I believe everyone has the same responsibility to be socially responsible.

                      “The people who society has essentially failed and forgotten should not have any additional conditions placed on their already difficult lives just because they get a few peanuts to survive on… Only a bully and a redneck would think otherwise”

                      This is just rubbish Todd – society has neither failed nor forgotten this people – after all they are registered as beneficiaries due to receiving a benefit. They also like the rest of us receive the benefits or the taxation gathered by the government of the day for such services as healthcare, education, etc.

                • mike e

                  A poor tax HS.
                  Make them work for the Dole thats been proven to be an expensive failure like the boot camps.
                  Narcissistic nutcase is how i would describe you.
                  Creating jobs by investing in innovation no luck with the neo conman Key.
                  Nactional has cut R&D to shreds replaced and undermined years of research to merely balance budgets beaned brained bean counters.

                  • higherstandard

                    I haven’t mentioned a poor tax mike, nor have I suggested a work for the dole scheme.

                • mike e

                  well HS just being a pedantic troll again I see.
                  Jobs is what most unemployed would like.I see a lot of people on the frontline in my job and they are just looking for a job its very hard out there if you just got off you high horse and pulled your head out of its arse you might see the other side of the story.
                  I looked on the internet in the last 2 days on what jobs are available in otago maybe just 12 jobs that 90% of unemployed would be able to do.
                  thats not going to change any time soon.
                  so you are just trolling
                  looking to bully
                  trying to wind people up
                  If your so wealthy and have time on your hands how about doing some of your trickle down economics and creating a whole lot of jobs.
                  instead of pissing on the poor from a great hight

      • Mark 4.1.2

        Apologies, my figures were wrong. This from Hansard, I have not verified it myself, however I am sure if it was incorrect it would also be on the record.

        ” Secondly, we would like to remind the Leader of the Opposition that under Labour, power prices went up 72 percent; under National they have gone up 14 percent. I also refer the member to the Powerswitch website, which shows a couple of things. Firstly, of the 21 companies that are listed, the 14 cheapest are actually privately held companies, and the 15th is a council-owned company. The advice I have had is that from May 2011 to April 2012, 422,256 customers have changed electricity retailers, which shows that under a National Government there has been a great desire to see choice and efficiency in the market”

        Current indications are that maybe 15% of the SOE shares will be foreign held. Which means that around 85% will be held by The State, Iwi, NZ Superfund, Kiwisaver funds, or Kiwis.
        But look, run, the sky is falling in.

        • McFlock 4.1.2.1

          Got any, like, actual links so we can check your figures this time?
             
          And I love your faith in John Key not massaging data in anyway to score political points… 

          • Carol 4.1.2.1.1

            It’s Blinglish & Heatley versus Molly Mellish:

            http://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/213960/power-price-warning-over-asset-sales

            The Opposition has cited figures prepared by independent energy analyst Molly Melhuish suggesting private companies charged 13 per cent more for electricity than their SOE counterparts as evidence prices will rise under partial private ownership.

            Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley challenged Mrs Melhuish’s figures, saying she had not included all underlying factors such as the geographical distribution of power companies’ customers, differing line charges and seasonal variations.

            Part of Blinglish’s argument is that Kiwis are smart enough to switch to lower priced power companies.

            • Mark 4.1.2.1.1.1

              Part of the left’s argument is that Kiwis are stupid, except for the elite left of course.
              Most of the Right’s argument is that Kiwis are smart and resourceful enough, with some encouragement (that no one except the left begrudges) to get up and improve their lot.
              Worse, criminally, is that the left have a vested interest in suppressing the lower socio-economic groups, as history has shown.

              • McFlock

                that’s the nat spin, according to the odt link.
                       
                Of course, the fact that  Melhuish  used official data, and that Cosgrove tabled supporting data based on may 2012 figures, would suggest that the initial premise is correct.
                     
                Damned “Left”, using the real world to prove its point… 

              • Colonial Viper

                Most of the Right’s argument is that Kiwis are smart and resourceful enough, with some encouragement (that no one except the left begrudges) to get up and improve their lot.

                That must be why the Right tries to shut down public broadcasting, defund public schools, make it harder to attend university, cut summer jobs for post grads, give the bulk of tax cuts to the very wealthy and hand private government no-bid contracts to their select group of mates.

        • mike e 4.1.2.2

          Mark twhiner King Dick our longest serving PM ever broke up the large run holders, brought in state house and Widows pensions and pensions as well which gave a huge boost to our economy by spreading wealth around.
          When you look ta the economic history of New Zealand there has always more economic growth in our economy when left wing govts are in power.
          Statistics NZ has inflation adjusted figures going right back to the early 1900’s.
          Even the rich do better under the left because the poor spend their income on products and services the rich make and provide .
          So having your tax cuts under Nactional doesn’t mean you are going to be better off if the pie is smaller.

    • mike e 4.2

      Mark people earning higher incomes are able to avoid taxes easier than wage and salary earners who have to pay whether they like to or not.Capital gaingsters pay nothing drive round in flash cars live in flash suburbs take their kids to flash schools and thumb their noses at the rest of us.
      This is a democracy and who people vote for determines how much we invest in our economy.
      Conservative economics always leads to recessions.Con being the operative word.
      The Guardian weekly has an excerpt On the comparison between Japanese economy and the British economy.
      Their conclusion is Conservative book balancing economics is wrecking the UK economy just like Thatcher-ism did in manufacturing and innovation.
      Japan how ever has turned a new leaf after 20 years of book balancing BS they are investing heavily in innovation.

    • mike e 4.3

      mark the office clerk stop being a naive jerk I probably pay more tax than you.I don’t mind one bit because that money is being invested in making our country a better place for children to grow up an succeed become useful members of society provide a well financed police force a modern defence force good roads and rail transport etc etc.
      if we don’t invest especially in the young our country will slip further down the OECD.
      As we have under right wing regimes the only reson we haven’t under this govt is because other govts are following your prescription of Austerity and tax cuts for those like me who don’t need them.
      Economic hisTory lesson.
      The same policy you are spouting happened under right wing govts during the 1920’s and ended very sadly.

    • sooty 4.4

      “Their money?? Taxpayer money, in fact stolen money from those earning over $60K or so(rich pricks?) as if you are under that level generally you are not a taxpayer at all.”

      Mark, Thanks for that comment. If I am not classified as a taxpayer at all , Can I have my $11,000 back .

  5. Mark 5

    Toad, do you have evidence that this “lie” was instigated by the Prime Minister. I doubt it.
    Do you not agree that using parliamentary funding to buy signatures is against the concept of a CIR? The Mojo issue only serves to demonstrate the hypocrisy of the party where other peoples money is concerned. I am sure there are plenty of needy constituents that could have used the signature money.
    There is no guarantee at all that power prices will go up, but even if they did, wouldn’t that help to make people more energy efficient, and/or enhance the competitiveness of other renewable energy?
    I stand behind my statements..another economically treasonous attempt to thwart and undermine the democratic electoral process, leading to further pain for those you purport to support.
    I am still waiting for the explanation of “stolen property”
    Luckily the country is waking in the main to the Socialist Hijacking of the environmental movement.

  6. prism 6

    As a matter of interest Mark wrote (with a few rejoinders to him) 18 comments between 2pm and 6.30 p.m. on this thread. It doesn’t take long for aliens to take over, watch out for the Daleks.

    • ak 6.1

      Expect a lot more Marks from here on in. And be glad.

      When a needy Johnny-no-mates is forced to use the race card to groin-kick his last groupie, it tells you that internal polling is at whoop-whoop stage. All hired hands to the pump.

      And expect no mainstream news till Sunday. Leveson is exposing a tiny tip of the iceberg that completely engulfed NZ back around 2004. But of course we won’t read about it.

      Make some noise on Saturday. Do it for Mark.

  7. Georgecom 7

    A great reminder from Mark, take along copies of the asset sale petition to all actions. Just make sure they are circulating everywhere.

  8. willie maley 8

    OK Mark you have played the role of today’s tory troll perfectly, now brace yourself for Saturday as you and your ilk are going to be blown away by the opposition to your govts asset sale legislation.

  9. Treetop 9

    Bit of a coincidence that Bastile Day is 14 July a French national holiday. Were I to add on ards to bas and mispell stile to steal and throw in National I would come up with National bastards are stealing. Shame I do not have a good bastard T shirt to wear to the march in my area.

  10. lprent 10

    At a memorial service. Waiting for it to start

    Seems appropiate to miss one for the other

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    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 hours ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 hours ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 hours ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 hours ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 hours ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    7 hours ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    9 hours ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    10 hours ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    12 hours ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    19 hours ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    20 hours ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    20 hours ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    20 hours ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    20 hours ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    20 hours ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    20 hours ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    20 hours ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    21 hours ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    23 hours ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    23 hours ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    23 hours ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    23 hours ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    23 hours ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    24 hours ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    1 day ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    1 day ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 day ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    3 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    3 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    3 days ago
  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    3 days ago
  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    4 days ago
  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    5 days ago
  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    5 days ago
  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    6 days ago
  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago
  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    6 days ago
  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
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