A rather sobering article on the industrialisation of food production .While it has helped to end hunger and feed millions, it could very well end up killing us all through degradation of the environment and very poor nutritional qualities in the food thus produced.
Notable is the homogenisation of culture brought about by globalisation .Sorry , clunky writing …lack of sleep..
The idea of Ukrainian arms finding their way to the black market is a strongly-promoted Kremlin propaganda talking point, regularly found across Russian propaganda channels.
I notice your linked story contains no mention of Ukrainian arms, the Russian war in Ukraine, or even "Ukraine" whatsoever. So was the purpose of your comment to simply promote a Kremlin propaganda point?
Any war zone will likely leak arms, so would be better if Russia hadn't started this war. The war and its associated risks will end if Russia decides to return to its own borders.
The German Ministry of the Interior estimated in 2009 that the number of firearms in circulation, legally and illegally, could be up to 45 million.[3] Germany's National Gun Registry, introduced at the end of 2012, counted 5.5 million firearms in use, which are legally owned by 1.4 million people in the country.
Tory seats have been awarded significantly more money per person from the government’s £4bn levelling up fund than areas with similar levels of deprivation, a Guardian analysis has found.
The multibillion-dollar grants system used by MPs and federal ministers has become so politicised that Coalition-held seats around the country received more than $1.9 billion over three years while Labor electorates got just under $530 million.
A special analysis of more than 19,000 individual grants shows huge discrepancies among the nation’s 151 electorates, with a boundary line such as a road or a creek separating communities from potentially millions of dollars.
Sounds this has a similarity to the rotten boroughs of English history.
'rotten borough, depopulated election district that retains its original representation. The term was first applied by English parliamentary reformers of the early 19th century to such constituencies maintained by the crown or by an aristocratic patron to control seats in the House of Commons."
These ideas were good ten years ago, 7 years ago, 5 years ago and certainly 2.5 years ago. If the Labour party under Jacinda Arderns Leadership would have actually implemented just 'a' thing or 'two' of that list, like 'remove GST from Food', remove the relationship status out when people apply for unemployment or benefits, the removal of secondary tax on people who have more then one job to make ends meet etc etc etc- which has been discussed here many many times Labour might not have had a change in leadership and Labour as a Party would poll better then it seemingly does.
The problem for the new leadership now is that if they 'dump' three waters and the merger and promise to say remove GST from Food no one other then the party faithful who would/will vote for Labour no matter the leadership will support them.
Empty promises and bubbles of air feed no one, house no one, pays no ones bills. From we can do this, to lets keep moving, to where to now?
2.5 years of a full majority totally and absolutely squandered. And now back to 'please do this' and they will not because in the end they are ideologically not able to do so.
He was always at the right hand of Jacinda Ardern. He was part of her government. And he now can't really run from that Government and what they did not do. And that includes him.
So really if he wants to set himself up as his own person, he will have to start doing as promises are no longer believable.
He is in a very difficult position, a significant part of his caucus is hell bent on driving through everything on Jacinda's agenda and the rest want to stay in government, good luck managing that.
In your dreams! So far, the Labour Caucus has shown nothing but positivity and unified support for Hipkins. The divisive and fractious lot is looking at you, every morning.
Secondary tax has been removed with the tax codes now much more reflective of the current earning rates. That took effect a few years ago.
However, the downside is that people now working more than 1 job may potentially end up with a tax bill at the end of the year given that tax is based on the total annual earnings and tax is deducted accordingly. Under the old secondary system, most people often ended up with a refund at the end of the year, well that which wasnt first taken out by the tax intermediaries like Woohoo.
anyway, secondary tax is gone. Tax codes are “fairer”, but greater risk now of ending up with a tax bill rather than a refund.
Nothing changed there – I used to work for IRD in 2012-13, and secondary codes worked the same then as they do now right down to the brackets. The big "change" was that special tax codes were renamed tailored tax codes and pushed harder.
fair point. I might see if I can throw up a post with just the ideas in it. Some of them seem reasonable, some seem daft, mostly they seem unexplained. Also, 3 waters is really about the drains? Wut?
Tory scum were complicit in an attempt to silence Higgins and Bellingcat for their work in exposing Russian war crimes.
.
The UK government helped the boss of Russia’s murderous mercenary army to circumvent its own sanctions and launch a targeted legal attack on a British journalist, openDemocracy can reveal.
Yevgeny Prigozhin is the founder of Wagner, a private army that the US government last week announced it would designate a “transnational criminal organisation”, allowing it to impose even tougher sanctions on the group. For years it has been accused of human rights abuses and war crimes in Ukraine and across the world in support of Putin’s regime.
Sanctions introduced in the UK and Europe in 2020 were supposed to prevent anyone from doing business with Prigozhin. He had also been sanctioned in the US in 2018.
But a vast cache of hacked emails shows that, under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, the UK Treasury issued special licences in 2021 to let the oligarch override sanctions and launch an aggressive legal campaign against a journalist in the London courts.
So the guy running the FBI's cyber-counterintelligence in New York when Russia was allegedly trying to help Trump win was taking bribes from Trump’s campaign manager's business partner.
/
A former top FBI official in New York has been arrested over his ties to a Russian oligarch, law enforcement sources told ABC News Monday.
Charles McGonigal, who was the special agent in charge of counterintelligence in the FBI's New York Field Office, is under arrest over his ties to Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire who has been sanctioned by the United States and criminally charged last year with violating those sanctions.
I started an ongoing twitter thread on how many NZ food growers are regenag. If you have any examples, please let me know along with the location (am trying to prove that every area of NZ now has regenag)
Damien O'Connor has been very pro active in promoting the rural area I live in in the SI as a regen agriculture region, known for its progressive ecological approach to farming and food production .
We have dairy farmers who have reduced stocking rates, experimenting with different pasture species..back to clover..planted up waterways, local specialist cheese making .Even a fabulous bakery growing its own grain and supplying the local market with gorgeous sourdough breads
There is a learning centre for residential permaculture courses, the local community gardens also run well attended courses on organic food production.
A few reasonable size organic market gardens., supplying local families with boxes of vegetables each week
Our local US born millionaire (every community has one) is working with scientists to develop ways of reducing methane via seaweed
One of the attendees fought back tears. “Two-thirds of these apartments are singles or studios which means bedroom commuters who are not going to be a part of this community or have any connection,” she said.
“I love this f…ing village with all my heart and I don’t want to see it change.”
[…]
A woman in the crowd said she had been used to seeing the same houses on her daily commute and didn’t want the area to change.
“Can’t they build on green land that’s 10 minutes up the motorway? I don’t understand why they’re coming to Beach Haven, we’re not an apartment community,” she said.
Crispin Robertson, who organised the meeting, was also concerned that the area wasn’t right for young singles.
“There’s no supermarket or café here for them,” he said.
Some of those "old farts" might end up in one of those singles apartments towards that later part of their lives when they can no longer maintain a 3br house on a big section, but don't want to go into a 'senior's village".
Apartments are useful to people at many stages of their lives.
Apartments in the area would lead to a ready supply of young coupled up buyers wanting the bigger house,after a few years I'd expect ,that's if they still want to live in a place full of tossers
Utter drivel spewing from Luxon's mouth. Sad to know it's likely going to win him the election. But good too, because it will wake us up to a more accurate account of what we're really up against.
That you call it drivel spewing from Luxon's mouth is a non issue. But when fools like Carmel Sepuloni start talking about racism and misogyny, then Labour has an issue. Labour has been given a reprieve of sorts with Hipkins now the PM, but there seems to have been little learnt.
All Luxon said was basically there had not been a discussion around co governance and National did not support it.
[banned until 31/12/23. You’ve been warned multiple times including yesterday when I said you were on your last warning. This isn’t the place for inflammatory vague reckons. If you want to make an argument about MPs in an election year, you have to make the actual argument as well as support it with evidence. Here you are making casual assertions that require someone to follow up and the mods are no longer willing to waste our time on this when you’ve had plenty of chances – weka]
"A Black Out is an open invitation to Black Audiences to come and experience performances with their community. The evenings will provide a dedicated space for Black theatregoers to witness a show that reflects the vivid kaleidoscope that is the Black experience.
The following Black Out NAC will be the second curated play from BTW, Cheryl Foggo’s Heaven on May 5 in the Azrieli Studio. Black Out nights will be an ongoing engagement initiative, as NAC English Theatre plans to schedule more for the 2023-2024 season.
Creating evenings dedicated to Black theatregoers will allow for conversation and participation to be felt throughout the theatre and open the doors for Black-identifying audiences to experience the energy of the NAC with a shared sense of belonging and passion."
Is there nobody in such organisations pointing out the inherent racism? Or is funding linked to such promotions?
What is the racism problem they are solving here? Are Black Audience members unable to attend, or unsafe if they do? If not, why treat them like they are?
The inherent racism is:
1. Assuming that "Black Audiences" are unwilling or uncomfortable with theatre attendance because of the presence of non-black audience members,
2. That the "Black Audience" members all experience racism, and in the same way,
3. That "Black Audience" members do not have relationships outside of the "black audience" that they might want to socialise with,
4. … too demoralised to continue…
(BTW, this is not equatable to single-sex spaces. Women's spaces exist because of biological reality, and the statistical risk assessments that are there for safety, privacy and dignity.)
This is divisive, and both patronising and offensive. Segregation being excused as for all the "right reasons".
I can't see how you got to this being about solving racism, nor why you think any assumptions are being made about any of the numbered points (seriously, there's nothing in the article to suggest any of that). To me it looks much more like celebrating blackness.
A Black Out is an open invitation to Black Audiences to come and experience performances with their community. The evenings will provide a dedicated space for Black theatregoers to witness a show that reflects the vivid kaleidoscope that is the Black experience.
Women's spaces aren't solely about safety, privacy and dignity. Some women come together because of women's culture as a positive force. Lesbians used to have lesbian only spaces because they wanted to be with other lesbians. I've been in lot of different kinds of women's groups because there is a different energy and kaupapa that arises when women get together without men. This is a big part of why many women don't want trans identified males in their spaces, because it changes how groups function.
There's nothing wrong with segregation when people are doing it by choice, in this case Black people. And it doesn't harm non-black people to not go to the Black Out, any more than it harms trans women to not go to a women's conscious raising group. Or Pākehā not to be on the committee running a Marae.
Black people have the right to come together on their own terms and celebrate or engage with their culture as they choose. You say it is divisive, patronising and offensive, but you haven't explained this other than saying you believe it's all about racism even though they're not talking about racism. But even that doesn't explain the offense.
I understand you don't see it. Even as you excuse it.
That's a non-sequitur to the quote that precedes it, so I don't know what your point is or what you are referring to.
I'm not conflating women's spaces with black spaces, I'm saying that many groups of people can gather on their own terms without it being a bad thing, including women and black people.
You haven't explained how it's a bad thing for black people to have their own space, nor why it's ok for women but not black people. I did explain that women gather on their own for cultural reasons (women's culture), but you haven't offered any response to that, just told me what to not argue.
Weka, as you are aware, the single-space provisions for women that women are trying to protect are those where boundaries have been created – due to the biological realities of a female body. ie. sport, prison estates, toilets, hospital wards, changing facilities etc.
On top of that is collective groups of people – not government funded – who gather together because of shared interests, and do so on the basis of those interests. Lesbians – no longer are able to do so in Australia – and should be able to create those safe spaces for themselves, but this differs in that it is a group of people with shared interests coming together for themselves. Not a national theatre – funded by all.
The Vagina Monologues is an example. I don't recall it being advertised only to women, but the audience self-selected, and was mainly older women to whom it appealed.
(I'm more critical of this type of accommodation, because I consider the same unthinking actions taking place here. The creation of a Māori perspective and experience that pays no heed to reality or diversity.)
to put it another way, I'm asking you to explain your thinking more. eg, I can't see how you got to the Black Out being about solving racism. Can you please explain that?
What do you consider a good reason to divide an audience by race at a National theatre?
Whatever your answer is, it relates to a created idea of a "Black audience".
This created idea of assumed interests, needs, experiences, aspirations, achievements, social and familial connections is a mirage. People are much more diverse,
Put on more plays written from the wider perspectives of society, and welcome everyone in.
I think the Black Americans (in this case) can decide for themselves what works for them (in the same way women can). There is nothing in the article that even hints that all Black people would be served by this or want it, or that they somehow wouldn't want to also attend theatre of other kinds. Nothing.
Put on more plays written from the wider perspectives of society, and welcome everyone in.
what are wider perspectives of society? Don't we already have this?
Looking at the original text, the argument of exclusion depends on the word 'dedicated' , which is not the same as 'exclusive' or ‘only-for’. It could mean 'focussed', for example. It could mean striving for a safe place where difficult topics can be discussed without generating a twitter storm. The pudding is in the eating – who is let in the door. Who turns up determined to cause a fuss.
Chris Trotter was interviewed (I forget what I was listening too). And he was talking about the divisiveness of cogovernance, Hepuapua etc.
He then told a story about WW11 and a Navy boat birthing in South Africa. White sailors were told they could go ashore. Maori not. So none of the white sailors went ashore. One of my relatives (Pakeha) was on that boat. I was so proud of him. This is what unity is. Not these divisive race policies, largely born out of CRT
Do you mean that Black people, or Māori, should never have their own spaces? Because that's what it sounds like you just said. If Black Out theatre is wrong, is it wrong to have Marae? Or the Māori caucus in the Labour Party. Or the Māori seats in the general election.
Black people having their own theatre sometimes don't preclude also working or being in solidarity with people of euro descent.
A marae that didn't include my non-Māori partner on that basis, would be one I would also be critical of. Definitely wouldn't attend or support it.
Eventually, the time for the Māori caucas, and the Māori seats in the General election will be gone. Those spaces – even now – are not representative of the diverse view of Māori or of how a Māori world view is effectively accommodated in our governance. Many Māori have the same criticism of their "representatives" as non-Māori do of theirs. But those criticisms are ignored – because it is easy to accommodate the views expressed by the members of the Māori caucus, or the Māori Party, rather than canvas the views of all Māori.
Maori in NZ have their orgs and spaces. And black people in the US have their orgs, spaces and businesses, some even are billionaires. So that is not the question and that is not what i am commenting on.
Segregating people by sex is not quite the same as segregating people by color. We all have one of two sexes. A black woman is a woman first and foremost, even though that i have seen it stated that if black females are women so are the males who think that they are women. . But that is a logic that is somewhat racist.
I would totally segregate certain spaces by sex, as no female has ever impregnated a fellow female, nor are the myriads of issues with rape among female, or common assault or or or. The ethnicity or skin color of women does not come into play with that.
Black theatre has always existed. As has black music, black fashion, black food etc etc etc. In fact black art was/is hugely influential in modern art that came out of the white culture in the US/Europe. It was segregated before, but then came the 60 and that changed somewhat and i would argue we are able to have this discussion today because people actually lived, worked, and went to theatres together rather then in our own little gated communities governed by race.
I am conflicted about that easy passing segregation such as that. I would be equally conflicted if some white people would decide to have a white theatre production/venue – for white people only for the same reasons. Would we be able to discuss the need of young white people to just be among themselves and to share a sense of belonging and passion? Or would we call it racism? Racial Bias? etc?
And in the US there are many other times where they have these 'black people only' events on campus and public schools. I don't think it is good. I can understand the attraction, and the immediate benefits, but what if this is just a start and we suddenly find us again in a time where we go into our own gated by color of our skin communities being afraid of the other.
I am conflicted about that. I am not about segregation of the sexes. I have more in common with a female from Africa then i have in common with a white bloke from Europe/NZ.
Plenty of Māori or Black women will say they are Māori or Black first, before their femaleness.
Black Out isn't equivalent to us all living in our own segregated communities. It's an event, not a politically imposed segregation backed up by the forces of the state.
Regarding white people having their own spaces, two things. One is that white people belong to the dominant culture and often get their own spaces or things by default. But beyond that, sure, why not? Where it can be done in a non racist way.The problem we face is that we probably don’t know how to do that in a non-racist way.
Here's an example though. Why is it ok for women to have women's spaces that aren't about safety, privacy and dignity, but men aren't allowed the same? eg men's clubs. It's because as the power holder in society men used men's clubs to organise society and retain their power advantage. The only way to change that was to force them to admit women. But there's nothing inherently wrong with men wanting to spend time with men, hence men's sheds, men's groups and so on.
Segregation in the US up until the 50s and 60s was wrong because it was based in a system that deemed people of African descent to be inferior and have less rights than white people. The Black Out theatre isn't a reverse image of that, it's something different entirely, it's a cultural celebration or expression that comes about by choice.
As i said, I am just uncomfortable with self segregation what that is. And in the end, every tiny little bit of self segregation will and can eventually lead to the building of Ghettos. I am still of the mind that racism can only be defeated by sharing. Sharing culture, food, music, theatre, literature etc etc etc. Once we close the gate on those that may be interested we no longer serve the public. We serve a small lobby. And that always leads to isolation.
As for men having hospitals wards for males- totally for it, having prison cells for males – totally for it, having sports just for males – absolutely, having old folks home just for males, ditto, showers in swimming pools – yes, swimming hours just for men, why yes, Mensheds sponsored by government to help isolated males find a community and help with mental health, bring it, And you know what, they all have that already, and i doubt that they are scared of the 1.55 m female with a beard who needs to take a piss in the mens as otherwise their self identiy does not give some decent boost of euphoria.
I never was needy when it comes to private clubs of males, i always thought that the females should create their own places, but alas, the few that were created at least for the working class women – are now legally forced to admit males irrespective of the males ethnicity or color and in many cases are run by male. A certain womens club in the Green Party of Scotland comes to mind.
The issue with academic feminists is that they never know when it is enough.
Working class women that actually live in cramped places and have to share scarce resources i.e. toilets with males know what places they NEED segregated for their safety. And that is segregation by sex, not be creed, race, ethnicity.
Dignity and respect well that is a nice to have, but not a need to have purely in risk assesment, and they also accept that males need these spaces. This is not a me me me. Well not for the working class women who now have to share these few sex segregated spaces they achieved to gain over the last 200 years with any males who wonders in, consent be damned.
And i would like to point out that we do force gay males to accept Mangina in their spaces too, consent be damned, all in the name of inclusivity.
But maybe inclusivity is something that females have to give to males, and gay male and females have to give to some spicy pornified heterosexuals. And consent be damned.
No imported Truss-economy, no fighting US culture wars.
Let’s do us. Let’s solve Kiwi problems. Let’s be good friends. Very very good friends.
Let’s keep it simple. Let’s keep it fair. Do a good job and get to live a good life. Houses for living in. Cities for living in. A country for living in. Keep it clean, tidy Kiwis! A country to make a living in.
Though I like down home NZ focussed 'stuff aka perhaps known as oldfashioned! (Sorry retro sounds better)
No imported Truss-economy, no fighting US culture wars.
I wouldn't have this in or any reference to overseas anything. We are not fortress NZ but we are going along in our boat/waka, sailing it the way we want to
yeh I guess Let’s solve Kiwi problems addresses that enough. (But plenty of the issues we’ve had have been the importation of sovereign citizen/etc/etc framing of issues that shouldn’t be framed that way in NZ. You have to wonder why Hawaii is popular- promises broken again and again and again. And the idea of wokeness. What a useless and harmful term. )
Probably need to cut the very very good friends but too then- it’s a reference to Colin Powell and Helen Clark in the way aback says, but also goes well with showing pictures of us as a multicultural society and not afraid of being one.
Still- Let’s do us as a message is a rejection of importing unnecessary things…reflexive and theatrical lying in politics, violence in politics, anti-intellectualism to the point of discarding the scientific method for populism and water muddying, attacking the system not the policy, attacking public servants and particularly election volunteers…
Then that has to be reframed as the positives of our values which aren’t those things.
Let’s Do Us is everyone is essential. Fair reward for your work. Supporting our communities, our libraries, our swimming pools (Len Brown move there ), our coaches and volunteers, our clubs, our theatres and our artists. Supporting our outdoors. Supporting our farmers. Support equality of opportunity for our students and young jobseekers.
Typical RW response, ridicule & repeal anything remotely positive and resist & reject anything remotely progressive. You guys are just a bunch of laughs.
Now, now don’t be jealous at all this excitement for Labour!
though tbh I don’t know what gets your jollies, but you do you if that gets you as far along as a black and white Warehouse catalogue. It takes all sorts and who are we to judge…
As long as it isn’t next to a mug that says spread your legs I think it’s probably fine.
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Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8. The universe was ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
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. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
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. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
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. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
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. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
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. ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
Asia Pacific Report Ngāti Kahungunu in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region has become the first indigenous Māori iwi (tribe) to sign a resolution calling for a “ceasefire in Palestine”, reports Te Ao Māori News. Reporter Te Aniwaniwa Paterson talked to Te Otāne Huata, who has been organising peace rallies ...
By Dale Luma in Port Moresby “We want grants and not concessional loans,” is the crisp message from Papua New Guinea businesses directly affected by the Black Wednesday looting four months ago. The businesses, which lost millions after the January 10 rioting and looting, say they need grants as part ...
Happy May Day. Join a union. Q: What’s worse than a staff break room where the only place to sit and have a cup of tea is on a teetering stack of old pornography magazines? A: Your boss replacing the magazine stacks with chairs that are “heartily encrusted with ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Former opposition leader Matthew Wale has been announced as the second prime ministerial candidate ahead of the election in Solomon Islands tomorrow. He will face off against former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele, who was announced by the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation ...
We get but one birthday a year – why not make it last as long as possible by scheduling as many meals with friends and family as you can? This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate at ...
A Koi Tū discussion paper released today proposes sweeping changes to New Zealand’s media industry. The principal’s key author, Gavin Ellis, explains how journalists have a key role to play in making others value their role in society. This is an abridged version of a piece first published on knightlyviews.com ...
The Government’s spending cuts are again targeting support for Māori with proposed reform of the agency charged with advising on Māori wellbeing and development. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Douglas, Honorary Senior Lecturer, UNSW Aviation., UNSW Sydney The history of budget jet airlines in Australia is a long road littered with broken dreams. New entrants have consistently struggled to get a foothold. Low-cost carrier Bonza has just become the industry’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosalind Dixon, Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW Sydney Australia is finally having a sustained conversation about violence against women and what we can do about it. It is more than time. Australian women and girls continue to experience ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne stockfour/Shutterstock Preliminary bulk billing data released this week shows a 2.1% rise in bulk billing up to March. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Schulz, Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Australia is once again grappling with how we can stop gendered violence in our country. Protests over the weekend show there is enormous community anger over the number of women who are dying and National ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University AnastasiaDudka/Shutterstock What if the government was doing everything it could to stop thieves making off with our money, except the one thing that could really work? That’s how it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury The Conversation It seems to be a time of old favourites. This month our experts have recommended two new seasons – the second season of Alone Australia (although ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland A bright Eta Aquariid meteor photobombed this photo of comet C/2020 F8 (SWAN) in May 2020.Jonti Horner Meteors – commonly known as shooting stars – can be seen on any night of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Flannery, Honorary fellow, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Current concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere are unprecedented in human history. But CO₂ levels today, and those that might occur in coming decades, did occur millions of years ago. ...
Winston Peters has been keen to dismiss speculation on our involvement in Aukus but will give a speech tonight on the direction of our foreign policy, 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. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Usmar, Lecturer in Critical Media Literacies, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images With the coalition government’s ban of student mobile phones in New Zealand schools coming into effect this week, reaction has ranged from the sceptical (kids will just get ...
Hospitals around the country are not allowed to make a single hiring decision without the approval of Te Whatu Ora's head office, including for cleaners and administration staff. ...
A new report on protecting journalism and democracy in New Zealand recommends a levy be charged on global platforms like Facebook and Google to fund media firms undertaking public interest reporting. It also calls for the reinstatement of a powerful Broadcasting Commission to distribute public funding for journalism and other ...
On International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi and the wider union movement are celebrating the proud history of the labour movement during a tough time for working people. ...
From bills to beards, a walk through the former Green co-leader’s time in politics. After close to a decade in politics, James Shaw is preparing to bid farewell to parliament. Tonight will see the former minister deliver his valedictory address, certain to be a speech filled with Shaw’s trademark wit ...
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A rather sobering article on the industrialisation of food production .While it has helped to end hunger and feed millions, it could very well end up killing us all through degradation of the environment and very poor nutritional qualities in the food thus produced.
Notable is the homogenisation of culture brought about by globalisation .Sorry , clunky writing …lack of sleep..
The article is worth reading
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jan/23/endangered-foods-why-our-diet-is-narrower-than-ever-and-these-seven-foods-urgently-need-saving
The washing machine thieves hit a new low.
/
Russian occupiers have taken away all the equipment from Skadovsk Central Hospital in Kherson Oblast.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/russians-loot-hospital-skadovsk-140602238.html
Kind of stuff that may become more prevalent and more dangerous with truckloads of weapons available ex Ukraine available on the black market
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/23/five-charged-over-second-far-right-plot-to-overthrow-german-government
The idea of Ukrainian arms finding their way to the black market is a strongly-promoted Kremlin propaganda talking point, regularly found across Russian propaganda channels.
I notice your linked story contains no mention of Ukrainian arms, the Russian war in Ukraine, or even "Ukraine" whatsoever. So was the purpose of your comment to simply promote a Kremlin propaganda point?
Any war zone will likely leak arms, so would be better if Russia hadn't started this war. The war and its associated risks will end if Russia decides to return to its own borders.
There is evidence the Russian's are supporting their story by pretending to sell Ukrainian arms via fake sellers, while actual evidence is that so far Ukrainian weapons are not making their way to the black market.
Ukraine was the Eastern European mecca for illegal arms sales long before 2022
https://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/sierraleone/context.html
And the US has adnitted to the difficulties of tracking and auditing in a war zone
https://www.cato.org/commentary/state-dept-plan-track-weapons-ukraine-should-be-starting-point
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/02/ukraine-weapons-end-up-criminal-hands-says-interpol-chief-jurgen-stock
Valid points.
Are you as concerned about the flood of weapons from Russia currently entering Ukraine – often in the hands of poorly-paid conscripts?
Yes, I think all war zones leak weapons, and attract criminal elements
Another reason to avoid war if there are opportunities to do so
Northing but further trouble down the line and destruction of life comes from war
Germany is still awash with WWII firearms carefully put away in case they are needed and more modern ex-Eastern Block firearms after unification.
From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_control_in_Germany
Source: https://www.badische-zeitung.de/deutschland-1/45-millionen-waffen-sind-im-umlauf–12577725.html
The German Ministry of the Interior estimated in 2009 that the number of firearms in circulation, legally and illegally, could be up to 45 million.[3] Germany's National Gun Registry, introduced at the end of 2012, counted 5.5 million firearms in use, which are legally owned by 1.4 million people in the country.
Under tories everywhere fiddle everything.
.
Tory seats have been awarded significantly more money per person from the government’s £4bn levelling up fund than areas with similar levels of deprivation, a Guardian analysis has found.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/19/tory-seats-gain-more-4bn-levelling-up-fund-finds-analysis
The multibillion-dollar grants system used by MPs and federal ministers has become so politicised that Coalition-held seats around the country received more than $1.9 billion over three years while Labor electorates got just under $530 million.
A special analysis of more than 19,000 individual grants shows huge discrepancies among the nation’s 151 electorates, with a boundary line such as a road or a creek separating communities from potentially millions of dollars.
https://www.smh.com.au/interactive/2021/electorates-government-grants/
Sounds this has a similarity to the rotten boroughs of English history.
'rotten borough, depopulated election district that retains its original representation. The term was first applied by English parliamentary reformers of the early 19th century to such constituencies maintained by the crown or by an aristocratic patron to control seats in the House of Commons."
https://www.britannica.com/topic/rotten-borough
Well done the Guardian. I heard these figures reported on the BBC the other day (BBC 5 Live radio).
The BBC political reporter entirely ignored the significance. Terrible bias.
I know I'm guilty of moaning about Bomber at TDB's writing style, but when he's lucid, he can make a lot of sense.
If you skip the ranty intro, these ideas seem pretty good:
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2023/01/24/how-chippy-wins-2023-election/
These ideas were good ten years ago, 7 years ago, 5 years ago and certainly 2.5 years ago. If the Labour party under Jacinda Arderns Leadership would have actually implemented just 'a' thing or 'two' of that list, like 'remove GST from Food', remove the relationship status out when people apply for unemployment or benefits, the removal of secondary tax on people who have more then one job to make ends meet etc etc etc- which has been discussed here many many times Labour might not have had a change in leadership and Labour as a Party would poll better then it seemingly does.
The problem for the new leadership now is that if they 'dump' three waters and the merger and promise to say remove GST from Food no one other then the party faithful who would/will vote for Labour no matter the leadership will support them.
Empty promises and bubbles of air feed no one, house no one, pays no ones bills. From we can do this, to lets keep moving, to where to now?
2.5 years of a full majority totally and absolutely squandered. And now back to 'please do this' and they will not because in the end they are ideologically not able to do so.
Chippy is between a rock and a hard place.
He is there on his own choosing.
He was always at the right hand of Jacinda Ardern. He was part of her government. And he now can't really run from that Government and what they did not do. And that includes him.
So really if he wants to set himself up as his own person, he will have to start doing as promises are no longer believable.
He is in a very difficult position, a significant part of his caucus is hell bent on driving through everything on Jacinda's agenda and the rest want to stay in government, good luck managing that.
In your dreams! So far, the Labour Caucus has shown nothing but positivity and unified support for Hipkins. The divisive and fractious lot is looking at you, every morning.
Secondary tax has been removed with the tax codes now much more reflective of the current earning rates. That took effect a few years ago.
However, the downside is that people now working more than 1 job may potentially end up with a tax bill at the end of the year given that tax is based on the total annual earnings and tax is deducted accordingly. Under the old secondary system, most people often ended up with a refund at the end of the year, well that which wasnt first taken out by the tax intermediaries like Woohoo.
anyway, secondary tax is gone. Tax codes are “fairer”, but greater risk now of ending up with a tax bill rather than a refund.
Nothing changed there – I used to work for IRD in 2012-13, and secondary codes worked the same then as they do now right down to the brackets. The big "change" was that special tax codes were renamed tailored tax codes and pushed harder.
T'is funny cause IRD says that:
If you have more than one source of income you use a secondary tax code for your other income.27/09/2021
Tax codes for individuals – Inland Revenue
Can you link to where it says that secondary tax is gone?
What's the evidence for this?
I'm not sure either, maybe just Bomber's reckonz. I'd skim past the rant and go straight to the ideas.
fair point. I might see if I can throw up a post with just the ideas in it. Some of them seem reasonable, some seem daft, mostly they seem unexplained. Also, 3 waters is really about the drains? Wut?
An FTT hits poor as well as rich. A Wealth Tax or a Land Tax would be better.
Smashing the supermarket duopoly is pretty damn hard in a small country like NZ where Aldi and Lidl have no intention of coming here.
Tory scum were complicit in an attempt to silence Higgins and Bellingcat for their work in exposing Russian war crimes.
.
The UK government helped the boss of Russia’s murderous mercenary army to circumvent its own sanctions and launch a targeted legal attack on a British journalist, openDemocracy can reveal.
Yevgeny Prigozhin is the founder of Wagner, a private army that the US government last week announced it would designate a “transnational criminal organisation”, allowing it to impose even tougher sanctions on the group. For years it has been accused of human rights abuses and war crimes in Ukraine and across the world in support of Putin’s regime.
Sanctions introduced in the UK and Europe in 2020 were supposed to prevent anyone from doing business with Prigozhin. He had also been sanctioned in the US in 2018.
But a vast cache of hacked emails shows that, under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, the UK Treasury issued special licences in 2021 to let the oligarch override sanctions and launch an aggressive legal campaign against a journalist in the London courts.
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/prigozhin-government-russia-ukraine-hack-libel-slapp/
So the guy running the FBI's cyber-counterintelligence in New York when Russia was allegedly trying to help Trump win was taking bribes from Trump’s campaign manager's business partner.
/
A former top FBI official in New York has been arrested over his ties to a Russian oligarch, law enforcement sources told ABC News Monday.
Charles McGonigal, who was the special agent in charge of counterintelligence in the FBI's New York Field Office, is under arrest over his ties to Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire who has been sanctioned by the United States and criminally charged last year with violating those sanctions.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/former-fbi-official-charles-mcgonigal-arrested-ties-russian/story?id=96609658
But her emails.
/
https://twitter.com/KaivanShroff/status/1617613877868662785
I started an ongoing twitter thread on how many NZ food growers are regenag. If you have any examples, please let me know along with the location (am trying to prove that every area of NZ now has regenag)
https://twitter.com/wekatweets/status/1617656178988961793
Damien O'Connor has been very pro active in promoting the rural area I live in in the SI as a regen agriculture region, known for its progressive ecological approach to farming and food production .
We have dairy farmers who have reduced stocking rates, experimenting with different pasture species..back to clover..planted up waterways, local specialist cheese making .Even a fabulous bakery growing its own grain and supplying the local market with gorgeous sourdough breads
There is a learning centre for residential permaculture courses, the local community gardens also run well attended courses on organic food production.
A few reasonable size organic market gardens., supplying local families with boxes of vegetables each week
Our local US born millionaire (every community has one) is working with scientists to develop ways of reducing methane via seaweed
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/300790390/coastal-residents-plot-to-stop-apartments-railing-against-bedroom-commuters
The nimbis are revolting, with support from nationals bodies!
Nimbyest nimbys ever.
Some of those "old farts" might end up in one of those singles apartments towards that later part of their lives when they can no longer maintain a 3br house on a big section, but don't want to go into a 'senior's village".
Apartments are useful to people at many stages of their lives.
Apartments in the area would lead to a ready supply of young coupled up buyers wanting the bigger house,after a few years I'd expect ,that's if they still want to live in a place full of tossers
National bodies support intensification….the proposed development is a good example of this.
Failing to intensify will mean residences sprawling all over the landscape in a non-sustainable manner.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300790925/live-divisive-and-immature-conversation-christopher-luxon-takes-on-cogovernance-in-rtana-speech
Utter drivel spewing from Luxon's mouth. Sad to know it's likely going to win him the election. But good too, because it will wake us up to a more accurate account of what we're really up against.
That you call it drivel spewing from Luxon's mouth is a non issue. But when fools like Carmel Sepuloni start talking about racism and misogyny, then Labour has an issue. Labour has been given a reprieve of sorts with Hipkins now the PM, but there seems to have been little learnt.
All Luxon said was basically there had not been a discussion around co governance and National did not support it.
[banned until 31/12/23. You’ve been warned multiple times including yesterday when I said you were on your last warning. This isn’t the place for inflammatory vague reckons. If you want to make an argument about MPs in an election year, you have to make the actual argument as well as support it with evidence. Here you are making casual assertions that require someone to follow up and the mods are no longer willing to waste our time on this when you’ve had plenty of chances – weka]
mod note.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/130089544/bankrupt-builder-who-admitted-over-300000-in-tax-fraud-avoids-jail-by-small-margin
If it were benefit fraud the chap would've got 2 and a half years.
Nah – much more
The "progressive" solution in Canada:
1, Inaccurately identify a problem;
2. Solve by divisive means.
https://nac-cna.ca/en/stories/story/black-out-nac
Is there nobody in such organisations pointing out the inherent racism? Or is funding linked to such promotions?
which is? It's not immediately obvious what you mean
Would you argue against women's theatre and women-only audience?
Please explain the inherent racism, as again, it's not immediately obvious what you mean.
What is the racism problem they are solving here? Are Black Audience members unable to attend, or unsafe if they do? If not, why treat them like they are?
The inherent racism is:
1. Assuming that "Black Audiences" are unwilling or uncomfortable with theatre attendance because of the presence of non-black audience members,
2. That the "Black Audience" members all experience racism, and in the same way,
3. That "Black Audience" members do not have relationships outside of the "black audience" that they might want to socialise with,
4. … too demoralised to continue…
(BTW, this is not equatable to single-sex spaces. Women's spaces exist because of biological reality, and the statistical risk assessments that are there for safety, privacy and dignity.)
This is divisive, and both patronising and offensive. Segregation being excused as for all the "right reasons".
I can't see how you got to this being about solving racism, nor why you think any assumptions are being made about any of the numbered points (seriously, there's nothing in the article to suggest any of that). To me it looks much more like celebrating blackness.
Women's spaces aren't solely about safety, privacy and dignity. Some women come together because of women's culture as a positive force. Lesbians used to have lesbian only spaces because they wanted to be with other lesbians. I've been in lot of different kinds of women's groups because there is a different energy and kaupapa that arises when women get together without men. This is a big part of why many women don't want trans identified males in their spaces, because it changes how groups function.
There's nothing wrong with segregation when people are doing it by choice, in this case Black people. And it doesn't harm non-black people to not go to the Black Out, any more than it harms trans women to not go to a women's conscious raising group. Or Pākehā not to be on the committee running a Marae.
Black people have the right to come together on their own terms and celebrate or engage with their culture as they choose. You say it is divisive, patronising and offensive, but you haven't explained this other than saying you believe it's all about racism even though they're not talking about racism. But even that doesn't explain the offense.
"Black people have the right to come together on their own terms and celebrate or engage with their culture as they choose. "
I understand you don't see it. Even as you excuse it.
This is not the same as women's spaces. Please don't conflate the two issues.
That's a non-sequitur to the quote that precedes it, so I don't know what your point is or what you are referring to.
I'm not conflating women's spaces with black spaces, I'm saying that many groups of people can gather on their own terms without it being a bad thing, including women and black people.
You haven't explained how it's a bad thing for black people to have their own space, nor why it's ok for women but not black people. I did explain that women gather on their own for cultural reasons (women's culture), but you haven't offered any response to that, just told me what to not argue.
Weka, as you are aware, the single-space provisions for women that women are trying to protect are those where boundaries have been created – due to the biological realities of a female body. ie. sport, prison estates, toilets, hospital wards, changing facilities etc.
On top of that is collective groups of people – not government funded – who gather together because of shared interests, and do so on the basis of those interests. Lesbians – no longer are able to do so in Australia – and should be able to create those safe spaces for themselves, but this differs in that it is a group of people with shared interests coming together for themselves. Not a national theatre – funded by all.
The Vagina Monologues is an example. I don't recall it being advertised only to women, but the audience self-selected, and was mainly older women to whom it appealed.
(I'm more critical of this type of accommodation, because I consider the same unthinking actions taking place here. The creation of a Māori perspective and experience that pays no heed to reality or diversity.)
to put it another way, I'm asking you to explain your thinking more. eg, I can't see how you got to the Black Out being about solving racism. Can you please explain that?
What do you consider a good reason to divide an audience by race at a National theatre?
Whatever your answer is, it relates to a created idea of a "Black audience".
This created idea of assumed interests, needs, experiences, aspirations, achievements, social and familial connections is a mirage. People are much more diverse,
Put on more plays written from the wider perspectives of society, and welcome everyone in.
I think the Black Americans (in this case) can decide for themselves what works for them (in the same way women can). There is nothing in the article that even hints that all Black people would be served by this or want it, or that they somehow wouldn't want to also attend theatre of other kinds. Nothing.
what are wider perspectives of society? Don't we already have this?
"…what are wider perspectives of society? Don't we already have this?"
Yes.
Looking at the original text, the argument of exclusion depends on the word 'dedicated' , which is not the same as 'exclusive' or ‘only-for’. It could mean 'focussed', for example. It could mean striving for a safe place where difficult topics can be discussed without generating a twitter storm. The pudding is in the eating – who is let in the door. Who turns up determined to cause a fuss.
Chris Trotter was interviewed (I forget what I was listening too). And he was talking about the divisiveness of cogovernance, Hepuapua etc.
He then told a story about WW11 and a Navy boat birthing in South Africa. White sailors were told they could go ashore. Maori not. So none of the white sailors went ashore. One of my relatives (Pakeha) was on that boat. I was so proud of him. This is what unity is. Not these divisive race policies, largely born out of CRT
Do you mean that Black people, or Māori, should never have their own spaces? Because that's what it sounds like you just said. If Black Out theatre is wrong, is it wrong to have Marae? Or the Māori caucus in the Labour Party. Or the Māori seats in the general election.
Black people having their own theatre sometimes don't preclude also working or being in solidarity with people of euro descent.
A marae that didn't include my non-Māori partner on that basis, would be one I would also be critical of. Definitely wouldn't attend or support it.
Eventually, the time for the Māori caucas, and the Māori seats in the General election will be gone. Those spaces – even now – are not representative of the diverse view of Māori or of how a Māori world view is effectively accommodated in our governance. Many Māori have the same criticism of their "representatives" as non-Māori do of theirs. But those criticisms are ignored – because it is easy to accommodate the views expressed by the members of the Māori caucus, or the Māori Party, rather than canvas the views of all Māori.
segregation is great again!
women can female spaces but black people can't have black spaces? What about Māori, is it ok for Māori to have their own spaces and organisations?
Maori in NZ have their orgs and spaces. And black people in the US have their orgs, spaces and businesses, some even are billionaires. So that is not the question and that is not what i am commenting on.
Segregating people by sex is not quite the same as segregating people by color. We all have one of two sexes. A black woman is a woman first and foremost, even though that i have seen it stated that if black females are women so are the males who think that they are women. . But that is a logic that is somewhat racist.
I would totally segregate certain spaces by sex, as no female has ever impregnated a fellow female, nor are the myriads of issues with rape among female, or common assault or or or. The ethnicity or skin color of women does not come into play with that.
Black theatre has always existed. As has black music, black fashion, black food etc etc etc. In fact black art was/is hugely influential in modern art that came out of the white culture in the US/Europe. It was segregated before, but then came the 60 and that changed somewhat and i would argue we are able to have this discussion today because people actually lived, worked, and went to theatres together rather then in our own little gated communities governed by race.
I am conflicted about that easy passing segregation such as that. I would be equally conflicted if some white people would decide to have a white theatre production/venue – for white people only for the same reasons. Would we be able to discuss the need of young white people to just be among themselves and to share a sense of belonging and passion? Or would we call it racism? Racial Bias? etc?
And in the US there are many other times where they have these 'black people only' events on campus and public schools. I don't think it is good. I can understand the attraction, and the immediate benefits, but what if this is just a start and we suddenly find us again in a time where we go into our own gated by color of our skin communities being afraid of the other.
I am conflicted about that. I am not about segregation of the sexes. I have more in common with a female from Africa then i have in common with a white bloke from Europe/NZ.
Plenty of Māori or Black women will say they are Māori or Black first, before their femaleness.
Black Out isn't equivalent to us all living in our own segregated communities. It's an event, not a politically imposed segregation backed up by the forces of the state.
Regarding white people having their own spaces, two things. One is that white people belong to the dominant culture and often get their own spaces or things by default. But beyond that, sure, why not? Where it can be done in a non racist way.The problem we face is that we probably don’t know how to do that in a non-racist way.
Here's an example though. Why is it ok for women to have women's spaces that aren't about safety, privacy and dignity, but men aren't allowed the same? eg men's clubs. It's because as the power holder in society men used men's clubs to organise society and retain their power advantage. The only way to change that was to force them to admit women. But there's nothing inherently wrong with men wanting to spend time with men, hence men's sheds, men's groups and so on.
Segregation in the US up until the 50s and 60s was wrong because it was based in a system that deemed people of African descent to be inferior and have less rights than white people. The Black Out theatre isn't a reverse image of that, it's something different entirely, it's a cultural celebration or expression that comes about by choice.
As i said, I am just uncomfortable with self segregation what that is. And in the end, every tiny little bit of self segregation will and can eventually lead to the building of Ghettos. I am still of the mind that racism can only be defeated by sharing. Sharing culture, food, music, theatre, literature etc etc etc. Once we close the gate on those that may be interested we no longer serve the public. We serve a small lobby. And that always leads to isolation.
As for men having hospitals wards for males- totally for it, having prison cells for males – totally for it, having sports just for males – absolutely, having old folks home just for males, ditto, showers in swimming pools – yes, swimming hours just for men, why yes, Mensheds sponsored by government to help isolated males find a community and help with mental health, bring it, And you know what, they all have that already, and i doubt that they are scared of the 1.55 m female with a beard who needs to take a piss in the mens as otherwise their self identiy does not give some decent boost of euphoria.
I never was needy when it comes to private clubs of males, i always thought that the females should create their own places, but alas, the few that were created at least for the working class women – are now legally forced to admit males irrespective of the males ethnicity or color and in many cases are run by male. A certain womens club in the Green Party of Scotland comes to mind.
The issue with academic feminists is that they never know when it is enough.
Working class women that actually live in cramped places and have to share scarce resources i.e. toilets with males know what places they NEED segregated for their safety. And that is segregation by sex, not be creed, race, ethnicity.
Dignity and respect well that is a nice to have, but not a need to have purely in risk assesment, and they also accept that males need these spaces. This is not a me me me. Well not for the working class women who now have to share these few sex segregated spaces they achieved to gain over the last 200 years with any males who wonders in, consent be damned.
And i would like to point out that we do force gay males to accept Mangina in their spaces too, consent be damned, all in the name of inclusivity.
But maybe inclusivity is something that females have to give to males, and gay male and females have to give to some spicy pornified heterosexuals. And consent be damned.
Jacinda's last speech as PM will be at Rātana Pā today.
Watch: Chris Hipkins and Jacinda Ardern speak at Rātana Pā | RNZ News
Election slogan- Let’s Do Us.
No imported Truss-economy, no fighting US culture wars.
Let’s do us. Let’s solve Kiwi problems. Let’s be good friends. Very very good friends.
Let’s keep it simple. Let’s keep it fair. Do a good job and get to live a good life. Houses for living in. Cities for living in. A country for living in. Keep it clean, tidy Kiwis! A country to make a living in.
Let’s do us.
Two ticks Labour.
I like it!
Though I like down home NZ focussed 'stuff aka perhaps known as oldfashioned! (Sorry retro sounds better)
No imported Truss-economy, no fighting US culture wars.I wouldn't have this in or any reference to overseas anything. We are not fortress NZ but we are going along in our boat/waka, sailing it the way we want to
yeh I guess Let’s solve Kiwi problems addresses that enough. (But plenty of the issues we’ve had have been the importation of sovereign citizen/etc/etc framing of issues that shouldn’t be framed that way in NZ. You have to wonder why Hawaii is popular- promises broken again and again and again. And the idea of wokeness. What a useless and harmful term. )
Probably need to cut the very very good friends but too then- it’s a reference to Colin Powell and Helen Clark in the way aback says, but also goes well with showing pictures of us as a multicultural society and not afraid of being one.
Still- Let’s do us as a message is a rejection of importing unnecessary things…reflexive and theatrical lying in politics, violence in politics, anti-intellectualism to the point of discarding the scientific method for populism and water muddying, attacking the system not the policy, attacking public servants and particularly election volunteers…
Then that has to be reframed as the positives of our values which aren’t those things.
Let’s Do Us is everyone is essential. Fair reward for your work. Supporting our communities, our libraries, our swimming pools (Len Brown move there ), our coaches and volunteers, our clubs, our theatres and our artists. Supporting our outdoors. Supporting our farmers. Support equality of opportunity for our students and young jobseekers.
slightly off the thread now…but yeh
Newsense!
Let's do this….yes
Lets Do Us, you might want to rethink that….
Typical RW response, ridicule & repeal anything remotely positive and resist & reject anything remotely progressive. You guys are just a bunch of laughs.
Really?
You might want to ask a few of your friends what springs to mind when you shout " Let's Do Us!"
My friends are older than 13.
and they're not behind the bike sheds.
Thanks for your feedback, do you think many 11 year olds will be voting in October?
We gotta cover all the demographics you understand.
Now, now don’t be jealous at all this excitement for Labour!
though tbh I don’t know what gets your jollies, but you do you if that gets you as far along as a black and white Warehouse catalogue. It takes all sorts and who are we to judge…
As long as it isn’t next to a mug that says spread your legs I think it’s probably fine.