Open mike 17/12/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 17th, 2022 - 108 comments
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108 comments on “Open mike 17/12/2022 ”

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  1. Binders full of Women 1
    17 December 2022 at 6:52 am

    Another hut gone crying The Makokoere Hut in the Waioeka headwaters has been burnt down. This is not part of the TuT/ Poto Williams 50 hut destruction plan in the former National Park. A separate arson. Access and safety has now impacted the two huts on each side. These magnificent small backcountry huts are approx a 3/4 days walk from each other so huts either side are no longer safely accessible. Conservationists and hunters are saddened.

  3. PsyclingLeft.Always 3
    17 December 2022 at 8:02 am

    "Patients are so vulnerable to Covid and these anti-vaxxers have been sneaking in and putting lots of children suffering from heart conditions at risk. At no time has security ever been needed like this," the mother said.

    "A really safe space for sick and dying children has been grossly invaded. It’s our one place of refuge from a terminal illness."

    She said families needed to be masked and tested on the ward and individuals refusing to comply with the requirements – "especially with their unmasked anti-vaxxer mates sneaking in" – were increasing the risk to other patients.

    https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/starship-hospital-staff-really-stressed-security-ramps-baby-w

    "Alex Jones is comparing the doctors at Starship Hospital to Josef Mengele and saying they're doing Nazi-style medical experiments on the baby."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018871196/how-the-case-of-baby-w-made-global-headlines

    Sue Grey , Liz Gunn, all the other anti vaxxers with their "concern" incl going on alex jones "info wars " FFS !

    ….have they any concern for those actually affected by their actions? IMO..None.

    • KJT 3.1
      17 December 2022 at 8:13 am

      One circumstance where a bit of deterrent jail time for the idiots may be appropriate.

      • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.1.1
        17 December 2022 at 8:27 am

        IMO ….Selfish jerks..and "Lawyer Sue" might be getting too close to the conspiracy flame

        https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/480645/lawyer-sue-grey-released-from-custody-after-being-accused-of-contempt-of-court

      • Barfly 3.1.2
        17 December 2022 at 8:30 am

        I should be banned for this but I would consider the John Cleese solution to discipline issues (only in jest)

      • Anne 3.1.3
        17 December 2022 at 11:25 am

        KJT @ 3.1

        Absolutely.

        Not related to antivaxxers but this item is yet another example of our ability to lead normal lives without fear being negatively affected by mad conspiracy theorists and extreme political agitators:

        https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/16/new-zealand-set-to-cancel-jacinda-arderns-waitangi-day-bbq-amid-security-concerns

        It's time a much harder line is taken to counter all of them regardless of their individual fixations. Currently we are letting these crackpots – be they anti-vaxxers or some other extreme fantasists – get away with their anti-social activities with little more than a wet bus ticket.

        Time in jail contemplating their futures is a highly desirable alternative.

        • x Socialist 3.1.3.1
          17 December 2022 at 6:31 pm

          Look on the bright side. The hate towards the PM will mostly ( not all) transfer to David Seymour and to a lesser extent, Luxon, after the next election. However, the protests and threats will be way more severe because mainstream groups will be protesting their loss of funding and importance under a Nat/Act coalition. That of course presupposes National and ACT can come to a political arrangement. That isn't a given yet.

          • Graeme 3.1.3.1.1
            17 December 2022 at 8:13 pm

            Good observation. I've a couple of long time friends who have disappeared down the hole and it's a powerlessness in the face of a rapidly changing world and backlash at the neo-con, globalist world. Whoever is PM next Christmas will be getting just as much grief from the same people. Luxon is no more their thing than Arden, and probably viewed with more suspicion.

      • AB 3.1.4
        17 December 2022 at 4:44 pm

        jail time for the idiots

        I'm inclined to think "useful idiots" might be a tad more accurate as a description. Someone else's agenda is at play and it's on the move and making inroads. If we get Luxon's coronation next year, it will be the 'normie' expression of the same underlying sentiments.

        But jail time will just lend credibility to their delusions of persecution.

      • SPC 3.1.5
        17 December 2022 at 7:56 pm

        In times of political crisis/public insecurity resist the temptation to

        1. jail people

        2. suppress protest

        3. label alternative opinion conspiracy theory (a term invented by the spooks to marginalise truth tellers – and some of it is just that)

        4. pretend to be professionals able to prognosis others as narcissists and sociopaths.

        Don't become Orwellian.

        • KJT 3.1.5.1
          17 December 2022 at 9:53 pm

          It is not "alternative opinion".

          It is a bunch of deluded idiots putting other people at risk.

          They can spout their nonsence in a protest as much as they want. When it is putting already sick kids at extra risk, however!!

          • RedLogix 3.1.5.1.1
            17 December 2022 at 10:44 pm

            I think you have had your authoritarian jollies for now. Much of the extremism you are bitching about is a direct reaction to state overreach this past two years.

            Time to pack it in. Otherwise what SPC said.

            • KJT 3.1.5.1.1.1
              18 December 2022 at 2:33 am

              Keeping people safe during a deadly pandemic is "State overreach"?

              If you support as the ones threatening the safety of sick children, by flouting masking and separation rules in hospitals, you are as much of a fucking idiot as they are.

              • mauī …
                18 December 2022 at 11:16 am

                You can see how seriously hospitals are taking masking during a "deadly pandemic" by watching the baby uplift scene.

                • RedLogix …
                  18 December 2022 at 11:30 am

                  Yes – here in Brisbane mask wearing even in medical settings is hit and miss now.

                  If you are wearing a properly fitted and tested mask with no air leaks then well and good. Otherwise they are just virtue signaling.

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    18 December 2022 at 12:28 pm

                    "If you are wearing a properly fitted and tested mask with no air leaks then well and good. Otherwise they are just virtue signaling."

                    What???

                    How about,

                    If you are wearing a properly fitted and tested mask with no air leaks then well and good. Otherwise they are just trying their best to help everyone else!!

                    You think people who believe their mask-wearing is protecting their neighbours, relatives and friends, are virtue signalling???

                    I'm appalled by that claim.

                  • Sacha …
                    18 December 2022 at 1:23 pm

                    If you are wearing a properly fitted and tested mask with no air leaks then well and good. Otherwise they are just virtue signaling.

                    Any mask reduces the viral load you are exposed to. Fit-tested N95s are clearly the best but it is not a binary proposition.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      18 December 2022 at 1:26 pm

                      But…virtue signalling!!

                      The perfect counter to … reason!!

                    • RedLogix …
                      18 December 2022 at 1:44 pm

                      Fit-tested N95s are clearly the best but it is not a binary proposition.

                      More so than you might imagine. How many times have you taken a respiratory mask fit test? Because I can advise it is remarkably easy to fail.

                      I am happy to accept that a mask of any kind will stop large droplets that someone might sneeze or cough, but the highly aerosolised viral particles that persist in the air for many hours – are another question again.

                      The weak point of any mask is the concave gap between the bridge of the nose and the top of the cheeks. All masks intended to be used in hazardous environments, will have a firm shape that fits this space and a strap scheme that applies sufficient force to keep the gap closed reliably. The usual blue and white paper mask most people use, or cheap N95's with a flimsy bit of elastic for a strap simply do not achieve this.

                      If you wear glasses and find that when you first put a mask on they fog up, this is because the bulk of the air you are inhaling and exhaling is taking the path of least resistance through this gap. And this means the mask is doing little to protect you or anyone else from the very fine, highly suspended viral particles that are the dominant hazard.

                      Any industrial hygienist will tell you this.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      18 December 2022 at 1:56 pm

                      But you are criticising those who believe their efforts are effective and want to help their fellow man avoid harm. You call that, "virtue signalling". That's offensive.

                      You may be able to "prove them wrong" in their belief, but your attempts to prove them "virtue signallers" is misguided and harmful.

                    • RedLogix …
                      18 December 2022 at 2:07 pm

                      Last year I was working at a site which produced lithium hydroxide and at the back end of the plant where it is packaged there is a very fine, invisible to the eye, dust in the air.

                      Lithium hydroxide is caustic (just like sodium hydroxide) and will definitely cause harm to your airways and lungs if inhaled. The smallest particle sizes are of the similar order to a typical virus.

                      You can be absolutely certain we took mast fit testing, and proper wearing of our high quality PPE very seriously. The usual kind of mask people wear for COVID protection was simply not an option – a sackable offence if you should be stupid enough to try getting away with using one.

                      So while I accept the term 'virtue signaling' might be a blunt way of putting it, if you are serious about wanting to reduce virus load, then you need to be serious about the mask. Most people are not.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      18 December 2022 at 2:18 pm

                      "Most people" are acting with integrity and to the best of their ability. Based on the best information available to them and their feelings of altruism and their willingness to help others, they are masking-up.

                      Accusing them of "virtue signalling" is despicable, imo.

                    • RedLogix …
                      18 December 2022 at 2:25 pm

                      So what would call an action that is intended to look like it is doing something useful – but in reality is not?

                      Happy to go with your suggestion.

                    • Incognito []
                      18 December 2022 at 3:55 pm

                      Mask wearing is not about looks.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      18 December 2022 at 4:07 pm

                      "So what would call an action that is intended to look like it is doing something useful keep others safe – but in reality RedLogix' opinion, is not?

                      Happy to go with your suggestion."

                      Sincerity, altruism, genuine concern for more vulnerable people,

                    • Sacha …
                      18 December 2022 at 6:01 pm

                      The harm from Covid is also not a binary proposition. Challenging for more linear minds, I know.

      • weka 3.1.6
        17 December 2022 at 10:48 pm

        One circumstance where a bit of deterrent jail time for the idiots may be appropriate.

        Jailed for what exactly?

        The hospital appears to be doing its job – if people won't follow masking/testing rules they're not allowed in. People are being arseholes, but I didn't see anything in the article that suggesting criminality.

        • KJT 3.1.6.1
          18 December 2022 at 2:35 am

          Endangering others, like they are, is criminal.

          No different from speeding through a residential street full of kids playing, at 100k.

          Or, ram raiding a dairy with people inside.

        • KJT 3.1.6.2
          18 December 2022 at 2:53 am

          Some appear to have been infected since covid by "Libertarian philosphy" where "individual freedom" is sacrosanct, no matter what the harm it does to everyone else.

          In fact your "freedom should end" where my nose begins".

          We interfere with the urge to indulge in the "individual freedom" to punch someone, when another will get hurt.

          Anyone who thinks recent actions to reduce the harm caused by covid, which were supported by over 90% at the time was "State overreach" has lost the plot.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 3.2
      17 December 2022 at 12:14 pm

      "Sue Grey , Liz Gunn, all the other anti vaxxers with their "concern" incl going on alex jones "info wars " FFS !"

      Anti-vax followers are a diverse and varied bunch. But the leaders of the movement (and other conspiracy movements) often seem to be narcissist-types, IMHO. They don’t care about anyone else.

      • Anne 3.2.1
        17 December 2022 at 1:01 pm

        "But the leaders of the movement (and other conspiracy movements) often seem to be narcissist-types…"

        My thoughts too. Anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of a full blown narcissist, no matter the circumstance, will recognise that is precisely what they are. Add a bit of sociopathy to the mix and you've got a huge amount of damage to individuals and… society as a whole.

      • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.2.2
        22 December 2022 at 8:14 am

        Absolutely. No matter how they pretend…Its ALL about them.

  5. PsyclingLeft.Always 5
    17 December 2022 at 8:44 am

    “In this video, 4 New Zealand scientists talk about how the water cycle is part of Earth’s system. They point out that Earth’s system consists of 4 subsystems – the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere – which all interact with each other.”

    https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1256-what-is-the-earth-system

    Includes a small…but important video

    Note the Dates….Published 3 August 2009, Updated 1 October 2012

    Did some of those Kids….become engaged with this ? Oh for the Teachers that would connect with them. IMO they probably dont do it just for the pay…but worth every amount.

    Also in link…

    https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/citizen_science

    Ive been involved with some…so Interesting. I am but a layman…but I do like to know ….and how in small way to help..Our Earth.

    .https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-29-09-2022/#comment-1912912

    6.2

  6. Stephen D 6
    17 December 2022 at 8:53 am

    Some of you are teachers/lecturers , I’m sure.

    https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-04397-7

    Could make essay marking even harder.

    ”The replies are so lucid, well-researched and decently referenced that some academics are calling the bot the death knell for conventional forms of educational assessment. How worried should professors and lecturers be?”

  7. Jenny are we there yet 7
    17 December 2022 at 12:00 pm

    Russia's Special Military Operation, 'SMO' is following the arc of that other infamous undeclared 'WAR'.

    As the Vietnam War dragged on with no resolution, it became increasingly difficult for the American public and especially broadcast commentators to discern what the US was actually trying to achieve with the war. The same in Russia.

    Kremlin TV Stars Combust as Russians Admit War Is Aimless

    Julia Davis

    Fri, December 16, 2022 4 min read


    https://news.yahoo.com/kremlin-tv-stars-combust-russians-094351911.html

    • RedLogix 7.1
      17 December 2022 at 12:20 pm

      Yes the comparison with Vietnam is worth making. It can only be understood within the context of the Cold War – which was a decades long, highly intense confrontation with Stalinist Russia and Maoist China, both brutal, totalitarian marxist proto-empires. That was the underlying motivation.

      Vietnam itself was a mistake and long recognised as such. Moreover as the futility and stupidity of that mistake became evident to people all across the western world, the will to continue the war, to commit to the escalation necessary to win – evaporated.

      The difference worth noting however is that in the West the people were able to protest the war without incurring massive personal cost, such as decade long prison sentences or worse. In Russia right this is not possible; all organised opposition is imprisoned (such as Navalney) or has gone into exile.

      Again my point is not that the West is incapable of making terrible mistakes – no human polity is immune from this. It is that open liberal democracy that respects at least the principle of individual rights and the concept of citizenship, and thus contains the means to self-correct those mistakes.

      By contrast consider the era of the gulags – a horror that the authoritarian Soviets had no choice but to continue to double down on until the death of the tyrant shook loose the system and brought it to an end. (Well at least until recently when Putin thought it a fine thing to rehabilitate Stalin and the cruel ethos of the prison state.)

      • mikesh 7.1.1
        17 December 2022 at 12:53 pm

        By Biden's own admission a resumption of the cold war is underway, and it will take fifty to sixty years to play out. The Ukrainian conflict apparently is just the opening salvo.

        I can't provide a link, but see "China – the change agent" on michael-hudson.com

      • Tony Veitch 7.1.2
        17 December 2022 at 2:38 pm

        Currently reading "Blood Lands" by Timothy Snyder – about Europe between Hitler and Stalin.

        The deliberately engineered famine in the Ukraine, 1931-33 which killed at least 3.3 million people, should make all Ukrainians detest Russians forever!

        And I'm only up to about p100 of 408!!

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 7.2
      17 December 2022 at 12:20 pm

      Julia Davis is awesome.

      The reported story is a rare case of (mild) dissent aired in public. There is no right to protest or free speech in Russia, and no permitted independent media, so public dissent might not have the same effect as it did in the USA over the Vietnam war, unfortunately.

  8. Anker 8
    17 December 2022 at 12:09 pm

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2018871626/principal-experimentalist-explains-nuclear-fusion-breakthrough

    As the link says Kim Hill interviews one of the sciencetists who made the break through re nuclear-fusion. I found it informative.

  9. Incognito 9
    17 December 2022 at 1:06 pm

    National MP Barbara Kuriger is toast, but what will Luxon do about it? Will he butter it, burn it, burry it, or biff it?

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/mps-emails-show-pattern-of-personal-attacks-on-ministry

    • Patricia Bremner 9.1
      17 December 2022 at 1:29 pm

      Wow!! What entitled behaviour. Scratch the surface and their behaviour is almost scary in relation to rule of law!! Too many Nats think they are a breed apart. Woodhouse Kuriger et al. Wasn't she the woman who "helped" a young Southland MP Todd Barclay?

      • Incognito 9.1.1
        17 December 2022 at 1:55 pm

        It begs the question why this wasn’t picked up by the National Party long before the MPI whistle blower blew the whistle in Luxon’s ear.

        • bwaghorn 9.1.1.1
          17 December 2022 at 3:01 pm

          Ummmm because national doesn't mind you being an entitled bully it's only a problem if ypu get caught.

  11. Chess Player 11
    17 December 2022 at 4:26 pm

    I think with more and more of these types of incidents occurring, law and order might become a greater issue at next year's election than the economy.

    Hopefully more innocent people aren't killed or maimed when doing their jobs, while we continue to wait for Labour to move out of the denial phase.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300767728/machetewielding-robber-chops-off-dairy-workers-fingers-in-vicious-attack

    • Barfly 11.1
      17 December 2022 at 4:35 pm

      Do you play on Lichess? I wouldn't mind testing your skills.devil

    • x Socialist 11.2
      17 December 2022 at 6:17 pm

      It begs a question about Xmas holidays this year. Will it be quiet because people have tightened their belts, or will crime spiral completely out of control because crims take advantage of stretched police resources and an over taxed retail sector?

      • SPC 11.2.1
        17 December 2022 at 9:19 pm

        There is no evidence crime is out of control, nor that criminals are taking advantage of a "stretched" police resources.

        The only part of the retail sector that is overtaxed is tobacco, as with other government interventions (such as the RB QE) it distorts the market in harmful ways, and this can and does result in greed. The problem with polite middle class society it likes incentives when they do well out of it, but no much when it gives others "ideas" about how to afford the latest phone/big screen TV.

        • x Socialist 11.2.1.1
          17 December 2022 at 9:59 pm

          ''There is no evidence crime is out of control, nor that criminals are taking advantage of a "stretched" police resources.''

          Let's see what happened today:

          1- Law abiding citizen has two finger chopped off in a robbery.

          2- A probable gang-banger shot dead in a church car park.

          3- I have seen hardcore violence at my local supermarket all year. The latest 3 days ago when two security guards tackled a meat thief who had the audacity to say " I'm only trying to feed my whanau – let me go!

          I lost count of crimes committed during my month away from this blog.

          Are you going by official stats?

          ''The only part of the retail sector that is overtaxed is tobacco.''

          You must live in a great part of the country. In my area many shops are advertising for workers. Shop after shop after shop.

        • Jester 11.2.1.2
          18 December 2022 at 2:03 pm

          "There is no evidence crime is out of control"

          You obviously do not read or watch the news. Where are you living? Mars?

          • SPC 11.2.1.2.1
            18 December 2022 at 2:06 pm

            So reality is based on the news coverage you consume?

            Heard of red pill and red pill – Fox and liberal MSM?

            • Jester 11.2.1.2.1.1
              18 December 2022 at 5:58 pm

              Heard of taking off your rose tinted glasses and actually admitting not all is well in paradise.

              • Robert Guyton …
                18 December 2022 at 6:16 pm

                Evidence is not proof.

                • Jester …
                  18 December 2022 at 7:46 pm

                  Perhaps you should work in a dairy for a few weeks. If you lost a couple of fingers would that be enough proof for you?

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    18 December 2022 at 7:54 pm

                    What would that prove?

                    That crime is out of control?

                    Would losing my wallet to a pick-pocket prove the same thing?

                    Evidence is not proof.

                    • Jester …
                      18 December 2022 at 7:56 pm

                      There is an awful lot of evidence lately.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      18 December 2022 at 7:59 pm

                      More than ever before?

                      Enough to support the claim that crime is "out of control"?

                    • Jester …
                      18 December 2022 at 8:25 pm

                      Yep. More than before. It's definitely more than a spike. Many no longer reported.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      18 December 2022 at 9:30 pm

                      "Many no longer being reported"

                      Got proof of that?

                    • Jester …
                      18 December 2022 at 11:13 pm

                      Yep. The local liquor store that has been hit 7 times. My local Countdown. I witnessed a robbery the other night at Countdown. Spoke with the manager there. They no longer call the police. That was at least the third one that week and it was only Wednesday!
                      You have to get out and talk to people on the coalface.

    • SPC 11.3
      17 December 2022 at 8:59 pm

      $20,000 of tobacco being held at the start of weekends … in former times it was a cash till grab (and transfer to safe and or mid-day banking reduced risk).

      The retailing of the product is a crime magnet, so who has the smarts to solve this?

      I say sell smokes in other ways.

      1. automated kiosk (refilled during the day the same way that cash is moved for banks).

      2. subscription supply from a warehouse (delivered each week by a courier).

    • SPC 11.4
      17 December 2022 at 9:09 pm

      The statistics do not show higher youth crime.

      They do show more incidents involving those under 14.

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/the-whole-truth/300735972/the-whole-truth-what-the-youth-crime-statistics-actually-say

      While Coster hit back at the politicisation of policing, telling reporters outside that he wanted a more sober and fact-based analysis of crime and justice

      Coster said social media was encouraging young children to commit crimes – but also fuelling unrealistic fear in the community about crime in general.

      The pandemic had led to more crime in cities and towns, he said, as they became less populated and more people spent time at home. Overall, that had been balanced due to less suburban thefts.

      But he said police were deeply concerned by “a shape spike” in very young children committing crimes since the pandemic had started.

      Coster noted these children, many aged under 14, were not old enough to be criminally culpable for the shoplifting and public intimidation which they were committing.

      “Our job is done, in cases with under 14-year-olds, once we have referred them [to other agencies],” he said.

      Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha​ appeared to agree with some of Mitchell’s concerns around police being expected to pick up extra roles, more suited to welfare agencies

      After the select committee review, Haumaha told Stuff he agreed with the sentiment that police could only do so much. He said that iwi, community and social agencies outside of government needed to be resourced to better help young people.

      “Our responsibility as police is to work with other agencies and iwi,” he said.

      “The problem at the moment is you're seeing with ram raids and youth offending, is these kids have been truanting and out of school. It's a huge social problem. And everybody is grappling with it.”

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/130778313/underfire-police-bosses-tell-mps-they-can-only-do-so-much-about-youth-crime

      • Chess Player 11.4.1
        17 December 2022 at 9:14 pm

        No humanity, or concern for the victim, was indicated in the making of your post.

        Merry Xmas.

        • SPC 11.4.1.1
          17 December 2022 at 9:49 pm

          Amazing how many of the discussions on this site end up with a personal insult.

          Chess Player on The Standard.

          You argued that law and order might become a greater issue at next year's election than the economy. And Labour was in a denial phase.

          I quoted experts on crime. I might quote another expert, LPrent, if you lack the debate skills this might not be the site for you.

    • Muttonbird 11.5
      17 December 2022 at 9:28 pm

      A baptism of fire for new Hamilton West MP, Tama Potaka. What is he going to do to arrest this massive increase in crime on his watch?

      • x Socialist 11.5.1
        17 December 2022 at 10:07 pm

        Nothing at the moment. But he and Mitchell better have a plan after National win the next election otherwise National will be one hit wonders. The message voters send Labour at election time will also apply to National. Law abiding citizens from what I have seen, heard and read, have had a gutsful.

        • Robert Guyton 11.5.1.1
          18 December 2022 at 1:29 pm

          "he and Mitchell "

          He & Mitchell?

          We're pinning our hopes on those two??

          Heaven help us all!

  12. Chess Player 12
    17 December 2022 at 8:36 pm

    This is such a tragedy.

    The usual gang apologists like Russell Brown, Kiri Allan and Jarod Gilbert will do what they always do, but I feel for the family of the guy murdered.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300767748/auckland-church-shooting-victim-was-46yearold-daniel-eliu

    • observer 12.1
      17 December 2022 at 9:20 pm

      And other people don't?

      Read the story again. The deceased is exactly the kind of person you think should be in jail, with knee-jerk "lock 'em up and throw away the key". He committed serious crimes.

      But if you do believe in the chance of redemption and welcome the support he was getting, have a word with your chums who dismiss that as "kumbaya" and "mush".

      Do you?

      From the link: “He had sought to turn his life around and had tragically just finished attending an empowerment gathering for people who sought to leave lives of crime.”

      Mush, right?

    • Muttonbird 12.2
      17 December 2022 at 9:25 pm

      Did you read the article? Daniel Eliu was a convicted violent criminal offender and a lifetime gang member.

      Before he was gunned down he had apparently attended a Grace Foundation rehabilitation program run by the father of National Party aligned David Letele, himself a former gang member.

      Amazing how some gang run rehabilitation programs are slated by right wing nut jobs and others are not…

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/emergency-services-respond-to-incident-at-a-church-in-south-auckland/J44CXBJIWRHHTFGRGVW57WCNB4/

    • Anker 12.3
      17 December 2022 at 9:50 pm

      Chess Player I feel for the murdered guys previous victims. And yes his family too.

  14. SPC 14
    17 December 2022 at 11:28 pm

    This is how it ends, a bio diversity disaster, or a mysterious apocalypse that causes the spread of misinformation and violence, or a hearing on Capitol Hill?

    The congressional inquiry into last year's Capitol riot will reportedly recommend three criminal charges against former President Donald Trump.

    The select committee is scheduled to hold its final meeting on Monday when any charging recommendations would be unveiled.

    As well as insurrection, according to various outlets, the panel will suggest Mr Trump be charged with obstructing an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

    The nine panellists are expected to approve the final eight-chapter report, drawing on interviews with more than 1,000 witnesses, and submit it to the Department of Justice (DoJ).

    The full report will be made public on Wednesday, said chairman Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat who is helming the select committee.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64009203

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    23 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    1 day ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    2 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    2 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    2 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    2 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
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    2 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    2 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
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    3 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
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    3 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
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    3 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
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    3 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
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    3 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
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    3 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
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    4 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
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    4 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
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    4 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
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    4 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
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    4 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
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    4 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
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    5 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
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    5 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
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    5 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
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    5 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
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    5 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
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    5 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
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    5 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
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    6 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
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    1 week ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
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    1 week ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    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 ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    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 ...
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    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    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 ...
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    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    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 ...
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    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    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 ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    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 ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    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 ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    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 ...
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    2 weeks ago

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