The new Prime Minister of Australia has made moves to scrap the tax on carbon emissions put in place to deter polluters, and gather revenue to help fund the necessary transition away from fossil fuels.
This decision will cost the Australian government almost $4billion in revenue, undermining the transition away from fossil fuels.
The carbon tax will be replaced with a Pollution Trading Scheme similar to New Zealand’s corrupt ETS, which as well as encouraging speculators and investors to make money out of pollution trading, and letting the polluters off the hook, dumps the bill on the tax payers.
Pollution Trading Schemes are a proven rort, overseeing a huge increases in carbon emissions by the polluters, but as money making scheme for investors, speculators and and international money traders, Pollution Trading Schemes have been less effective.
As a scheme to fight carbon pollution they are a total failure.
Despite the cuts to environmental and clean energy programs needed to scrap the carbon tax. In a statement that would make even John Key blush. The Australian Prime Minister insisted that this was a “good day for the environment”.
In an act of political showmanship Kevin Rudd has challenged the conservative opposition to a debate on removing the carbon tax knowing that they won’t show up because they basically support his moves, and have no counter argument.
Interesting post on Socialist Aotearoa, about the relationship between supermarkets over-pricing fruit & vege, and hungry children.
* Fruit and vegetable prices are too high – An organic vegetable grower told Campbell Live in February 2013 he sold a 1.5kg bag of potatoes to his supplier for $1.50, these were then sold in an Auckland supermarket for $7.99. Beetroot sold for $1.50 was resold at $9.50.
*In 2010 a Green Party survey of 75 New Zealand fruit and vegetable growers reported that 75% of growers thought the supermarket mark-ups on fresh produce were ‘far too high’.
*Food prices in NZ are rising quicker than the rest of the developed world – According to the Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation, New Zealand consumers are paying 42.5 percent more for groceries than they were 10 years ago. This was the second fastest grocery price rise out of 30 OECD countries.
*Hungry children are a hidden cost of high prices – A 2006 survey of school children found that one in seven kids (Aged 5-14) were not eating breakfast before school.
It then goes onto alternative examples: e.g. Chavez nationalised some supermarkets and brought in price controls.
There’s also a problem with how the wholesalers are controlling things. It’s hard for many market gardeners to have choices about where and how they sell their produce, they get tied into existing supply line structures. I don’t quite know how it works except that when farmers try and get out of that it can be very hard.
My solution to such as this is the government buying enough farmland to supply all of NZ’s food needs. They then put in place a distribution network that delivers free to the door* at cost.
* Free delivery is far more efficient and cheaper than everyone going to a supermarket. It’s saves on time and fuel use.
Buy it off someone else. DTB’s suggestion, as I read it, was not for the government to take over all farmland, just “enough”. As we produce far more food than we consume, there would be plenty of land available to supply x, y and z through non-government sources.
Grow x, y and z yourself.
Vote for a party that will ensure x, y and z are available from the government.
Well,
1.) I’d have the farm managers instructed to meet demand
2.) Mono-culture would be banned
3.) All would be organic farms
Chances are that x,y and z would actually be grown if at all possible but if it isn’t then you’d still be able to purchase it elsewhere or, more than likely, the government distribution network would be able to supply it as well through standard purchasing agreements.
Has anyone suggested that the basket of goods that makes up the CPI is a crock of shit and doesn’t reflect real inflation? It certainly doesn’t reflect inflation for the poor, if you are a family in the rental market or wanting to purchase a house then your cost of living has risen much more than CPI.
Using the tool below, a $1 item in 2000 will have inflated to $1.39 in 2013. A $1 house in 2000 will have inflated to $2.28….perhaps Housing needs to be weighted more heavily in CPI. Or will this lead to higher wage costs, is that the motivation. Just a thought?
I was puzzled by the 3News coverage last night, because of the way it referred to inflation (I think in the same report).
It pissed me off to start with, with their promo for the item asking do the proposed changes to mortgage borrowing mean “you might not be able to afford to buy your first house” (or words to that effect). It DID include “you/your”. It set me thinking who 3 News consider to be their target audience? Certainly not low-mid income (lifetime) renters.
Anyway their factoring (in this or another news report last night) was too complicated (or at least covered too fast for my financial knowledge-level). But it seemed to relate to exports, imports and whatever….. low inflation (around 1%-2%) is good, no matter what.
It is fairly safe to assume as a demographic that even low-mid income renters contain a significant proportion of kiwi battlers who do indeed want the security of owning their own home, and a reasonable (emphasis here on the “reasonable”) person would consider the you/youre rhetorical. Do you likewise get all indignant because the news reader doesn’t address you personally by name?
Way to miss the point, pop. And to slip in another nasty ad hominem with it. Did I say anything about it not addressing me?
There are plenty of renters out there who are just struggling to pay the bills. Buying a home is not on the agenda. Many, like the state housing tenants in Glen Innes, just want secure state housing. Others just secure and safe affordable rental accommodation
The MSM does tend to cater to the middle classes. It’s no wonder that so many on low income people.
And part of NZ’s economic problems is the over-emphasis on home ownership as something everyone should be aspiring to.
Saarbo, there’s a section within the CPI called the non-tradeables, which more accurately reflects day to day costs. The CTU have just put out a press release which touches on that issue.
The holding down of wages and conditions, and the erosion of our social services, and the reduction of living standards for those at the bottom. Mean while, middle class home owners enjoy low mortgage rates.
IMO, we need inflation at 4-5% to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living, and the poor are not sleeping in the streets.
How long before one, several, many of this fetid oligarchy’s Leggo pieces loses it and something really, really, really bad happens ? At a WINZ office or the premises of some Haliburton/Blackwater modelled social mercenary corporate ?
Imagine the over-slapped Bennettoinette on Qeue + Adore the following Sunday, cheered on by the snippy gargoyle Susan Wood……..both aghast……..both deplooooaaaarrring violence……..both hating on the Leggo pieces……….Bennettoinette still proselytising the fantasy of King Canute.
This oligarchy’s cynical, amoral calculation to scapegoat and physically, mentally, and spiritually molest the weakest and the poorest……….it afflicts our society as a cancer.
Drug tests for employees are a bloody waste of time and illegal.
Drug tests test if someone has taken drugs in about the last three weeks. Lets similarly impose an alcohol test that tests if someone has had a drink in about the last three weeks.
Like everything this government does – it is a fucking lie and a con.
If beneficiaries are to be compulsorily drug tested then I don’t see why MPs shouldn’t be breath tested each time they enter the debating chamber. After all creating and changing law is an important challenging job and you wouldn’t want people to be doing it while they are under the influence.
If you have an employee who has taken a mind altering drug in the past 3 weeks how can you trust that they are in their ‘right mind’ to make sure they are not still affected by any subsequent drug taking when they come to work?
You can’t. A ‘P’ Head or stoner cannot think rationally or objectively and if that person does come to work under the influence and subsequently makes a mistake that kills or injures someone then that is an unacceptable situation.
(Same with people that come to work pissed) – but is a lot easier to detect without needed a test of nay sort.
They should go find a job that carries no responsibility for other folk (Paper run perhaps?)
Um, having taken drugs in the last 3 weeks doesn’t mean you are impaired when you go to work. And drug testing post accident is generally regarded as the only acceptable use of the regime. But even that is useless, because urine testing doesn’t show impairment for cannabis, just that its in the system.
are you seriously saying that the mere fact you might partake of something, anything in the weekends means that you are unfit for work all the time?
A ‘P’ Head or stoner cannot think rationally – when they are really, really high. When theyre straight, they are probably good to go. Pretty much like anyone whos had too much to drink, once you sober up, (and recover) your fine
(unless your an addict – which once again has to be pointed out – the drug testing policy doesnt apply to addicts)
and as for your claim that you can detect piss heads easily without a test – bollocks 1) it then becomes accusation, not provable outcome and 2) pissheads can be rather good at covering their pissy-ness
If its a health and safety issue, which i agree that it is, the answer is in impairment testing – not presence of substance testing
“You can’t. A ‘P’ Head or stoner cannot think rationally or objectively and if that person does come to work under the influence and subsequently makes a mistake that kills or injures someone then that is an unacceptable situation.”
Stoners can’t think rationally? Good grief, do you know how many people smoke cannabis in this country? You think they are all incapable of making a rational decision to not use drugs while at work?
The reality is that P (which does have a long term effect on personality and behaviour) cannot be detected by drug tests 48hrs after use, whereas cannabis tests can be positive 42 days after use. Well after the time that impaired decision making is an issue.
If the issue is preventative health and safety, it is not an effective tool. It also strikes me that those on manual jobs (and often the least paid) bear the brunt of random drug tests. Office workers and other services will be unlikely to be tested, but are probably just as likely to relax with their drug of choice – but it cannabis or alcohol.
“Labour MP Maryan Street is under pressure to drop a member’s bill which would legalise euthanasia because her party is concerned it could be a negative distraction in the lead-up to the general election next year.” (NZ Herald today)
Street’s proposal is ideal for a binding referendum. Convince the people it’s a good idea and a binding referendum makes it law.
AmaKiwi
+1
A chance for Labour to do something useful for the people in line with them being the party that examines the status quo and is prepared to make changes and it might drop this proposal! Says a lot about this bunch of jerks running Labour.
It will come as no surprise that I detest the Labour party and everything it stands for . However, I really hope that Maryan Street does not succumb to party political pressure to withdraw this bill.
It is near criminal that in the year 2013 we insist that the terminally ill suffer simply because some people choose to allow their stone age superstitions to cloud their judgement and to force those same stone age superstitions upon others.
Identification numbers attached to children as young as three could be used to track and punish their parents.
The ID system will be rolled out next year, paving the way for information to possibly be passed from kindergartens to the Government agency which monitors beneficiaries.
About 190,000 children in early childhood education will be assigned a national student number, with providers collecting information including each child’s daily attendance.
The Greens say childhood workers will effectively be asked to dob in parents who are not meeting their obligation to have their children in education, with preschool teachers used as “de facto benefit police”.
Since amongst the righties it’s farcically de rigueur to sheet many, many things back to Labour and Helen Clark……..imagine the outrage if this was in fact Labour and Clark ?
“Bloody nanny state…….numbering babies…….they’ll be tattoing them next !”
There is no law enforcing compulsory education in New Zealand for children under 6 years old. Why on earth does the government think it reasonable to coerce parents into sending their children to ‘early childhood education’ simply because they are beneficiaries?
What else might the government require? That beneficiaries vacuum and dust their residence daily? That any lawns at their residence should never grow deeper than three inches? That they should never use expletives in public? That they should comb and brush their children’s hair daily? That they should enrol their children into the cubs and brownies?
And it is no justification to claim that early childhood education is ‘good for children’. If it is, then the government, to be consistent, should change the law to make it compulsory for all children of that age.
Those TVNZ cuts are really biting now:
Look at who they’ve promoted to “U.S. correspondent”
Television One Breakfast, Wednesday 17 July 2013, 6:58 a.m.
A North Korean vessel has been detained in Panama. No need for Television One viewers to be concerned, however: smiley, cheery weatherman-cum-“United States correspondent” Jack Tame is on the case….
JACK TAME: This ship, which had stopped in CUBA, was stocked with sugar, but officials in Panama have also found MISSILES and NON-CONVENTIONAL ARMS underneath the cargo of sugar. RAWDON CHRISTIE:[sardonically] Oh yes? JACK TAME: When they were arrested, [snicker], the captain of the ship had a heart attack, [snicker], and then tried to commit suicide! TONI STREET:[troubled tone] Hmmmmmm…. JACK TAME: And the ship was apparently stocked up in CUBA with these missiles and arms.
At this point, to assist Television One viewers in formulating a suitable response, JACK TAME twists his mouth to indicate his distaste for the North Korean and Cuban scum.
RAWDON CHRISTIE:[grimly] And in violation of U.N. sanctions as well.
Cut to JACK TAME nodding his head, and frowning, to indicate how seriously he takes this story.
TONI STREET:[troubled tone] Hmmmmmm…. RAWDON CHRISTIE: Here’s Peter with the News.
Jack Tame is also the US correspondent for NZ Herald… My blood pressure often rises at his fatuous comments and irrelevance. At a time when I would like US news to be presented to us from a NZ perspective, we are inflicted with the same old spin but with a NZ accent.
It must have been a deliberate decision to put a half-baked journo into this position as NZ commentator on all things US.
Do any of the MPs have any idea of how difficult it is to transport children to and from a preschool (a) if you have no car and the preschool is some distance away
(b) you have 1 or more other pre-schoolers, especially a baby
(c) if you have other children to see off to school?
Being able to pick up the pre-schoolers at a fixed time can be difficult even for the SUV driving mums.
Warning: Rant to follow.
This government is NASTY and unbelievably mean-spirited. This government is not meeting ITS obligation to the people of this country in so many ways. SHAME!!
Tautoko Viper
Good points. I believe this government hates parents from the lower income group, who get called by the definition ‘strugglers’, and doesn’t like their children much either, despite the fuss that they make in the news. Government only appears to care because our statistics compare badly to the rest of the developed world and attract criticism.
Scapegoating parents who can’t get their children to preschool is totally stupid. A more constructive solution is to provide free minibus transport to and from preschools- a pick up and drop off service. I would like to see preschools on the same site as a community centre with kitchen and rooms so that young mothers could be picked up by minibus together with their pre-schoolers, taken to the community centre. The kindergarten age children could then attend the kindergarten, younger babies could be in a crèche and the mothers could opt to join in free cooking classes or other educational courses, all run free of charge. Classes would include art, dance, yoga, and general interest, rather like the type of classes that night schools used to run (before this miserable lot scuppered them.)
Tautoko Viper
Yes agree completely. I would like school classes for the parents to be offered too. Many haven’t been able to complete their education. Once they have children it can provide a real incentive and steadying influence to get further education. Children can concentrate your mind in a totally new way!
All would benefit and it is so sad that there are these lost opportunities while gummint and the Mins of Ed and Social Welfare keep weaving their sticky little webs to trap beneficiaries, roll them up and eat them – just like spiders. Nothing left but some dry husks when the parents should be bounding upwards with a great life and opportunities in front of them and their children.
Humbug Corner is dedicated to gathering, and highlighting, the most striking examples of faux solicitude, insincere apologies, and particularly stupid recycling of official canards. It is produced by the Insincerity Project®, a division of Daisycutter Sports Inc.
More humbugs….
No. 16 Barack Obama: “I wish Muslims across America & around the world a month blessed with the joys of family, peace & understanding.” http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-11072013/#comment-661330
No.15 John Key: “They know this is an issue of national security…”
No. 14 Charles Saatchi: “I abhor violence of any kind against women…”
No. 13 Toyota New Zealand: “The more Kiwis that lean, the more motivated our ETNZ crew will be to win.”
No. 12 Pem Bird: “We’re there to do the business of advancing our people.”
No.11 Whenua Patuwai: “They’re my brothers and to see one of them goes [sic]—it’s tough.”
No. 10 [REMOVED]
No. 9 [REMOVED]
No. 8 Barack Obama: “…people standing up for what’s right…yearning for justice and dignity…” No. 7 Barack Obama: “Nelson Mandela is my personal hero…”
No. 6 John Key: “Yeah well the Greens’ answer to everything is rail, isn’t it.”
No.5 Dr. Rodney Syme: “If you want good, open, honest practice, you have to make it transparent.”
No. 4 Mike Bush: “Bruce Hutton’s… integrity beyond reproach…such great character…”
No. 3 Dean Lonergan: “Y’ know what? The only people who will mock them are people who are dwarfists.”
No. 2 Peter Dunne: “What a load of drivel and sanctimonious humbug…”
No. 1 Dominic Bowden: “It’s okay to be speechless.”
Part of the Replublican Movement of Aotearoa campaign for a New Zealand head of State this year has been to push for better media coverage.
TV3’s show The Vote has offered this opportunity for the head of State debate.
For the republic side Bob Jones, Shane Jones and Laila Harre.
For the monarchy.. the usual suspects: Simon O’Conner, Ron Mark and Louise Wright.
The voting will open on 17 July (Wednesday) when the show is broadcast from 8:30 until 9:30.
This is our best oppportunity to get the issue discussed fully since TVNZ’s program in 2005.
Yet at least as instructive as the proportion of people agreeing with each proposal is the number who could not rouse themselves to an opinion one way or the other. For example, some (actually 39%, I can reveal) supported removing some of the UK’s waters from the Common Fisheries Policy, but nearly half had no view either way.
The question should be: Why did they have no view either way?
I think you’ll find that they just have no information about the policy (i.e, they really just don’t know) and, most importantly, don’t know how to get the information. This is why having open government and referenda is actually important. It gives people the information they need to make a decision and then has them making that decision.
good to see greaseball garner getting his comeuppance, sort of, in the dompost this a.m.
he thinks that because he is on teevee that he can do what he likes.
just a bit more rope and he will hang himself.
Still think that fluoridation of public water supplies helps to save the teeth of poor people?
Please don’t exercise ‘wilful blindness’, and write off those who base their anti-fluoride position on
scientifically-researched FACTS and EVIDENCE, (unlike the arguably pro-fluoride ‘nutters’)?
“..chronic effects of fluoride involve alterations in the chemical activity of calcium by the fluoride ion. Natural calcium fluoride with low solubility and toxicity from ingestion is distinct from fully soluble toxic industrial fluorides …”
“Industrial fluoride ingested from treated water enters saliva at levels too low to affect dental caries. Blood levels during lifelong consumption can harm heart, bone, brain, and even developing teeth enamel.
The widespread policy known as water fluoridation is discussed in light of these findings. ….”
Dr. Paul Connett
Professor of Chemistry
St. Lawrence University, NY 13617
______________________________________________________________________________
FYI ……………
OPEN LETTER
Tony Ryall
Minister of Health
Dear Minister,
In response to your reply, received today, 17 July 2013:
“On behalf of Hon Tony Ryall, Minister of Health, thank you for your email of 16 July 2013 about Fluoridation.
The Minister has asked Ministry of Health officials to advise him on the matters you have raised. Please be aware that due to the large volume of correspondence we receive, a personal reply to your letter may take some weeks.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Please be advised that am not requesting a ‘personal reply’ to my letter – I am expecting an OIA reply, according to the statutory framework – of 20 working days?
Arguably, if the ‘science is settled’, and yourself as Minister of Health and the Ministry of Health are so sure:
“there was no doubt science pointed to the fact that there were benefits for families from fluoridation, and that the levels of fluoridation in water were safe for New Zealanders.”
then the FACTS and EVIDENCE should surely be readily available, unless, of course it is yourself as Minister and Ministry of Health officials, who are providing the ‘misinformation’ about the benefits and safety of water fluoridation?
I do sincerely hope that this is not the case.
My understanding is that the basis of the scientific method is to ‘seek truth from facts’?
That is what I try to do as an ‘investigative activist’ (as it were).
I do understand that you’re extremely busy (there you are not alone), but both yourself, and Ministry of Health officials, may find it beneficial to take the time to read the results of some hundreds of hours of voluntary research I did relating to the quality of Waikato river water as a ‘raw source’ of drinking water for the Auckland region, back in November 2002:f
Then you may have a better understanding of why people such as myself, do NOT trust either the Ministry of Health, or Watercare Services Ltd, when it comes to the safeguarding of public health and drinking water supplies.
Please be reminded that as a 2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate, I do NOT support the fluoridation of public drinking water supplies, and this will be one of the my ‘campaign issues’.
Looking forward to receiving this OIA reply within 20 working days.
“Ranting! Reacting! Reasoning! Reflecting!”
The voice of complacency and intolerance is as unbearable as ever. The Huddle, NewstalkZB, Wednesday 17 July 2013, 5:45 p.m.
Larry “Lackwit” Williams, Colin Espiner, Janet Wilson
NewstalkZB is the radio station on which an increasingly unhinged and irrational Paul Holmes unleashed his obscenity-larded tirades against “darkies”, “lazy bludging Maoris” and “the professors” who had the temerity to call him a racist. It is the station on which the likes of Murray Deaker, Tony “Boot Boy” Veitch and Mark Watson have been given free rein to preach about “lazy” and “dumb” Polynesians and black American athletes that look like gorillas (Veitch’s assessment of Serena Williams). It is, most infamously of all, the station that mounted a public campaign of support for a man who chased down a fifteen-year-old boy and knifed him to death on a South Auckland street, and combined that with a brutal, orchestrated, round-the-clock, day after day, week after week, month after month, denunciation of the victim, his mother, his tetraplegic father, and his family. They even mocked the boy’s mother for crying in court; NewstalkZB’s evening chatterbox Kerre Woodham was heartless and craven enough to extend the campaign to admonishing her in print.
It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that the chatterboxes on NewstalkZB have no problem at all with the government’s recent moves to make life even tougher for the poorest of the poor. But, even though I expected it, I was still shocked by the combination of indifference, callousness and the cavalier disregard for human rights expressed by the empty vessels on this evening’s edition of The Huddle. I tuned in toward the end of the program, but I’m sure the first half was no better than what I did manage to hear….
LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Issue number two: the G-r-r-r-r-reens are worried that tracking kindergarten children could be used for sinister purposes. Colin, what do you think? COLIN ESPINER: I personally have not got a problem with it, Larry. I mean, …..[rambles on incoherently for a minute or so.] LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Exactly! Janet, what do you think? JANET WILSON: I don’t have a problem with it as it stands, Larry. In fact, I think it’s a FANTASTIC idea. It’s a WONDERFUL idea….[continues raving for a minute and a half] LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Issue number three, the Labour Party is putting pressure on Maryan Street to withdraw her private member’s bill for Euthanasia from the ballot, because it has the potential to be seen as a distraction in election year. COLIN ESPINER: This says a lot about the state of mind of the Labour Party! They don’t want to be caught up in something controversial again, like they were when they supported Sue Bradford’s smacking bill. JANET WILSON: Mmmmm, mmmmm. LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Exactly! That’s The Huddle for another night. Janet Wilson and Colin Espiner, thank you! JANET WILSON: Thank you Larry! COLIN ESPINER: Thank you Larry!
Note that Espiner got away, unchallenged, with misrepresenting Sue Bradford’s bill, which removed the parental right to beat children to within an inch of their lives, as a “smacking bill”. Both Wilson and Lackwit Williams knew perfectly well what Espiner was doing; neither of them had the gumption or the integrity to correct him on air.
POINT TO PONDER:
One of the advertising slogans for this outlet of unremitting bile and third-rate ranting is “NewstalkZB: Fair and Balanced.”
Issue number two: the G-r-r-r-r-reens are worried that tracking kindergarten children could be used for sinister purposes.
I am a Radio NZ listener, but on a Wed. morning I listen to Annette King and Steven Joyce. Once in a blue moon I forget to re-tune to Radio NZ and I caught the same segment.
I relate a story which happened three decades ago to a member of my family. It’s as relevant today as it was then. She was a solo Mum of three small children (Dad met another woman and left her literally holding the babies). The youngest (two years old) was prone to tantrums. It was an attention getting exercise and she would let him scream himself to sleep. A woman whose home backed onto the relative’s property (couldn’t see anything) rang Social Welfare and claimed physical abuse of the child. She made no attempt to ascertain the truth and my relative was put through the hoops. She was interrogated (twice) and made to feel like a criminal. The toddler was eventually examined and found to be fit and healthy. No apologies were forthcoming of course. This is the outcome of punitive ‘tracking’ exercises as being proposed by the Nat. govt. Innocent people get hurt and it can take a long time to recover from the ordeal. A good case in point was the “dob a beneficiary a day” scheme in the mid to late 1990s. Disgraceful stuff happened and I should know as I was one of the many victims who were falsely dobbed in…
And sooooooooo intelligent …….lambasting the venerable Bob Jones with the callow monkey-screeching of “You’re A Hypocrite. !” Oh whateveeeeer !
My porridge has never rested in a belly which rejoiced about Bob Jones. Heartburn if anything.
But…………particularly as a senior I have to say this: Good on you Bob ! You ain’t got a thing to lose so I expect lots more of this………punch home that good old commonsense !
It’s a piece of nonsense as Jones says. Why burden our selves trying to hold back the tide ?
What I akshully rilly like is that Jones acted, underneath it all, like he understands conclusively that the whole bizo of “The Vote” is a piece of crap and he might as well be reading a good book. Since he was there he just just danced the danced for commonse as he reflexively might. Better akshully than anyone there. ?
That’s all………..back on the zimmer !
Oh God How The Magnate And The Mouse Converge (giggle giggle……)
You can have almost anything you want as long as you plan ahead and save for it.
So sayeth the company whose top man got 8.55 million in 2011 and whose workers get pay reductions when franchises change hands and get sacked if they strike because of the injustice of it all.
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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 ...
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. ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“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, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
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The new Prime Minister of Australia has made moves to scrap the tax on carbon emissions put in place to deter polluters, and gather revenue to help fund the necessary transition away from fossil fuels.
This decision will cost the Australian government almost $4billion in revenue, undermining the transition away from fossil fuels.
The carbon tax will be replaced with a Pollution Trading Scheme similar to New Zealand’s corrupt ETS, which as well as encouraging speculators and investors to make money out of pollution trading, and letting the polluters off the hook, dumps the bill on the tax payers.
Pollution Trading Schemes are a proven rort, overseeing a huge increases in carbon emissions by the polluters, but as money making scheme for investors, speculators and and international money traders, Pollution Trading Schemes have been less effective.
As a scheme to fight carbon pollution they are a total failure.
Despite the cuts to environmental and clean energy programs needed to scrap the carbon tax. In a statement that would make even John Key blush. The Australian Prime Minister insisted that this was a “good day for the environment”.
In an act of political showmanship Kevin Rudd has challenged the conservative opposition to a debate on removing the carbon tax knowing that they won’t show up because they basically support his moves, and have no counter argument.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/4b-of-cuts-to-terminate-carbon-tax-20130716-2q0xq.html
I think the Aussies should be taxed for their bush fires – think of all that immoral CO2 being released.
Tax the polluters I say!
And Jimmie proves the intellectual vigor of the RWNJ – absolutely none.
Interesting post on Socialist Aotearoa, about the relationship between supermarkets over-pricing fruit & vege, and hungry children.
It then goes onto alternative examples: e.g. Chavez nationalised some supermarkets and brought in price controls.
karol, I think this was the link you meant to put in:
http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/supermarkets-super-profits-and-hidden.html
Yes, thanks. I had both posts open on separate tabs at the same time.
There’s also a problem with how the wholesalers are controlling things. It’s hard for many market gardeners to have choices about where and how they sell their produce, they get tied into existing supply line structures. I don’t quite know how it works except that when farmers try and get out of that it can be very hard.
My solution to such as this is the government buying enough farmland to supply all of NZ’s food needs. They then put in place a distribution network that delivers free to the door* at cost.
* Free delivery is far more efficient and cheaper than everyone going to a supermarket. It’s saves on time and fuel use.
I want x, y, z not a, b, c. How does that work?
Not sure what your asking? Why wouldn’t you be able to buy x,y and z?
If the governement doesn’t grow it.
Buy it off someone else. DTB’s suggestion, as I read it, was not for the government to take over all farmland, just “enough”. As we produce far more food than we consume, there would be plenty of land available to supply x, y and z through non-government sources.
Grow x, y and z yourself.
Vote for a party that will ensure x, y and z are available from the government.
Well,
1.) I’d have the farm managers instructed to meet demand
2.) Mono-culture would be banned
3.) All would be organic farms
Chances are that x,y and z would actually be grown if at all possible but if it isn’t then you’d still be able to purchase it elsewhere or, more than likely, the government distribution network would be able to supply it as well through standard purchasing agreements.
How do we reconcile the two Headlines out of the NZ Herald???
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10899065
HOUSE PRICES SKYROCKET
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10898808
INFLATION DROPS TO LOWEST SINCE 1999
Has anyone suggested that the basket of goods that makes up the CPI is a crock of shit and doesn’t reflect real inflation? It certainly doesn’t reflect inflation for the poor, if you are a family in the rental market or wanting to purchase a house then your cost of living has risen much more than CPI.
Using the tool below, a $1 item in 2000 will have inflated to $1.39 in 2013. A $1 house in 2000 will have inflated to $2.28….perhaps Housing needs to be weighted more heavily in CPI. Or will this lead to higher wage costs, is that the motivation. Just a thought?
http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/monetary_policy/inflation_calculator/
I was puzzled by the 3News coverage last night, because of the way it referred to inflation (I think in the same report).
It pissed me off to start with, with their promo for the item asking do the proposed changes to mortgage borrowing mean “you might not be able to afford to buy your first house” (or words to that effect). It DID include “you/your”. It set me thinking who 3 News consider to be their target audience? Certainly not low-mid income (lifetime) renters.
Anyway their factoring (in this or another news report last night) was too complicated (or at least covered too fast for my financial knowledge-level). But it seemed to relate to exports, imports and whatever….. low inflation (around 1%-2%) is good, no matter what.
It is fairly safe to assume as a demographic that even low-mid income renters contain a significant proportion of kiwi battlers who do indeed want the security of owning their own home, and a reasonable (emphasis here on the “reasonable”) person would consider the you/youre rhetorical. Do you likewise get all indignant because the news reader doesn’t address you personally by name?
Way to miss the point, pop. And to slip in another nasty ad hominem with it. Did I say anything about it not addressing me?
There are plenty of renters out there who are just struggling to pay the bills. Buying a home is not on the agenda. Many, like the state housing tenants in Glen Innes, just want secure state housing. Others just secure and safe affordable rental accommodation
The MSM does tend to cater to the middle classes. It’s no wonder that so many on low income people.
And part of NZ’s economic problems is the over-emphasis on home ownership as something everyone should be aspiring to.
Saarbo, there’s a section within the CPI called the non-tradeables, which more accurately reflects day to day costs. The CTU have just put out a press release which touches on that issue.
http://union.org.nz/news/2013/price-rises-hitting-low-income-families-harder
Thanks TRP. Exactly what I was thinking, glad to see CTU onto it!
HK, the new H1!
Yes, great idea!
Low inflation has a price.
The holding down of wages and conditions, and the erosion of our social services, and the reduction of living standards for those at the bottom. Mean while, middle class home owners enjoy low mortgage rates.
IMO, we need inflation at 4-5% to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living, and the poor are not sleeping in the streets.
THE WAR ON THE POOR:
The gluttonous Paula Bennettoinette steps in to distract from ShonKey Python’s failure to create the 170,000 new jobs he promised.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10899035
How long before one, several, many of this fetid oligarchy’s Leggo pieces loses it and something really, really, really bad happens ? At a WINZ office or the premises of some Haliburton/Blackwater modelled social mercenary corporate ?
Imagine the over-slapped Bennettoinette on Qeue + Adore the following Sunday, cheered on by the snippy gargoyle Susan Wood……..both aghast……..both deplooooaaaarrring violence……..both hating on the Leggo pieces……….Bennettoinette still proselytising the fantasy of King Canute.
This oligarchy’s cynical, amoral calculation to scapegoat and physically, mentally, and spiritually molest the weakest and the poorest……….it afflicts our society as a cancer.
North, you usually bring in interesting perspectives, but can I say that many of your post lately are bordering on the illegible.
Noted Weka. Since all comments on TS are in identical font I guess you mean “unintelligible”. As I say however, point noted. Cheers.
🙂
Drug tests for employees are a bloody waste of time and illegal.
Drug tests test if someone has taken drugs in about the last three weeks. Lets similarly impose an alcohol test that tests if someone has had a drink in about the last three weeks.
Like everything this government does – it is a fucking lie and a con.
Agreed vto.
If beneficiaries are to be compulsorily drug tested then I don’t see why MPs shouldn’t be breath tested each time they enter the debating chamber. After all creating and changing law is an important challenging job and you wouldn’t want people to be doing it while they are under the influence.
And MPs drug tested for that matter Mickey………you know………you can never be too vigilant(e).
Jah man!
Fair enough
And from watching Question time I am of an opinion that out esteemed PM /sarc has been partaking of the grape before entering the chamber.
Not really – Health & Safety Issue.
If you have an employee who has taken a mind altering drug in the past 3 weeks how can you trust that they are in their ‘right mind’ to make sure they are not still affected by any subsequent drug taking when they come to work?
You can’t. A ‘P’ Head or stoner cannot think rationally or objectively and if that person does come to work under the influence and subsequently makes a mistake that kills or injures someone then that is an unacceptable situation.
(Same with people that come to work pissed) – but is a lot easier to detect without needed a test of nay sort.
They should go find a job that carries no responsibility for other folk (Paper run perhaps?)
Um, having taken drugs in the last 3 weeks doesn’t mean you are impaired when you go to work. And drug testing post accident is generally regarded as the only acceptable use of the regime. But even that is useless, because urine testing doesn’t show impairment for cannabis, just that its in the system.
that doesnt even make sense jimmie
are you seriously saying that the mere fact you might partake of something, anything in the weekends means that you are unfit for work all the time?
A ‘P’ Head or stoner cannot think rationally – when they are really, really high. When theyre straight, they are probably good to go. Pretty much like anyone whos had too much to drink, once you sober up, (and recover) your fine
(unless your an addict – which once again has to be pointed out – the drug testing policy doesnt apply to addicts)
and as for your claim that you can detect piss heads easily without a test – bollocks 1) it then becomes accusation, not provable outcome and 2) pissheads can be rather good at covering their pissy-ness
If its a health and safety issue, which i agree that it is, the answer is in impairment testing – not presence of substance testing
“You can’t. A ‘P’ Head or stoner cannot think rationally or objectively and if that person does come to work under the influence and subsequently makes a mistake that kills or injures someone then that is an unacceptable situation.”
Stoners can’t think rationally? Good grief, do you know how many people smoke cannabis in this country? You think they are all incapable of making a rational decision to not use drugs while at work?
Does your point apply to alcohol? Why not?
The reality is that P (which does have a long term effect on personality and behaviour) cannot be detected by drug tests 48hrs after use, whereas cannabis tests can be positive 42 days after use. Well after the time that impaired decision making is an issue.
If the issue is preventative health and safety, it is not an effective tool. It also strikes me that those on manual jobs (and often the least paid) bear the brunt of random drug tests. Office workers and other services will be unlikely to be tested, but are probably just as likely to relax with their drug of choice – but it cannabis or alcohol.
Given the high percentage of NZers that have used cannabis, it is well past time a reasoned discussion is held about decriminalisation.
Someone get snapped? How are they illegal?
“Labour MP Maryan Street is under pressure to drop a member’s bill which would legalise euthanasia because her party is concerned it could be a negative distraction in the lead-up to the general election next year.” (NZ Herald today)
Street’s proposal is ideal for a binding referendum. Convince the people it’s a good idea and a binding referendum makes it law.
It should be OUR decision.
AmaKiwi
+1
A chance for Labour to do something useful for the people in line with them being the party that examines the status quo and is prepared to make changes and it might drop this proposal! Says a lot about this bunch of jerks running Labour.
It will come as no surprise that I detest the Labour party and everything it stands for . However, I really hope that Maryan Street does not succumb to party political pressure to withdraw this bill.
It is near criminal that in the year 2013 we insist that the terminally ill suffer simply because some people choose to allow their stone age superstitions to cloud their judgement and to force those same stone age superstitions upon others.
You are terminally stupid. I would support your being euthanized forthwith.
Hear hear Big Bruv ! Quite alot though not all is forgiven. Come up for sentence in 6 months if called upon.
Big Brother is watching….. 3 year olds! How much more of this do we have to take?
Since amongst the righties it’s farcically de rigueur to sheet many, many things back to Labour and Helen Clark……..imagine the outrage if this was in fact Labour and Clark ?
“Bloody nanny state…….numbering babies…….they’ll be tattoing them next !”
This is extraordinary.
There is no law enforcing compulsory education in New Zealand for children under 6 years old. Why on earth does the government think it reasonable to coerce parents into sending their children to ‘early childhood education’ simply because they are beneficiaries?
What else might the government require? That beneficiaries vacuum and dust their residence daily? That any lawns at their residence should never grow deeper than three inches? That they should never use expletives in public? That they should comb and brush their children’s hair daily? That they should enrol their children into the cubs and brownies?
And it is no justification to claim that early childhood education is ‘good for children’. If it is, then the government, to be consistent, should change the law to make it compulsory for all children of that age.
Thank goodness we’re no longer under Labour’s “Nana State”.
Those TVNZ cuts are really biting now:
Look at who they’ve promoted to “U.S. correspondent”
Television One Breakfast, Wednesday 17 July 2013, 6:58 a.m.
A North Korean vessel has been detained in Panama. No need for Television One viewers to be concerned, however: smiley, cheery weatherman-cum-“United States correspondent” Jack Tame is on the case….
JACK TAME: This ship, which had stopped in CUBA, was stocked with sugar, but officials in Panama have also found MISSILES and NON-CONVENTIONAL ARMS underneath the cargo of sugar.
RAWDON CHRISTIE: [sardonically] Oh yes?
JACK TAME: When they were arrested, [snicker], the captain of the ship had a heart attack, [snicker], and then tried to commit suicide!
TONI STREET: [troubled tone] Hmmmmmm….
JACK TAME: And the ship was apparently stocked up in CUBA with these missiles and arms.
At this point, to assist Television One viewers in formulating a suitable response, JACK TAME twists his mouth to indicate his distaste for the North Korean and Cuban scum.
RAWDON CHRISTIE: [grimly] And in violation of U.N. sanctions as well.
Cut to JACK TAME nodding his head, and frowning, to indicate how seriously he takes this story.
TONI STREET: [troubled tone] Hmmmmmm….
RAWDON CHRISTIE: Here’s Peter with the News.
Savour more cutting-edge Jack Tame journalism HERE….
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-21102012/#comment-537097
and HERE…
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-16122012/#comment-563484
tame is just so bad it is beyond fucken belief..
..tame appears..and i disappear..
..(i find that best for blood-pressure/general peace-of-mind..
..his faux brow-furrows particularly annoy..little emoticons twitching away up there..)..
..so i flicked over to three..
..just in time to see the compere there curl her lips in utter disdain/disbelief..
..at the wildly out-there idea/examples..(from a visiting academic)..of workers co-op-run businesses..
..actually being successful..
..and a potent/practical means to help lessen inequality..to re-balance..
..which is shallower..?..
..tame or that breakfast compere..?
..aren’t we well served..
..phillip ure..
The video is here: http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/seized-n-korean-cargo-ship-contained-obsolete-cuban-weapons-5512781/video
Pretty different from your transcript, I can’t see what you are outraged about (other than his retarded hand gestures)
Pretty different from your transcript,
Like hell it’s “pretty different.” My rush transcript is as close as you can get to being there.
I can’t see what you are outraged about (other than his retarded hand gestures)
You “can’t see”? Why don’t you click on the two other links I provided and then do some thinking?
Jack Tame is also the US correspondent for NZ Herald… My blood pressure often rises at his fatuous comments and irrelevance. At a time when I would like US news to be presented to us from a NZ perspective, we are inflicted with the same old spin but with a NZ accent.
It must have been a deliberate decision to put a half-baked journo into this position as NZ commentator on all things US.
Do any of the MPs have any idea of how difficult it is to transport children to and from a preschool (a) if you have no car and the preschool is some distance away
(b) you have 1 or more other pre-schoolers, especially a baby
(c) if you have other children to see off to school?
Being able to pick up the pre-schoolers at a fixed time can be difficult even for the SUV driving mums.
Warning: Rant to follow.
This government is NASTY and unbelievably mean-spirited. This government is not meeting ITS obligation to the people of this country in so many ways. SHAME!!
Tautoko Viper
Good points. I believe this government hates parents from the lower income group, who get called by the definition ‘strugglers’, and doesn’t like their children much either, despite the fuss that they make in the news. Government only appears to care because our statistics compare badly to the rest of the developed world and attract criticism.
Scapegoating parents who can’t get their children to preschool is totally stupid. A more constructive solution is to provide free minibus transport to and from preschools- a pick up and drop off service. I would like to see preschools on the same site as a community centre with kitchen and rooms so that young mothers could be picked up by minibus together with their pre-schoolers, taken to the community centre. The kindergarten age children could then attend the kindergarten, younger babies could be in a crèche and the mothers could opt to join in free cooking classes or other educational courses, all run free of charge. Classes would include art, dance, yoga, and general interest, rather like the type of classes that night schools used to run (before this miserable lot scuppered them.)
Tautoko Viper
Yes agree completely. I would like school classes for the parents to be offered too. Many haven’t been able to complete their education. Once they have children it can provide a real incentive and steadying influence to get further education. Children can concentrate your mind in a totally new way!
All would benefit and it is so sad that there are these lost opportunities while gummint and the Mins of Ed and Social Welfare keep weaving their sticky little webs to trap beneficiaries, roll them up and eat them – just like spiders. Nothing left but some dry husks when the parents should be bounding upwards with a great life and opportunities in front of them and their children.
Humbug Corner
No. 17: JAY CARNEY
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“He is not a human rights activist, he is not a dissident.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
—White House spokesman Jay Carney denounces dissident human rights activist Edward Snowden (17 July 2013)
http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/snowden-not-human-rights-activist-white-house-5512106
Humbug Corner is dedicated to gathering, and highlighting, the most striking examples of faux solicitude, insincere apologies, and particularly stupid recycling of official canards. It is produced by the Insincerity Project®, a division of Daisycutter Sports Inc.
More humbugs….
No. 16 Barack Obama: “I wish Muslims across America & around the world a month blessed with the joys of family, peace & understanding.”
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-11072013/#comment-661330
No.15 John Key: “They know this is an issue of national security…”
No. 14 Charles Saatchi: “I abhor violence of any kind against women…”
No. 13 Toyota New Zealand: “The more Kiwis that lean, the more motivated our ETNZ crew will be to win.”
No. 12 Pem Bird: “We’re there to do the business of advancing our people.”
No.11 Whenua Patuwai: “They’re my brothers and to see one of them goes [sic]—it’s tough.”
No. 10 [REMOVED]
No. 9 [REMOVED]
No. 8 Barack Obama: “…people standing up for what’s right…yearning for justice and dignity…” No. 7 Barack Obama: “Nelson Mandela is my personal hero…”
No. 6 John Key: “Yeah well the Greens’ answer to everything is rail, isn’t it.”
No.5 Dr. Rodney Syme: “If you want good, open, honest practice, you have to make it transparent.”
No. 4 Mike Bush: “Bruce Hutton’s… integrity beyond reproach…such great character…”
No. 3 Dean Lonergan: “Y’ know what? The only people who will mock them are people who are dwarfists.”
No. 2 Peter Dunne: “What a load of drivel and sanctimonious humbug…”
No. 1 Dominic Bowden: “It’s okay to be speechless.”
Interesting article on study of rich vs poor behavior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IuqGrz-Y_Lc
Mighty River Power,
$2.43 and climbing,
Should be very good by the time the next election is held.
Now $2.42 and dropping.
Should be very good by the time the election is held. For the left, that is.
The Vote
Part of the Replublican Movement of Aotearoa campaign for a New Zealand head of State this year has been to push for better media coverage.
TV3’s show The Vote has offered this opportunity for the head of State debate.
For the republic side Bob Jones, Shane Jones and Laila Harre.
For the monarchy.. the usual suspects: Simon O’Conner, Ron Mark and Louise Wright.
The voting will open on 17 July (Wednesday) when the show is broadcast from 8:30 until 9:30.
This is our best oppportunity to get the issue discussed fully since TVNZ’s program in 2005.
Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/15/journalists-should-declare-vote
Yes I agree with this although in NZ you can pretty much guess that most journalists are left wing
no winston – they’re just grubby little opportunists
Winston
You are a shocker. You do a disservice by having the name Winston as I think Churchill was a wonderful man. You are just pitiful.
Wrong Winston. This one is Winston Smith, at the end of 1984 after he has learned to love
John KeyBig Brother.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10899034
This is a shame, I support this.
It might be this Ashcroft poll which the National Party is mailing out to electorates to determine
which policies they can sell.
But is this democracy ?
Wairua.
http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2013/07/lord-ashcroft.html
The question should be: Why did they have no view either way?
I think you’ll find that they just have no information about the policy (i.e, they really just don’t know) and, most importantly, don’t know how to get the information. This is why having open government and referenda is actually important. It gives people the information they need to make a decision and then has them making that decision.
Amanda Palmer nails the Daily Mail, Daily Mail responds by, er, pretending it never happened:
http://amandapalmer.net/blog/20130713/
She is very cool.
good to see greaseball garner getting his comeuppance, sort of, in the dompost this a.m.
he thinks that because he is on teevee that he can do what he likes.
just a bit more rope and he will hang himself.
linky?
Yep, a satisfying read. And funny as.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/opinion/8923803/The-secret-diary-of-Duncan-Garner
Fitting name, as it’s Shearer walking the plank, blindfolded, in to a sea of sharks.
Still think that fluoridation of public water supplies helps to save the teeth of poor people?
Please don’t exercise ‘wilful blindness’, and write off those who base their anti-fluoride position on
scientifically-researched FACTS and EVIDENCE, (unlike the arguably pro-fluoride ‘nutters’)?
Have YOU yet read the following?
A) http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2013/439490/
“..chronic effects of fluoride involve alterations in the chemical activity of calcium by the fluoride ion. Natural calcium fluoride with low solubility and toxicity from ingestion is distinct from fully soluble toxic industrial fluorides …”
“Industrial fluoride ingested from treated water enters saliva at levels too low to affect dental caries. Blood levels during lifelong consumption can harm heart, bone, brain, and even developing teeth enamel.
The widespread policy known as water fluoridation is discussed in light of these findings. ….”
B) http://www.slweb.org/50reasons.html
50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoridation
Dr. Paul Connett
Professor of Chemistry
St. Lawrence University, NY 13617
______________________________________________________________________________
FYI ……………
OPEN LETTER
Tony Ryall
Minister of Health
Dear Minister,
In response to your reply, received today, 17 July 2013:
“On behalf of Hon Tony Ryall, Minister of Health, thank you for your email of 16 July 2013 about Fluoridation.
The Minister has asked Ministry of Health officials to advise him on the matters you have raised. Please be aware that due to the large volume of correspondence we receive, a personal reply to your letter may take some weeks.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Please be advised that am not requesting a ‘personal reply’ to my letter – I am expecting an OIA reply, according to the statutory framework – of 20 working days?
Arguably, if the ‘science is settled’, and yourself as Minister of Health and the Ministry of Health are so sure:
“there was no doubt science pointed to the fact that there were benefits for families from fluoridation, and that the levels of fluoridation in water were safe for New Zealanders.”
then the FACTS and EVIDENCE should surely be readily available, unless, of course it is yourself as Minister and Ministry of Health officials, who are providing the ‘misinformation’ about the benefits and safety of water fluoridation?
I do sincerely hope that this is not the case.
My understanding is that the basis of the scientific method is to ‘seek truth from facts’?
That is what I try to do as an ‘investigative activist’ (as it were).
I do understand that you’re extremely busy (there you are not alone), but both yourself, and Ministry of Health officials, may find it beneficial to take the time to read the results of some hundreds of hours of voluntary research I did relating to the quality of Waikato river water as a ‘raw source’ of drinking water for the Auckland region, back in November 2002:f
Then you may have a better understanding of why people such as myself, do NOT trust either the Ministry of Health, or Watercare Services Ltd, when it comes to the safeguarding of public health and drinking water supplies.
http://www.occupyaucklandvsaucklandcouncilappeal.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Waikato-Amended-ACC-Presentation-18-10-02.pd
Please be reminded that as a 2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate, I do NOT support the fluoridation of public drinking water supplies, and this will be one of the my ‘campaign issues’.
Looking forward to receiving this OIA reply within 20 working days.
Kind regards,
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation’ campaigner
2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate
I know Bob Jones is a bit of a bastard but this piece in the Herald is funny.
He’s on The Vote tonight arguing against the monarchy. Can’t resist. Have to watch.
i thought it was the funniest show in ages..
http://whoar.co.nz/2013/the-vote-to-royal-or-not-to-royal-a-recommended-watch-as-a-comedy-show/
(excerpt:..)
“….first up for the royalists is that wettest of national mp’s..simon someone..(o’connor..)..”
(and by that i didn’t mean that he is ‘a wet’…just that he is ‘wet’..)
phillip ure..
“Ranting! Reacting! Reasoning! Reflecting!”
The voice of complacency and intolerance is as unbearable as ever.
The Huddle, NewstalkZB, Wednesday 17 July 2013, 5:45 p.m.
Larry “Lackwit” Williams, Colin Espiner, Janet Wilson
NewstalkZB is the radio station on which an increasingly unhinged and irrational Paul Holmes unleashed his obscenity-larded tirades against “darkies”, “lazy bludging Maoris” and “the professors” who had the temerity to call him a racist. It is the station on which the likes of Murray Deaker, Tony “Boot Boy” Veitch and Mark Watson have been given free rein to preach about “lazy” and “dumb” Polynesians and black American athletes that look like gorillas (Veitch’s assessment of Serena Williams). It is, most infamously of all, the station that mounted a public campaign of support for a man who chased down a fifteen-year-old boy and knifed him to death on a South Auckland street, and combined that with a brutal, orchestrated, round-the-clock, day after day, week after week, month after month, denunciation of the victim, his mother, his tetraplegic father, and his family. They even mocked the boy’s mother for crying in court; NewstalkZB’s evening chatterbox Kerre Woodham was heartless and craven enough to extend the campaign to admonishing her in print.
It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that the chatterboxes on NewstalkZB have no problem at all with the government’s recent moves to make life even tougher for the poorest of the poor. But, even though I expected it, I was still shocked by the combination of indifference, callousness and the cavalier disregard for human rights expressed by the empty vessels on this evening’s edition of The Huddle. I tuned in toward the end of the program, but I’m sure the first half was no better than what I did manage to hear….
LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Issue number two: the G-r-r-r-r-reens are worried that tracking kindergarten children could be used for sinister purposes. Colin, what do you think?
COLIN ESPINER: I personally have not got a problem with it, Larry. I mean, …..[rambles on incoherently for a minute or so.]
LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Exactly! Janet, what do you think?
JANET WILSON: I don’t have a problem with it as it stands, Larry. In fact, I think it’s a FANTASTIC idea. It’s a WONDERFUL idea….[continues raving for a minute and a half]
LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Issue number three, the Labour Party is putting pressure on Maryan Street to withdraw her private member’s bill for Euthanasia from the ballot, because it has the potential to be seen as a distraction in election year.
COLIN ESPINER: This says a lot about the state of mind of the Labour Party! They don’t want to be caught up in something controversial again, like they were when they supported Sue Bradford’s smacking bill.
JANET WILSON: Mmmmm, mmmmm.
LARRY “LACKWIT” WILLIAMS: Exactly! That’s The Huddle for another night. Janet Wilson and Colin Espiner, thank you!
JANET WILSON: Thank you Larry!
COLIN ESPINER: Thank you Larry!
Note that Espiner got away, unchallenged, with misrepresenting Sue Bradford’s bill, which removed the parental right to beat children to within an inch of their lives, as a “smacking bill”. Both Wilson and Lackwit Williams knew perfectly well what Espiner was doing; neither of them had the gumption or the integrity to correct him on air.
POINT TO PONDER:
One of the advertising slogans for this outlet of unremitting bile and third-rate ranting is “NewstalkZB: Fair and Balanced.”
I am a Radio NZ listener, but on a Wed. morning I listen to Annette King and Steven Joyce. Once in a blue moon I forget to re-tune to Radio NZ and I caught the same segment.
I relate a story which happened three decades ago to a member of my family. It’s as relevant today as it was then. She was a solo Mum of three small children (Dad met another woman and left her literally holding the babies). The youngest (two years old) was prone to tantrums. It was an attention getting exercise and she would let him scream himself to sleep. A woman whose home backed onto the relative’s property (couldn’t see anything) rang Social Welfare and claimed physical abuse of the child. She made no attempt to ascertain the truth and my relative was put through the hoops. She was interrogated (twice) and made to feel like a criminal. The toddler was eventually examined and found to be fit and healthy. No apologies were forthcoming of course. This is the outcome of punitive ‘tracking’ exercises as being proposed by the Nat. govt. Innocent people get hurt and it can take a long time to recover from the ordeal. A good case in point was the “dob a beneficiary a day” scheme in the mid to late 1990s. Disgraceful stuff happened and I should know as I was one of the many victims who were falsely dobbed in…
Oh What A Big Pure Piece Is DungCan Garner?
And sooooooooo intelligent …….lambasting the venerable Bob Jones with the callow monkey-screeching of “You’re A Hypocrite. !” Oh whateveeeeer !
My porridge has never rested in a belly which rejoiced about Bob Jones. Heartburn if anything.
But…………particularly as a senior I have to say this: Good on you Bob ! You ain’t got a thing to lose so I expect lots more of this………punch home that good old commonsense !
It’s a piece of nonsense as Jones says. Why burden our selves trying to hold back the tide ?
What I akshully rilly like is that Jones acted, underneath it all, like he understands conclusively that the whole bizo of “The Vote” is a piece of crap and he might as well be reading a good book. Since he was there he just just danced the danced for commonse as he reflexively might. Better akshully than anyone there. ?
That’s all………..back on the zimmer !
Oh God How The Magnate And The Mouse Converge (giggle giggle……)
McDonalds agrees – an employee cannot live on the minimum wage in the U.S. They helpfully suggest the employee budget in a second income and then, according to their example
So sayeth the company whose top man got 8.55 million in 2011 and whose workers get pay reductions when franchises change hands and get sacked if they strike because of the injustice of it all.