Some discussion yesterday (on both the Redlogix and NATWATCH threads) around the allegedly unprecedented popularity of both John Key (as Preferred PM) and the current third-term National-led Government (particularly in relation to Clark’s popularity and that of her Labour-led Government at the same point in its third-term).
This mirrors a series of dubious MSM memes regularly regurgitated over the last few months – memes that I’m in the process of closely scrutinising in a post that I’ll publish on Sub-Zero Politics at some point in the next few days.
UPOV 91
One of the other treaties that TPP countries are required to join is the International
Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants 1991 (UPOV91).
UPOV91emphasises seed company rights over farmers’ rights compared to UPOV78. For example:
UPOV 91 requires IP protection to be provided to all species (compared to UPOV78’s 24 species)
UPOV91 requires IP protection for 20 or 25 years (compared to UPOV78’s 15 or 18
years)
UPOV91 stops farmers from exchanging their seed (something which is allowed under
UPOV78) which is inconsistent with the practices of farmers in many developing
nations, where seeds are exchanged for purposes of crop and variety rotation
+100 TMM…”emphasises seed company rights over farmers’ rights”….this is very scary….would seem to make New Zealand farmers susceptible to multinationals and genetic modification of seeds
( what about the GM swede scandal in Southland? …cows going belly up?…what would happen to a human if they ate these swedes?)
farmers organisations….the Labour Party and Opposition parties should be jumping up and down about this…In Europe I am told they are increasingly against genetically modified seeds and produce
…TPP has the potential to cut new Zealand farmers and horticulturalists and orchardists off from many markets in Europe …including Russia which is increasingly going organic
Yep, what we can do is being ever more confined at the behest of the corporations. Capitalism is slowly taking our freedoms and turning us more and more into serfs and slaves.
Monsanto were on the verge of bankruptcy when they discovered the glysophate herbicide, Round Up the commercial name, now I am lead to believe they control 80% of the worlds seed supply and are one of the worlds largest Agrochemical companies, scary stuff the amount of control these multinationals have over the worlds food supply?
Thank you for posting on this issue – intellectual property in relation to farming and food production is of huge concern to all New Zealanders.
One of my big concerns about the TPPA is that it diminishes New Zealand’s protections against large scale industrial food production and processes that will be damaging to our environment, our farmers and workers, our international reputation for food safety and quality, and our own health, by consuming inferior food.
I have watched a lot of documentaries and done a lot of reading about this in the last few months.
This documentary is a good start for anyone interested…and we all should be interested.
Food Inc (2008). It runs for 130+ minutes, if you haven’t got time, skip to the third minute of the film for a glimpse of the horror of a beef CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operation). These animals live in pens on dirt, eat corn and anti-biotics, are filled with e.coli, stand ankle-deep in their own faeces all their 5-month long lives and when slaughtered their carcasses washed in bleach to kill all the e.coli bacteria that proliferates in their gut due to the corn-diet.
What’s the complaint, exactly? If it’s that IP protection is being extended in an unreasonable way by the TPPA, as has happened with copyright, then yes, that’s bad. But if it’s that companies that develop new plant varieties shouldn’t have a right to protection of their IP for a period so they can recover costs, the complaint lacks merit. It’s not clear which of the two is involved here.
The TPP, just like all other FTAs isn’t about jobs or the benefit of the nations signing but about making the rich richer. Looks like it’s going to do that well. Everyone else though will be fucked – just as planned.
No but it’s main effects in NZ has, for the majority of people, been detrimental. It’s not of much good if it leaves the people who live here struggling to get a house while rich offshore owners are reaping massive capital gains.
Under TPP “NZ is projected to lose 6,000 jobs over a 10 year period.
“The Trans-Pacific Partnership meant to create the world’s largest free trade area will cost Canada 58,000 jobs and increase income inequality, says a new U.S. study.” The U.S. is estimated to lose 448,000 jobs over the same 10 year period.
“Perhaps more surprisingly, the study found that the two largest economies in the TPP — the U.S. and Japan — would actually shrink as a result of the trade deal, and that the deal would result in fewer jobs overall in all the participating countries.”
“In all, the study estimates that the 12 countries involved in the proposed free trade deal would lose a net total of 771,000 jobs in the 10 years after the deal comes into force.”
1) FULL ARTICLE: http://huff.to/1TdyueC
2) Global Development & Environment Institute at Tufts University: http://bit.ly/23jVi0C
__________________
This study will of course be nonsense. The Tufts academics are claiming there is a net loss of jobs across all TPP nations, notwithstanding all TPP nations benefit (according to the World Bank).
No doubt the Tufts study has been done as part of the campaign to persuade Congress not to ratify. But I suspect the Tufts academics will have limited influence on Republican members of Congress. It would the equivalent of Jane Kelsey being a major influence on Tim Groser.
As I have noted before, the whole TPP issue is now really being fought in the US on the issue of Congressional ratification. This will be a huge fight. President Obama will pitch into it. It was part of his State of the Nation address.
However, fundamentally the Republicans are in control of the outcome. If they want it, TPP will go through, no doubt with limited Democrat support.In contrast if Canada does not ratify, that will not be a deal breaker, although it might influence some members of Congress.
“This study will of course be nonsense.”
..which indicates a prejudgement…surprise surprise
and of course the MFAT analysis has been a robust credible example that hasn’t used unsubstantiated assumptions nor ignored inconvenient cost implications….Tui moment
“The estimates are based on modelling undertaken prior to conclusion of the negotiations, using a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model.4 A commentary on the modelling5 concluded that, while CGE models are commonly used to model trade policy changes, their validity depends on crude assumptions about how real-world markets function and their results are very sensitive to errors in these assumptions.
The commentary found that the standard of documentation of the modelling is dreadfully inadequate – just 20 pages of text in the published report. The authors should have chosen, or been asked to present, a much weightier and more detailed account of every facet of the data, assumptions, modelling and results.”
The World Bank says that the TPPA will be good for nations?
What a fucking laugh. Is there a single country that the World Bank has been involved with which hasn’t been brought to its economic knees and lost its sovereignty to corporate interests?
Thanks, that’ll save me having to read it just as you seem to have done.
”No doubt the Tufts study has been done as part of the campaign to persuade Congress not to ratify.”
Your supreme confidence has a calming effect on me and saves me having to take my medication.
”It would the equivalent of Jane Kelsey being a major influence on Tim Groser.”
What is poor old Jane going to do when Groser is off to Washington? Maybe she could do a sabbatical over there?
”As I have noted before, the whole TPP issue is now really being fought in the US on the issue of Congressional ratification.”
Indeed, it is a fait accompli and we here in little old NZ shouldn’t lose any sleep over it and just get on with our daily ordinary lives and leave the fight to the Republicans and Democrats in the US. What were we thinking that there are 12 signatories to the TPPA? They are mostly there to fill one A4 of the Agreement with little doodles signatures to make it look pretty and impressive.
I recognise good arguments when I see them, Wayne 😉
The establishment elite is gradually losing legitimacy with the citizens that they are supposedly leading.
In the US, this is represented by the mass popularity of alternative candidates like Trump and Sanders.
Wayne is well aware that his reach – and the reach of his six figure income ruling class friends – extends fuck all distance into the actual community.
We are forever in your debt, Wayne, for pointing out the kernel of this TPP issue in your comment. Truly, you are an towering beacon of constitutional incandencence; and a steel-trap mind combined with political perspicacity and wrapped up in lapidary prose. Is it true that your students sometimes could not talk for three days from the wonder of your law lectures? O Master! O Grand Regal Legal Beagle!
Because what you raise is the fact that the Americans, even with the crazy plutocratic political system that they have, ARE ALLOWED A REAL VOTE ON THE TPP. A VOTE!! In fact, their process has given them one already and they will have another if Obama looks like winning, as you incisively perceive.
Whereas in New Zealand the proto-fascist National gang of hoods (OK, proto-totalitarian for the squeamish) does not trust us with the right to vote on this crucial issue, that pries so aggressively into our Kiwi polity. Key and Groser etc., do not understand democracy. Or sovereignty. Or nationhood. Or citizenship. They don’t give a flying feck for NZ full stop. How else to explain their acquiescence in the terms of the Agreement and their unbelievable insulting arrogance and acquiescence in having the TPPA signed two days before Waitangi Day. It wouldn’t surprise me that they suggested it themselves.
You have a nice day Wayne, I’m off to practice my whakapohane.
ON THE FACE OF IT John Key has made a serious tactical blunder.
By insisting on hosting the signing of the Trans-pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) in New Zealand, just two days before Waitangi Day, at the country’s most notorious beneficiary of crony capitalism, he would appear to have given his opponents an unparalleled opportunity to rally their forces and reinvigorate their campaign.
Frankly, I’m suspicious.
Because John Key is not prone to making tactical blunders.
Which raises the worrying possibility that the readily predictable consequences of his decision – mass protest action outside Sky City, with a high probability of violence and property damage – may be exactly what he wants to happen.
The Chinese philosopher-general, Sun Tzu, wrote: “If your enemy is of choleric temper – irritate him.”
Few would argue that, at present, the opponents of the TPPA are in a very bad mood indeed. Even fewer would suggest that they have not been extremely irritated by the National Government’s decision to host the official signing of the TPPA at Sky City in Auckland on 4 February.
Is John Key setting them up?
That might be the case if it was within John Key’s power to refuse to host (or, at least, delay) the signing ceremony. To decline this honour (as the NZ Herald describes it) would, however, involve a tremendous loss of face by Key’s government.
It was, after all, New Zealand that set the whole process in motion more than a decade ago. It would be an unthinkable humiliation for its government to ask another signatory to host the signing ceremony.
But if Key has no option but to host the signing of the TPPA, he most certainly does have a choice as to where it takes place.
Which raises the question: Why Sky City?
The ceremony could just as easily have been staged at the exclusive Millbrook Resort outside Queenstown.
This was where President Clinton stayed in 1999, and where the Intelligence Directors of the “Five Eyes” nations gathered just a few years ago.
Far away from New Zealand’s major cities, and easily defensible by a relatively small number of police and security personnel, the Millbrook Resort would not only have offered splendid “visuals” but also the smallest chance of disruption.
Which brings us back to Sun Tzu.
What does the Prime Minister know, that the people he is goading into besieging the Sky City complex do not know?
…….
_________________________________________________
In my view, the choice of Sky City as the venue for the proposed signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is a deliberately provocative venue.
Back in December 2012, a peaceful anti-TPPA protest (outside Sky City) was hijacked, in my view, by provocateurs who arbitrarily changed the demand from ‘don’t sign the TPPA’ to ‘close down the TPPA’.
For the public record – I am absolutely opposed to any form of violent protest / ‘riot’ outside Sky City on 4 February 2016.
Although I totally understand how frustrated and angry many people feel about the TPPA – any form of violent protest / ‘riot’ will just be used as an excuse to clamp down on the democratic rights and civil liberties of ALL New Zealanders.
I for one am advocating a HUGE peaceful protest of New Zealanders against the signing of the TPPA on 4 February 2016, from 12 noon to 1pm, that starts at Aotea Square and ends at Britomart, and does NOT go to Sky City.
That those who are in paid employment in Auckland can therefore peacefully protest during their lunchtime, and the world can see WHY New Zealanders are opposed to this effective pro-corporate attack on our national sovereignty, where our banners and placards can ‘do the talking’ – because the WORLD will be watching …
In my view, the choice of Sky City as the venue for the proposed signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is a deliberately provocative venue.
You make some good points Penny Bright. Imo, that is exactly what Key and his mates are hoping for – a violent confrontation. They have nothing to worry about of course because they will be heavily protected. The trick will be to launch a large and effective protest without resorting to any physical violence.
dress in the sunday finest,
be silent on your march – after all it is a funeral
bring the national flag – not the teatowel
and just stand there, do nothing, say nothing, be witness to the burial of the country. Maybe turn your backs when the Leader and his posse arrives.
+100 sabine…”bring the national flag – not the teatowel”…(agreed not jonkeys teatowel corporate take over flag)…
btw our NZ flag representing the founding legal Treaty of Waitangi agreement between Maori and Pakeha can be got from the Two Dollar shop for $5….(a nice big NZ flag)
….this told to me on the last anti -TPP demonstration by Maori carrying and waving the New Zealand flag…many Maori were carrying the NZ flag
In the 1930’s Maori considered entering a Partnership with The USA and the French however through their investigations they felt the British were the best alternative, hence the Union Jack is symbolic on the NZ Flag.
Key is putting the cart before the horse, he has not consulted with Maori, and wants to sign an agreement with the USA with out consulting the NZ Public and at the same time he wants to change the country’s flag which resembles my old
Auntys tea towel.
In the 1930’s Maori considered entering a Partnership with The USA and the French however through their investigations they felt the British were the best alternative, hence the Union Jack is symbolic on the NZ Flag.
I’d like to see a mass silent vigil outside the signing venue, with protesters standing hands joined with heads bowed. There will be no excuse whatsoever for police to interfere with us then, as it will be a peaceful protest.
However, should police attempt to harass us, then we should sit down, offering no resistance, only if it’s necessary to protect ourselves from harm. Let the police expose their boss FJK to the rest of the world as the filthy, treasonous despot we already know he is!
How Obama has sold TPP was to create US jobs – the opposite it true. Good video showing how the agreement is stacked in favour of corporations. Corporations can sue governments but the governments can not sue corporations.
The Democratic Party has been selling out workers for decades now. Bill Clinton destroyed millions of US blue collar jobs with NAFTA, now Obama continues the very same work on behalf of the transnational corporate class.
Rod Oram spells out the dangers of the TPPA to NZ on Stuff this morning :
Rod Oram: Dark clouds on the horizon
The benefits for New Zealand’s from the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal will be meagre.
The weaknesses and dangers of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement are analysed in a set of research papers now available at bit.ly/TPPApapers .
This columnist contributed sections on TPPA’s likely influence on value chains and 21^st century trade agreements. The conclusions for New Zealand are ominous.
TPPA will likely reinforce our position as a commodity producer and hinder our progress up the value chain where greater economic prosperity lies.
For example, large-scale overseas companies with close connections to their consumers will find it easier to tap into our resources than our small companies will find it to develop relationships with overseas consumers.
Similarly, restrictions on labelling through the TPPA’s sanitary and phytosanitary measures may restrict opportunities for our food exporters to build a high quality, differentiated market position.
The TPPA will also protect the US and other heavy users of agricultural subsidies. This will hinder WTO efforts to reduce them.
Overall, TPPA reads very much like a charter for incumbent businesses, dominated by US ones, which are attempting to hold back the tides of economic change the world needs.
Click on this link to read the rest of Rod’s column :
+100 Jenny Kirk…this jonkey nact government is treacherous to be signing this TPP without democratic consultation of New Zealanders who are overwhelmingly against !
I already annoyed at councils selling housing but it’s all part of the right wing plan.
Of course here in NZ we’re giving private landlords subsidies while refusing to give councils who are a large social housing provider the same support.
More on strategy and tactics for the upcoming TPPA protests,
Is Divide And Conquer The New TPPA Strategy?
Why did the government offer to host the signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement? (TPPA)
Why at an Auckland Casino and not parliament?
Why on February 4th before parliament sits for the new year?
Why do it just 2 days before Waitangi Day which has often been a focus of protest over Treaty related issues ( and knowing that the TPPA raises significant concerns over Treaty obligations and Sovereignty)?
Have these decisions been the result of sheer stupidity with no thought to pressure and unnecessary costs it puts on our police over security issues ?
Or the result of political cunning?
While stupidity can’t be ruled out, those of us who remember the 1981 Springbok Tour protests against sporting contacts with apartheid South Africa, haven’t forgotten how the then Prime Minister -National’s Robert Muldoon- was able to turn peaceful demonstrations into a law and order issue through the use of baton wielding riot squads.
Why? Because he had his eye on the election later that year and he wanted to present himself as a strong leader.
It put the police into the invidious position of behaving like Muldoon’s private army
and it damaged their relationship with the New Zealand public (that is so dependent on trust) for a very long time.
Does the Key government want to spin legitimate concerns over the TPPA into a law and order issue?
Or has National simply blundered in their timing and created a security nightmare for our police?
I don’t know.
What I know is the police are practicing their riot drills and that if protestors confront the police on February 4th with anything but peaceful demonstration, the TV pictures of violent clashes will allow Key to paint the protestors a an unruly mob of radicals who want to stop ‘what’s best for New Zealand’.
So let’s not give him that opportunity.
Let’s not get arrested.
Let’s remember what a previous National Prime Minister did
By all means let’s protest on the day, but let’s be clever about it.
Really the New Zealand Labour Party led by Andrew Little should be coming out in force on this march/demonstration and on Waitangi Day to protect New Zealanders and New Zealand
…and to help prevent any possible violence from Jonkey’s lackeys
Sources in the financial markets throughout Europe have confirmed to SuperStation95 that “These bank runs will spread” to other countries, with one analyst saying “This is the beginning of the end for all of Europe.”
In fact, it is likely to spread to Germany next. Just this week, Germany’s largest bank, Deutsch Bank, revealed they will post a loss of 6.7 BILLION Euros for last year; the worst loss in that bank’s entire history! Investors were stunned by this news and there is now open and public worry that Deutsch Bank may not be solvent.
Yet those concerns, those instincts, have considerable substance. Kiwis are naturally concerned when they see a large proportion of our national economy and productive capacity passing into foreign hands – a larger proportion, as it happens, than for almost any other developed country. They don’t need degrees in economics to understand that if the ownership of income-bearing assets changes, so too does the right to the income. Assets that used to benefit New Zealand owners now produce income for foreign owners – and the repatriation of that income overseas imposes a further burden on our already overstretched balance of payments.
The old analogy of selling off the family silver and then living off the proceeds is not easily dismissed. And it is not only the income stream that we lose; we also give up the rights of ownership and control over more and more of our economy, so that decisions of great importance to us are made in foreign boardrooms far away by people who know little and care less about our interests.
This really is common sense and yet the people who most loudly proclaim that common sense should be followed will be telling us that the selling of NZ is good for us.
The title gave it away, didn’t it – the usual click bait. Hide has long ceased writing original pieces and has become so predictable it is boring. He’s not the only ex-ACT person that has run out of ideas and meaningful things to say. What a waste of space.
The NZH has a bad habit of not loading comments over the weekend; they’ll appear sometime Monday morning or in the afternoon. It is a real killer for online debate, which just shows that the NZH has no real interest in giving its readers an opportunity to engage in important debates or simply provide an opinion on relevant issues. The Editorial on Euthanasia is not even open for comments, which is ironic given the title ”Time’s running out for debate”.
He’d probably go up in the polls.
I just keep getting the feeling he’s doing it for a grand piss take, a commentary on the share stupidity of of at least 30% of humans.
I read somewhere that he’s actually managed to avoid spending much of his own cash, and that in fact most of the campaign expenses have been met by donations. Don’t remember if it said where the cash came from, tho.
“George Soros, the financier who forced Britain out of the European exchange rate mechanism by betting against the pound, used his appearance at Davos to warn that a hard landing for China was now “unavoidable”. Soros stressed that he was not offering a prediction. “I’m not expecting it,” he said. “I’m observing it.”
For Guthrie, Fred Trump came to personify all the viciousness of the racist codes that continued to put decent housing – both public and private – out of reach for so many of his fellow citizens:
I suppose
Old Man Trump knows
Just how much
Racial Hate
he stirred up
In the bloodpot of human hearts
When he drawed
That color line
Here at his
Eighteen hundred family project ….
And as if to leave no doubt over Trump’s personal culpability in perpetuating black Americans’ status as internal refugees – strangers in their own strange land – Guthrie reworked his signature Dust Bowl ballad “I Ain’t Got No Home” into a blistering broadside against his landlord:
Beach Haven ain’t my home!
I just cain’t pay this rent!
My money’s down the drain!
And my soul is badly bent!
Beach Haven looks like heaven
Where no black ones come to roam!
No, no, no! Old Man Trump!
Old Beach Haven ain’t my home!
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The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
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. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
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 ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
There’s an island in the far reaches of Auckland’s territory, sitting off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, 30 minutes by air from the city or four hours on the slow boat. Aotea Great Barrier is off-grid, it has a population of fewer than a thousand people … and most ...
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author and advocate, Jim Aubrey, today led a national symbolic one minute’s silence to mark the “blood debt” owed to Papuan allies during the Second World War indigenous resistance against the invading Japanese forces. “A promise to most people is a promise,” Aubrey said in ...
Asia Pacific Report The Freedom Flotilla is ready to sail to Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the humanitarian trip to the besieged enclave. However, organisers received word of an “administrative ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
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 The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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Some discussion yesterday (on both the Redlogix and NATWATCH threads) around the allegedly unprecedented popularity of both John Key (as Preferred PM) and the current third-term National-led Government (particularly in relation to Clark’s popularity and that of her Labour-led Government at the same point in its third-term).
This mirrors a series of dubious MSM memes regularly regurgitated over the last few months – memes that I’m in the process of closely scrutinising in a post that I’ll publish on Sub-Zero Politics at some point in the next few days.
can you let us know please when you post this analysis, swordfish . thanks.
“dubious MSM memes”
I totally agree with this and I hope you can dispel this circle jerk.
Yeah, the latest Roy Morgan poll had National down 2% and the opposition up by 0.5%
http://www.interest.co.nz/news/79652/pollsters-roy-morgan-says-labourgreens-opposition-eat-nationals-lead-new-year-also-claim
TPP and sharing of seeds
UPOV 91
One of the other treaties that TPP countries are required to join is the International
Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants 1991 (UPOV91).
UPOV91emphasises seed company rights over farmers’ rights compared to UPOV78. For example:
UPOV 91 requires IP protection to be provided to all species (compared to UPOV78’s 24 species)
UPOV91 requires IP protection for 20 or 25 years (compared to UPOV78’s 15 or 18
years)
UPOV91 stops farmers from exchanging their seed (something which is allowed under
UPOV78) which is inconsistent with the practices of farmers in many developing
nations, where seeds are exchanged for purposes of crop and variety rotation
https://wikileaks.org/tpp-ip3/upov/UPOV%20and%20NZ.pdf
+1 TMM
+100 TMM…”emphasises seed company rights over farmers’ rights”….this is very scary….would seem to make New Zealand farmers susceptible to multinationals and genetic modification of seeds
( what about the GM swede scandal in Southland? …cows going belly up?…what would happen to a human if they ate these swedes?)
farmers organisations….the Labour Party and Opposition parties should be jumping up and down about this…In Europe I am told they are increasingly against genetically modified seeds and produce
…TPP has the potential to cut new Zealand farmers and horticulturalists and orchardists off from many markets in Europe …including Russia which is increasingly going organic
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/10/07/heres-why-19-countries-in-europe-just-completely-banned-genetically-modified-crops/
http://ecowatch.com/2015/10/05/european-union-ban-gmos/
http://rbth.com/business/2015/03/25/sanctions_boost_russian_organic_food_production_44629.html
Yep, what we can do is being ever more confined at the behest of the corporations. Capitalism is slowly taking our freedoms and turning us more and more into serfs and slaves.
Monsanto were on the verge of bankruptcy when they discovered the glysophate herbicide, Round Up the commercial name, now I am lead to believe they control 80% of the worlds seed supply and are one of the worlds largest Agrochemical companies, scary stuff the amount of control these multinationals have over the worlds food supply?
Thank you for posting on this issue – intellectual property in relation to farming and food production is of huge concern to all New Zealanders.
One of my big concerns about the TPPA is that it diminishes New Zealand’s protections against large scale industrial food production and processes that will be damaging to our environment, our farmers and workers, our international reputation for food safety and quality, and our own health, by consuming inferior food.
I have watched a lot of documentaries and done a lot of reading about this in the last few months.
This documentary is a good start for anyone interested…and we all should be interested.
Food Inc (2008). It runs for 130+ minutes, if you haven’t got time, skip to the third minute of the film for a glimpse of the horror of a beef CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operation). These animals live in pens on dirt, eat corn and anti-biotics, are filled with e.coli, stand ankle-deep in their own faeces all their 5-month long lives and when slaughtered their carcasses washed in bleach to kill all the e.coli bacteria that proliferates in their gut due to the corn-diet.
http://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/food_inc/
What’s the complaint, exactly? If it’s that IP protection is being extended in an unreasonable way by the TPPA, as has happened with copyright, then yes, that’s bad. But if it’s that companies that develop new plant varieties shouldn’t have a right to protection of their IP for a period so they can recover costs, the complaint lacks merit. It’s not clear which of the two is involved here.
“Independent economists: TPP will kill 450,000 US jobs; 75,000 Japanese jobs, 58,000 Canadian jobs”
http://www.newsforage.com/2016/01/independent-economists-tpp-will-kill.html?spref=fb
Jobs, jobs, jobs, not under TPP….
+100 savenz…we should not be signing the TPP….who is this agreement for?…certainly not for New Zealanders
The TPP, just like all other FTAs isn’t about jobs or the benefit of the nations signing but about making the rich richer. Looks like it’s going to do that well. Everyone else though will be fucked – just as planned.
All the Free Trade Agreement with China has done is increase Chinese immigration and boosted Chinese house investment in Auckland?
No but it’s main effects in NZ has, for the majority of people, been detrimental. It’s not of much good if it leaves the people who live here struggling to get a house while rich offshore owners are reaping massive capital gains.
Under TPP “NZ is projected to lose 6,000 jobs over a 10 year period.
“The Trans-Pacific Partnership meant to create the world’s largest free trade area will cost Canada 58,000 jobs and increase income inequality, says a new U.S. study.” The U.S. is estimated to lose 448,000 jobs over the same 10 year period.
“Perhaps more surprisingly, the study found that the two largest economies in the TPP — the U.S. and Japan — would actually shrink as a result of the trade deal, and that the deal would result in fewer jobs overall in all the participating countries.”
“In all, the study estimates that the 12 countries involved in the proposed free trade deal would lose a net total of 771,000 jobs in the 10 years after the deal comes into force.”
1) FULL ARTICLE: http://huff.to/1TdyueC
2) Global Development & Environment Institute at Tufts University: http://bit.ly/23jVi0C
__________________
In todays Stuff (of all places) “The TPPA will also protect the US and other heavy users of agricultural subsidies. This will hinder WTO efforts to reduce them.” Rod Oram http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/76114721/Rod-Oram-Dark-clouds-on-the-horizon
Rod Oram is one of the few independent voices you will hear in the media.
@Paul
+1
This study will of course be nonsense. The Tufts academics are claiming there is a net loss of jobs across all TPP nations, notwithstanding all TPP nations benefit (according to the World Bank).
No doubt the Tufts study has been done as part of the campaign to persuade Congress not to ratify. But I suspect the Tufts academics will have limited influence on Republican members of Congress. It would the equivalent of Jane Kelsey being a major influence on Tim Groser.
As I have noted before, the whole TPP issue is now really being fought in the US on the issue of Congressional ratification. This will be a huge fight. President Obama will pitch into it. It was part of his State of the Nation address.
However, fundamentally the Republicans are in control of the outcome. If they want it, TPP will go through, no doubt with limited Democrat support.In contrast if Canada does not ratify, that will not be a deal breaker, although it might influence some members of Congress.
“This study will of course be nonsense.”
..which indicates a prejudgement…surprise surprise
and of course the MFAT analysis has been a robust credible example that hasn’t used unsubstantiated assumptions nor ignored inconvenient cost implications….Tui moment
MFAT wouldn’t have a clue as they are not the ones doing the growing or the exporting, it would be a hypothesis on an Excel Spreadsheet.
not quite…but not much better
“The estimates are based on modelling undertaken prior to conclusion of the negotiations, using a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model.4 A commentary on the modelling5 concluded that, while CGE models are commonly used to model trade policy changes, their validity depends on crude assumptions about how real-world markets function and their results are very sensitive to errors in these assumptions.
The commentary found that the standard of documentation of the modelling is dreadfully inadequate – just 20 pages of text in the published report. The authors should have chosen, or been asked to present, a much weightier and more detailed account of every facet of the data, assumptions, modelling and results.”
https://tpplegal.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/ep5-economics.pdf
Of course Groser would never listen to Kelsey, “Ignorance is strength” is the Gnatzi credo.
I doubt whether Groser or Key have ever worked in the real world and I sincerely doubt whether either of them would know how to grow a cabbage?
The World Bank says that the TPPA will be good for nations?
What a fucking laugh. Is there a single country that the World Bank has been involved with which hasn’t been brought to its economic knees and lost its sovereignty to corporate interests?
” This study will of course be nonsense.”
Thanks, that’ll save me having to read it just as you seem to have done.
”No doubt the Tufts study has been done as part of the campaign to persuade Congress not to ratify.”
Your supreme confidence has a calming effect on me and saves me having to take my medication.
”It would the equivalent of Jane Kelsey being a major influence on Tim Groser.”
What is poor old Jane going to do when Groser is off to Washington? Maybe she could do a sabbatical over there?
”As I have noted before, the whole TPP issue is now really being fought in the US on the issue of Congressional ratification.”
Indeed, it is a fait accompli and we here in little old NZ shouldn’t lose any sleep over it and just get on with our daily ordinary lives and leave the fight to the Republicans and Democrats in the US. What were we thinking that there are 12 signatories to the TPPA? They are mostly there to fill one A4 of the Agreement with little
doodlessignatures to make it look pretty and impressive.I recognise good arguments when I see them, Wayne 😉
The establishment elite is gradually losing legitimacy with the citizens that they are supposedly leading.
In the US, this is represented by the mass popularity of alternative candidates like Trump and Sanders.
Wayne is well aware that his reach – and the reach of his six figure income ruling class friends – extends fuck all distance into the actual community.
Yes, agreed; he’s not even trying to make a real effort or even pretending anymore.
At least it’s open to democratic scrutiny in the United States.
If the benefits are so amazing, Key should put his pen down and have a proper public debate.
We’re seriously all reliant on the US Republicans to let the public voice be heard?
There is nothing inconsistent in jobs being lost while owners of capital increase profits. Very common trend.
@ Wayne – one of the studies is the world bank – good enough for you?
They also have found negliable economic benefit and that is against the extreme negative risks.
What government sells itself out for corporations to sue them in separate courts, – but they can’t sue corporations?
Makes zero sense for any government doing due diligence to sign it.
We are forever in your debt, Wayne, for pointing out the kernel of this TPP issue in your comment. Truly, you are an towering beacon of constitutional incandencence; and a steel-trap mind combined with political perspicacity and wrapped up in lapidary prose. Is it true that your students sometimes could not talk for three days from the wonder of your law lectures? O Master! O Grand Regal Legal Beagle!
Because what you raise is the fact that the Americans, even with the crazy plutocratic political system that they have, ARE ALLOWED A REAL VOTE ON THE TPP. A VOTE!! In fact, their process has given them one already and they will have another if Obama looks like winning, as you incisively perceive.
Whereas in New Zealand the proto-fascist National gang of hoods (OK, proto-totalitarian for the squeamish) does not trust us with the right to vote on this crucial issue, that pries so aggressively into our Kiwi polity. Key and Groser etc., do not understand democracy. Or sovereignty. Or nationhood. Or citizenship. They don’t give a flying feck for NZ full stop. How else to explain their acquiescence in the terms of the Agreement and their unbelievable insulting arrogance and acquiescence in having the TPPA signed two days before Waitangi Day. It wouldn’t surprise me that they suggested it themselves.
You have a nice day Wayne, I’m off to practice my whakapohane.
Wayne!
Well done mate.
You managed a whole comment plugging the TPPA without once using the words “free” or “trade”.
A step up my son, a step up.
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/01/22/lets-not-lose-our-tempers-if-john-key-wants-a-riot-outside-sky-city-dont-give-him-one/#.dpuf
ON THE FACE OF IT John Key has made a serious tactical blunder.
By insisting on hosting the signing of the Trans-pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) in New Zealand, just two days before Waitangi Day, at the country’s most notorious beneficiary of crony capitalism, he would appear to have given his opponents an unparalleled opportunity to rally their forces and reinvigorate their campaign.
Frankly, I’m suspicious.
Because John Key is not prone to making tactical blunders.
Which raises the worrying possibility that the readily predictable consequences of his decision – mass protest action outside Sky City, with a high probability of violence and property damage – may be exactly what he wants to happen.
The Chinese philosopher-general, Sun Tzu, wrote: “If your enemy is of choleric temper – irritate him.”
Few would argue that, at present, the opponents of the TPPA are in a very bad mood indeed. Even fewer would suggest that they have not been extremely irritated by the National Government’s decision to host the official signing of the TPPA at Sky City in Auckland on 4 February.
Is John Key setting them up?
That might be the case if it was within John Key’s power to refuse to host (or, at least, delay) the signing ceremony. To decline this honour (as the NZ Herald describes it) would, however, involve a tremendous loss of face by Key’s government.
It was, after all, New Zealand that set the whole process in motion more than a decade ago. It would be an unthinkable humiliation for its government to ask another signatory to host the signing ceremony.
But if Key has no option but to host the signing of the TPPA, he most certainly does have a choice as to where it takes place.
Which raises the question: Why Sky City?
The ceremony could just as easily have been staged at the exclusive Millbrook Resort outside Queenstown.
This was where President Clinton stayed in 1999, and where the Intelligence Directors of the “Five Eyes” nations gathered just a few years ago.
Far away from New Zealand’s major cities, and easily defensible by a relatively small number of police and security personnel, the Millbrook Resort would not only have offered splendid “visuals” but also the smallest chance of disruption.
Which brings us back to Sun Tzu.
What does the Prime Minister know, that the people he is goading into besieging the Sky City complex do not know?
…….
_________________________________________________
In my view, the choice of Sky City as the venue for the proposed signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is a deliberately provocative venue.
Back in December 2012, a peaceful anti-TPPA protest (outside Sky City) was hijacked, in my view, by provocateurs who arbitrarily changed the demand from ‘don’t sign the TPPA’ to ‘close down the TPPA’.
For the public record – I am absolutely opposed to any form of violent protest / ‘riot’ outside Sky City on 4 February 2016.
Although I totally understand how frustrated and angry many people feel about the TPPA – any form of violent protest / ‘riot’ will just be used as an excuse to clamp down on the democratic rights and civil liberties of ALL New Zealanders.
I for one am advocating a HUGE peaceful protest of New Zealanders against the signing of the TPPA on 4 February 2016, from 12 noon to 1pm, that starts at Aotea Square and ends at Britomart, and does NOT go to Sky City.
That those who are in paid employment in Auckland can therefore peacefully protest during their lunchtime, and the world can see WHY New Zealanders are opposed to this effective pro-corporate attack on our national sovereignty, where our banners and placards can ‘do the talking’ – because the WORLD will be watching …
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
You make some good points Penny Bright. Imo, that is exactly what Key and his mates are hoping for – a violent confrontation. They have nothing to worry about of course because they will be heavily protected. The trick will be to launch a large and effective protest without resorting to any physical violence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R4T8Ip0kys
dress in the sunday finest,
be silent on your march – after all it is a funeral
bring the national flag – not the teatowel
and just stand there, do nothing, say nothing, be witness to the burial of the country. Maybe turn your backs when the Leader and his posse arrives.
We could take inspiration from the http://www.afscme.org/union/history/mlk
+100 sabine…”bring the national flag – not the teatowel”…(agreed not jonkeys teatowel corporate take over flag)…
btw our NZ flag representing the founding legal Treaty of Waitangi agreement between Maori and Pakeha can be got from the Two Dollar shop for $5….(a nice big NZ flag)
….this told to me on the last anti -TPP demonstration by Maori carrying and waving the New Zealand flag…many Maori were carrying the NZ flag
In the 1930’s Maori considered entering a Partnership with The USA and the French however through their investigations they felt the British were the best alternative, hence the Union Jack is symbolic on the NZ Flag.
Key is putting the cart before the horse, he has not consulted with Maori, and wants to sign an agreement with the USA with out consulting the NZ Public and at the same time he wants to change the country’s flag which resembles my old
Auntys tea towel.
This represents how the guys mind works?
In the 1930’s Maori considered entering a Partnership with The USA and the French however through their investigations they felt the British were the best alternative, hence the Union Jack is symbolic on the NZ Flag.
wut
Hear hear Sabine (5.1.2).
I’d like to see a mass silent vigil outside the signing venue, with protesters standing hands joined with heads bowed. There will be no excuse whatsoever for police to interfere with us then, as it will be a peaceful protest.
However, should police attempt to harass us, then we should sit down, offering no resistance, only if it’s necessary to protect ourselves from harm. Let the police expose their boss FJK to the rest of the world as the filthy, treasonous despot we already know he is!
The simplest way for those who are opposed to potential violence / ‘riots’ outside Sky City, is to AVOID Sky City on 4 February 2016?
I for one, as a very experienced ‘veteran’ protestor, have no intention of being drawn into, (in my opinion) an obvious TRAP.
In terms of my proven commitment to effective, non-violent protest, I’ll rely on my track record that goes back over 40 years.
Let’s FILL Queen Street on 4 February 2016 – with a MASSIVE lunchtime PEACEFUL protest against the signing of the TPPA!
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
Why not take the protest to Auckland International Airport?
“You make some good points”
Credit where due – the top two thirds is by Chris Trotter.
Police Infiltrate Peaceful Protest Dressed as Black Bloc Anarchists
Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=570_1321357264#sbAMK4Pe2ZdyByxd.99
This.
When National start talking about violence at a demonstration one has to wonder if they’ve already hired the thugs.
How Obama has sold TPP was to create US jobs – the opposite it true. Good video showing how the agreement is stacked in favour of corporations. Corporations can sue governments but the governments can not sue corporations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhJ_2Nx-e9Q&feature=share
The Democratic Party has been selling out workers for decades now. Bill Clinton destroyed millions of US blue collar jobs with NAFTA, now Obama continues the very same work on behalf of the transnational corporate class.
Rod Oram spells out the dangers of the TPPA to NZ on Stuff this morning :
Rod Oram: Dark clouds on the horizon
The benefits for New Zealand’s from the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal will be meagre.
The weaknesses and dangers of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement are analysed in a set of research papers now available at bit.ly/TPPApapers .
This columnist contributed sections on TPPA’s likely influence on value chains and 21^st century trade agreements. The conclusions for New Zealand are ominous.
TPPA will likely reinforce our position as a commodity producer and hinder our progress up the value chain where greater economic prosperity lies.
For example, large-scale overseas companies with close connections to their consumers will find it easier to tap into our resources than our small companies will find it to develop relationships with overseas consumers.
Similarly, restrictions on labelling through the TPPA’s sanitary and phytosanitary measures may restrict opportunities for our food exporters to build a high quality, differentiated market position.
The TPPA will also protect the US and other heavy users of agricultural subsidies. This will hinder WTO efforts to reduce them.
Overall, TPPA reads very much like a charter for incumbent businesses, dominated by US ones, which are attempting to hold back the tides of economic change the world needs.
Click on this link to read the rest of Rod’s column :
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/76114721/Rod-Oram-Dark-clouds-on-the-horizon
+100 Jenny Kirk…this jonkey nact government is treacherous to be signing this TPP without democratic consultation of New Zealanders who are overwhelmingly against !
Key defends TPP as Ratana crowd boos
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11578964
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jan/23/ministers-want-to-get-rid-of-social-housing-former-civil-service-chief-to-say
I already annoyed at councils selling housing but it’s all part of the right wing plan.
Of course here in NZ we’re giving private landlords subsidies while refusing to give councils who are a large social housing provider the same support.
A solid rejection of violence and a call for solidarity! John Key wants war between Pakeha and Maori. Are you going to let him?
Orchestrated by Crosby Textor
Totally!
Barry Brickell RIP.
Deep Green, made a difference, from beginning to the end.
More on strategy and tactics for the upcoming TPPA protests,
https://www.facebook.com/www.redsky.tv/photos/a.334553779960314.75108.334536643295361/948396165242736/
Really the New Zealand Labour Party led by Andrew Little should be coming out in force on this march/demonstration and on Waitangi Day to protect New Zealanders and New Zealand
…and to help prevent any possible violence from Jonkey’s lackeys
Labour Party where are you?
Shear Panic?
If true, this is going to hurt.
Eating the Seed Corn
This really is common sense and yet the people who most loudly proclaim that common sense should be followed will be telling us that the selling of NZ is good for us.
The risks associated with money laundering don’t go away just because the National Party gets a cut.
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Pimping for the rich.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11578853
I did start reading it, but the “What, this shit again?” reaction was so strong I didn’t get past the first couple of paragraphs.
The title gave it away, didn’t it – the usual click bait. Hide has long ceased writing original pieces and has become so predictable it is boring. He’s not the only ex-ACT person that has run out of ideas and meaningful things to say. What a waste of space.
Hear, hear Incognito, Psycho Milt and Paul – I have just had another look at the article and no one has even bothered to comment. Says it all really.
The NZH has a bad habit of not loading comments over the weekend; they’ll appear sometime Monday morning or in the afternoon. It is a real killer for online debate, which just shows that the NZH has no real interest in giving its readers an opportunity to engage in important debates or simply provide an opinion on relevant issues. The Editorial on Euthanasia is not even open for comments, which is ironic given the title ”Time’s running out for debate”.
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/24/donald-trump-says-he-could-shoot-somebody-and-still-not-lose-voters
…frighteningly he’s probably right.
He’d probably go up in the polls.
I just keep getting the feeling he’s doing it for a grand piss take, a commentary on the share stupidity of of at least 30% of humans.
it would be a bloody expensive piss-take….hes funding himself
I read somewhere that he’s actually managed to avoid spending much of his own cash, and that in fact most of the campaign expenses have been met by donations. Don’t remember if it said where the cash came from, tho.
John Pilgers documentaries available for free
http://johnpilger.com/filmography
“George Soros, the financier who forced Britain out of the European exchange rate mechanism by betting against the pound, used his appearance at Davos to warn that a hard landing for China was now “unavoidable”. Soros stressed that he was not offering a prediction. “I’m not expecting it,” he said. “I’m observing it.”
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jan/24/stock-markets-world-financial-crisis-oil-china
Woody Guthrie wrote a song about Fred Trump.
https://theconversation.com/woody-guthrie-old-man-trump-and-a-real-estate-empires-racist-foundations-53026