Maybe you should address the question ‘doc’ – just what is it about trolling that is so important to you? Why not put your vacuous views to loons and morons who will applaud you?
Oh dear another Marty Mars who takes the view that anyone who doesn’t agree with you is a tr0ll.
Funny, that looks like a trolly comment to me.
How about you link to support your assertion that MM believes that all people who disagree with him are trolls, or say something that puts your comment in context? Otherwise you look like you are just trying to wind people up.
Yes I found the discussion (I assume that your comment about marty has been moved from there to Open Mike for being off topic). You have avoided answering my question. Nevermind, it’s pretty clear from your behaviour here and in the other thread that marty was right, you are being a troll.
Just ignore the trolls like NorthShoreDoc – they are doing it to add volume and derail the issues so that people can’t be bothered reading the feeds through.
[lprent: After he called BLip ‘Blimp’ (why do the dickheads want to provide clear violations of the policy like that – attention seeking masochists?), I had a read through his comments on the post and decided that was exactly what he was doing. Too low a standard to keep around in the debate. ]
You have such double standards. You allow people to call me SSLands, the implication being that I am a Nazi. I also told you that two frequent posters here were stalking me and tracking down my identity.
[lprent: You’re not an author. You are a commenter. We need authors far more than we need commenters. So we have more protections and exert more effort in protecting them, and we insist that commenters respect the job that authors do in providing this site with posts for commenters to argue in. This is reflected in the policy.
For commenters we don’t provide the same protections. Name calling isn’t that interesting to us unless it starts interfering with the flow of discussion in the comments.
With the IRL identity thing, what we protect on is where people make absolute statements (or statements that directly infer) about who a particular individual is in real life.
We don’t try to control the reaction when people state that they have particular experience or insight or authority on a particular topic. Then it is part of a robust debate that others can speculate about their actual experience and understanding. I see a lot of the latter from and about you, and I can’t recall ever seeing the former.
You’re welcome to link to specific examples identifying you. But remember that I will be looking at it with my knowledge – not yours. In other words I’d look at it based on what is actually there rather than what you with your greater knowledge about yourself might infer what is there. Much of the time I find that people tend to be overly self-centred about their own level of visibility. ]
But you are not an author. NorthShoreDoc appears to have been binned for his attitude towards an author which, if you have read it, violates the policy.
@ Dont worry.be happy (1) – doubt it, because Trump is a big money man and we all know how FJK just adores playing with the big powerful movers and shakers of the world.
However, here’s an interesting point to consider. If Trump had his way, Muslims would not be allowed to enter the US, not to live or as visitors. So where would this place NZ Ambassador to be to the US, Tim Groser who is Muslim, should in the dreadful event of Trump becoming President?
Check out Groser’s details on Wikipedia, which lists his religion as Islam, apparently having converted during the mid 1990s after marrying his Indonesian wife.
To quote one small section:
“ . . . . . .its provisions do little to nothing to protect our rights online or our autonomy over our own devices. For example, everything in the TPP that increases corporate rights and interests is binding, whereas every provision that is meant to protect the public interest is non-binding and is susceptible to get bulldozed by efforts to protect corporations.”
An interesting side-issue is this:
Assuming the TPP is eventually signed into law, will it apply retrospectively? (I’m guessing that it will.)
For example if I posted something on Youtube, say, 5 years ago, and it is subsequently found to breach copyright under the new TPP provisions, will I become liable?
That could get interesting because as far as I am aware, once you post something to Youtube, you cannot take it down at a later date – only Youtube seems to be able to do that. If i recall correctly, whatever you post there becomes, in some sense, the property of Youtube – but I could be wrong about that.
i’d appreciate the chance to read the collective wisdom of Standardistas on this.
(At this point I’d LOVE to paste here a picture of Alfred E Neumann from “Mad” magazine, along with a quote of his famous “What? Me worry?”. But perhaps I can’t do that now – at least not according to the new TPP rules . . . )
“That could get interesting because as far as I am aware, once you post something to Youtube, you cannot take it down at a later date – only Youtube seems to be able to do that. If i recall correctly, whatever you post there becomes, in some sense, the property of Youtube – but I could be wrong about that.”
It is possible to delete your content.
You still own the content but have given YT a license to distribute to other users, they (YT) can do (more or less) what they want with it as you will have noticed in the T&C’s when signing up.
A more detailed answer here from an actual lawyer: http://www.tubefilter.com/2010/08/27/ask-the-attorney-videos-youtube-who-owns-them/
@ Chooky, Yep now Labour has had some time to reflect on TPP (and looking at country of Labeling COOL, WTO decision etc, and TPP txt is much worse, border control and food biosecurity and so forth, not to mention Health, charter schools etc).
Are Labour prepared to actually have a clear view of Yes or No on TPP?
Are Labour prepared to actually have a clear view of Yes or No on TPP?
Whats happened is they’ve had a good look at it and they’ve realised that its not a bad deal for NZ, not great but not bad either so what they’ll be hoping is that if they ignore it then maybe their supporters will forget what Labour have said about the TPP in the past
Going on past history they’ll probably get away with it as well
Mentioned this yesterday but way down Open Mike. As excellent The Spinoff writer Alex Casey points out, not one woman was among Massey University’s most memorable quotes of the year. They do get a mention indirectly for being harrassed by the Prime Minister and farting on a beach. David Seymour’s pretty lame quote about the French loving the cock is supposedly one of the most amazing quotes of last year. As Guy Williams said on the Jono and Ben Show last Friday – is that the best they can come up with? This says more about the political and media environment that has been created under this government than anything else. About half of New Zealand (the half that doesn’t like this government and is progressive) is being locked out of mainstream discourse, or at least seen as being outside it.
On The Panel the other day, the giggling “liberal” Tim Watkin praised David Seymour’s “performance”, and asserted that Seymour “has had a very good year.”
Regarding the question of compliance with the OIA.
In my view – the answer is REALLY simple.
Fully implement and enforce the Public Records Act 2005.
That way information will not have to be sought through OIA or LGOIMA requests – public records will already be available for public scrutiny.
I did not find ANY reference in the Ombudsman’s report on the OIA to the Public Records Act.
How can you have transparency or accountability without proper written records which are available for public scrutiny?
How about splitting responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of the Public Records Act 2005?
Give the responsibility for the ‘creation and maintenance’ of Public Records to the Ombudsman.
Change the orientation of the Office of the Ombudsman from focusing on dealing with complaints from those who have been unable to access ‘official information’ – to proactively ensuring that ‘public offices’ have the proper systems in place so that public records ARE created, maintained and available for public scrutiny.
Arguably, the Office of the Ombudsman would need to ‘rejig’ and hire information management systems experts in order to assist public offices setting up systems to ‘create and maintain’ public records, because that role would be quite different to investigating complaints.
Wouldn’t that be WIN / WIN?
Arguably, the more work and effort put into the creation and maintenance of public records – the less work in dealing with complaints for alleged ‘non-compliance’ with the OIA?
In my view – the secret is to focus on the Public Records Act 2005 – and that will sort out the issue of compliance with the OIA.
As you have been advised here before (including linked evidence), the Public Records Act does not affect the *release* of information other than for archives over 25 years old. The OIA does. Don’t be a braying dunce.
(a) to provide for the continuation of the repository of public archives called the National Archives with the name Archives New Zealand (Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga); and
(b) to provide for the role of the Chief Archivist in developing and supporting government recordkeeping, including making independent determinations on the disposal of public records and certain local authority archives; and
(c) to enable the Government to be held accountable by—
(i) ensuring that full and accurate records of the affairs of
central and local government are created and maintained;
and
(ii) providing for the preservation of, and public access to,
records of long-term value; and
(d) to enhance public confidence in the integrity of public records and local
authority records; and
(e) to provide an appropriate framework within which public
offices and local authorities create and maintain public
records and local authority records, as the case may be; and
(f) through the systematic creation and preservation of public
archives and local authority archives, to enhance the
accessibility of records that are relevant to the historical and
cultural heritage of New Zealand and to New Zealanders’
sense of their national identity; and
(g) to encourage the spirit of partnership and goodwill envisaged
by the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi), as provided
for by section 7; and
(h) to support the safekeeping of private records.
_________________________________________________________________________________
How can you have transparency and accountability, without proper written records which are available for public scrutiny?
There is a law called the Public Records Act. It says state agencies have to create and store records. They do this.
There is another law called the Official Information Act (OIA) that manages how state agencies are meant to *release* information. This is where the problem is.
Please do the most basic research before you shoot your mouth off.
Show where I haven’t. I really cannot abide people polluting public discourse with falsehoods. You have had every opportunity to understand this and other topics. Yet you choose to keep flapping your gums instead. Find another hobby, eh.
As mentioned I’ve already provided your highness with a credible accounting of its contents. Perhaps you could cease your ornamental crochet and actualy read it. Toodle pip.
I had a look at it out of interest today Penny. The Public Records Act sets out the mandate and role of Archives New Zealand (formerly National Archives) and the Chief Archivist, as well as the requirements & standards for public records to be created & maintained by public offices and local authorities, the definition of public and local authority records, and provisions under which they’re to be archived and/or otherwise disposed of.
Also rules under which Archives NZ may accept deposit of Parliamentary records, Ministers’ papers, and private or other records of historical events, public offices or organisations, or any persons of historical, political or cultural significance – and any conditions as agreed between the Chief Archivist and the Clerk of the House, Minister or controlling public office as appropriate.
It provides for some classes of local of authority records to be declared “protected”. It also requires that public office records 25 years old more, or which or are being archived, must be classified as open access or restricted access. It similarly provides that a local authority record becomes a local authority archive when it is no longer in current use or has been in existence for 25 years, or more, and that it must also be classified as either open access or restricted access, regardless of where held. What is restricted is determined by the Chief Archivist or legistlation. Max restriction 25 years, renewable.
It then provides for archived open access records to be made available to the public for inspection free of charge (or subject to whatever reasonable charge the Chief Archivist specifies for research, copying, or other services provided to a requestor). And it also says local authorities must similarly provide free inspection of any archive not restricted (subject to any similar charge for services such as photocopying, research, transcription etc allowed under the Local Government Act 2002).
The Public Records Act is about the requirements & rules for creating & keeping public records, and for their subsequent archiving for posterity and/or disposal, Penny. It allows public access to “open” archived records. It doesn’t provide access to current (i.e. non-archived) public or local authority records, or to restricted archives. And it reposes responsibility for ensuring organisations meet these legal obligations for record-keeping, archiving and classification) in the Chief Archivist.
The general purpose of the Act as summarised in s.3 is specified more precisely in its succeeding sections, s,3 doesn’t override them in some way.
Sacha is right. This Act does not give a right of and rules around public access to current official information, the Official Information Act does that.
British War Vets have thrown their medals outside Downing Street in protest against the Government’s decision to bomb Syria and to bust the “mythology” of heroism connected to the military.
“Mr Griffin, who won his medal for serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and Macedonia, said it was a “powerful” and “incredible experience,” adding: “These are things we once treasured, so it’s a difficult thing to give away but we think it’s really important that we do that – both in protest against this war but also because want to get rid of the mythology around these things.” “
Myths and the military go hand in hand all over the place. After all, their very arena of operation, war, is the epitome of bullshit and lies. First casualty of war is truth. Who operates wars? The military.
Two popular myths;
One, that Anzac day is about the military. Well, f&%k the military, they are the pricks who sent the men to their useless deaths. Anzac day is about the people who died. The military should be shunted out of the annual commemorations.
Two, that the military fights to defend our freedoms etc etc crappy etc. The military answers to the crown, not us. It is there to protect the crown not us. And this is what the history shows, including here in NZ.
I have no idea why people respect the military. Probably same reason they vote for Donald Trump and John Key. The military should be feared, not respected. Feared because they more often turn their guns on the citizens than anyone else.
So killing doctors, nurses and patients is “liberating” them.
The most repellent propaganda masquerades as news on Al-Jazeera
Al Jazeera News, Thursday 10 December 2015, 8:00 a.m.
The Qatari dictatorship is, together with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom, the chief sponsor and supporter of Daesh/ISIL, Jabhat al-Nusra and al Qaeda, collectively known by the mendacious title of “the moderate Syrian opposition”. Al Jazeera is the mouthpiece of the Qatari dictatorship. There is a sometimes subtle, but more often crude and audacious, bias in its news reportage and its selection of guests for its discussions.
First item up on this morning’s news was the most recent Afghani resistance attack, this time on a heavily fortified civilian and military airfield in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. At least 37 people, including many children, have been killed.
The “reporter” (one Rob Matheson, who is yet another of the ex-BBC hacks who infest Al Jazeera) then went on to say this:
The city of Kunduz was over-run by the Taliban in September. It was liberated after a series of coalition airstrikes.”
Of course, any viewer with a degree of sentience above that of a zombie would have been aware that the “coalition” (i.e. the U.S. military) went about “liberating” Kunduz by bombing Kunduz Hospital between 2:08 and 3:15 a.m. on Saturday October 3rd. When the Americans stopped their bombing, they had killed 31 patients, nurses and doctors. To deliberately ignore that, and to pretend that the Americans are “liberating” anyone, is propaganda at its most ruthless.
British war veterans have thrown away their medals outside Downing Street in protest against the Government’s decision to bomb Syria and to bust the “mythology” of heroism connected to the military.
To Tracey at 8.1
On same line of thought, what can be done about the disgusting ignorant insolence of our incoming minister of Climate Change, who according to TV One on screen said that the index ( of measures to reduce use of fossil fuels etc) is “by a bunch of environmentalists who criticise what any country’s doing”??!!! The peculiar grammar is as reported and not mine.
To Tracey at 8.1
On same line of thought, what can be done about the disgusting ignorant insolence of our incoming minister of Climate Change, who according to TV One on screen said that the index ( of measures to reduce use of fossil fuels etc) is “by a bunch of environmentalists who criticise what any country’s doing”??!!! The grammar is as reported and not mine.
while i am at the keyboard, i want to share with y’all the feelings of pride and enthusiasm for the future that i have.
went to prize-giving at my boys high school.
the calibre and achievements on display were inspiring.
the dux runner-up got a+ on 3 level 300 papers (calculus, physics) and he is in year 11!
the new head prefect was winner of the open korero, impromptu speech and a few other accolades.( my head was spinning at the list of achievements listed)
numerous sporting and other cultural highs as well.
its a small counterpoint to all the bad news stories we hear about our young men, time and time again.
Sorry, doesn’t count unless it’s at a charter school!
That’s what I’ve learned from reading a couple of other blog sites. Something not so good goes on at a non-charter school, the boot goes in hard and heavy. Good stuff happens but is ignored.
Microscopes and search parties are out though seeking something positive happening in a charter school and it’s BIG news.
Corruption happens in the Ministry of Education or Education Review Office and they don’t want to know.
Day to day there are immense successes in ‘ordinary’ schools with ‘extraordinary’ efforts and achievements.
Well done to the young men you mention, the adults who helped get them there and their peers who pushed and encouraged them to their success.
INteresting u-turn by National on the criminalisation of cartel behaviour by NZ businesses. Interestingly the “one law for all” ACT party doesn’t want criminlisation because it will be deterimental. And yet, beneficiaries and others,s craping by, need this kind of hammer posied over their heads… punishments yes, but prison? No, no no?
Yes, Guyon Espiner really held Goldsmith’s feet to the fire on this one.
And Goldsmith seemed to realise right from the start of the interview that he didn’t have a leg to stand on. He was hesitant and back footing it right from the beginning – his heart was nowhere near in it.
The only line he’d been given to defend the u-turn was some ridiculous claim that prison sentences would have a chilling effect on business innovation – of all things – and so be harmful to competition.
Some kind of straw-clutching at ‘co-opetition‘ presumably. Must have been a bit of a bright spark Ministerial advisor who gave him that one to run with. Went down like a lead balloon.
That rationale was never going to fly – far, far too subtle (in the sense of dancing on the head of a pin) and suspect for the average (and above average) listener.
If public records were CREATED and MAINTAINED and readily available for public scrutiny, then the information would not need to be requested under the OIA or LGOIMA ?
That’s my considered opinion.
You don’t have to agree with it.
FYI – having raised directly with the Board of Watercare earlier this year, the absence of any information on either their bills or their website that explains where monies received for water and wastewater services is actually SPENT, there has been a development.
Some details of awarded contracts are now available on their website, which was not previously the case.
It was Watercare’s alleged failure to comply with the Public Records Act which I brought to their attention, which, in my opinion, has resulted in this improvement, regarding ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the spending of public money.
The number of oligopolies that do us all in with grossly overpriced goods and services, barely regulated in this country, this move to not even lift a parliamentary finger is disgusting:
Poor people conspire in deceit to trick people out of their money – criminal charges, prison and opprobrium are rained down upon them.
Business people conspire in deceit to trick people out of their money – a measly fine, if you’re lucky, one day, sometime.
Why the difference Nacts?
Why the difference?
Why the difference?
What difference is there?
Shouldn’t business in fact operate to higher standards, not lower?
What a frikkin joke…
Know why our houses cost so much more than in Australia ? The anti-competitive behaviour of Fletchers. It is bullshit. The politicians I have met even openly acknowledge this, yet do nothing about it.
bullshit
bullshit
bullshit
Pay $350,000 to build your new house, rather than $250-300,000. That is the hard cold reality….
That is the difference
That is the difference that this government is happy for people to pay.
Liars, cheats and bullshit artists. Snakeoil merchants. Wide boys and grandma vendors. Nasty, greedy, selfish, individualists. Scam artists. Merchant bankers. Ponytail pullers. They all own shares in Fletchers. They all make the rules for Fletchers. Scum.
Crikey! From reading that Karen it seems OK for anyone to destroy anything that may harm your defence. Had the Chisolm enquiry been in a Courtroom would evasions/deletions be acceptable?
For Slater to be “broke” it seems that he/they must have had some pretty powerful legal support to be able tododge the bullets. Wonder who his legal team were and who paid for the 10s of thousands of dollars.
Delete this and that. Deny memory of this and that. Refer to the narrow frames of reference rather than the intent of the enquiry.
I think people have conveniently forgotten that Collinss did not cooperate and appears to have destroyed evidence… this nothing to hide nothing to fear former Minister for Justice and Police…
A bit in the enquiry had phone calls from Collins to Slater but not one from Slater to Collins according to the records. so no evidence of collusion. Yeah right.
Interesting to note how involved our PM is in GSB thse days. How knowledgeable he has become since relinquishing all responsibility and accountability for the secret services. Cortex, presumably paid for by taxpayers, is something he now wants to offer to all small and medium businesses. It may be a good idea, I don’t know, but it is a redirection of taxpayer money from say, health, to businesses. I assume the Taxpayers Union will be OUTRAGED at this form of subsidy? ACT will vote against it?
when I click on the reply button, my cursor now loads in the Name (Required) field instead of the Your Comment field. Any chance it could be set back to the comment field?
On my phone it’s doing that on the desktop theme. On the mobile theme it drops me to the comment box at bottom of page with the cursor not inserted anywhere.
the other thing that changed overnight is that when I click on a comment in the Comments list that is for a page I am already on, instead of it just jumping down the page to the comment, it now reloads the page to go to comment. Bit of a pain for those of still on rural broadband speeds.
(I haven’t checked another browser, this one is Firefox mac).
Ah drat. That was something that I’d disabled in the desktop theme to prevent bots, but had to enable to get the mobile theme to do replies.
That is something I should be able to hack in functions or the theme.
I’ll change it to do the same thing to the mobile theme as the desktop theme has. Just use javascript to move the comment section to the comment being replied to.
test iOS
..theme is pretty groovy on the iPhone
..interesting choice of font
..also the right sidebar is a slight annoyance but easily zoomed out of sight
I happen to like that particular font. It is whatever the font is used on Ubuntu.
I find it really fast and clear to read. Consequently I’ve changed all of my code editors to use it across linux, windows, and mac. Also on FBReader on my phone for reading ePubs.
There is a lot of reading in this site…
Ok, this is probably a problem in your browser if it is a desktop.
The comment reply on a desktop theme depends on using javascript to set the comment section to the appropriate place in the HTML and internally setting the right comment to reply to.
However if the javascript fails or has been disabled, it falls back to doing it the old fashioned way and loading comment. In this case what you will see is a reload of the page and somewhere in the address bar is a replytocomm=number where the number is that of the comment you are replying to.
It doesn’t do that on my firefox / linux or firefox / windows or even Lyn’s firefox / mac.
What it used to do before I changed the mobile theme was that when doing a reply, it would return a Gone screen because I’d disabled to replytocomm to limit pesky bots.
I’ll force a reload of the DCN caches just to make it isn’t server side. But it looks like something on the client side.
Javascript is enabled on my firefox. I just tried a safe mode restart to disable all addons, but that hasn’t changed anything.
The URL stays the same except the number changes as the page reloads.
This page reloading thing happened after the upgrade you just did, so if it’s my side does that mean that there is an incompatibility between my version of Firefox (42.0) and WordPress? Or do you mean that it’s actually my particular copy of Firefox that is the problem?
Apparently Cameron Slater’s Whaleoil site has been biting one of the hands that feeds him.
Xero’s boss said he has withdrawn funds from advertising on Whaleoil after what what he says a campaign critical of Xero steered by Rodney Hide on the site.
I guess if you lay down with wild dogs, don’t be surprised if you get up covered in flea bites or get bitten a few times!
I agree having a 500 year old tree is worth more than a slab of concrete.
I was reading a book today though about early european explorers visiting areas around Taupo and finding a lot of forest had already been burnt down by Maori. From what I could gather by burning off forest and scrubland reappearing where they could harvest fern root and where it was possibly easier to hunt birds, was vital for survival. Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa were similarly burnt, scrubby landscapes I think.
If you could transport pre-european Maori back to today, it would be interesting to get their take on what parts of the land they would leave (sacred) and what parts they would use to their full advantage. I’m putting my own interpretation of traditional Maori there from a white perspective, and it’s probably a lot more complex and different.
@maui..from my limited knowledge( and speaking as a Pakeha with some Maori ancestry)…there are quite a few books out there on what plants and trees the old Maori looked after…generally they were conservationists, much more so than the early European settlers….some Maori Tohunga know a lot about all this…ie the old Maori were polytheistic and there were gods and spirituality in all nature and in their landscapes
Elsden Best ‘Forest Lore of the Maori ‘ is a detailed account and a great read …(I bought my copy years ago but it has gone up in price, judging from below ….not sure if there are new pbs editions)
Can also highly recommend Geoff Park’s classic, ‘Nga Uru Ora — the Groves of Life: Ecology and History in a New Zealand Landscape’ written by an ecologist on tour in his canoe ( you feel you are with him)
This book gives a great feel for the history and reverence the Maori felt towards their special places
There are books on edible plants and medicinal herbs
Anything on Maori spirituality by Rev. Dr. Maori Marsden is worth reading eg.
Maori Marsden , “The Natural World and Natural Resources: Maori Value Systems and perspectives” ( paper for Ministry for Environment,1989)and ‘Maori Values and Environmental Management'( New Zealand Natural Resources Unit, Manata Maori,1991)
All this just scratches the surface of a forgotten history and spirituality which is very Gaia/ Papatuanuku centred and relevant today
I was reading “Forest Lore of the Maori”, so you nailed it! I was looking up what food sources Maori traditionally used and find it quite interesting. Thanks for the links, I have thought about buying Nga Uru Ora for ages.
Nga Uru Ora is fantastic…I think it is out of print by Victoria University( they should reprint because it is a classic)….but you can get it on Amazon and I expect from various secondhand book shops
While I don’t dispute that there is considerable credentials to Maori conservation it is important to note that there was quite considerable clearance of native forest prior to the arrival of European settlers.
The trees were meant to be cut down to create car parking on the site which the council supported. The council planners could asked for the house to be built around the trees – but why do their job when you can just rubber stamp everything?
The consultants noted the trees as ‘high value vegetation’ burying it within a 70 page report. The developers then have gone to court to downgrade the environmental conditions on other sites they own.
Don’t worry, Auckland property developers are not developing for the local market that might enjoy the trees!
Um, yes any new development in that near area really does need off-street parking. It’s very narrow and windy, and even as it is I wouldn’t be surprised if rubbish trucks are sometimes blocked from getting through. But the right way to do it is follow the example set by the neighbouring property (number44) and several others on the street and build a parking deck out on poles just off the street at street level.
I’m only a few houses down the street from the place in question, BTW.
in Wellington single lanes up the sides of very steep inner city treed hills adds to the frisson and character of the place…(and yes they do build pole garage platforms where they can if lucky)
Aucklanders need to get some CLASS and STYLE and put the trees first…before their cars
Auckland was a beautiful area …now trashed by the roads and cars and car parks
“Recent claims that the US bombed a Syrian military installation may be a telling example of how Washington and its allies intend to escalate their war on the Syrian regime and NOT against terrorists. It would appear Assad remains target number one.
CrossTalking with Martin Jay, Marcus Papadopoulos, and Ivan Eland.”
Many citizens and residents across the Auckland region are deeply concerned about proposed zoning changes that may lead to non-notified multi-story developments, in which they will potentially have no say, but will potentially have a huge impact on their lives and immediate environment.
Has lawful ‘due process’ been followed regarding the Auckland ‘Spatial Plan’ and subsequent amendments?
Were the Auckland population growth projections which spawned legislation such as that for the ‘Special Housing Areas’ (SHAs), lawfully and evidentially based?
Will proposed changes to the RMA make things worse?
Groups and concerned citizens who want to meet to discuss these issues, and co-ordinate ideas and action to help stop the Auckland region effectively becoming a ‘dictatorship for developers’, are most welcome to attend.
Meeting convened by Penny Bright, assisted by fellow concerned citizens.
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Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
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 ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, 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?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
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 ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
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With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
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Oh dear another Marty Mars who takes the view that anyone who doesn’t agree with you is a tr0ll.
100+ comments a day on a blog site that broadly speaking finds your views inane or offensive and you think you’re not a troll…
Why not hang out on Whale oil or kiwiblog with the rest of the toxic waste?
100+ comments a day…….I don’t think so, do you have me confused with someone else ?
Why do you suggest my views are inane and offensive ?
Maybe you should address the question ‘doc’ – just what is it about trolling that is so important to you? Why not put your vacuous views to loons and morons who will applaud you?
As I’ve suggested to others on this thread Stuart, why don’t you answer my question ?
Why do you suggest my views are inane and offensive ?
Why have you accused me of making 100+ comments a day at this site ?
I do not suggest ‘doc’ – I state.
Answer the question – why all this trolling? RL issues?
“I do not suggest ‘doc’ – I state.”
You may not suggest but you certainly lie.
my views are inane and offensive ?
On this subject, they look like bog-standard ignorance to me. Nothing to be ashamed of. You’re much more incisive on matters medical but.
Oh dear another Marty Mars who takes the view that anyone who doesn’t agree with you is a tr0ll.
Funny, that looks like a trolly comment to me.
How about you link to support your assertion that MM believes that all people who disagree with him are trolls, or say something that puts your comment in context? Otherwise you look like you are just trying to wind people up.
Yes I found the discussion (I assume that your comment about marty has been moved from there to Open Mike for being off topic). You have avoided answering my question. Nevermind, it’s pretty clear from your behaviour here and in the other thread that marty was right, you are being a troll.
Just ignore the trolls like NorthShoreDoc – they are doing it to add volume and derail the issues so that people can’t be bothered reading the feeds through.
[lprent: After he called BLip ‘Blimp’ (why do the dickheads want to provide clear violations of the policy like that – attention seeking masochists?), I had a read through his comments on the post and decided that was exactly what he was doing. Too low a standard to keep around in the debate. ]
You have such double standards. You allow people to call me SSLands, the implication being that I am a Nazi. I also told you that two frequent posters here were stalking me and tracking down my identity.
[lprent: You’re not an author. You are a commenter. We need authors far more than we need commenters. So we have more protections and exert more effort in protecting them, and we insist that commenters respect the job that authors do in providing this site with posts for commenters to argue in. This is reflected in the policy.
For commenters we don’t provide the same protections. Name calling isn’t that interesting to us unless it starts interfering with the flow of discussion in the comments.
With the IRL identity thing, what we protect on is where people make absolute statements (or statements that directly infer) about who a particular individual is in real life.
We don’t try to control the reaction when people state that they have particular experience or insight or authority on a particular topic. Then it is part of a robust debate that others can speculate about their actual experience and understanding. I see a lot of the latter from and about you, and I can’t recall ever seeing the former.
You’re welcome to link to specific examples identifying you. But remember that I will be looking at it with my knowledge – not yours. In other words I’d look at it based on what is actually there rather than what you with your greater knowledge about yourself might infer what is there. Much of the time I find that people tend to be overly self-centred about their own level of visibility. ]
But you are not an author. NorthShoreDoc appears to have been binned for his attitude towards an author which, if you have read it, violates the policy.
It’s from another post where the doc is working – I have corrected his bogus assumption.
Will the Key government stand up and tell Trump he cannot enter NZ ? Hate speech and all that…..
@ Dont worry.be happy (1) – doubt it, because Trump is a big money man and we all know how FJK just adores playing with the big powerful movers and shakers of the world.
However, here’s an interesting point to consider. If Trump had his way, Muslims would not be allowed to enter the US, not to live or as visitors. So where would this place NZ Ambassador to be to the US, Tim Groser who is Muslim, should in the dreadful event of Trump becoming President?
Check out Groser’s details on Wikipedia, which lists his religion as Islam, apparently having converted during the mid 1990s after marrying his Indonesian wife.
With Tim Groser handling our diplomacy, there’s a reasonable chance we’ll be at war with the USA by then so he’ll be recalled anyway,
/yes, joking
Curioser and curioser ! Aren’t there some well documented Groser/alcohol incidents about?
Not much of a Muslim.
Bar tabs while travelling IIRC.
@Mary_a
That explains his economic terrorism of our country then by signing us up to TPP in between drinks ….
And watching rugby games!
http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2015/12/09/gordon-campbell-on-tim-grosers-new-job-in-washington/
very interesting read ….
Read all about how to stuff up the TPPA negotiations with particular respect to Pharmac AND insult the Japanese at the same time!
And this is the man chosen to be our representative in Washington!
There is an interesting summary of “How the TPP Will Affect You and Your Digital Rights” at:
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/12/how-tpp-will-affect-you-and-your-digital-rights
To quote one small section:
“ . . . . . .its provisions do little to nothing to protect our rights online or our autonomy over our own devices. For example, everything in the TPP that increases corporate rights and interests is binding, whereas every provision that is meant to protect the public interest is non-binding and is susceptible to get bulldozed by efforts to protect corporations.”
All-in-all its pretty sobering reading!
An interesting side-issue is this:
Assuming the TPP is eventually signed into law, will it apply retrospectively? (I’m guessing that it will.)
For example if I posted something on Youtube, say, 5 years ago, and it is subsequently found to breach copyright under the new TPP provisions, will I become liable?
That could get interesting because as far as I am aware, once you post something to Youtube, you cannot take it down at a later date – only Youtube seems to be able to do that. If i recall correctly, whatever you post there becomes, in some sense, the property of Youtube – but I could be wrong about that.
i’d appreciate the chance to read the collective wisdom of Standardistas on this.
(At this point I’d LOVE to paste here a picture of Alfred E Neumann from “Mad” magazine, along with a quote of his famous “What? Me worry?”. But perhaps I can’t do that now – at least not according to the new TPP rules . . . )
“That could get interesting because as far as I am aware, once you post something to Youtube, you cannot take it down at a later date – only Youtube seems to be able to do that. If i recall correctly, whatever you post there becomes, in some sense, the property of Youtube – but I could be wrong about that.”
It is possible to delete your content.
You still own the content but have given YT a license to distribute to other users, they (YT) can do (more or less) what they want with it as you will have noticed in the T&C’s when signing up.
A more detailed answer here from an actual lawyer:
http://www.tubefilter.com/2010/08/27/ask-the-attorney-videos-youtube-who-owns-them/
For more on T&C’s and what you are signing away (netwide), watch this:
https://freedocumentaries.org/documentary/terms-and-conditions-may-apply
Thanks for the advice and links Grumpystilskin – I’ll have a look at that.
Yes and the NZ Labour Party supports this…because it is not opposing it like the Greens and NZF
‘Flouting The Rules: Why has Andrew Little rejected a winning TPPA strategy for a guaranteed loser? ‘
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/10/14/flouting-the-rules-why-has-andrew-little-rejected-a-winning-tppa-strategy-for-a-guaranteed-loser/
@ Chooky, Yep now Labour has had some time to reflect on TPP (and looking at country of Labeling COOL, WTO decision etc, and TPP txt is much worse, border control and food biosecurity and so forth, not to mention Health, charter schools etc).
Are Labour prepared to actually have a clear view of Yes or No on TPP?
Sort of, doesn’t have a winning ring to it.
Are Labour prepared to actually have a clear view of Yes or No on TPP?
Whats happened is they’ve had a good look at it and they’ve realised that its not a bad deal for NZ, not great but not bad either so what they’ll be hoping is that if they ignore it then maybe their supporters will forget what Labour have said about the TPP in the past
Going on past history they’ll probably get away with it as well
@Puckish Rogue
If you look at Labour election history you might find they are not ‘getting away with sitting on the fence on neoliberal issues’.
Instead they are haemorrhaging their existing voters and putting them off voting.
But at least we seem to agree nobody knows whether Labour agree with TPP or not.
By not being clear and firm on the TPP issue they are doing the Labour equivalent of Natz Panda, cancer treatments anyone?
@ Puckish Rogue…so you are PR advocating for the Labour Party now?
….that is a bit of a worry because you are a right wing Nact supporter are you not?
….show the depths to which Labour has sunk…it is now a lighter version of jonkey nact
….time for a new REAL Labour Party with Mana
I do vote right but Seymours performance thus far may well make me consider voting Act
If Act get a couple of seats it might mean the demise of Peter Dunne and I think that’s something we can all get behind
Pucky you are naughty
Mentioned this yesterday but way down Open Mike. As excellent The Spinoff writer Alex Casey points out, not one woman was among Massey University’s most memorable quotes of the year. They do get a mention indirectly for being harrassed by the Prime Minister and farting on a beach. David Seymour’s pretty lame quote about the French loving the cock is supposedly one of the most amazing quotes of last year. As Guy Williams said on the Jono and Ben Show last Friday – is that the best they can come up with? This says more about the political and media environment that has been created under this government than anything else. About half of New Zealand (the half that doesn’t like this government and is progressive) is being locked out of mainstream discourse, or at least seen as being outside it.
http://thespinoff.co.nz/09-12-2015/media-are-new-zealands-quotes-of-the-year-really-all-by-men/
Yeah, I was fairly underwhelmed by about 1/2 the list, particularly David Seymour’s.
On The Panel the other day, the giggling “liberal” Tim Watkin praised David Seymour’s “performance”, and asserted that Seymour “has had a very good year.”
More Tim Watkin…..
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-05012015/#comment-947247
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-15092014/#comment-888127
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-071113/#comment-723658
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-18072013/#comment-664471
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-31032011/#comment-314772
Regarding the question of compliance with the OIA.
In my view – the answer is REALLY simple.
Fully implement and enforce the Public Records Act 2005.
That way information will not have to be sought through OIA or LGOIMA requests – public records will already be available for public scrutiny.
I did not find ANY reference in the Ombudsman’s report on the OIA to the Public Records Act.
How can you have transparency or accountability without proper written records which are available for public scrutiny?
How about splitting responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of the Public Records Act 2005?
Give the responsibility for the ‘creation and maintenance’ of Public Records to the Ombudsman.
Change the orientation of the Office of the Ombudsman from focusing on dealing with complaints from those who have been unable to access ‘official information’ – to proactively ensuring that ‘public offices’ have the proper systems in place so that public records ARE created, maintained and available for public scrutiny.
Arguably, the Office of the Ombudsman would need to ‘rejig’ and hire information management systems experts in order to assist public offices setting up systems to ‘create and maintain’ public records, because that role would be quite different to investigating complaints.
Wouldn’t that be WIN / WIN?
Arguably, the more work and effort put into the creation and maintenance of public records – the less work in dealing with complaints for alleged ‘non-compliance’ with the OIA?
In my view – the secret is to focus on the Public Records Act 2005 – and that will sort out the issue of compliance with the OIA.
Anyone else share that view?
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
As you have been advised here before (including linked evidence), the Public Records Act does not affect the *release* of information other than for archives over 25 years old. The OIA does. Don’t be a braying dunce.
Have you actually READ the Public Records Act 2005 Sacha?
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate
In order to assist Sacha – the ‘Purposes’ of the Public Records Act 2005.
(Particularly s. 3 (c) (i) ? )
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2005/0040/latest/DLM345536.html
3 Purposes of Act
The purposes of this Act are—
(a) to provide for the continuation of the repository of public archives called the National Archives with the name Archives New Zealand (Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga); and
(b) to provide for the role of the Chief Archivist in developing and supporting government recordkeeping, including making independent determinations on the disposal of public records and certain local authority archives; and
(c) to enable the Government to be held accountable by—
(i) ensuring that full and accurate records of the affairs of
central and local government are created and maintained;
and
(ii) providing for the preservation of, and public access to,
records of long-term value; and
(d) to enhance public confidence in the integrity of public records and local
authority records; and
(e) to provide an appropriate framework within which public
offices and local authorities create and maintain public
records and local authority records, as the case may be; and
(f) through the systematic creation and preservation of public
archives and local authority archives, to enhance the
accessibility of records that are relevant to the historical and
cultural heritage of New Zealand and to New Zealanders’
sense of their national identity; and
(g) to encourage the spirit of partnership and goodwill envisaged
by the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi), as provided
for by section 7; and
(h) to support the safekeeping of private records.
_________________________________________________________________________________
How can you have transparency and accountability, without proper written records which are available for public scrutiny?
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
There is a law called the Public Records Act. It says state agencies have to create and store records. They do this.
There is another law called the Official Information Act (OIA) that manages how state agencies are meant to *release* information. This is where the problem is.
Please do the most basic research before you shoot your mouth off.
ka-ching!
“Please do the most basic research before you shoot your mouth off.”
I respectfully suggest that you follow your own advice ‘Sacha’.
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
Show where I haven’t. I really cannot abide people polluting public discourse with falsehoods. You have had every opportunity to understand this and other topics. Yet you choose to keep flapping your gums instead. Find another hobby, eh.
As mentioned I’ve already provided your highness with a credible accounting of its contents. Perhaps you could cease your ornamental crochet and actualy read it. Toodle pip.
I had a look at it out of interest today Penny. The Public Records Act sets out the mandate and role of Archives New Zealand (formerly National Archives) and the Chief Archivist, as well as the requirements & standards for public records to be created & maintained by public offices and local authorities, the definition of public and local authority records, and provisions under which they’re to be archived and/or otherwise disposed of.
Also rules under which Archives NZ may accept deposit of Parliamentary records, Ministers’ papers, and private or other records of historical events, public offices or organisations, or any persons of historical, political or cultural significance – and any conditions as agreed between the Chief Archivist and the Clerk of the House, Minister or controlling public office as appropriate.
It provides for some classes of local of authority records to be declared “protected”. It also requires that public office records 25 years old more, or which or are being archived, must be classified as open access or restricted access. It similarly provides that a local authority record becomes a local authority archive when it is no longer in current use or has been in existence for 25 years, or more, and that it must also be classified as either open access or restricted access, regardless of where held. What is restricted is determined by the Chief Archivist or legistlation. Max restriction 25 years, renewable.
It then provides for archived open access records to be made available to the public for inspection free of charge (or subject to whatever reasonable charge the Chief Archivist specifies for research, copying, or other services provided to a requestor). And it also says local authorities must similarly provide free inspection of any archive not restricted (subject to any similar charge for services such as photocopying, research, transcription etc allowed under the Local Government Act 2002).
The Public Records Act is about the requirements & rules for creating & keeping public records, and for their subsequent archiving for posterity and/or disposal, Penny. It allows public access to “open” archived records. It doesn’t provide access to current (i.e. non-archived) public or local authority records, or to restricted archives. And it reposes responsibility for ensuring organisations meet these legal obligations for record-keeping, archiving and classification) in the Chief Archivist.
The general purpose of the Act as summarised in s.3 is specified more precisely in its succeeding sections, s,3 doesn’t override them in some way.
Sacha is right. This Act does not give a right of and rules around public access to current official information, the Official Information Act does that.
British War Vets have thrown their medals outside Downing Street in protest against the Government’s decision to bomb Syria and to bust the “mythology” of heroism connected to the military.
“Mr Griffin, who won his medal for serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and Macedonia, said it was a “powerful” and “incredible experience,” adding: “These are things we once treasured, so it’s a difficult thing to give away but we think it’s really important that we do that – both in protest against this war but also because want to get rid of the mythology around these things.” “
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/veterans-throw-away-their-war-medals-in-disgust-at-british-air-strikes-in-syria-a6765446.html
+100 Manuka AOR…very moving
the “mythology” of heroism connected to the military.
Busted by Kipling.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_of_the_Light_Brigade
Agree completely with the British vets.
Myths and the military go hand in hand all over the place. After all, their very arena of operation, war, is the epitome of bullshit and lies. First casualty of war is truth. Who operates wars? The military.
Two popular myths;
One, that Anzac day is about the military. Well, f&%k the military, they are the pricks who sent the men to their useless deaths. Anzac day is about the people who died. The military should be shunted out of the annual commemorations.
Two, that the military fights to defend our freedoms etc etc crappy etc. The military answers to the crown, not us. It is there to protect the crown not us. And this is what the history shows, including here in NZ.
I have no idea why people respect the military. Probably same reason they vote for Donald Trump and John Key. The military should be feared, not respected. Feared because they more often turn their guns on the citizens than anyone else.
So killing doctors, nurses and patients is “liberating” them.
The most repellent propaganda masquerades as news on Al-Jazeera
Al Jazeera News, Thursday 10 December 2015, 8:00 a.m.
The Qatari dictatorship is, together with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom, the chief sponsor and supporter of Daesh/ISIL, Jabhat al-Nusra and al Qaeda, collectively known by the mendacious title of “the moderate Syrian opposition”. Al Jazeera is the mouthpiece of the Qatari dictatorship. There is a sometimes subtle, but more often crude and audacious, bias in its news reportage and its selection of guests for its discussions.
First item up on this morning’s news was the most recent Afghani resistance attack, this time on a heavily fortified civilian and military airfield in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. At least 37 people, including many children, have been killed.
The “reporter” (one Rob Matheson, who is yet another of the ex-BBC hacks who infest Al Jazeera) then went on to say this:
Of course, any viewer with a degree of sentience above that of a zombie would have been aware that the “coalition” (i.e. the U.S. military) went about “liberating” Kunduz by bombing Kunduz Hospital between 2:08 and 3:15 a.m. on Saturday October 3rd. When the Americans stopped their bombing, they had killed 31 patients, nurses and doctors. To deliberately ignore that, and to pretend that the Americans are “liberating” anyone, is propaganda at its most ruthless.
http://antiwar.com/blog/2015/12/08/kunduz-msf-hospital-us-bombing-survivor-i-want-my-story-to-be-heard/
British war veterans have thrown away their medals outside Downing Street in protest against the Government’s decision to bomb Syria and to bust the “mythology” of heroism connected to the military.
“Mr Griffin, who won his medal for serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and Macedonia, said it was a “powerful” and “incredible experience,” adding: “These are things we once treasured, so it’s a difficult thing to give away but we think it’s really important that we do that – both in protest against this war but also because want to get rid of the mythology around these things. “ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/veterans-throw-away-their-war-medals-in-disgust-at-british-air-strikes-in-syria-a6765446.html
Good for them. I dare cameron to call them “rent-a-crowd”
To Tracey at 8.1
On same line of thought, what can be done about the disgusting ignorant insolence of our incoming minister of Climate Change, who according to TV One on screen said that the index ( of measures to reduce use of fossil fuels etc) is “by a bunch of environmentalists who criticise what any country’s doing”??!!! The peculiar grammar is as reported and not mine.
To Tracey at 8.1
On same line of thought, what can be done about the disgusting ignorant insolence of our incoming minister of Climate Change, who according to TV One on screen said that the index ( of measures to reduce use of fossil fuels etc) is “by a bunch of environmentalists who criticise what any country’s doing”??!!! The grammar is as reported and not mine.
while i am at the keyboard, i want to share with y’all the feelings of pride and enthusiasm for the future that i have.
went to prize-giving at my boys high school.
the calibre and achievements on display were inspiring.
the dux runner-up got a+ on 3 level 300 papers (calculus, physics) and he is in year 11!
the new head prefect was winner of the open korero, impromptu speech and a few other accolades.( my head was spinning at the list of achievements listed)
numerous sporting and other cultural highs as well.
its a small counterpoint to all the bad news stories we hear about our young men, time and time again.
well done gentlemen.
Fantastic gsays.
I agree the calibre of so many of the young men and women coming out of our schools is quite outstanding.
Sorry, doesn’t count unless it’s at a charter school!
That’s what I’ve learned from reading a couple of other blog sites. Something not so good goes on at a non-charter school, the boot goes in hard and heavy. Good stuff happens but is ignored.
Microscopes and search parties are out though seeking something positive happening in a charter school and it’s BIG news.
Corruption happens in the Ministry of Education or Education Review Office and they don’t want to know.
Day to day there are immense successes in ‘ordinary’ schools with ‘extraordinary’ efforts and achievements.
Well done to the young men you mention, the adults who helped get them there and their peers who pushed and encouraged them to their success.
Great Stuff GSays
INteresting u-turn by National on the criminalisation of cartel behaviour by NZ businesses. Interestingly the “one law for all” ACT party doesn’t want criminlisation because it will be deterimental. And yet, beneficiaries and others,s craping by, need this kind of hammer posied over their heads… punishments yes, but prison? No, no no?
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1512/S00293/goldsmith-drops-bid-to-criminalise-cartel-behaviour.htm
Paul Goldsmith gave an appallingly poor interview about this on Morning Report. It was on Monday morning I think, and I would guess has been archived.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201782073/criminal-sanctions-exit-cartel-bill-is-a-govt-u-turn
Yes, Guyon Espiner really held Goldsmith’s feet to the fire on this one.
And Goldsmith seemed to realise right from the start of the interview that he didn’t have a leg to stand on. He was hesitant and back footing it right from the beginning – his heart was nowhere near in it.
The only line he’d been given to defend the u-turn was some ridiculous claim that prison sentences would have a chilling effect on business innovation – of all things – and so be harmful to competition.
Some kind of straw-clutching at ‘co-opetition‘ presumably. Must have been a bit of a bright spark Ministerial advisor who gave him that one to run with. Went down like a lead balloon.
That rationale was never going to fly – far, far too subtle (in the sense of dancing on the head of a pin) and suspect for the average (and above average) listener.
My point is simple.
If public records were CREATED and MAINTAINED and readily available for public scrutiny, then the information would not need to be requested under the OIA or LGOIMA ?
That’s my considered opinion.
You don’t have to agree with it.
FYI – having raised directly with the Board of Watercare earlier this year, the absence of any information on either their bills or their website that explains where monies received for water and wastewater services is actually SPENT, there has been a development.
Some details of awarded contracts are now available on their website, which was not previously the case.
It was Watercare’s alleged failure to comply with the Public Records Act which I brought to their attention, which, in my opinion, has resulted in this improvement, regarding ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the spending of public money.
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
The hypocrisy is eye-watering, agreed.
The number of oligopolies that do us all in with grossly overpriced goods and services, barely regulated in this country, this move to not even lift a parliamentary finger is disgusting:
– Building products
– Banking
– Airport landing charges
– Airlines (now slightly better)
– Supermarkets
– Insurers
– Water suppliers
– Electricity generators
– (and more)
And you wonder where the Nats get their donations from …
+100
Poor people conspire in deceit to trick people out of their money – criminal charges, prison and opprobrium are rained down upon them.
Business people conspire in deceit to trick people out of their money – a measly fine, if you’re lucky, one day, sometime.
Why the difference Nacts?
Why the difference?
Why the difference?
What difference is there?
Shouldn’t business in fact operate to higher standards, not lower?
What a frikkin joke…
Know why our houses cost so much more than in Australia ? The anti-competitive behaviour of Fletchers. It is bullshit. The politicians I have met even openly acknowledge this, yet do nothing about it.
bullshit
bullshit
bullshit
Pay $350,000 to build your new house, rather than $250-300,000. That is the hard cold reality….
That is the difference
That is the difference that this government is happy for people to pay.
Liars, cheats and bullshit artists. Snakeoil merchants. Wide boys and grandma vendors. Nasty, greedy, selfish, individualists. Scam artists. Merchant bankers. Ponytail pullers. They all own shares in Fletchers. They all make the rules for Fletchers. Scum.
Peter Aranyi has written a fantastic article about the content of the Chisholm Report that “cleared ” Judith Collins.
It will be the first of a series:
http://www.thepaepae.com/the-chisholm-inquiry-who-was-actually-on-trial/36207/
Crikey! From reading that Karen it seems OK for anyone to destroy anything that may harm your defence. Had the Chisolm enquiry been in a Courtroom would evasions/deletions be acceptable?
For Slater to be “broke” it seems that he/they must have had some pretty powerful legal support to be able tododge the bullets. Wonder who his legal team were and who paid for the 10s of thousands of dollars.
Delete this and that. Deny memory of this and that. Refer to the narrow frames of reference rather than the intent of the enquiry.
Yes, someone paid for a QC to help keep Dirty Politics out of the last few weeks of the election period.
I think people have conveniently forgotten that Collinss did not cooperate and appears to have destroyed evidence… this nothing to hide nothing to fear former Minister for Justice and Police…
🙄
A bit in the enquiry had phone calls from Collins to Slater but not one from Slater to Collins according to the records. so no evidence of collusion. Yeah right.
The majority of red herrings being flopped around are by the likes of you and blimp.
Can you stop trolling on this site please?
+1
Interesting to note how involved our PM is in GSB thse days. How knowledgeable he has become since relinquishing all responsibility and accountability for the secret services. Cortex, presumably paid for by taxpayers, is something he now wants to offer to all small and medium businesses. It may be a good idea, I don’t know, but it is a redirection of taxpayer money from say, health, to businesses. I assume the Taxpayers Union will be OUTRAGED at this form of subsidy? ACT will vote against it?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11558741
[r0b: Your comments are going into moderation because of extra text in the name field, which I am deleting…]
17 horrifying mental health facts that have been delivered to Jeremy Hunt
And those policies will also be increasing the number of suicides that are mentioned at 1. and 2. of the article.
And National are implementing the same or similar punitive policies here.
There were two major updates that went into the site last night.
WordPress upgraded to version 4.4
The mobile display had an upgrade and a change to a theme that allowed replies to comments rather than just comments to a post
when I click on the reply button, my cursor now loads in the Name (Required) field instead of the Your Comment field. Any chance it could be set back to the comment field?
Same happens on both counts for me weka. Am in Auck. PC and mobile.
Is that in the mobile theme like Tracey or the desktop theme?
It should be easy to fix either way.
That’s on my laptop. Will have a look on both themes on phone later.
Happening to me on the desktop theme too, with cookies to remember my name.
On my phone it’s doing that on the desktop theme. On the mobile theme it drops me to the comment box at bottom of page with the cursor not inserted anywhere.
Very odd. I can see that it is meant to be setting it in the code…..
Looks like I will have to fix this during the weekend
the other thing that changed overnight is that when I click on a comment in the Comments list that is for a page I am already on, instead of it just jumping down the page to the comment, it now reloads the page to go to comment. Bit of a pain for those of still on rural broadband speeds.
(I haven’t checked another browser, this one is Firefox mac).
Ah drat. That was something that I’d disabled in the desktop theme to prevent bots, but had to enable to get the mobile theme to do replies.
That is something I should be able to hack in functions or the theme.
I’ll change it to do the same thing to the mobile theme as the desktop theme has. Just use javascript to move the comment section to the comment being replied to.
Hopefully tonight.
test iOS
..theme is pretty groovy on the iPhone
..interesting choice of font
..also the right sidebar is a slight annoyance but easily zoomed out of sight
I happen to like that particular font. It is whatever the font is used on Ubuntu.
I find it really fast and clear to read. Consequently I’ve changed all of my code editors to use it across linux, windows, and mac. Also on FBReader on my phone for reading ePubs.
There is a lot of reading in this site…
curiously I find it easier to read as body text than headings. often the reverse with many fonts.
Which font?
TS mobile site uses this font: http://font.ubuntu.com (or a clone of it)… it’s kinda retro cool
To be precise it is in the google fonts as
baumans
https://www.google.com/fonts/specimen/Baumans
It was one of the fonts around in ubuntu
Ok, this is probably a problem in your browser if it is a desktop.
The comment reply on a desktop theme depends on using javascript to set the comment section to the appropriate place in the HTML and internally setting the right comment to reply to.
However if the javascript fails or has been disabled, it falls back to doing it the old fashioned way and loading comment. In this case what you will see is a reload of the page and somewhere in the address bar is a replytocomm=number where the number is that of the comment you are replying to.
It doesn’t do that on my firefox / linux or firefox / windows or even Lyn’s firefox / mac.
What it used to do before I changed the mobile theme was that when doing a reply, it would return a Gone screen because I’d disabled to replytocomm to limit pesky bots.
I’ll force a reload of the DCN caches just to make it isn’t server side. But it looks like something on the client side.
Javascript is enabled on my firefox. I just tried a safe mode restart to disable all addons, but that hasn’t changed anything.
The URL stays the same except the number changes as the page reloads.
This page reloading thing happened after the upgrade you just did, so if it’s my side does that mean that there is an incompatibility between my version of Firefox (42.0) and WordPress? Or do you mean that it’s actually my particular copy of Firefox that is the problem?
I’ll go test Safari.
hmm, going into moderation now.
Outstanding work Lyn.
Much easier commenting from the cellphone.
Thankyou.
hear, hear, cheers lprent
Apparently Cameron Slater’s Whaleoil site has been biting one of the hands that feeds him.
Xero’s boss said he has withdrawn funds from advertising on Whaleoil after what what he says a campaign critical of Xero steered by Rodney Hide on the site.
I guess if you lay down with wild dogs, don’t be surprised if you get up covered in flea bites or get bitten a few times!
More like advertising doesn’t get you a free pass
Xero story – note further unsavory connections on the political right – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11559030
Why are these ancient trees of Aotearoa allowed to be cut down?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74965502/kauri-tree-saved-at-11th-hour-again
Yes, even if they have no aesthetic or ecological or Maori forest lore sense, those developers (John Lenihan and Jane Greensmith) are stupid!
The land is is worth so much more with ancient trees on it!.
In some places (eg in Sydney and USA) architects build around trees rather than cut them down. It gives their buildings a unique edge and focus
http://blazepress.com/2015/07/10-beautiful-buildings-that-have-incorporated-trees-instead-of-cutting-them-down/
http://www.theonlinecentral.com/inventive-buildings-whose-architects-refused-to-cut-down-local-trees/
http://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=16695
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/protecting-trees-from-construction-damage/
I agree having a 500 year old tree is worth more than a slab of concrete.
I was reading a book today though about early european explorers visiting areas around Taupo and finding a lot of forest had already been burnt down by Maori. From what I could gather by burning off forest and scrubland reappearing where they could harvest fern root and where it was possibly easier to hunt birds, was vital for survival. Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa were similarly burnt, scrubby landscapes I think.
If you could transport pre-european Maori back to today, it would be interesting to get their take on what parts of the land they would leave (sacred) and what parts they would use to their full advantage. I’m putting my own interpretation of traditional Maori there from a white perspective, and it’s probably a lot more complex and different.
@maui..from my limited knowledge( and speaking as a Pakeha with some Maori ancestry)…there are quite a few books out there on what plants and trees the old Maori looked after…generally they were conservationists, much more so than the early European settlers….some Maori Tohunga know a lot about all this…ie the old Maori were polytheistic and there were gods and spirituality in all nature and in their landscapes
Elsden Best ‘Forest Lore of the Maori ‘ is a detailed account and a great read …(I bought my copy years ago but it has gone up in price, judging from below ….not sure if there are new pbs editions)
http://www.smithsbookshop.co.nz/bookshop/5102307.php
Can also highly recommend Geoff Park’s classic, ‘Nga Uru Ora — the Groves of Life: Ecology and History in a New Zealand Landscape’ written by an ecologist on tour in his canoe ( you feel you are with him)
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/nga_uruora
This book gives a great feel for the history and reverence the Maori felt towards their special places
There are books on edible plants and medicinal herbs
Anything on Maori spirituality by Rev. Dr. Maori Marsden is worth reading eg.
Maori Marsden , “The Natural World and Natural Resources: Maori Value Systems and perspectives” ( paper for Ministry for Environment,1989)and ‘Maori Values and Environmental Management'( New Zealand Natural Resources Unit, Manata Maori,1991)
All this just scratches the surface of a forgotten history and spirituality which is very Gaia/ Papatuanuku centred and relevant today
I was reading “Forest Lore of the Maori”, so you nailed it! I was looking up what food sources Maori traditionally used and find it quite interesting. Thanks for the links, I have thought about buying Nga Uru Ora for ages.
Nga Uru Ora is fantastic…I think it is out of print by Victoria University( they should reprint because it is a classic)….but you can get it on Amazon and I expect from various secondhand book shops
While I don’t dispute that there is considerable credentials to Maori conservation it is important to note that there was quite considerable clearance of native forest prior to the arrival of European settlers.
“Why are these ancient trees of Aotearoa allowed to be cut down?”
because money doesn’t grow on trees, so what use are they?
The trees were meant to be cut down to create car parking on the site which the council supported. The council planners could asked for the house to be built around the trees – but why do their job when you can just rubber stamp everything?
The consultants noted the trees as ‘high value vegetation’ burying it within a 70 page report. The developers then have gone to court to downgrade the environmental conditions on other sites they own.
Don’t worry, Auckland property developers are not developing for the local market that might enjoy the trees!
car parks with trees look good too….but better not to have the car park
Um, yes any new development in that near area really does need off-street parking. It’s very narrow and windy, and even as it is I wouldn’t be surprised if rubbish trucks are sometimes blocked from getting through. But the right way to do it is follow the example set by the neighbouring property (number44) and several others on the street and build a parking deck out on poles just off the street at street level.
I’m only a few houses down the street from the place in question, BTW.
in Wellington single lanes up the sides of very steep inner city treed hills adds to the frisson and character of the place…(and yes they do build pole garage platforms where they can if lucky)
Aucklanders need to get some CLASS and STYLE and put the trees first…before their cars
Auckland was a beautiful area …now trashed by the roads and cars and car parks
This makes sense:
‘Syrian chessboard’
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/325182-syrian-chessboard-us-syria/
“Recent claims that the US bombed a Syrian military installation may be a telling example of how Washington and its allies intend to escalate their war on the Syrian regime and NOT against terrorists. It would appear Assad remains target number one.
CrossTalking with Martin Jay, Marcus Papadopoulos, and Ivan Eland.”
Maybe they’ve decided to copy the Russian Federation’s example of escalating its war on the Syrian regime’s opponents and NOT against terrorists…
?…link?
Essential reading for NZ’ers wanting to be less ignorant about the state of their Nation…
http://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/annual-update-key-results-2014-15-nzhs-dec15-1.docx
FYI.
___________________________________________________________________________________
In Auckland – is it ‘DEMOCRACY’ just for developers, and a DICTATORSHIP for the rest of us?
URGENT! Pre-Christmas Public Meeting to inform, network and organise re: proposed Auckland Unitary Plan / zoning/ RMA changes.
WHEN: Saturday 12 December 2015
TIME: 10.30am – 12.30pm
WHERE: Tamaki Ex-Services Assn Hall
Corner Turua St / Polygon Rd
ST HELIERS
MAP: http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/venue/auckland-tamaki-ex-services-hall
Many citizens and residents across the Auckland region are deeply concerned about proposed zoning changes that may lead to non-notified multi-story developments, in which they will potentially have no say, but will potentially have a huge impact on their lives and immediate environment.
Has lawful ‘due process’ been followed regarding the Auckland ‘Spatial Plan’ and subsequent amendments?
Were the Auckland population growth projections which spawned legislation such as that for the ‘Special Housing Areas’ (SHAs), lawfully and evidentially based?
Will proposed changes to the RMA make things worse?
Groups and concerned citizens who want to meet to discuss these issues, and co-ordinate ideas and action to help stop the Auckland region effectively becoming a ‘dictatorship for developers’, are most welcome to attend.
Meeting convened by Penny Bright, assisted by fellow concerned citizens.
So what changes to Auckland’s proposed Unitary Plan would you instigate Penny?
Are you for or against the proposed changes to the RMA that are going before the House, which enable huge numbers more activities to be non-notified?
Couple of easy ones for you, since you’re holding a public meeting on the subject.
For anyone interested in an informed view on Auckland’s population projections: http://voakl.net/2013/06/15/population-trends/
That link and others previously drawn to Ms Bright’s attention here.