Those of us on the left need to get out there and show that we are to be taken seriously, while the Labour leadership works out where it stands. Darien Fenton and Phil Twyford have both spoken up, and quite a few Labour MPs have joined the support page on facebook, so there is some support out there. The strike on the 31st seems to have been called off, but if nothing is resolved we should be out supporting the next strike in large numbers.
To continue with your Greek theme Jenny, one could put David Shearer’s comment in Theseus’s mouth: “”I don’t think the Athenian youths and the minotaur are too far apart… I’d like to think they can come together”
I am sure that in the end, by fighting back, the 300 Spartans/wharfies will earn the respect and backing of the Athenians/Labour Party eventually. Let us hope it is before they are all slaughtered.
With the full backing of the Labour Party/Athens, the wharfies/Spartans will be unbeatable. Without that backing, less likely. If the wharfies are defeated the rest of the Labour Movement/Greece will suffer a setback, and the Labour Party/Athens will itself be affected.
you just did it too dumbarse – you display the same attitude and both of you did it for humour – I know you were trying to make a point, a good point as it happens, but that is a fail and the point is lost, for no valid reason really other than your own personal stuff
Fair enough. Seems to be my way sometimes – to make a point which has wound me up I will shove it back large and crude. Over-exaggerate, etc. It generally works to at least get the required attention, though not always the finer points and discussion.
A lot of humour, as lanthanide points out, is made at others expense. I guess what got me re Siones 2 is that as PI’s the people involved have probably suffered over the years from people making fun of their own characteristics and negative stereotyping. And here they are indulging in the same conduct. One that reinforces negative stereotypes. I guess it is very easy for humourists to slip into the easy trap of making fun of others rather than making fun with others (and it is clear that the particular joke I refer to is made by laughing at, not laughing with).
What would a comic, such as Oscar Knightley himself perhaps, have to say about it? Would be interested to hear.
Its perfectly possible to have good comedy without making it at the expense of ethnic groups and minorites, (or having some form of bodily function made reference to). People who indulge in that are just lazy. And I am definitely no prude.
A good comedian can take the stereotype, work on it, present it to the audience who both understand it and feel some of it too and laugh at it, and all the time the content is saying yes we’re like that sometimes and sometimes it’s ridiculous and some of us can recognise it and laugh and sometimes it’s us being ourselves so suck it up. There is a complex silent dialogue running between the comedian and the audience.
…that was my immediate reaction too. Sounded like a clone. (clown).
That section was followed by a much more telling interview with Gordon Campbell from Scoop on Labour’s conspicuous absence from the waterfront issue. (Shearer should be in boots ‘n all, attempting to mediate and get things moving, while the Nats are still sunbathing and showing no concern). The NZ public would appreciate that from Shearer I am sure …)
Yes, I think if Shearer offered to personally step in and mediate the the dispute, he would win a lot of points with the public – using his skills honed in the worlds hotspots to sort things out at home.
Shearer will do so if his advisors decide that it fits with his ‘brand’.
However predictable complaints from the Right that he is politically meddling in an Auckland city matter, that he is backing the unions ahead of the interests of Auckland city ratepayers, that he is interfering in the free market, will stay his hand.
What alternative narrative has Labour got to fight back with.
CV – Thinking out loud, but just who are these (even-more-powerful-and-superior-sages/come-advisors) who sit above the various spokespeople. It would seem they screwed up in the last election good time. What about a bit of personality taking over for once.
(Muldoon could think for himself.
Savage could think for himself.
Lange could think for himself.
Thatcher could think for herself.)
There aren’t any, Logie. For example, last week it was supposed to be Pagani and Mallard, but that turned out to be a load of bollocks.
The simple fact is that the Labour cannot afford a layer of Machiavellian manipulators and the organisation actually survives on the smell of an oily rag. Via parliamentary services, there are some taxpayer funded media and policy advisers, but nobody is operating at the level the fantasists of both the left and the right would have you believe.
‘…School fairs, churches, and community fundraisers could have sausage sizzle fundraisers with just food handler guidance (a best practice food safety pamphlet and no checking), yet a small grower wanting to sell some surplus plums or cabbages to the corner dairy has to enter the bureaucratic jungle: Register at a cost, apply for an exemption, or wait and hope that MAF and the Minister decide to make an exemption after the Food Bill is through, but no promises.
It would appear that the only ‘charitable’ groups not able to run sausage sizzles or food stalls under food handler guidance, would be political parties/supporters, strong advocacy groups, and direct action groups such as Greenpeace. They would have to pay registration and undergo food safety plan verification for their sins. …’
Giant Monsanto as international lobbyist will be loving this as it seeks to control the seeds (and the water supply) of tomorrow.
I hope New Zealanders aren’t hoping Kate Wilkinson will stand up for their rights in their vegetable patches.
Y’see, it’s all about taking away the ability for New Zealanders to save a few extra dollars – often the difference between living and surviving.
‘Cause just surviving means no energy to take on the thieves we have in government now as they seek to steal our SOEs and give them at rock bottom prices to their rotundtable business mates in New Zealand and internationally.
What a shame that Kiwis lost in translation on pot/soma won’t even notice.
It’ll simply end up criminalising large parts of society. What are people going to do. See their families go hungry in order to fulfil Wilkinson’s pet laws?
Not unduly suspicious, especially since US law enforcement now routinely use military designed Predator drones with the highest tech remote sensors for surveillance activity on civilian populations and protestors.
Large parts of society are criminals and break laws every week, if not every day:
– Driving/riding without a seatbelt
– Talking on cell phones while driving
– Failing to wait until the lights at a railway crossing turn off before driving through the intersection
– Copyright violations
‘It would appear that the only ‘charitable’ groups not able to run sausage sizzles or food stalls under food handler guidance, would be political parties/supporters, strong advocacy groups, and direct action groups’
NAct won’t be worried because they have, or more importantly are, all those super rich owners of all our assets – no fundraising for them.
There’s a bit of a leap in logic from requiring exemptions if you attempt to sell your produce via a local dairy to being unable to grow food for your own or friends and relative consumption because of the law. Please explain how you make the statment “Y’see, it’s all about taking away the ability for New Zealanders to save a few extra dollars” with any validity.
‘…School fairs, churches, and community fundraisers could have sausage sizzle fundraisers with just food handler guidance (a best practice food safety pamphlet and no checking), yet a small grower wanting to sell some surplus plums or cabbages to the corner dairy has to enter the bureaucratic jungle: Register at a cost, apply for an exemption, or wait and hope that MAF and the Minister decide to make an exemption after the Food Bill is through, but no promises.
Sigh. So now it brutally oppresses small-scale fruit wholesalers?
I used the first paragraph to give a little bit of a picture before highlighting the actual point in the second paragraph in my 12.06pm comment. I thought I should emphasise that with a second post to help those with only a few braincells.
NAct only ever do anything that brings them gain and reduces the power of those agin them. Now if you prefer to play with the ‘few braincells’ types, carry on.
And take the idiot gosman with you as an introduction to the rapacious world of Monsanto and just how far that operation will go to remove any freedom of individuals to keep and grow their own seeds and retain their own water supply.
Whole brave new world out there McFlock. I didn’t like it on paper; I like it even less now.
Crikey, I’ve just had an ‘orrible thought. Seeds…reproduction…men… Monsanto…
(Soil and Health Sept/Oct 1999 – Monsanto now expanding monopolies from Seed to Water.)
I would agree with you if a few of the below were true:
Monsanto were the only people who submitted in favour of the Bill;
There was a demonstrable difference in application that was more widespread than the current Food Act;
Public health professionals made Bill submissions to the effect that it wasn’t needed, rather than in favour;
bill opponents made statements that relied on actual facts, rather than a nebulous terror of global corporate evils;
Although to give Penny credit, she does hunt down and link the primary documentation (which is lightyears ahead of our neighbourhood tory swine). I just don’t read the same significance into participating with international standards organisations as she does. A bit like the NZDF purchase of satellite bandwidth that you bring up – I don’t view that with any more trepidation than the LAV purchase.
The food bill’s has some very nasty outcomes such as destroying diversity of food sources via legislating this seed or no seed……this x or no x etc.
This govt’s proven it can’t be trusted with an outcome that benefits everyone, gotta be fillig some mates pockets.
It’s unecessary and we’d actually benefit by being diverse and not ‘one of the crowd’ which’s just what monsanto want………and they called clark’s mob a nanny state, key and co make them look like liberal weiners adopting this type of crap.
“The food bill’s has some very nasty outcomes such as destroying diversity of food sources via legislating this seed or no seed……this x or no x etc”
It took me ages to find out what exactly people were talking about with this bit. Turns out the inclusion of food seeds in the bill was inadvertant, and it would appear that this issue is being addressed (Q7). Call me again when they decide not to put forward the supplementary order paper.
As I’ve said before, I wouldn’t trust this government to change a lightbulb – but I’ve seen a lot of panic on the basis of not much when it comes to the food bill. I mean, if it was all that then every garden centre would be up in arms at having to put together food safety plans.
You assume people are paying attention but you’re right on the trust issue as Katey W has zero credibility on that front.
Farmers in the US are being asked to pay for plants growing as a result of seeds blown from their neighbours GE Monsanto crop as they own that patent……we need to be vigilant.
Tory Governments come and go. What we need to do is shift the debate in the community because that will limit what Tory governments can do when they are in – which they are inevitably every couple of terms.
Notice how the Right wing have done that very effectively to Labour? They don’t care if a Labour govt can get in because they know they can ride it out as the electorate’s thinking (and participation) has been shifted to the right. And they won’t let Labour do anything too unacceptable.
Farmers in the US are being asked to pay for plants growing as a result of seeds blown from their neighbours GE Monsanto crop as they own that patent……we need to be vigilant.
Actually farmers need to be invoicing Monsanto for the clean up – Monsanto is polluting their property without authorisation.
Monsanto can easily say not us but our property you didn’t pay for nor ensure it stayed with its purchaser.
Its pollution mate. Whoever is the cause needs to clean it up.
An oil spill from a deep sea well spreads through the ocean and along the beaches. You can’t just say “that’s nature just spreading things around, not our problem”.
Further, the genes from those seeds damage the productivity of your own land. Thats damages right there mate.
I think David Shearer and the rest of the team are probably going flat out behind the scenes.
they are not all media hogs.
and I think credit must be given to the posters on the standard who kept the issue boiling till manager gibson backed off.
people power dudes.
cant beat it.
The impact of outsourcing.
The mention of the word itself raises serious concerns for current employees of any company where they thought they were secure in their employment. The loss of job satisfaction, productivity, company loyalty and a threat to quality of life are some of the emotions I am sure people are faced with on hearing their future is at stake. Outsourcing might assist the bottom line for companies but raises the bar in terms of risk for the worker. Pike River is a classic example of where things can go badly wrong. With a large part of the operation contracted out shortcuts were taken and health and safety became secondary, the outcome was catastrophic for 29 families.
Dropping the contingency they carry is the main driver. No annual leave, no sick, no ACC levies and certainly no voice. As much as it grates against the grain of employers, the union movement sets the standard in ensuring workers are protected against harm in the workplace. Union covered sites are known to be some of the safest environments for people to work in. These concerns had been raised and unfortunately come to fruition at the Pike River mine resulting in the worst mining disaster in New Zealand’s history.
Outsourcing has become very popular in particular with larger companies and corporations looking to maintain and increase the market share without carrying the additional cost to maximise future profit. The risk is still there in loss of quality service and control over that service delivery because they no longer control the labour; also violations of confidentiality and intellectual property are real risks to companies that outsource. Any contractor will minimise input in terms of safe labour levels, this creates another industry where those removed by outsourcing are call upon to fix these situations because the skill is lacking.
Any improvement for people employed by contractors is very hard to achieve because in effect they are actually the contractor and there is a line that can’t be breached financially, so inevitably shortcuts and cost driven measures are put into play. Most employees are gun shy and will not join a union for fear of reprisal or putting their jobs at risk. The bottom line is outsourcing drains wealth for the sake of profit.
Most advocates of outsourcing don’t consider the potential damage to their company with the risk of damage to their brand; it’s like taking a bath at the sewage plant saying I am saving on heating costs, the water is warm and no rates to pay like at home. How can you simply trade of your biggest asset at the flick of a pen especially when your huge investment in that asset is giving a return? That is of course all any employee asks, respect the investment I make and acknowledge it by securing my future.
The human collateral damage is huge; families suffer at the hands of capitalism without conscience or thought given to the devastation within the family nucleus. It’s not very often you see outsourcing of the managerial tier, the boy’s club look after their own. It is always those on the bottom rung that have to step up and cop the hit whether it is redundancy or contracting out.
Outsourcing is said to be for people who have little patience and a lot of money. The outcome for working-class people is to see wages and conditions driven down to compete; families suffer because without organized labour, maintaining a reasonable standard of income becomes next to impossible. The trade union movement will always rile against the outsourcing and undermining of our members livelihoods and for that matter the attack on working-class in general by corporations hell-bent on gaining a compliant workforce without basic workplace rights.
That block comment signifies everything about a charged situation which threatens to become a war of survival. Every sentence is loaded with importance.
I recognise your anger; however these days it’s all about how you present it.
It’s tough to read and digest huge blocks of print; I am reprinting it for you – it needs to be said, as often as possible.
Save that passion and anger and belief in collective action for the many days ahead:
‘Wharfie 9
19 January 2012 at 11:32 am
THE IMPACT OF OUTSOURCING –
The mention of the word itself raises serious concerns for current employees of any company where they thought they were secure in their employment.
The loss of job satisfaction, productivity, company loyalty and a threat to quality of life are some of the emotions I am sure people are faced with on hearing their future is at stake.
Outsourcing might assist the bottom line for companies but raises the bar in terms of risk for the worker.
********************Pike River is a classic example of where things can go badly wrong. With a large part of the operation contracted out shortcuts were taken and health and safety became secondary, the outcome was catastrophic for 29 families.
Dropping the contingency they carry is the main driver.
*********No annual leave, no sick, no ACC levies and certainly no voice.
As much as it grates against the grain of employers, the union movement sets the standard in ensuring workers are protected against harm in the workplace.
Union covered sites are known to be some of the safest environments for people to work in.
*********************These concerns had been raised and unfortunately come to fruition at the Pike River mine resulting in the worst mining disaster in New Zealand’s history.
Outsourcing has become very popular in particular with larger companies and corporations looking to maintain and increase the market share without carrying the additional cost to maximise future profit.
The risk is still there in loss of quality service and control over that service delivery because they no longer control the labour; also violations of confidentiality and intellectual property are real risks to companies that outsource. Any contractor will minimise input in terms of safe labour levels, this creates another industry where those removed by outsourcing are call upon to fix these situations because the skill is lacking.
Any improvement for people employed by contractors is very hard to achieve because in effect they are actually the contractor and there is a line that can’t be breached financially, so inevitably shortcuts and cost driven measures are put into play.
Most employees are gun shy and will not join a union for fear of reprisal or putting their jobs at risk. The bottom line is outsourcing drains wealth for the sake of profit.
Most advocates of outsourcing don’t consider the potential damage to their company with the risk of damage to their brand; it’s like taking a bath at the sewage plant saying I am saving on heating costs, the water is warm and no rates to pay like at home.
How can you simply trade of your biggest asset at the flick of a pen especially when your huge investment in that asset is giving a return? That is of course all any employee asks, RESPECT the investment I make and ACKNOWLEDGE IT BY SECURING MY FUTURE.
The human collateral damage is huge; families suffer at the hands of capitalism without conscience or thought given to the devastation within the family nucleus. It’s not very often you see outsourcing of the managerial tier, the boy’s club look after their own. It is always those on the bottom rung that have to step up and cop the hit whether it is redundancy or contracting out.
Outsourcing is said to be for people who have little patience and a lot of money.
The outcome for working-class people is to see wages and conditions driven down to compete; families suffer because without organized labour, maintaining a reasonable standard of income becomes next to impossible.
*************
The trade union movement will always rile against the outsourcing and undermining of our members livelihoods and for that matter the attack on working-class in general by corporations hell-bent on gaining a compliant workforce without basic workplace rights.
It really annoys me that people like David Mahon continue to harp on about the Chinese being attacked on land ownership because they’re Chinese. That’s rubbish.
Firstly, why would we seek to sell off freehold to a country that doesn’t allow its own land to be sold off?
Secondly, why would we allow any land to be sold off to anyone to make money out of it and that money transferred out of NZ? There is absolutely no intelligent thinking in that option.
Exporting earns international funds to balance our books. Selling our assets causes an imbalance in our books.
Even leasing out which this link suggests removes income from New Zealand once the initial lease price has been spent.
There must be some way to keep the vast bulk of the income from any investment in our country be it land or 42Below. Mining won’t do it; a low wage economy means little staying in the hands of NZ workers – 1% total isn’t it in monetary return for New Zealand for wrecking the land (nicely). That would be spent of course on tax cuts for those that don’t need it so they can buy up what’s left of our assets.
But it’s a good idea by Key to try to make New Zealanders feel guilty for something they are not guilty of – xenophobia. Then they’ll shut up about the loss of priceless income generation forever.
Where is Kiwi Bank (owned and capital fund supported regularly by NZ Post) finding est $50 million to $100 million to buy out Gareth Morgan, whose Kiwi Fund Management is shit poor.
Morgan gets it Tax free of course.
Whose paying – you and I the taxpayers are !!!!!
We are mugs.
Kiwibank would pay for it from the profits it makes I assume. It has made over 70 million in the last 2 years alone.
Also I would be very surprised if Gareth Morgan got the profits tax free. as a share trader any profits made by him through the sale of shares would be taxed. He may have some set-up which gets him out of it somehow but it would be something the ird would look at very closely
yes its like clasping a viper to your bosom.
he will be in there doing due diligence and hey presto he will own the bloody thing next year.
just like the manager of POAL.
Lets be consistent – POAL manager is either a numb nutz as he has been described here, or now you are suggesting that he actually has some ability to work out some scheme to own POAL????
He’s a numb nuts if his goal is to create a healthy productive work environment where competitive improvements can be implemented by the workers. Clearly he’s incompetent at that.
However, he’s a scheming bastard if his goal is to engineer an excuse to break the union, help his former employer Maersk, and eventually position the port for partial privatisation.
No inconsistency there mate, just your lack of imagination.
Yes, we know Gareth Morgan is not averse to asset sales. Kiwibank branches have been closed down in places which is against the original plan to be like the traditional post office was available to all and close enough to get to. When it has lost its advantage, the government will take that as an excuse to sell it. What am I saying!? They have never needed any excuse in the past to sell off our assets.
The problem with MUNZ’s, Fenton’s and the left’s argument about casualisation is that right now MUNZ is pursuing a case against POAL in the Employment Court to prevent the Port offering permanent jobs to “lashers”.
You may think so, but not when the Union bullies have the top jobs and like to take the overtime at their much higher rates rather than allow the lower paid workers to get permanent jobs.
Someone here should be able to clarify or refute this?
Looking at the url for the source, and the commenter bringing it here, why bother? There’s a >80% chance that if I bother to look into it, it’ll be complete bullshit and I will sincerely regret wasting those five minutes of my life so thoroughly.
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Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
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. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
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 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Lecturer – Creative Industries, University of South Australia Shutterstock Everyone has a favourite band, or a favourite composer, or a favourite song. There is some music which speaks to you, deeply; and other music which might be the current ...
A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next.Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again?First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
Labour in opposition will be shocked to learn which party had six years in power but squandered any chance to make real change. Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech was a predictably entertaining trip down memory lane. The acid-tongued incoming Otago University chancellor administered a sick burn to the coalition government. He ...
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is seen some as its ‘silicon shield’ against invasion – but how will overseas expansion affect that protection? The post The state of Taiwan’s silicon shield appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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While Athens may stand aloof and also make demands that other Greeks not become involved. Xerxes is to meet with Leonidas tomorrow.
Why isn’t the Labour leadership getting in behind the striking workers? Shouldn’t Shearer be visiting the pickets?
‘
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on?
One’s right and one’s wrong.
Together we’re strong.
Which side are you on?
Embedding does not work …
Check it out at http://youtu.be/N43Cm6ra0hY
And a Billy Bragg version. Just what you need to stir you into a day of leftist activity.
And a beautiful version by Natalie Merchant with stunning old b&w photos.
Thank-you mickysavage.
Beautiful and powerful!
Those of us on the left need to get out there and show that we are to be taken seriously, while the Labour leadership works out where it stands. Darien Fenton and Phil Twyford have both spoken up, and quite a few Labour MPs have joined the support page on facebook, so there is some support out there. The strike on the 31st seems to have been called off, but if nothing is resolved we should be out supporting the next strike in large numbers.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10779669
To continue with your Greek theme Jenny, one could put David Shearer’s comment in Theseus’s mouth: “”I don’t think the Athenian youths and the minotaur are too far apart… I’d like to think they can come together”
They would do well to fear Greeks bearing gifts.
Olwyn, I got the idea for the Greek theme from Eddie, when trying to justify why we shouldn’t support them, he said that the wharfies were only 300.
In my opinion, if 300 can hold the line against the barbarians they deserve our full support.
I am sure that in the end, by fighting back, the 300 Spartans/wharfies will earn the respect and backing of the Athenians/Labour Party eventually. Let us hope it is before they are all slaughtered.
With the full backing of the Labour Party/Athens, the wharfies/Spartans will be unbeatable. Without that backing, less likely. If the wharfies are defeated the rest of the Labour Movement/Greece will suffer a setback, and the Labour Party/Athens will itself be affected.
Appreciate the work you are doing on this issue Jenny and I am pleased that Hone and Mana have stated clearly their support for the workers
“As for politicians saying that we should not get involved, what a load of crap…”
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1201/S00052/mana-we-support-the-wharfies.htm
I’m not smart enough to put it into a classical analogy but I am glad courage is still around today.
Want to make a real difference for your own health and to help the world? This Standardista knows how!
As indeed do these guys.
So Sione’s 2 makes jokes at the expense of gays, gym instructors and people name Marcel.
That’s not bad for a bunch of bigoted coconuts.
I see what you did there.
ha ha, yes, but I think you will find it is they who did it.
you just did it too dumbarse – you display the same attitude and both of you did it for humour – I know you were trying to make a point, a good point as it happens, but that is a fail and the point is lost, for no valid reason really other than your own personal stuff
touchy touchy
hint – you are not as ironic as you think you are
and yes I bit – that’s what you wanted isn’t it?
Irony had no part in it. Simply a large and rude crude mirror to themselves. Best way sometimes.
By the way, why did you bite? What part of the point got up your nose? Wasn’t personal stuff was it?
I find fakery offensive so some of your posts wind me up, but not too much vto – just giving you your fix
Fair enough. Seems to be my way sometimes – to make a point which has wound me up I will shove it back large and crude. Over-exaggerate, etc. It generally works to at least get the required attention, though not always the finer points and discussion.
A lot of humour, as lanthanide points out, is made at others expense. I guess what got me re Siones 2 is that as PI’s the people involved have probably suffered over the years from people making fun of their own characteristics and negative stereotyping. And here they are indulging in the same conduct. One that reinforces negative stereotypes. I guess it is very easy for humourists to slip into the easy trap of making fun of others rather than making fun with others (and it is clear that the particular joke I refer to is made by laughing at, not laughing with).
What would a comic, such as Oscar Knightley himself perhaps, have to say about it? Would be interested to hear.
good points – I wish people weren’t so mean to each other too
Its perfectly possible to have good comedy without making it at the expense of ethnic groups and minorites, (or having some form of bodily function made reference to). People who indulge in that are just lazy. And I am definitely no prude.
A good comedian can take the stereotype, work on it, present it to the audience who both understand it and feel some of it too and laugh at it, and all the time the content is saying yes we’re like that sometimes and sometimes it’s ridiculous and some of us can recognise it and laugh and sometimes it’s us being ourselves so suck it up. There is a complex silent dialogue running between the comedian and the audience.
A lot of humour is made at the expense of some specific group of people.
so you add more bigotry and that is supposed to do what – be ironic. Sad and useless vto.
Yep, you’ve got it marty mars – sione’s 2 – sad and useless. Thanks for the confirmation.
there was no comma
Just listening to Camoron Brewer on RNZ. Sounds like a mini Banks.
Imagine someone who has chosen Banks, Brash, Richardson and Hide as his role models. Madness multiplies madness.
…that was my immediate reaction too. Sounded like a clone. (clown).
That section was followed by a much more telling interview with Gordon Campbell from Scoop on Labour’s conspicuous absence from the waterfront issue. (Shearer should be in boots ‘n all, attempting to mediate and get things moving, while the Nats are still sunbathing and showing no concern). The NZ public would appreciate that from Shearer I am sure …)
Yes, I think if Shearer offered to personally step in and mediate the the dispute, he would win a lot of points with the public – using his skills honed in the worlds hotspots to sort things out at home.
Shearer will do so if his advisors decide that it fits with his ‘brand’.
However predictable complaints from the Right that he is politically meddling in an Auckland city matter, that he is backing the unions ahead of the interests of Auckland city ratepayers, that he is interfering in the free market, will stay his hand.
What alternative narrative has Labour got to fight back with.
CV – Thinking out loud, but just who are these (even-more-powerful-and-superior-sages/come-advisors) who sit above the various spokespeople. It would seem they screwed up in the last election good time. What about a bit of personality taking over for once.
(Muldoon could think for himself.
Savage could think for himself.
Lange could think for himself.
Thatcher could think for herself.)
There aren’t any, Logie. For example, last week it was supposed to be Pagani and Mallard, but that turned out to be a load of bollocks.
The simple fact is that the Labour cannot afford a layer of Machiavellian manipulators and the organisation actually survives on the smell of an oily rag. Via parliamentary services, there are some taxpayer funded media and policy advisers, but nobody is operating at the level the fantasists of both the left and the right would have you believe.
Millsy,
Excellent idea.
Hi Jum, seems you and I and Millsy (and a host of others) think alike – nice one.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1201/S00050/the-food-bill-not-as-sweet-as-first-appeared.htm
‘…School fairs, churches, and community fundraisers could have sausage sizzle fundraisers with just food handler guidance (a best practice food safety pamphlet and no checking), yet a small grower wanting to sell some surplus plums or cabbages to the corner dairy has to enter the bureaucratic jungle: Register at a cost, apply for an exemption, or wait and hope that MAF and the Minister decide to make an exemption after the Food Bill is through, but no promises.
It would appear that the only ‘charitable’ groups not able to run sausage sizzles or food stalls under food handler guidance, would be political parties/supporters, strong advocacy groups, and direct action groups such as Greenpeace. They would have to pay registration and undergo food safety plan verification for their sins. …’
Giant Monsanto as international lobbyist will be loving this as it seeks to control the seeds (and the water supply) of tomorrow.
I hope New Zealanders aren’t hoping Kate Wilkinson will stand up for their rights in their vegetable patches.
Y’see, it’s all about taking away the ability for New Zealanders to save a few extra dollars – often the difference between living and surviving.
‘Cause just surviving means no energy to take on the thieves we have in government now as they seek to steal our SOEs and give them at rock bottom prices to their rotundtable business mates in New Zealand and internationally.
What a shame that Kiwis lost in translation on pot/soma won’t even notice.
It’ll simply end up criminalising large parts of society. What are people going to do. See their families go hungry in order to fulfil Wilkinson’s pet laws?
Nah, never going to happen.
Colonial Viper,
And then there is this to keep an eye on them…
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1201/S00051/improved-satellite-communications-for-nz-defence-force.htm
‘Any unused capacity can be made available to other government agencies.’
Am I being unduly suspicious here?…
Not unduly suspicious, especially since US law enforcement now routinely use military designed Predator drones with the highest tech remote sensors for surveillance activity on civilian populations and protestors.
Large parts of society are criminals and break laws every week, if not every day:
– Driving/riding without a seatbelt
– Talking on cell phones while driving
– Failing to wait until the lights at a railway crossing turn off before driving through the intersection
– Copyright violations
Imagine the howls of outrage if Labour brought this bill in?
We would have people going on about “Herr Clarkenfuhrer and her SS Feminazis closing down the school sausage sizzle”
‘It would appear that the only ‘charitable’ groups not able to run sausage sizzles or food stalls under food handler guidance, would be political parties/supporters, strong advocacy groups, and direct action groups’
NAct won’t be worried because they have, or more importantly are, all those super rich owners of all our assets – no fundraising for them.
There’s a bit of a leap in logic from requiring exemptions if you attempt to sell your produce via a local dairy to being unable to grow food for your own or friends and relative consumption because of the law. Please explain how you make the statment “Y’see, it’s all about taking away the ability for New Zealanders to save a few extra dollars” with any validity.
Sigh. So now it brutally oppresses small-scale fruit wholesalers?
This bit differs from the current Food Act how?
McFlock,
Sigh…
I used the first paragraph to give a little bit of a picture before highlighting the actual point in the second paragraph in my 12.06pm comment. I thought I should emphasise that with a second post to help those with only a few braincells.
NAct only ever do anything that brings them gain and reduces the power of those agin them. Now if you prefer to play with the ‘few braincells’ types, carry on.
And take the idiot gosman with you as an introduction to the rapacious world of Monsanto and just how far that operation will go to remove any freedom of individuals to keep and grow their own seeds and retain their own water supply.
Whole brave new world out there McFlock. I didn’t like it on paper; I like it even less now.
Crikey, I’ve just had an ‘orrible thought. Seeds…reproduction…men… Monsanto…
(Soil and Health Sept/Oct 1999 – Monsanto now expanding monopolies from Seed to Water.)
I would agree with you if a few of the below were true:
Monsanto were the only people who submitted in favour of the Bill;
There was a demonstrable difference in application that was more widespread than the current Food Act;
Public health professionals made Bill submissions to the effect that it wasn’t needed, rather than in favour;
bill opponents made statements that relied on actual facts, rather than a nebulous terror of global corporate evils;
Although to give Penny credit, she does hunt down and link the primary documentation (which is lightyears ahead of our neighbourhood tory swine). I just don’t read the same significance into participating with international standards organisations as she does. A bit like the NZDF purchase of satellite bandwidth that you bring up – I don’t view that with any more trepidation than the LAV purchase.
McFlock,
And because this is presently a ‘freedom to speak’ country, I will defend your right to say it.
cheers for that.
The food bill’s has some very nasty outcomes such as destroying diversity of food sources via legislating this seed or no seed……this x or no x etc.
This govt’s proven it can’t be trusted with an outcome that benefits everyone, gotta be fillig some mates pockets.
It’s unecessary and we’d actually benefit by being diverse and not ‘one of the crowd’ which’s just what monsanto want………and they called clark’s mob a nanny state, key and co make them look like liberal weiners adopting this type of crap.
“The food bill’s has some very nasty outcomes such as destroying diversity of food sources via legislating this seed or no seed……this x or no x etc”
It took me ages to find out what exactly people were talking about with this bit. Turns out the inclusion of food seeds in the bill was inadvertant, and it would appear that this issue is being addressed (Q7). Call me again when they decide not to put forward the supplementary order paper.
As I’ve said before, I wouldn’t trust this government to change a lightbulb – but I’ve seen a lot of panic on the basis of not much when it comes to the food bill. I mean, if it was all that then every garden centre would be up in arms at having to put together food safety plans.
You assume people are paying attention but you’re right on the trust issue as Katey W has zero credibility on that front.
Farmers in the US are being asked to pay for plants growing as a result of seeds blown from their neighbours GE Monsanto crop as they own that patent……we need to be vigilant.
True enough, but paranoia means we overlook real threats because we’re obssessing over inflated ones.
McFlock,
The real threat is this government running this country – how can we overlook that!?
Tory Governments come and go. What we need to do is shift the debate in the community because that will limit what Tory governments can do when they are in – which they are inevitably every couple of terms.
Notice how the Right wing have done that very effectively to Labour? They don’t care if a Labour govt can get in because they know they can ride it out as the electorate’s thinking (and participation) has been shifted to the right. And they won’t let Labour do anything too unacceptable.
snap – bang on
Tc,
Yes I spotted that – shameful act of aggression. Obviously, Monsanto has governmentS in its pocket.
Actually farmers need to be invoicing Monsanto for the clean up – Monsanto is polluting their property without authorisation.
No that’s nature doing what it does, Monsanto can easily say not us but our property you didn’t pay for nor ensure it stayed with its purchaser.
Also these plants can often have the propagation gene switched off so back for seeds every cycle embedding the cycle.
Its pollution mate. Whoever is the cause needs to clean it up.
An oil spill from a deep sea well spreads through the ocean and along the beaches. You can’t just say “that’s nature just spreading things around, not our problem”.
Further, the genes from those seeds damage the productivity of your own land. Thats damages right there mate.
I think David Shearer and the rest of the team are probably going flat out behind the scenes.
they are not all media hogs.
and I think credit must be given to the posters on the standard who kept the issue boiling till manager gibson backed off.
people power dudes.
cant beat it.
The impact of outsourcing.
The mention of the word itself raises serious concerns for current employees of any company where they thought they were secure in their employment. The loss of job satisfaction, productivity, company loyalty and a threat to quality of life are some of the emotions I am sure people are faced with on hearing their future is at stake. Outsourcing might assist the bottom line for companies but raises the bar in terms of risk for the worker. Pike River is a classic example of where things can go badly wrong. With a large part of the operation contracted out shortcuts were taken and health and safety became secondary, the outcome was catastrophic for 29 families.
Dropping the contingency they carry is the main driver. No annual leave, no sick, no ACC levies and certainly no voice. As much as it grates against the grain of employers, the union movement sets the standard in ensuring workers are protected against harm in the workplace. Union covered sites are known to be some of the safest environments for people to work in. These concerns had been raised and unfortunately come to fruition at the Pike River mine resulting in the worst mining disaster in New Zealand’s history.
Outsourcing has become very popular in particular with larger companies and corporations looking to maintain and increase the market share without carrying the additional cost to maximise future profit. The risk is still there in loss of quality service and control over that service delivery because they no longer control the labour; also violations of confidentiality and intellectual property are real risks to companies that outsource. Any contractor will minimise input in terms of safe labour levels, this creates another industry where those removed by outsourcing are call upon to fix these situations because the skill is lacking.
Any improvement for people employed by contractors is very hard to achieve because in effect they are actually the contractor and there is a line that can’t be breached financially, so inevitably shortcuts and cost driven measures are put into play. Most employees are gun shy and will not join a union for fear of reprisal or putting their jobs at risk. The bottom line is outsourcing drains wealth for the sake of profit.
Most advocates of outsourcing don’t consider the potential damage to their company with the risk of damage to their brand; it’s like taking a bath at the sewage plant saying I am saving on heating costs, the water is warm and no rates to pay like at home. How can you simply trade of your biggest asset at the flick of a pen especially when your huge investment in that asset is giving a return? That is of course all any employee asks, respect the investment I make and acknowledge it by securing my future.
The human collateral damage is huge; families suffer at the hands of capitalism without conscience or thought given to the devastation within the family nucleus. It’s not very often you see outsourcing of the managerial tier, the boy’s club look after their own. It is always those on the bottom rung that have to step up and cop the hit whether it is redundancy or contracting out.
Outsourcing is said to be for people who have little patience and a lot of money. The outcome for working-class people is to see wages and conditions driven down to compete; families suffer because without organized labour, maintaining a reasonable standard of income becomes next to impossible. The trade union movement will always rile against the outsourcing and undermining of our members livelihoods and for that matter the attack on working-class in general by corporations hell-bent on gaining a compliant workforce without basic workplace rights.
Wharfie,
That block comment signifies everything about a charged situation which threatens to become a war of survival. Every sentence is loaded with importance.
I recognise your anger; however these days it’s all about how you present it.
It’s tough to read and digest huge blocks of print; I am reprinting it for you – it needs to be said, as often as possible.
Save that passion and anger and belief in collective action for the many days ahead:
‘Wharfie 9
19 January 2012 at 11:32 am
THE IMPACT OF OUTSOURCING –
The mention of the word itself raises serious concerns for current employees of any company where they thought they were secure in their employment.
The loss of job satisfaction, productivity, company loyalty and a threat to quality of life are some of the emotions I am sure people are faced with on hearing their future is at stake.
Outsourcing might assist the bottom line for companies but raises the bar in terms of risk for the worker.
********************Pike River is a classic example of where things can go badly wrong. With a large part of the operation contracted out shortcuts were taken and health and safety became secondary, the outcome was catastrophic for 29 families.
Dropping the contingency they carry is the main driver.
*********No annual leave, no sick, no ACC levies and certainly no voice.
As much as it grates against the grain of employers, the union movement sets the standard in ensuring workers are protected against harm in the workplace.
Union covered sites are known to be some of the safest environments for people to work in.
*********************These concerns had been raised and unfortunately come to fruition at the Pike River mine resulting in the worst mining disaster in New Zealand’s history.
Outsourcing has become very popular in particular with larger companies and corporations looking to maintain and increase the market share without carrying the additional cost to maximise future profit.
The risk is still there in loss of quality service and control over that service delivery because they no longer control the labour; also violations of confidentiality and intellectual property are real risks to companies that outsource. Any contractor will minimise input in terms of safe labour levels, this creates another industry where those removed by outsourcing are call upon to fix these situations because the skill is lacking.
Any improvement for people employed by contractors is very hard to achieve because in effect they are actually the contractor and there is a line that can’t be breached financially, so inevitably shortcuts and cost driven measures are put into play.
Most employees are gun shy and will not join a union for fear of reprisal or putting their jobs at risk. The bottom line is outsourcing drains wealth for the sake of profit.
Most advocates of outsourcing don’t consider the potential damage to their company with the risk of damage to their brand; it’s like taking a bath at the sewage plant saying I am saving on heating costs, the water is warm and no rates to pay like at home.
How can you simply trade of your biggest asset at the flick of a pen especially when your huge investment in that asset is giving a return? That is of course all any employee asks, RESPECT the investment I make and ACKNOWLEDGE IT BY SECURING MY FUTURE.
The human collateral damage is huge; families suffer at the hands of capitalism without conscience or thought given to the devastation within the family nucleus. It’s not very often you see outsourcing of the managerial tier, the boy’s club look after their own. It is always those on the bottom rung that have to step up and cop the hit whether it is redundancy or contracting out.
Outsourcing is said to be for people who have little patience and a lot of money.
The outcome for working-class people is to see wages and conditions driven down to compete; families suffer because without organized labour, maintaining a reasonable standard of income becomes next to impossible.
*************
The trade union movement will always rile against the outsourcing and undermining of our members livelihoods and for that matter the attack on working-class in general by corporations hell-bent on gaining a compliant workforce without basic workplace rights.
Reply
Good one Jum and wharfie, working together you have created a quality statement that would do well as a full post.
Just click on contribute icon at the top of the page or on the link below:
http://thestandard.org.nz/contribute-post/
I think the moderators will find a suitable photo or graphic to go with your post.
Jenny,
Up to you Wharfie; this is your baby.
http://sticknz.net/2010/10/22/a-solution-for-overseas-sales-of-agricultural-land-%E2%80%93-make-it-all-leasehold/
It really annoys me that people like David Mahon continue to harp on about the Chinese being attacked on land ownership because they’re Chinese. That’s rubbish.
Firstly, why would we seek to sell off freehold to a country that doesn’t allow its own land to be sold off?
Secondly, why would we allow any land to be sold off to anyone to make money out of it and that money transferred out of NZ? There is absolutely no intelligent thinking in that option.
Exporting earns international funds to balance our books. Selling our assets causes an imbalance in our books.
Even leasing out which this link suggests removes income from New Zealand once the initial lease price has been spent.
There must be some way to keep the vast bulk of the income from any investment in our country be it land or 42Below. Mining won’t do it; a low wage economy means little staying in the hands of NZ workers – 1% total isn’t it in monetary return for New Zealand for wrecking the land (nicely). That would be spent of course on tax cuts for those that don’t need it so they can buy up what’s left of our assets.
But it’s a good idea by Key to try to make New Zealanders feel guilty for something they are not guilty of – xenophobia. Then they’ll shut up about the loss of priceless income generation forever.
Where is Kiwi Bank (owned and capital fund supported regularly by NZ Post) finding est $50 million to $100 million to buy out Gareth Morgan, whose Kiwi Fund Management is shit poor.
Morgan gets it Tax free of course.
Whose paying – you and I the taxpayers are !!!!!
We are mugs.
Kiwibank would pay for it from the profits it makes I assume. It has made over 70 million in the last 2 years alone.
Also I would be very surprised if Gareth Morgan got the profits tax free. as a share trader any profits made by him through the sale of shares would be taxed. He may have some set-up which gets him out of it somehow but it would be something the ird would look at very closely
Capital gains on the value of a business are tax free mate.
Exactly like the tax free capital gains his son made when selling TradeMe.
yes its like clasping a viper to your bosom.
he will be in there doing due diligence and hey presto he will own the bloody thing next year.
just like the manager of POAL.
Lets be consistent – POAL manager is either a numb nutz as he has been described here, or now you are suggesting that he actually has some ability to work out some scheme to own POAL????
He’s a numb nuts if his goal is to create a healthy productive work environment where competitive improvements can be implemented by the workers. Clearly he’s incompetent at that.
However, he’s a scheming bastard if his goal is to engineer an excuse to break the union, help his former employer Maersk, and eventually position the port for partial privatisation.
No inconsistency there mate, just your lack of imagination.
Randal,
Yes, we know Gareth Morgan is not averse to asset sales. Kiwibank branches have been closed down in places which is against the original plan to be like the traditional post office was available to all and close enough to get to. When it has lost its advantage, the government will take that as an excuse to sell it. What am I saying!? They have never needed any excuse in the past to sell off our assets.
A claim doing the rounds of the righty blogs.
Someone here should be able to clarify or refute this?
Looking at the url for the source, and the commenter bringing it here, why bother? There’s a >80% chance that if I bother to look into it, it’ll be complete bullshit and I will sincerely regret wasting those five minutes of my life so thoroughly.
Petey g seeking to assist the left…..LOL.
that clam has been taken from a restricted area
Petition against SOPA:
If you want to sign go here:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet_action_center_b/?vl
Ooops – Jum beat me to it on ‘US Congress gets a Darwin award…’