Even when the National Party get dragged kicking and screaming into doing stuff for the public good the proposal ends up being under-cooked and needs to be expanded later for more cost.
The CRL has already been shown that the original plans, as agreed by the dear leader J Key, would hit capacity in 2035, just 10 years after it opened. Luckily we have such wonderful people in power now, with Goff and Tyford pushing for agreement at Council and Cabinet to increase the size now whilst still building to push the capacity up
They need to SLOW Auckland population growth especially as it is on the back of minimally and low waged workers immigrating here and the amount of consents for dirty trucks crossing through Auckland for decades.
Cheap workers are great for all the 1% multinational businesses making more profits, driving up commercial rents and housing, but how are the existing ratepayers (past down to renters) supposed to find the extra money on top of the petrol taxes, for the tourist highway to CBD and SkyCity stops for all these new people?
Likewise if we have half a million people coming into Auckland on $20 p/h and expected to pay $9 or even negative taxes, while pushing down wages, or satellite families for children/elderly, it’s putting more strain on the rest of the country to raise the taxes for all the roads, transport, hospitals, schools, super….
I’m not blaming the people coming, I’m just pointing out having more people to benefit the 1%, while the 60% of low waged workers are worse off, might not be a winning strategy. Nor spending billions in infrastructure so that there is another liquor store and takeaway and broken down truck venture delivering to them, or truck and trailer of fill or chickens going backwards and forwards for decades through Auckland, or more million dollars apartments for Singapore investors rented to Aucklander’s (using accomodation supplements from government), on the Auckland landscape.
None of these favoured NZ ventures is long term gain to the country, or going to grow productivity and create long term prosperity, quite the opposite, increasing inequality!
Perhaps time for council to rethink strategy towards higher waged, higher tax paying, more sustainable business (aka high tech or green tech) being the focus for growth in Auckland…
And with 4 degrees of warming – what are all those tens of thousands of people transported into the central city going to be doing?
Is it possible that we are now solving the problem that should have been solved immediately post-WWII? And while the craft beer drinkers and film festival attendees think it’s really marvellous, it’s got little to do with our actual future?
“It’s been happening to me too. Really concerning….”
Was this after this? Sanctuary said; “I was listening to Winston Peters this morning on Radio NZ being interviewed as acting PM, and I found myself nodding in agreement…”
There is a simple answer to the temporary condition that you are currently suffering from; it is that you are clearly hearing ‘common sense here’ from NZF Leader & Acting PM Peters.
So, y’know, apart from walking into someone’s dwelling, and also allowing for privacy/lack of disturbance (eg no right to traipse through someone’s garden), legislate that people can traverse land.
Other exceptions might be recognised visitor attractions that normally charge an entry fee and bumbling straight through a farmer’s crop (walk around the edge of such fields).
The interesting point about the Hunter Valley case, that nobody seems to be picking up on (or is willfully ignoring), is that there is access to that conservation land already, via marginal strip. That provides for walking access. But no, people are no longer satisfied with walking access, they want to be able to drive their SUVs wherever they please, because they think that is their right – hence pushing for an easement on the 40kms of gravel road.
The Cochrane family, who had the lease before Matt Lauer, actually had more restrictive access over Hunter Valley Station, so the change of ownership has been a good thing for public access. Of course, because Lauer is American, there is no mention of that.
Thanks for that info, Sam C, re the marginal strip access and the previous lease. I agree with your comments re people wanting more than walking access, eg SUVs etc – and also with B Waghorn’s wonderfully worded one “But having slack jawed morons wandering around farms is a recipe for disaster.”
I was interested in Peters’ views this morning on RNZ suggesting that the OIO did not do its work properly.
RNZ actually has a several separate articles up on their website this morning re the Hunter Valley situation and Matt Lauer. Here is the link to the one about Peters’ view on the OIO – which has links to the other two articles today and some previous ones in the Related Articles column on the right.
We can point out that the government hasn’t done their job properly in that they’ve opened NZ land up for sale to non-citizens. That should never have happened.
The Hunter Valley Road is the only viable access to the Hawea Conservation Park, which is part of the publicly owned conservation estate. Few people are prepared to walk up 40 km of gravel road through a sheep station so that they can get to public land. Winston was right to criticize the sale of crown land to Lauer without proper access to Hawea and the OIO’s decision but whether words will lead to action is questionable. Scandinavian countries have extensive ‘right to roam’ rules over private land (reference to Bill’s question above) that are centuries old and part of the culture there. Don’t think they would work in NZ, perhaps because we have a higher percentage of dickheads. One of the reasons for getting to remote places like Hawea is to get away from them!
There is plenty of publicly owned conservation estate all over NZ that few people are prepared to walk to. And long may that last. Keeps the dickheads out and allows those of us prepared to put the hard yards in to enjoy it, without half of Queenstown dropping their litter and shitting in the creek beds.
Not so straight forward the road is a shifting dirt track farm road.
With dangerous river crossings that can’t be walked.
Any one can get permission to use this road.
But not when farming safety and flooding.
It would be far quicker and safer to use a boat to get to the head of lake Hawea.
Only very experienced Bush trekkers can safely access the Hunter Valley conservation area.
Let’s not get carried away
You are right Sam but my understanding is that this is not true in all cases. Perhaps this is only true for all MS’s created after the 1987 Conservation Act?
Marginal strips have not been recognised on many Crown Pastoral Lease properties until they went through tenure review when they are identified and mapped.
I have know problem with easements to get people to beaches and national parks . And could live with it being forced if agreement can’t be reached .
But having slack jawed morons wandering around farms is a recipe for disaster .
When my stroke hit me in 2005 i was at a batch in Lake Waikaremoana with no internet or phone line available, I couldnt even lift a cup up and put it down but luckily I had some ‘asprin and Niacin’ to thin my blood and dialate my blood vessels and arteries respectively, and by me actually hitting myself for most of the night on niacin that caused a lot of ‘flushing’ (a hot pin pricking feeling) by moring I could walk again and had a good chance of partical recovery until by two days later when my doctor gave me a ‘chelation’ iv using (EDTA) to assist to partically unblock my clot that caused my sroke.
I tried the usual route here;
After spending five hours at the hostpital the day after the stroke all that netted me was only having a CT scan and no treatment for my stroke.
I was forced to go to my doctor three days after the incident for effective treatment.
So if you my friend or anyone does wind up like i did; – please look for immeadiate solutioins and not just wait to get some service at the Hospital days later; – as the literature said get treatment quickly, -and if stroke/high blood pressure prone please always carry some genuine asprin (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (not disprin) and niacin (B3) with you always.
Only acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) thins the blood as vinegar does but the other painkillers do not if they dont contain acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as most are sythetically produced and are not from natural ingredients.
Facial drooping: A section of the face, usually only on one side, that is drooping and hard to move. This can be recognized by a crooked smile.
Arm weakness: The inability to raise one’s arm fully
Speech difficulties: An inability or difficulty to understand or produce speech
Time: If any of the symptoms above are showing, time is of the essence; call the emergency services or go to the hospital.
Tough situation – sounds like you did really well.
After my heart attack last year I’ve been wondering what the future holds as mum had an early heart attack and then 10 years later the strokes started – probably 6 over 9 years till the last one took her out.
I’m hoping the meds and exercise as well as reduced stress ☺ will help keep it all at bay at least until the kids are old enough to remember me.
This, mixed with the heavy influence of gospel music sung throughout Australian missionaries, formed a new wave of stories that told tales of dispossession, rebellion and heartache that faced black Australians. Aboriginal Country Music became its own style of music.
cg, I was a big fan of Dylan in the late 60s, and 70s. So I am very familiar with that album, and part of why I included him as an alt-country artist. And yes, Nashville Skyline mainstreams country in his songs.
Also includes Girl from the North Country, which was first included in an earlier album, freewheelin Dylan:
Re benefit sanctions and simon wanting to re introduce them. Spoke to someone who went to the WINZ last week, things have changed there she said. Poor woman ended up having a break down at the office due to stresses in her life. Her case worker listened, supported her, gave her advice and direction on how to get help and counseling. Case worker told her not to worry about looking for work for the next couple of weeks, because it is more important for her to get help for her stresses etc. Case worker then contacted her a couple of days later just to make sure she was ok.
Some people have difficulty looking for work because they are so messed up, due to other factors in their life, that’s what they need support and help for. Warmed my heart to hear this story. Sometimes people just need to know that someone cares and wants to help them, sometimes this is more important than anything else.
Taking things away (ie benefit sanctions) from someone who is already suffering helps no one. Not everyone is lazy, some people are simply messed up and need professional help.
Have WINZ staff been retrained under our new government? Or did the woman just get lucky with an understanding case manager?
Good to hear that Cinny. And I have had a similar experience with the WINZ Seniors staff over the last month or so. A marked difference in attitude and help provided.
In my experience in the last 8-10 or so years, there was a marked difference in approach between WINZ staff dealing with those under 65 and staff dealing with those on Super. (I did some ad hoc voluntary advocacy for people with mental health issues on benefits for some years; then had to give up work for health/disability reasons myself two years short of 65 and was a beneficiary once my savings ran out; and then transitioned onto Super.)
IMHO this differential declined somewhat over the last few years as they also drastically cut the number of Super staff available for face to face appointments (here in Wellington anyway) – meaning that you had to wait weeks for a face to face appointment and then the case manager was under so much pressure that the appointment would be rushed and superficial – and things would not get sorted properly.
About six weeks ago I was in one of those awful situations where a whole lot of things happened at once (broken appliances, a broken car, and me needing emergency dental surgery and other related dental treatment) and I was under massive physical and financial stress. I had a meltdown on the phone to WINZ Super staff. The (senior) person I was talking to was marvelous, talked me down etc and within days I had a $300 grant for some of the dental work plus loans for the rest and for fixing the car etc, and a personal case manager. The senior person has also been in contact with me several times and I have their direct contact details plus those of my case manager. Some outstanding matters (eg my and my doctors’ applications for disability allowance for the last few years) are now slowly getting sorted.
The attitude etc of the people I have dealt with recently has been so much better than in the past. I have asked them whether they have been receiving training etc – they were reticent in their responses but the difference is marked! I have also complimented them on it and strongly expressed hope that the empathy and help that I received is also being applied to beneficiaries under 65 years of age etc.
V.V, thanks for sharing, that was fascinating and encouraging. I’m really happy for you. Long may the ‘new attitude’ at WINZ continue and improve.
Someone caring and treating another with compassion and understanding goes a long long way. It’s heart warming to hear such stories, life changing, life saving even.
I was astounded and impressed buy Obrians nuanced take on sanctions ie one that punishes a woman for not naming the father is worse than other sanctions .
Even garner was calling national out for going been bashing to try and get some air time.
I agree with you Bewildered, however, one can take a look at the person as a whole, on a case by case basis, and offer some hope. Such actions would be more beneficial to all than treating someone as number on a sheet that gets a tick next to it if they get a job and worries about whatever else is going on for them.
No point helping someone get a job if they are a bit messed up, and as a result they end up failing in the job, unable to hold it down etc, which only leads to more feelings of misery by said person. Or more job interviews that don’t work out because they are ‘messed up’. Vicious unproductive circle in that approach. Better to help the person, then help them get a job.
That has happened here in Aus. My brother in NSW has 16 panels on his roof. He has had money back from the grid and no or very low bills. Others are complaining of $1200.00 bills for a quarter 13 weeks. So maybe Megan has a point. If you join NZ Greypower, you get their cheap rate, we pay about $60.00 a fortnight.
There is quite an arguement that the poor are subsidising the rich here in Aus, to the point it is a political football. Not sure apart from Nationalising, what can be done.
Always have been fights and blockades to new technologies, by vested interests.
Perhaps “The winter payment to cardholders” NZ is a plan to buffer this?
Great article – and fantastic photography from the wonderful Rob Suisted. I worked with Rob at DOC HQ in Wellington back in the second half of the 1990s when I went in as part of a team sorting things following the Cave Creek disaster. Rob was then National Marine Mammal Advisor and great at his job. It really was a toss up as to whether to encourage him to stay at DOC due to his skills and knowledge in that area – or to back him and his tremendous photographic skills in his dream to step into the unknown and become a self employed photographer. A really nice person to boot.
But I digress. Did you see this comment and link (re Waimea Dam Doomed?) a few days ago ?
This Stuff article yesterday was also encouraging re “A group of Marlborough students on a mission to save New Zealand’s marine life has impressed the Prime Minister with their passion. The year 12 and 13 Marlborough Girls’ College students wrote to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hoping to update marine legislation, and do away with some of the red tape that had held up similar projects. …”
Missed that Waimea damn dam one. Have been following it because as pickles noted Tasman, including GB will help pay for it!! Yeah nah ta – doomed is good. Already pretty poor vibes between Tasman council and a lot of GB ressies because of grandstand and a few other bits and bobs.
I think he should be boycotted- unacceptable 5 years ago and today. I’ll never watch him again (doesn’t mean much cos I never watched him hardly anyway).
He claimed that France winning the World cup was really a victory for Africa because the French team had a large number of players that were African in origin. This despite the fact that the majority of them were either born or brought up in France from an early age AND had learned to play Football in France. It is like claiming that the All Blacks winning the Rugby Union World cup is a victory for the Pacific Islands.
Because he thinks the fact that a French player of a particular ethnic background is somehow as much (if not more) African than French. That is racist thinking. Just as Richie McCaw’s success as a Rugby player was not attributed to Scotland or the rest of Europe so Kylian Mbappé abilities are not shared with Cameroon or the entire continent of Africa.
As it is a very short article here it is, but the actual link does include an interesting video of Matt, in his famous (or should that be infamous?) brown suit, buttonholing Maori King advisor Rangi Whakaruru at Auckland Airport some time ago.
“The office of the Māori King has been raided by Serious Fraud Office investigators probing claims of financial mismanagement.
The raid this morning at the King’s offices at the Endowed College Buildings in Ngāruawāhia follows a referral from the Charities Service who have spent the past year looking into claims of misspending at Ururangi Trust.
Ururangi is a registered charity intended to support the functions of King Tūheitia Paki, funded annually by Tainui to the tune of $2m. In 2015 it was the subject of an adverse Charities Service investigation and warned further issues could see its charitable status revoked.
Ururangi has been the subject of a long-running Herald investigation, canvassing lavish spending on luxury automobiles, international travel and a mysterious $46,000 invoice for stomach-stapling surgery paid by Tainui despite documentation being unclear as to who actually received the operation.”
When finding the Herald article related to the SFO raid of the Maori King’s office, I came across this Herald article also about a Police matter relating to Clarke Gayford …
Record highs in Japan and North America, wide spread fires in Sweden, Greece and the US, we’re fiddling while we burn.
This month’s scorching heat wave broke records around the world. The Algerian city of Ouargla, with a population of half a million, had a temperature of 124.3 degrees Fahrenheit on July 6, the hottest reliably measured temperature on record in Africa. In Ireland and Wales, the unusually hot weather revealed ancient structures normally hidden by grass or crops. In Chino, California, the mercury soared to 120 degrees. Another round of hazardous summer heat is expected this week, with record high temperatures possible in the southern United States.
This is a very informative and in depth piece from Cenk Uygur. Around the firing of the director of The Guardians Of The Galaxy III. 20 minutes, goes into how the alt-right trolls work and how they do things.
channel 31.
today nationals getting more and more frantic.
nikki kaye getting ruder and ruder as she repeats coalition members names over and over.
this is just horrible behaviour and right now chris penk is using words that are too big for him. he is banausic , his jokes are not funny and his allusions are pissweak with absolutley no substance whatsoever.
what baffles me is where do the nationals party get these namby pamby little twerps from.
they all look and sound like they have come out of the same weetbix packet and their underpants are too tight.
new zeland deserves beter than this.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!
1:24 PM – Jul 23, 2018
310K
222K people are talking about this
Consequences the like of which few throughout history have ever suffered?
Good morning The AM Show it good to see the government attack the correct corruption the big money laundering organisation.
It would be Nice to see them go after the business fraud that’s billions. of dollars of missed revenue for our society. The last government were just common tangata basher and they had another boot this week.
Condolences to the whano of the tangata in Greece who have died it a tragedy that I have to capitalise on. We are axcerarating the destruction of Papatuanukue we are turning the Paradise that the GOD’S have gifted us into a place of Hell.
And why is this still happening well its the Greedy rich who want to control ALL the tangata of Papatuanukue they don’t care if the consequences of there action turns Papatuanukue into Hell.
Duncan you know how it is you get information on a subject and you change your opinion Winston has changed his mind on the tabbaco subject I’m not going to give my opinion on the subject. If there is a direct connection between the price of smokes and the sharp increase in burglarys you can not deny that fact.
Sir Avery is doing a good thing a product that can save the most vulnerable of Papatuanukue society.
Ka kite ano
Good evening Newshub some people think its safer to sleep on the streets than in a building the cold and damp unsafe environment will stuff up ones lungs and cause respiratory problems there are many problems that the tangata on the streets face the od night in a cold damp environment won’t cause to much harm to ones health but sleeping every night in these condition’s is shortening there lives and this is a crime in my eyes so please help the innocent vulnerable tangata all around Aotearoa Get a good safe place to sleep OUR society has place them in this predicament . I know I can be a bit defensive but I think its understandable coming from Eco Maori.
The yacht tragedy show’s Eco Maori that the rules are different when you come from a elite New Zealand family hypocrisy plutocracy is what comes to mind you know what would have happened if they were brown broke tangata te pukapuka would have thrown them straight into the hinaki .
Ka kite ano
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Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”.As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
Holding On To The Present:The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
Stuck In The Middle With You:As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
Buzz from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example. This shows National down ...
It Takes A Train To Cry:Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
Chris Trotter writes – New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
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 ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
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 ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
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 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Stokan, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County If you live in one of the most economically deprived neighborhoods in your city, you might think the government is directing a smaller share of public funds to your community. ...
Wansolwara The news media’s crucial role in climate change and environment journalism was the focus of The University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Programme 2024 World Press Freedom Day celebrations. The European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna were the chief ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Adams, Professor of Corporate Law & Academic Director of UNE Sydney campus, University of New England Last August, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched legal proceedings against Qantas. The consumer watchdog accused the airline of selling thousands of tickets ...
This episode of A View From Afar was recorded LIVE on May 6, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, May 5, 2024 at 8:30pm (USEST). In an analytical essay titled ‘A moment of friction’ political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan wrote how we are living within a decisive moment ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Taylor, Assistant Professor, Bond University Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures At the crux of the critical response to Luca Guadagnino’s new movie Challengers is one word: “sexy”. The film charts a love triangle between three up-and-coming tennis players: Tashi (Zendaya), ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Stewart, Professor of Public Policy, ADFA Canberra, UNSW Sydney For years, First Nations people have been telling governments they want to be listened to. In particular, they want more ownership of the programs and services that are supposed to help them. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Why do trees have bark? Julien, age 6, Melbourne. This is a great question, Julien. We are so familiar with bark on trees, that most of us ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Nasser, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important ligament in the knee. It runs from the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and helps stabilise ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne I covered the May 2 United Kingdom local government elections for The Poll Bludger. The Blackpool South parliamentary byelection was also held, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deanna Grant-Smith, Professor of Management, University of the Sunshine Coast The federal government has announced a “Commonwealth Prac Payment” to support selected groups of students doing mandatory work placements. Those who are studying to be a teacher, nurse, midwife or social ...
We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you love a dark comedy: Bodkin (Netflix, May 9)An English podcaster, an Irish podcaster and American podcaster walk into a pub and…make a TV show? ...
By Eleisha Foon, RNZ Pacific senior journalist A Pacific regionalism academic has called out New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS and says the security deal “raises serious questions for the Pacific region”. Auckland University of Technology academic Dr Marco de Jong ...
How worried should we be about the cloud? This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. I currently have a few thousand unread emails languishing in my inbox, mostly old marketing newsletters and piles of unread science journal press releases. I have a similar number ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nuurrianti Jalli, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies College of Arts and Sciences Department of Languages, Literature, and Communication Studies, Northern State University Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Southeast Asian governments not only have to deal with the virus but also with the false ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Murakami Wood, Professor of Critical Surveillance and Securities Studies, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa The skyline of Riyadh, the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia.(Shutterstock) There is a long history of planned city building by both governments ...
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm May 6, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:30pm (USEST). In an analytical essay titled ‘A moment of friction’ political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan wrote how we are living within a decisive moment of ...
The Boil Up’s Lucinda Bennett considers the oyster – from freshness to pearls to the joy of shucking your own. This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. In Carmen Maria Machado’s short story ‘Eight Bites’, a woman begins her last supper before bariatric surgery with “a cavalcade ...
Asia Pacific Report A group of 65 Auckland University academics have written an open letter to vice-chancellor Dawn Freshwater criticising the institution’s stance over students protesting in solidarity with Palestine. They have called on her administration to “support” the students who were denied permission to establish an “overnight encampment” by ...
The Student Volunteer Army is on the march, generating approximately 1.6 million hours of volunteering from roughly 35,000 secondary school students in just five years. For Rebekah Brown, the pathway to volunteering started with her singing coach. With a passion for the arts, the suggestion to volunteer at Acting Antics, ...
Keeping up with online communication can be exhausting, so Fran Barclay enlisted the help of Meta’s new ‘intelligent assistant’ to respond to all her messages. Could her mates tell the difference? For centuries, technology has ruled the ways in which we communicate. From the dawn of written language, to the ...
Jamie Arbuckle, a councillor who has become an member of parliament, says he has settled into having two roles so comfortably he's going to keep both pay cheques. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luis Gómez Romero, Senior Lecturer in Human Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Theory, University of Wollongong Fifty years ago, Australian feminist Anne Summers denounced “the ideology of sexism” governing over so many women’s lives. Unfortunately, sexism is as lethal today as it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez, Senior Researcher in Architecture, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images The COVID-19 pandemic and the hybrid work patterns it fostered have changed the way we think about office space, and central business districts in general. While fears ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dale Boccabella, Associate Professor of Taxation Law, UNSW Sydney There’s a good reason your local volunteer-run netball club doesn’t pay tax. In Australia, various nonprofit organisations are exempt from paying income tax, including those that do charitable work, such as churches. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marina Deller, Casual Academic, Creative Writing and English Literature, Flinders University NetflixComedy is opening up spaces for silences to be broken and trauma stories to be told. In 2018, Hannah Gadsby started a revolution with Nanette, asking audiences to rethink ...
The workplace can be a minefield of bad comms and passive aggression. Kinksters can help you navigate it. A friend and colleague recently gave me a compliment I loved. They told me I’d always been good at emotional communication and making people feel comfortable. “But I feel like it’s really ...
Even if some students are now just texting on their laptops. Stewart Sowman-Lund writes in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
Councils from Horowhenua, Kāpiti, Wairarapa, the Hutt Valley, Porirua and Wellington City will meet this Friday to work together on a plan for a Greater Wellington region water deal. ...
Renowned musician, advocate, and proud born and raised daughter of Tauranga, Ria Hall, is announcing her candidacy for Mayor of Tauranga and Pāpāmoa Ward for the upcoming election on July 20th. ...
The new Aotearoa histories curriculum is rich with potential. There’s still work to be done, but the education minister’s criticisms about ‘balance’ miss the mark, argues primary school teacher Jessie Moss. In 2015, Ōtorohanga College students presented to parliament a petition signed by more than 10,000 people calling for a ...
For too long our so-called national bird has maintained its stranglehold on the economy of regional New Zealand. Thanks to the fast track legislation, we will have our revenge. Theories abound on what ails New Zealand’s economy. National leader Chris Luxon has posited that we’re negative, wet, whiny, and inward-looking; ...
Comment: The debate over the future relationship between news and social media is bringing us closer to a long-overdue reckoning. Social media isn’t trying to kill journalism, because social media has never really cared about journalism. Social media is resolutely in the attention business. News propels some attention — perhaps ...
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https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12093951
Even when the National Party get dragged kicking and screaming into doing stuff for the public good the proposal ends up being under-cooked and needs to be expanded later for more cost.
The CRL has already been shown that the original plans, as agreed by the dear leader J Key, would hit capacity in 2035, just 10 years after it opened. Luckily we have such wonderful people in power now, with Goff and Tyford pushing for agreement at Council and Cabinet to increase the size now whilst still building to push the capacity up
They need to SLOW Auckland population growth especially as it is on the back of minimally and low waged workers immigrating here and the amount of consents for dirty trucks crossing through Auckland for decades.
Cheap workers are great for all the 1% multinational businesses making more profits, driving up commercial rents and housing, but how are the existing ratepayers (past down to renters) supposed to find the extra money on top of the petrol taxes, for the tourist highway to CBD and SkyCity stops for all these new people?
Likewise if we have half a million people coming into Auckland on $20 p/h and expected to pay $9 or even negative taxes, while pushing down wages, or satellite families for children/elderly, it’s putting more strain on the rest of the country to raise the taxes for all the roads, transport, hospitals, schools, super….
I’m not blaming the people coming, I’m just pointing out having more people to benefit the 1%, while the 60% of low waged workers are worse off, might not be a winning strategy. Nor spending billions in infrastructure so that there is another liquor store and takeaway and broken down truck venture delivering to them, or truck and trailer of fill or chickens going backwards and forwards for decades through Auckland, or more million dollars apartments for Singapore investors rented to Aucklander’s (using accomodation supplements from government), on the Auckland landscape.
None of these favoured NZ ventures is long term gain to the country, or going to grow productivity and create long term prosperity, quite the opposite, increasing inequality!
Perhaps time for council to rethink strategy towards higher waged, higher tax paying, more sustainable business (aka high tech or green tech) being the focus for growth in Auckland…
And with 4 degrees of warming – what are all those tens of thousands of people transported into the central city going to be doing?
Is it possible that we are now solving the problem that should have been solved immediately post-WWII? And while the craft beer drinkers and film festival attendees think it’s really marvellous, it’s got little to do with our actual future?
I was listening to Winston Peters this morning on Radio NZ being interviewed as acting PM, and I found myself nodding in agreement…
I need a lie down and a warm flannel on my forehead.
“I was listening to Winston Peters this morning on Radio NZ….”
I’m assuming you’re referring to this….
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018654916/winston-peters-slams-tobacco-tax
…not this? https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/birds-on-morning-report/audio/2586406/japanese-snipe
🙂
It’s been happening to me too. Really concerning….
Anne at 2.2 said
“It’s been happening to me too. Really concerning….”
Was this after this? Sanctuary said; “I was listening to Winston Peters this morning on Radio NZ being interviewed as acting PM, and I found myself nodding in agreement…”
There is a simple answer to the temporary condition that you are currently suffering from; it is that you are clearly hearing ‘common sense here’ from NZF Leader & Acting PM Peters.
My comment was in answer to Sanctuary and is also tongue in cheek. Unfortunately there is no emoticon for t in c.
And yes common sense prevails. It has prevailed since October of last year.
Hehehehehehe funny 🙂 Will have to have a listen, cheers for the link.
Why doesn’t NZ simply pass a “right to roam” act?
So, y’know, apart from walking into someone’s dwelling, and also allowing for privacy/lack of disturbance (eg no right to traipse through someone’s garden), legislate that people can traverse land.
Other exceptions might be recognised visitor attractions that normally charge an entry fee and bumbling straight through a farmer’s crop (walk around the edge of such fields).
The interesting point about the Hunter Valley case, that nobody seems to be picking up on (or is willfully ignoring), is that there is access to that conservation land already, via marginal strip. That provides for walking access. But no, people are no longer satisfied with walking access, they want to be able to drive their SUVs wherever they please, because they think that is their right – hence pushing for an easement on the 40kms of gravel road.
The Cochrane family, who had the lease before Matt Lauer, actually had more restrictive access over Hunter Valley Station, so the change of ownership has been a good thing for public access. Of course, because Lauer is American, there is no mention of that.
Thanks for that info, Sam C, re the marginal strip access and the previous lease. I agree with your comments re people wanting more than walking access, eg SUVs etc – and also with B Waghorn’s wonderfully worded one “But having slack jawed morons wandering around farms is a recipe for disaster.”
I was interested in Peters’ views this morning on RNZ suggesting that the OIO did not do its work properly.
RNZ actually has a several separate articles up on their website this morning re the Hunter Valley situation and Matt Lauer. Here is the link to the one about Peters’ view on the OIO – which has links to the other two articles today and some previous ones in the Related Articles column on the right.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/362479/winston-peters-overseas-investment-office-didn-t-do-its-job-over-matt-lauer-sale
We can point out that the government hasn’t done their job properly in that they’ve opened NZ land up for sale to non-citizens. That should never have happened.
The Hunter Valley Road is the only viable access to the Hawea Conservation Park, which is part of the publicly owned conservation estate. Few people are prepared to walk up 40 km of gravel road through a sheep station so that they can get to public land. Winston was right to criticize the sale of crown land to Lauer without proper access to Hawea and the OIO’s decision but whether words will lead to action is questionable. Scandinavian countries have extensive ‘right to roam’ rules over private land (reference to Bill’s question above) that are centuries old and part of the culture there. Don’t think they would work in NZ, perhaps because we have a higher percentage of dickheads. One of the reasons for getting to remote places like Hawea is to get away from them!
There is plenty of publicly owned conservation estate all over NZ that few people are prepared to walk to. And long may that last. Keeps the dickheads out and allows those of us prepared to put the hard yards in to enjoy it, without half of Queenstown dropping their litter and shitting in the creek beds.
Very public spirited Sam.
Not so straight forward the road is a shifting dirt track farm road.
With dangerous river crossings that can’t be walked.
Any one can get permission to use this road.
But not when farming safety and flooding.
It would be far quicker and safer to use a boat to get to the head of lake Hawea.
Only very experienced Bush trekkers can safely access the Hunter Valley conservation area.
Let’s not get carried away
its a bit more complicated than that because the river moves in its bed but the marginal strip doesnt so access not guaranteed
No. Do your homework. Marginal strips (1987 Conservation Act) move with the waterway. s58 (Land Act 1948) strips are immovable.
So many clowns (clearly who don’t understand the backcountry of NZ) putting their ignorant views forward.
You are right Sam but my understanding is that this is not true in all cases. Perhaps this is only true for all MS’s created after the 1987 Conservation Act?
Marginal strips have not been recognised on many Crown Pastoral Lease properties until they went through tenure review when they are identified and mapped.
I have know problem with easements to get people to beaches and national parks . And could live with it being forced if agreement can’t be reached .
But having slack jawed morons wandering around farms is a recipe for disaster .
Might raise some Treaty issues if not done deftly.
It would also have to account for things like movement restrictions because of Kauri dieback and suchlike.
But it’s an interesting concept to roll around in my brain, nothing too untoward about it at all.
1000%
Thanks Sanctuary for the giggle you gave me this morning; – well said sport.
You said;
“Listening to Winston this morning; – I found myself nodding in agreement…
I need a lie down and a warm flannel on my forehead.”
Have a good restful snooze afterwards.
Good health news, hopefully going back to prevention approach with doctors, more innovation and early intervention to get better outcomes!
Stroke patients getting new lease on life with ‘miraculous’ procedure
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/105509120/stroke-patients-getting-new-lease-on-life-with-miraculous-procedure
Thanks SaveNZ.
When my stroke hit me in 2005 i was at a batch in Lake Waikaremoana with no internet or phone line available, I couldnt even lift a cup up and put it down but luckily I had some ‘asprin and Niacin’ to thin my blood and dialate my blood vessels and arteries respectively, and by me actually hitting myself for most of the night on niacin that caused a lot of ‘flushing’ (a hot pin pricking feeling) by moring I could walk again and had a good chance of partical recovery until by two days later when my doctor gave me a ‘chelation’ iv using (EDTA) to assist to partically unblock my clot that caused my sroke.
I tried the usual route here;
After spending five hours at the hostpital the day after the stroke all that netted me was only having a CT scan and no treatment for my stroke.
I was forced to go to my doctor three days after the incident for effective treatment.
So if you my friend or anyone does wind up like i did; – please look for immeadiate solutioins and not just wait to get some service at the Hospital days later; – as the literature said get treatment quickly, -and if stroke/high blood pressure prone please always carry some genuine asprin (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (not disprin) and niacin (B3) with you always.
Only acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) thins the blood as vinegar does but the other painkillers do not if they dont contain acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as most are sythetically produced and are not from natural ingredients.
zouch, remote and no means of contact? These things can turn up at the worst moments, eh.
The aspirin and niacin was a cunning plan.
But anyone in reach of a phone – ambulance time.
FAST:
Tough situation – sounds like you did really well.
After my heart attack last year I’ve been wondering what the future holds as mum had an early heart attack and then 10 years later the strokes started – probably 6 over 9 years till the last one took her out.
I’m hoping the meds and exercise as well as reduced stress ☺ will help keep it all at bay at least until the kids are old enough to remember me.
Watch your salt intake… a big contributor.
On Sunday evening I watched Teina Pora’s story. Was transfixed. A great production which hugely contrasts with American versions of similar stories.
And our good friend Simon Bridges is opposed to a criminal Review system.
A write up of the program:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=12092509
Interesting long read, with music. I love the banjo – just something about the cool sound it makes just hits me deep.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/23/white-people-are-so-fragile-bless-em-rhiannon-giddens-banjo-warrior-cambridge-folk-festival
Ah. I also read that with interest this morning, marty.
I like quite a bit of country music – it has roots also in Irish and Scottish working class/people’s music – ofte music of resistance.
It was a revelation to learn that the banjo comes from Africa, plus the one-string fiddle.
I like mostly some alt country music: Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Brandi Carlile, some of Dylan, etc.
Rhiannon Giddens is now someone I will look out for on youtube.
Yeah she is one to watch.
I don’t mind a bit of country – prob lean towards old school country with a bit of spoons now and then 😊
https://youtu.be/_nLmM9kcBKs
And
https://youtu.be/e4Ao-iNPPUc
Spoons – yeah, cool. Cheap accessible instrument. The history apparently goes back to at least the Egyptians, Greeeks and Romans, but has been used around the world since about when spoons were invented.
And when I lived in Aussie, I learned country had become a significant part of Aussie indigenous culture: Heard a lot in rural Aussie in 1920s:
Interesting thanks.
Spoons were essential instruments in the deep South where I grew up.
Spoons?
Saws; that’s where it’s at!
Looks a bit aucklandy mate ☺
Skillful though.
Saws?
Rubber chooks ftw
Carolyn, – try Dylans old album fromm1969 “Nashville skyline”
I got hooked on his entry into the ‘blueridge mountain’ bluegrass music then while I was there.
cg, I was a big fan of Dylan in the late 60s, and 70s. So I am very familiar with that album, and part of why I included him as an alt-country artist. And yes, Nashville Skyline mainstreams country in his songs.
Also includes Girl from the North Country, which was first included in an earlier album, freewheelin Dylan:
Tova slammed simon bridges this morning, saying his road show was a complete waste of time. He had a six week opportunity and he blew it.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/political-wrap-benefits-iran-and-haumaha.html
Re benefit sanctions and simon wanting to re introduce them. Spoke to someone who went to the WINZ last week, things have changed there she said. Poor woman ended up having a break down at the office due to stresses in her life. Her case worker listened, supported her, gave her advice and direction on how to get help and counseling. Case worker told her not to worry about looking for work for the next couple of weeks, because it is more important for her to get help for her stresses etc. Case worker then contacted her a couple of days later just to make sure she was ok.
Some people have difficulty looking for work because they are so messed up, due to other factors in their life, that’s what they need support and help for. Warmed my heart to hear this story. Sometimes people just need to know that someone cares and wants to help them, sometimes this is more important than anything else.
Taking things away (ie benefit sanctions) from someone who is already suffering helps no one. Not everyone is lazy, some people are simply messed up and need professional help.
Have WINZ staff been retrained under our new government? Or did the woman just get lucky with an understanding case manager?
Good to hear that Cinny. And I have had a similar experience with the WINZ Seniors staff over the last month or so. A marked difference in attitude and help provided.
In my experience in the last 8-10 or so years, there was a marked difference in approach between WINZ staff dealing with those under 65 and staff dealing with those on Super. (I did some ad hoc voluntary advocacy for people with mental health issues on benefits for some years; then had to give up work for health/disability reasons myself two years short of 65 and was a beneficiary once my savings ran out; and then transitioned onto Super.)
IMHO this differential declined somewhat over the last few years as they also drastically cut the number of Super staff available for face to face appointments (here in Wellington anyway) – meaning that you had to wait weeks for a face to face appointment and then the case manager was under so much pressure that the appointment would be rushed and superficial – and things would not get sorted properly.
About six weeks ago I was in one of those awful situations where a whole lot of things happened at once (broken appliances, a broken car, and me needing emergency dental surgery and other related dental treatment) and I was under massive physical and financial stress. I had a meltdown on the phone to WINZ Super staff. The (senior) person I was talking to was marvelous, talked me down etc and within days I had a $300 grant for some of the dental work plus loans for the rest and for fixing the car etc, and a personal case manager. The senior person has also been in contact with me several times and I have their direct contact details plus those of my case manager. Some outstanding matters (eg my and my doctors’ applications for disability allowance for the last few years) are now slowly getting sorted.
The attitude etc of the people I have dealt with recently has been so much better than in the past. I have asked them whether they have been receiving training etc – they were reticent in their responses but the difference is marked! I have also complimented them on it and strongly expressed hope that the empathy and help that I received is also being applied to beneficiaries under 65 years of age etc.
V.V, thanks for sharing, that was fascinating and encouraging. I’m really happy for you. Long may the ‘new attitude’ at WINZ continue and improve.
Someone caring and treating another with compassion and understanding goes a long long way. It’s heart warming to hear such stories, life changing, life saving even.
I had the exact opposite last month but that came with a change in person from whom I used to see.
This is a most fascinating post and without time to read the thread I randomly jumped to it.
What area is that in if you don’t mind me asking?
Hey there A.W.W, the lady I spoke with went to the Motueka office.
Cheers
I was astounded and impressed buy Obrians nuanced take on sanctions ie one that punishes a woman for not naming the father is worse than other sanctions .
Even garner was calling national out for going been bashing to try and get some air time.
My brother always said he could tell what govt was in power simply by the reception he got at WINZ.
Spot on, bro!
Nice story Cinny but you can’t run policy on nice feelings and individual anecdotes, policy needs to be on collective good, rationality and evidence
I agree with you Bewildered, however, one can take a look at the person as a whole, on a case by case basis, and offer some hope. Such actions would be more beneficial to all than treating someone as number on a sheet that gets a tick next to it if they get a job and worries about whatever else is going on for them.
No point helping someone get a job if they are a bit messed up, and as a result they end up failing in the job, unable to hold it down etc, which only leads to more feelings of misery by said person. Or more job interviews that don’t work out because they are ‘messed up’. Vicious unproductive circle in that approach. Better to help the person, then help them get a job.
Surely there would be studies on such.
On the topic of “One in two go without heating due to cost”, survey finds no mention of this….
Way to be cleared for big electricity players to prey on low-income households
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/102708888/way-to-be-cleared-for-big-electricity-players-to-prey-on-lowincome-households
That has happened here in Aus. My brother in NSW has 16 panels on his roof. He has had money back from the grid and no or very low bills. Others are complaining of $1200.00 bills for a quarter 13 weeks. So maybe Megan has a point. If you join NZ Greypower, you get their cheap rate, we pay about $60.00 a fortnight.
There is quite an arguement that the poor are subsidising the rich here in Aus, to the point it is a political football. Not sure apart from Nationalising, what can be done.
Always have been fights and blockades to new technologies, by vested interests.
Perhaps “The winter payment to cardholders” NZ is a plan to buffer this?
The silting of scallop beds in Mohua Golden Bay.
Good article
https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/what-we-do-in-the-shallows/
The effects of our poor and commodification style land and sea practices will haunt us for generations.
Great piece Marty – thanks for that.
Also my thanks for the link, marty.
Great article – and fantastic photography from the wonderful Rob Suisted. I worked with Rob at DOC HQ in Wellington back in the second half of the 1990s when I went in as part of a team sorting things following the Cave Creek disaster. Rob was then National Marine Mammal Advisor and great at his job. It really was a toss up as to whether to encourage him to stay at DOC due to his skills and knowledge in that area – or to back him and his tremendous photographic skills in his dream to step into the unknown and become a self employed photographer. A really nice person to boot.
But I digress. Did you see this comment and link (re Waimea Dam Doomed?) a few days ago ?
https://thestandard.org.nz/daily-review-19-07-2018/#comment-1504869
This Stuff article yesterday was also encouraging re “A group of Marlborough students on a mission to save New Zealand’s marine life has impressed the Prime Minister with their passion. The year 12 and 13 Marlborough Girls’ College students wrote to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hoping to update marine legislation, and do away with some of the red tape that had held up similar projects. …”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/105616357/impressed-pm-jacinda-ardern-thanks-students-for-fantastic-work
Missed that Waimea damn dam one. Have been following it because as pickles noted Tasman, including GB will help pay for it!! Yeah nah ta – doomed is good. Already pretty poor vibes between Tasman council and a lot of GB ressies because of grandstand and a few other bits and bobs.
I think he should be boycotted- unacceptable 5 years ago and today. I’ll never watch him again (doesn’t mean much cos I never watched him hardly anyway).
https://i.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/105702598/calls-for-boycott-as-racist-trevor-noah-clip-resurfaces
His comments about Africa winning the World cup via France was equally racist.
Can you elaborate?
He claimed that France winning the World cup was really a victory for Africa because the French team had a large number of players that were African in origin. This despite the fact that the majority of them were either born or brought up in France from an early age AND had learned to play Football in France. It is like claiming that the All Blacks winning the Rugby Union World cup is a victory for the Pacific Islands.
I’m not trying to be awkward but why do you think that is racist?
Is it the disregarding France bit, the ‘we can’t tell them apart’ bit or something else?
Because he thinks the fact that a French player of a particular ethnic background is somehow as much (if not more) African than French. That is racist thinking. Just as Richie McCaw’s success as a Rugby player was not attributed to Scotland or the rest of Europe so Kylian Mbappé abilities are not shared with Cameroon or the entire continent of Africa.
Thanks.
French ambassador to the US gave Noah a serve.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DiargMdVAAAGraN.jpg
“… This, even in jest, legitimizes the ideology which claims whiteness as the only definition of being French”
Excellent point.
I wonder if a Tahitian Independence advocate considers themselves French.
Or under the benevolent thumb of French cultural dominance and economic oppression.
Funny the Tahitian youth almost beat us on Youth Suicide, but on this we will not be beaten!
(note – read this above with dripping sarcasm, otherwise it will sound odd)
Bugger, that’s really disappointing.
The wonderful Laura Flanders – Video time 27 minutes.
Jeremy Corbyn: Transformative Economics Through Political Organizing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-uAdOrFv48&ab_channel=TheLauraFlandersShow
Makes you realise how right wing the NZ labour party are, not just economically.
Be interesting to see what this Serious Fraud Office raid on the office of the Maori King brings up.
Why?
Agreed. It is going to be interesting. Linky http://mobile.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.php?c_id=1&objectid=12094378
Comments like this are so frustrating, Ad! Where is your link or links?????
Of course I had to drop everything and google. Right, I had forgotten about Matt Nippert’s latest ongoing ‘dog with a bone’.
Here is a link for others to the latest – https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12094378
As it is a very short article here it is, but the actual link does include an interesting video of Matt, in his famous (or should that be infamous?) brown suit, buttonholing Maori King advisor Rangi Whakaruru at Auckland Airport some time ago.
“The office of the Māori King has been raided by Serious Fraud Office investigators probing claims of financial mismanagement.
The raid this morning at the King’s offices at the Endowed College Buildings in Ngāruawāhia follows a referral from the Charities Service who have spent the past year looking into claims of misspending at Ururangi Trust.
Ururangi is a registered charity intended to support the functions of King Tūheitia Paki, funded annually by Tainui to the tune of $2m. In 2015 it was the subject of an adverse Charities Service investigation and warned further issues could see its charitable status revoked.
Ururangi has been the subject of a long-running Herald investigation, canvassing lavish spending on luxury automobiles, international travel and a mysterious $46,000 invoice for stomach-stapling surgery paid by Tainui despite documentation being unclear as to who actually received the operation.”
EDIT – SNAP JohnnyB but will leave as is.
When finding the Herald article related to the SFO raid of the Maori King’s office, I came across this Herald article also about a Police matter relating to Clarke Gayford …
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12093673
Record highs in Japan and North America, wide spread fires in Sweden, Greece and the US, we’re fiddling while we burn.
This month’s scorching heat wave broke records around the world. The Algerian city of Ouargla, with a population of half a million, had a temperature of 124.3 degrees Fahrenheit on July 6, the hottest reliably measured temperature on record in Africa. In Ireland and Wales, the unusually hot weather revealed ancient structures normally hidden by grass or crops. In Chino, California, the mercury soared to 120 degrees. Another round of hazardous summer heat is expected this week, with record high temperatures possible in the southern United States.
https://thebulletin.org/2018/07/global-heat-wave-an-epic-tv-news-fail/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/sweden-faces-extreme-fire-risk-coming-days-142738368.html
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2018/07/23/4-day-heat-wave-southern-california/
“we’re fiddling while we burn”
It’s all the fault of the scientists
I mean how are we meant to trust them when the reckons were that we had more time?
/sarc (of course)
This is a very informative and in depth piece from Cenk Uygur. Around the firing of the director of The Guardians Of The Galaxy III. 20 minutes, goes into how the alt-right trolls work and how they do things.
More on CV’s favourite alt filth.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mike-cernovich-james-gunn-fired_us_5b5265cce4b0fd5c73c570ac?o0s
CV…on a long term ban…can’t defend himself…
That’s who you’re taking a stab at?
channel 31.
today nationals getting more and more frantic.
nikki kaye getting ruder and ruder as she repeats coalition members names over and over.
this is just horrible behaviour and right now chris penk is using words that are too big for him. he is banausic , his jokes are not funny and his allusions are pissweak with absolutley no substance whatsoever.
what baffles me is where do the nationals party get these namby pamby little twerps from.
they all look and sound like they have come out of the same weetbix packet and their underpants are too tight.
new zeland deserves beter than this.
NZ, does not deserve better…
NZ, is getting exactly what it is allowing to happen…
Can genocide ever be justified?
Consequences the like of which few throughout history have ever suffered?
What does this mean?
Throughout history?
Worse than Dresden? Worse than Warsaw? Worse than Hiroshima?
Are these the sort of historical examples that Donald Trump is threatening to visit on the Iranian people?
How long will the world have to put up with this savage?
Good morning The AM Show it good to see the government attack the correct corruption the big money laundering organisation.
It would be Nice to see them go after the business fraud that’s billions. of dollars of missed revenue for our society. The last government were just common tangata basher and they had another boot this week.
Condolences to the whano of the tangata in Greece who have died it a tragedy that I have to capitalise on. We are axcerarating the destruction of Papatuanukue we are turning the Paradise that the GOD’S have gifted us into a place of Hell.
And why is this still happening well its the Greedy rich who want to control ALL the tangata of Papatuanukue they don’t care if the consequences of there action turns Papatuanukue into Hell.
Duncan you know how it is you get information on a subject and you change your opinion Winston has changed his mind on the tabbaco subject I’m not going to give my opinion on the subject. If there is a direct connection between the price of smokes and the sharp increase in burglarys you can not deny that fact.
Sir Avery is doing a good thing a product that can save the most vulnerable of Papatuanukue society.
Ka kite ano
I don’t trust the Owner of the Newsroom website I still have questions for him to answers. Ana to kai Ka kite ano
Good evening Newshub some people think its safer to sleep on the streets than in a building the cold and damp unsafe environment will stuff up ones lungs and cause respiratory problems there are many problems that the tangata on the streets face the od night in a cold damp environment won’t cause to much harm to ones health but sleeping every night in these condition’s is shortening there lives and this is a crime in my eyes so please help the innocent vulnerable tangata all around Aotearoa Get a good safe place to sleep OUR society has place them in this predicament . I know I can be a bit defensive but I think its understandable coming from Eco Maori.
The yacht tragedy show’s Eco Maori that the rules are different when you come from a elite New Zealand family hypocrisy plutocracy is what comes to mind you know what would have happened if they were brown broke tangata te pukapuka would have thrown them straight into the hinaki .
Ka kite ano