Police Association offers a recipe for dead cops

Written By: - Date published: 12:35 pm, January 13th, 2013 - 122 comments
Categories: crime, police - Tags:

In December, a cop had his taser taken off him and fired at him. The Police Association said the solution is for cops to be armed. Judith Collins got it right, “if that was a gun [not a Taser] we’d probably be going to a funeral, actually, for a police officer”. On Friday, an armed cop had his gun taken off him. The Police Association’s answer: cops should pull their guns earlier.

I don’t know if the Police Association bosses just have some kind of Slater-eqsue violence fantasy fetish and that’s why they call for arming of cops at every opportunity, but the reality is it wouldn’t make them or anyone else safer. Handguns are designed for killing people. Put a tool for killing people into the hands of people who are interacting with members of the public, and more people will be killed. (incidentally, people who have guns in the house are twice as likely to be killed in a firearm homicide)

Regularly armed cops would mean more dead civilians, more dead offenders, and more dead cops. Why the hell would we want that?

122 comments on “Police Association offers a recipe for dead cops ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Draco T Bastard 1
    13 January 2013 at 12:39 pm

    It appears that the Police Association is calling for police to be able to use their guns because it would cause less harm:

    The policeman had brought his gun from his car as he thought the situation was threatening, but did not draw it.
    Police Association vice-president Stuart Mills said that if the officer had been able to use his firearm as the primary weapon, offenders would have been less likely to attack and the situation would have been resolved more quickly, and with less harm.

    Which has got to be the worst logic I’ve seen yet. The only thing that would have happened if the officer had drawn his gun would be that someone would have been shot and shooting someone isn’t causing less harm.

    • QoT 1.1
      13 January 2013 at 1:26 pm

      Clearly they edited the bit in his statement saying “with less harm to the ego of police officers.” If a few rowdy partiers have to die for cops to get the respect they deserve then so be it, apparently.

      Incidentally, I note that the officer in question was alone, against five other people. But the Police Association prefers to advocate for increased arming of officers rather than sufficient resourcing to allow all cops to patrol in pairs?

      • higherstandard 1.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 2:15 pm

        “A few rowdy partiers”

        “A police officer who was seriously assaulted by a group of men in Kawhia last night used pepper spray and a taser to try and subdue his attackers.

        The policeman had been set upon by at least five people, who were kicking him as he coiled up in pain on the Kawhia wharf.

        The group took his taser, his radio and his pistol and were only stopped when local firefighters and the public stepped in to intervene.”

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/8169825/Police-officer-attacked-in-Kawhia

        I hope they all get five years minimum – feral scum.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1
          13 January 2013 at 2:44 pm

          And how does that relate to the idea that there be enough police officers so that they are in pairs all the time which would be more likely to prevent such incidents and cause less harm than the cops having drawn weapons?

          • McFlock 1.1.1.1.1
            13 January 2013 at 3:01 pm

            Yep.

            Not to mention what the weapons might be used for after the sole police officer is left on the ground.

            Nor to mention the fact that had an officer used their weapon in a perfectly legitimate self defense, it could well have been the officer’s word against those of four or five other people who swore they did nothing wrong and the officer was out of control. I know door-staff who have been in legal strife that way (and that was just for assault, not murder or serious injury).

            Yes, all we need to evaluate the situation is “feral scum” /sarc.

            • higherstandard 1.1.1.1.1.1
              13 January 2013 at 3:17 pm

              Well the fact that the local fire service and members of the public came to the aid of the officer who was attacked from behind and then repeatedly assaulted while on the ground would suggest that those attacking the officer were indeed “feral scum”.

              But of course one would not expect much more from the usual suspects on this site apart from sympathy for those committing the acts of violence as ‘they’re merely the victims of the governments economic policies’ /sarcasm x3

              • McFlock …
                13 January 2013 at 3:27 pm

                Yes. The officer was very lucky that some members of the public were prepared to assist him, what with him not having the assistance of other frontline police staff available and his weaponry not being of any help to him in that situation (indeed, it was a dangerous liability).

                Fortunately, the only issue we need to consider about this specific situation is whether or not the responsible parties qualify for the term “feral scum” /sarcasm x infinity.

                • NF0011 …
                  13 January 2013 at 7:36 pm

                  Why would 2 officers make a difference when going up against people that have no respect for the law and are happy to kick and punch someone curled up in a ball on the ground? Over the Christmas/New Years break we have seen pairs of cops attacked. In Dargaville I believe among other places So whats the answer then? 3 cops? 4 cops? Send the armed defenders and dog squads in for every routine police call out?

                  The problem is police are being sent in to deal with people that have no respect for anyone other than their own family and are willing to attempt to kill someone to protect that family member. Its easy to sit behind a computer and type answers like ‘should always have 2 cops’. Try going out with the cops into these situations and see what they have to deal with. Or have these people attack you and your family. Try being kicked and punched on the ground and see what sort of response you would like to help you. Who would want to join the police knowing that 5 people can kick you with the intent of killing you, 80 people are happy to sit back and watch and you have members of the public not willing to give you the support you need to do your job. Put yourself in the shoes of his family, a family whose husband and father almost didn’t come home that night.

                  Should there be a minimum of 2 cops per shift. Yes. Should the cops not have the right to defend themselves against people who wish them harm? Yes. Pepper Spray and a taser didn’t help. Had the officer the right to draw his gun (which he was carrying) before entering the situation, I’m sure this lovely gentleman and his family would have had a much claimer reaction to him.

                  • QoT …
                    13 January 2013 at 8:45 pm

                    Why would 2 officers make a difference when going up against people that have no respect for the law and are happy to kick and punch someone curled up in a ball on the ground?

                    Because it’s much harder to do that when the person you’re trying to kick and punch (a) isn’t as much of a target because they’re not on their own (b) has a partner who can draw their pepper spray or taser even if you’ve jumped their mate (c) has a partner who can radio for backup even though you’ve taken the first cop’s radio and taser and gun away.

                    Being confronted with two officers instead of one is simply a different psychological and practical situation.

                  • McFlock …
                    13 January 2013 at 9:04 pm

                    So more cops isn’t the answer, police should just attend “every routine police call out” with drawn firearms? Somehow I’m not sure that your solution would protect police or even the citizens who came to his aid.

                    edit: how about rather than having no other assistance than to wear his firearm, the officer could have called for back-up as soon as he recognised the situation as being dicey, and received it in a reasonable time?

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    14 January 2013 at 12:07 am

                    Why would 2 officers make a difference when going up against people that have no respect for the law and are happy to kick and punch someone curled up in a ball on the ground?

                    You’re not thinking tactically, NF0011, you’re thinking emotionally.

                    Which makes the rest of your comment worse than ignorant, it’s dangerous.

                  • fustercluck …
                    14 January 2013 at 12:05 pm

                    Does the phrase “I got your back” resonate for you?

                    It is much harder to sucker punch a well trained pair than it is to sneak up on a cop with eyes on only one side of his head.

                    Additionally, a pair would have made a timely distress call more likely even if they were both swiftly engaged by ‘feral’ attackers.

                    Having grown up in the USA and having the pleasure of both being approached by cops with their hands on their weapons and even (once) having a cop point their handgun at me, I can assure you that a ‘gun first’ policy is not going to do anything to reduce violence against the public or the cops themselves. Sure, I was polite as hell and kept my hands visible, but all to often the criminals emulate the cops shoot first approach resulting in the avoidable carnage for which the USA is all too famous.

                  • McFlock …
                    13 January 2013 at 8:04 pm

                    Indeed. And in half of those incidents, at least one weapon was taken off the police officer and in one case someone tried to use the officer’s weapon against him. Luckily it wasn’t a point and click glock.

                    So the question remains: why is the police association demanding wider distribution of firearms, rather than more frontline officers to support each other responding to incidents? Any thoughts? Are they just gun-happy “ferals”?

                    • higherstandard …
                      13 January 2013 at 8:24 pm

                      I think you’ll find the police association would like both.

                      But keep going i’m sure you’ll get to the point of reduction to the point of absurdity demanding that the police carry no protection and that all such violent acts directed at the police, ambulance officers and the like is the governments fault.

                    • felixviper …
                      13 January 2013 at 8:30 pm

                      I’m sure you realise that you just did the absurd reduction there hs while building your preemptive strawman.

                    • McFlock …
                      13 January 2013 at 9:12 pm

                      The police association might want both, but somehow their gun solution seems to be the one that gets emphasised.

                      They might just have shit media management. Or O’Connor might have a gun fetish.

              • mike e vipe e …
                14 January 2013 at 7:26 pm

                Drunken bystaders watch as drunken drugged thugs take to cop Collins and her govt were going to get tough on gangs yeah right!
                Collins said that alcohol is the biggest single issue for police, using 50% of police time!
                National slap Alcohol sector with wet bus ticket!
                User pays I thought Nactional were a user pays Govt!
                Nactional continue to allow taxpayer to subsidize Alcohol abuse!

      • David H 1.1.2
        13 January 2013 at 7:26 pm

        And how long until a cop loses his drawn gun? And has it used against him, and other cops. Or even worse, an innocent member of the public.

        It’s bad enough that the cops get away with shooting innocent bystanders ( AK motorway)
        But how will they say sorry, because one of them LOST his gun. And an innocent is killed by it.

        And the Americans have proven that an armed cop is pretty useless, if the amount of shots fired, in relation to the offenders hit, is anything to go by. Because they get all Rambo, and just blaze away with scant regard for where their wild firing sends their bullets.

        Get them to patrol in Pairs And link ALL guns to Camera’s just like the Tasers.
        And leave the guns to those PROPERLY TRAINED in their use

        • McFlock 1.1.2.1
          13 January 2013 at 8:51 pm

          last I heard was that putting microelectrics into handguns wasn’t very reliable due to the recoil forces. Takes its toll after a while. Might change a bit soon, though.

          • Draco T Bastard 1.1.2.1.1
            14 January 2013 at 3:23 pm

            Yep, it does but those electronics are cheap to replace even today. Personally, I think that the police should have cameras mounted in their uniforms and on all the time – not just as part of the gun/taser regulations.

  2. kiwicommie 2
    13 January 2013 at 1:36 pm

    It is business as usual under National and the MSM Draco. They refuse to tell the true cause of this, which would likely be a direct result of National’s economic policies i.e. joblessness, poverty and hopelessness. If they were drunk, why were they drunk. If they attacked the police, they had to have a reason. Unless the case is picked up by the MSM, unfortunately we will never know.

  3. Brett Dale 3
    13 January 2013 at 3:47 pm

    They’re called the police, not cops.

    Show respect please.

  4. Frank 4
    13 January 2013 at 5:40 pm

    HOW TO AVOID BAD POLICING. (KAWHIA STYLE)

    1. WHEN OUT NUMBERED RETREAT.

    2.TRY NOT TO LOOK TOUGH BY STRAPPING A SIDE ARM ON, AND NOT BEING PREPARED TO USE IT.

    3. ATTEMPT TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE FATHER BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO ARREST SON WHEN EVERYONE ELSE EXCEPT YOU ARE PISSED AND PROBABLY WILL TAKE OFFENCE.

    4.DON’T BE A HERO.

    5.GET BACKUP (THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AIN’T IT).

    6.AS A SOLE CONSTABLE SOME COMMUNITY POLICING WOULD HAVE PAID OFF.

    7.REMEMBER SONNY, THAT YOU ARE A POLICEMAN, NOT A GANG MEMBER.

    8. AND. IT’S REALLY HARD TO ESCAPE FROM KAWHIA.

  5. Frank 5
    13 January 2013 at 5:49 pm

    What I am saying is if the copper went down there in mufti and spoke to them in a manner they could understand.
    Oi, gis ya kid. badass need to see judge.
    what ya done ya litel shit.
    took unts undies
    wot 4 ya purrthert.
    mom wont wash hers.

    Sorry he is still under arrest.

    take him.

  7. Rogue Trooper 7
    13 January 2013 at 6:38 pm

    There is an “arms escalation” You would be surprised how many ceilings serve as temporary armouries. (the “outsiders” will outbreed enforcement, regardless how the statistics are massaged; it’s game on)

    • RedLogix 7.1
      13 January 2013 at 7:02 pm

      There is an “arms escalation”

      That being the point here. Eventually you get people arguing for owning their own personal nukes to ‘defend’ their liberty from the evil state. Ok so that’s a bit OTT …. how about your own Abrams M1?

      • Rogue Trooper 7.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 7:06 pm

        I was a fan of the Tiger, yet our bridges are narrower than those of the Fatherland
        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_II
        Panzerkampfwagen

        • Colonial Viper 7.1.1.1
          13 January 2013 at 7:16 pm

          T-34 fan myself, not as powerful or as well built, but sure did the job.

          • RedLogix 7.1.1.1.1
            13 January 2013 at 7:32 pm

            I’ve actually seen up close a real live T-34 at the factory where they were built… another story.

          • Rogue Trooper 7.1.1.1.2
            13 January 2013 at 7:44 pm

            They Sure Did, however, that WW II footage of a moving Tiger under an SS commander taking out (6 or 8 Allied Tanks from memory, was pretty outstanding; I read and watched a lot SS history in me bad old days) still, the T-34 ended up being the bees knees in the Russian campaigns, and they just kept coming (apparently there suspension was an advantage).

          • exkiwiforces 7.1.1.1.3
            13 January 2013 at 7:49 pm

            CV, I’ll raise you my Coy of Tigers, Coy of Panzer 4’s and my Panzer-Grenadiers for your T34.

            Back to tropic, The New Zealand Police service need to go back to having 2 personal in the patrol cars esp for the remote areas sooner or later someone is going to get killed either a cop or a civillian. Having a single cop on duty in remote area is just asking for trouble and where I live at moment in OZ the remote area cop the have 3 cops at remote police stations to stop this sort of thing happening.

        • David H 7.1.1.2
          13 January 2013 at 7:44 pm

          Naaa the T34/85 was not a bad tank, and the Russians had way more than the German Tiger tanks, And not many Tigers had the 88 mm gun, as it was an Anti Aircraft gun and just had a very high muzzle velocity. and a flat trajectory and was devastating to pretty much anything at the time. But most tanks had the 75mm gun, and not the 88

    • QoT 8.1
      13 January 2013 at 8:53 pm

      The sole-charge policeman used pepper spray and a taser, but was hit from behind, knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked by a group of around five people.

      Obviously arming cops with regular firearms is not the answer! They need guns that fire in all directions!

      Or … the officer could have had a partner to watch his back and ensure he wasn’t jumped from behind while dealing with the people in front of him.

      • felixviper 8.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 9:55 pm

        I think “guns that fire in all directions” are called “grenades”, and think cops should all carry them. The pins could be attached to their belts to stop people stealing them.

        And do away with firearms, tasers and sprays as it seems the cops just can’t be trusted to look after them.

        • McFlock 8.1.1.1
          13 January 2013 at 10:23 pm

          Actually, that last point goes right back to when they introduced collapsible batons. One of the justifications brought up was that some officers would leave the vehicle and forget to take their long baton – which while not nice to be hit with, also had some defensive uses beyond “nut the guy”.

          The telescopic baton really has only one use – the thwack.

        • QoT 8.1.1.2
          13 January 2013 at 11:29 pm

          I think the police need power armour. And machine pistols.

      • higherstandard 8.1.2
        14 January 2013 at 7:12 am

        Oh you’re making too much of a fuss QoT it was just some rowdy partiers.

        • QoT 8.1.2.1
          14 January 2013 at 7:46 pm

          I think you think you’re making some kind of hilariously clever point. Unfortunately you’re just continuing to dig yourself into an even deeper reductio ad absurdum hole/

  9. Rogue Trooper 9
    13 January 2013 at 7:55 pm

    This disturbing image found it’s way to me recently (that’s Fb market targeting for ya)
    http://inkslingerblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/602937_192858847524217_1235130692_n.jpg
    needless to say, I didn’t share it.

  10. paul andersen 10
    13 January 2013 at 9:19 pm

    I couldnt beleive that response,,, the officer should have drawn his gun,,,, they are taught never to draw their guns unless they are going to fire them,,, the police union spokesman can across more like an NRA spokesman

  11. MrSmith 11
    13 January 2013 at 10:14 pm

    The Pigs won’t be safe till they’re riding around in bulletproof Hummers with machine guns on the roof, well judging from the reaction by some here.

    Violence begets violence, wearing a gun says fuck with me and I might kill you, this isn’t the message we should be sending, we shouldn’t take the easy option with arming our police, because in the long run we will all lose.

  12. muzza 12
    14 January 2013 at 8:24 am

    I expect that carrying guns is a certainty, timeline being the variable. O’Connor (drunken disgrace that he is) and the PA, willfully backed by the media, are fueling the fires at every opportunity.

    Desired outcome = Armed cops, plus who knows what else on the street, and in the sky.

    Tactics required to achieve desired outcome = Becoming obvious!

  13. millsy 13
    15 January 2013 at 7:46 am

    Not really keen on having our police force behave like the SS, like what Brett Dale, Populuxe and higherstandard seem to want. They think the police should be able to shoot any person they like when they feel like it, and perhaps torture them as well.

    • higherstandard 13.1
      15 January 2013 at 8:00 am

      Dear Millsy

      Can you please provide a link to where I or any of the others you mention have said anything remotely like that which you have accused us of.

      • felixviper 13.1.1
        15 January 2013 at 10:01 am

        Brett does it pretty regularly. Ask him if he thinks coppers should a) obey the law or b) do whatever they have to do.

      • millsy 13.1.2
        15 January 2013 at 9:44 pm

        My point was that Judith Collins and Greg O’Connor (who BTW is the most effective union leader in the country) have previously blamed scrutiny of police conduct for a supposed rise in assaults on police. Personally I belive that it is a very dangerous assertion to make, as it signals a desire on both Collins and O’Connors part for our police forces to be devoid of any accountability or scrutiny whatsoever.

        And in case anyone wants to know, the worst intances of when police officers were attack, was in 1964 when 4 officers were shot dead in seperate incidents in Auckland and Wellington, and in 1941, when Stanley Graham went on his rampage. This was a time when the police were supposedly held in higher regard than they are now.

        • higherstandard 13.1.2.1
          16 January 2013 at 8:06 am

          Dear millsy

          The point you were trying to make bears no resemblance to your original smear.

          Can you please provide a link to where I or any of the others you mention have said anything remotely like that which you have accused us of.

    • Colonial Viper 13.2
      15 January 2013 at 12:22 pm

      and perhaps torture them as well.

      There might be innocent lives at stake in the next 24 hours which the tortured information from the suspect could save! /sarc

    • Populuxe1 13.3
      15 January 2013 at 1:12 pm

      I don’t recall saying the Police should have carte blanche to arrest, torture, maim and murder – all I said was that they do actually have to deal with some pretty horrific things, though never having had to comfort a rape victim, enter a murder scene, get shot or stabbed, or investigate a P lab, perhaps I shouldn’t say anything.

    • felixviper 14.1
      15 January 2013 at 9:58 am

      Oh dear. Reading between the lines there… “off duty”… “fishing”… “drinking at Kawhia wharf”…

      Bit weird that eyewitnesses and photos have a different recollection of events to the copper. Look forward to seeing the video.

      • higherstandard 14.1.1
        15 January 2013 at 10:10 am

        What is it exactly that you are reading between the lines ?

        • felixviper 14.1.1.1
          15 January 2013 at 12:30 pm

          It’s the bits where the dots are hs. You’re going to have to read between the lines of my reading between the lines if you give a shit.

          • higherstandard 14.1.1.1.1
            15 January 2013 at 12:38 pm

            Surely it’s better if you tell everyone what you’re reading between the lines in relation to the three items you’ve chosen to highlight ?

            It’s not as if any of those three things are out of the ordinary is it ?

            • felixviper 14.1.1.1.1.1
              15 January 2013 at 12:43 pm

              I wouldn’t presume to know whether those things are out of the ordinary or not hs.

              • higherstandard …
                15 January 2013 at 1:14 pm

                But surely you have with your ‘reading between the lines’

                Are you ever going to answer the original question or do you just want to continue to tr*ll ?

                • felixviper …
                  15 January 2013 at 1:26 pm

                  I don’t see where I’ve presumed to know the extent of the ordinariness or otherwise. Could you point out where I have?

                  And I’ve already answered your original question hs. In case you need it spelled out, the answer was ‘I’m not going to tell you, idiot.’

                  • higherstandard …
                    15 January 2013 at 2:01 pm

                    Aw come on share what you’re reading between the lines, are you afraid to make more of an idiot of yourself in between the incessant tr0lling and lying.

                    • felixviper …
                      15 January 2013 at 2:54 pm

                      Not following you there hs.

                    • higherstandard …
                      15 January 2013 at 4:04 pm

                      C’mon you can do better than that.

                      “Oh dear. Reading between the lines there… “off duty”… “fishing”… “drinking at Kawhia wharf”…”

                      Still waiting for what to read between the lines in relation to what those words in between the ” “s have got to do with the events at Kawhia where the policeman was set upon by feral scum.

                    • felixviper …
                      16 January 2013 at 9:34 am

                      I wrote that for the smart kids. Sorry dummy.

                      Still not following you re- lying and trooling.

                    • higherstandard …
                      16 January 2013 at 9:50 am

                      Well what would the “smart kids” read between the lines ?

                      Why so reticent to expand on your reading between the lines, surely you wouldn’t want to be misconstrued.

                      “Still not following you re- lying and trooling.”

                      Let me spell it out for you then – You are a lying trool.

                    • felixviper …
                      16 January 2013 at 9:58 am

                      Misconstrue away, not my concern.

  15. The Al1en 15
    15 January 2013 at 8:46 am

    Surely the only people we want to see go to work with a gun are soldiers and hunters.
    If arming the force is the only option to ensure it’s safety, then it signals a total fail from this government, and a top down fail in the cop chain.

    There are police I wouldn’t see issued a TV remote, let alone a lethal weapon.
    Have guns in cars, have armed squads in transit at all times or whatever, but if the police fed want to play cowboys, it’s only natural some will want to be better indians.

    • One Tāne Huna 15.1
      15 January 2013 at 12:59 pm

      Why would this be necessary, in the context of the marked downward trend in violent crime (especially homicides) since 1991?

      There are few circumstances where a “reasonable response” to an assault is to kill the attacker. Yes, that means that police staff will get beaten up from time to time, but that is better than drunk civilians being shot dead.

      That said, in a democracy, assault on police staff is an assault on society, a serious offence.

      OAB disclaimer. This comment contains a link to a deranged right wing web site and does not imply support for the views expressed therein.

  16. bad12 16
    15 January 2013 at 4:52 pm

    I think the both times i have listened to what the Police Commissioner had to say about what happened at the Kawhia wharf on RadioNZ National are about right,

    I can imagine Greg choking on His grog,(needs a stiff one to stop the after effects of all those drugs He didn’t take when He was undercover),BUT, the Commissioner seemed to be alluding to the fact that the particular plod in question had not made a correct risk assessment when deciding to arrest someone in the middle of a drinking crowd,

    He sure as hell didn’t, what the f**k was He doing all tooled up complete with glock where most of the crowd appears to have been the law abiding,

    What was His tactic, hands up now bro your under arrest and if you resist i will blow away a number of your rellies when double tap puts one or two into you and the rest miss,

    The Commissioner also pointed out that alcohol as it does in at least 70% of all crime figured in this little altercation as well, and, it was up to the Parliament to pass laws which stopped people from staggering round drinking piss in public places,

    The other side of the story of course is that the ‘suspect’ had already put up His hands and said ”fair cop” befor the plod in question gave it to Him with the Taser,

    At which point of course in a repeat of the recent Auckland incident where the officer gave a child a face full of Pepper-spray and Mum and the rest of the party tried to bash his head in with a brick the place went really f**king mad,

    Funny how guns and things seem to escalate the most simple of situations ae???…

    • bad12 16.1
      15 January 2013 at 11:06 pm

      As an afterthought to the above and alcohol, it makes me wonder if the plod in question hadn’t had a few tinnies with the mates while out fishing,

      i think that the Commissioner should consider whether or not His crew shouldn’t be given a blood test after such serious incidents to see if they were impaired by some substance or other…

  17. vto 17
    16 January 2013 at 8:16 am

    The Police Association should actually advocate not for pistols but instead semi-automatic submachine guns … if we follow their logic and their reasoning and their philosophy and their attitude and their bright ideas.

    This is exactly why we don’t let the police set the rules around policing.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    43 mins ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    2 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    3 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    9 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    10 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    11 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    11 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    12 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    12 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    13 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    15 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    16 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    18 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    1 day ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    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 - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T09:10:10+00:00