Resource optimisation

Written By: - Date published: 9:48 am, July 6th, 2012 - 84 comments
Categories: housing, tv - Tags:

You might have heard of this new TV series called The Block, where they get 4 couples to compete to do up dilapidated houses. It’s the most expensive non-fiction programme ever made in New Zealand. It’s vacuous, contentless garbage. But what gets my goat is they took 4 perfectly OK, not flash but OK houses, and munted them so that they could be done up on TV.

Here’s the pictures of how the houses looked at the start of the series from the series website and, to the right, Google Street View pictures dated November 2009.

 

We have a housing crisis in this country. There aren’t enough modest but decent houses for low and middle income families. And we have a crisis of crap TV in this country. So, what does Mediaworks (a company itself in deep financial trouble) do? It splurges a fortune on taking four perfectly fine houses, bashing the shit out of them, and then getting some amateurs to do a half-arse job doing them up (you can bet ever corner will be but – no in-wall insulation or double-glazing).

It’s just so bloody stupid.

84 comments on “Resource optimisation ”

  1. higherstandard 1

    Is it taxpayer funded ?

    • Dv 1.1

      HS – yes it is taxpayer funded.

      • shorts 1.1.1

        searching the NZ ON Air site it doesn’t show any funding for The Block

        http://www.nzonair.govt.nz/funding/fundingsearchpages/fundingsearchtvprograms.aspx

        not defending the show… nor about to waste my time watching it either

        • Dv 1.1.1.1

          Mediaworks got a 43m subsidy from the Nacts.
          Not directly funded, but we are paying as Taxpayers for Mediaworks.

          • shorts 1.1.1.1.1

            weak

            • Dv 1.1.1.1.1.1

              $43million is not weak!!

              • Fortran

                It’s a loan at a good rate of interest.

                • McFlock

                  That’s nice.
                         
                  Given that we’re so wonderfully in debt, it was a loan we lent out with borrowed money. Money we borrowed at interest.
                     
                  So we’d be lucky to break even on a deal that enables a supposed going concern to continue operating even though it failed to budget for a regularly-incurred and predictable operating expense.
                           
                  But it’s not like the government is helping out a media company at all.
                     
                  Query: if it’s such a good rate of interest, why didn’t mediaworks borrow from someone else at a cheaper rate? Or can’t they sort out  borrowing money for themselves, as well as being unable to budget for a mission-critical operating expense? 

                  • vto

                    Well McFlock, it has to be one of two things;

                    Either a facility available to all businesses

                    Or a related party loan.

                • mike e

                  Fartrain how many other businesses are given loans by the govt
                  Then Add Steven Joyce into mixture former Media works CEO share holder.
                  Crony-ism corruption!

          • higherstandard 1.1.1.1.2

            Isn’t that ‘subsidy’ actually a deferred payment which they’re paying back to the government and being charged high interest rate on ?

            • shorts 1.1.1.1.2.1

              subsidy loan call it what you want but it has no real bearing on the show in question…

              or is every single piece of content on mediaworks directly subsidised by the govt loan – of course not, its a silly argument

              I don’t agree with the handout/loan/subsidy the govt gave mediaworks in case you’re wondering

              • higherstandard

                If this show is government subsidised it is yet another waste of taxpayer money along with other shite such as shortland street, outrageous fortune etc etc

                • mike e

                  GC etc. Joyce has handed over programs that were developed by TVNZ to media works for free, more Crony-ism!

                  • higherstandard

                    There is a long sad history of mindless shit being funded by NZ on air under the red team and the blue team along with a whole heap of attendant troughers at TVNZ and within the acting and entertainment community …………a pox on all their houses.

                  • Vicky32

                    Joyce has handed over programs that were developed by TVNZ to media works for free,

                    Even if they’re rubbish, and they probably are, that sucks..

            • Lanthanide 1.1.1.1.2.2

              I think the point is that they weren’t paying market interest.

              • I thought they were paying market interest, at a far higher rate than the government can borrow for.

                It’s believed the loan is being made at 11% interest.

                Maybe they should make some more loans at that rate.

                http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/prime-minister-defends-loan-mediaworks-4109116

                • Lanthanide

                  Ahh, but then it comes down to what “market interest” means, doesn’t it?

                  If MediaWorks had to go to the government to get the loan, at the 11% rate, it means no other commercial lender was willing to lend at that rate on the terms that MediaWorks wanted.

                  Say a commercial lender was willing to lend to MediaWorks at 23%, then the “market rate” for their loan would have been 23%. If the government then charged 11%, they wouldn’t be charging the “market rate”.

                  Of course that is a bit of semantic word play: if the government was making a profit at 11% (and it appears they were), then in and of itself it isn’t a huge problem.

                  Except of course that the question must then be asked why the government is giving MediaWorks special treatment: what if Bob’s Butchery was going under, but a loan of $1m at 11% would prevent that?

  2. vto 2

    for fucking fucks sake they could have come to christchurch and not had to do that.

    and they could have helped some folk down here.

    it’s what you get in a society replete with wealth. another indicator of this is when society obsesses over food – see all the food shows. we are at a peak, that much is clear.

    • Vicky32 2.1

      see all the food shows

      I started watching Masterchef as a friend/colleague of my son was in it (she was eliminated about halfway through, sadly, – though IMO from paediatric nurse to chef is a huge step down… ) I kept watching, and was shocked at the huge wastefulness of it!
      It’s all about a certain type of cuisine that I find quite repellent… rare meat is sickening, and the expensive ingredients, tiny portions and emphasis on appearance speaks to a certain self-indulgent kind of ‘lifestyle’.
      A tiny point which is more a matter of my personal opinion – they’re such carnivores! A vegie dish or two would not have gone amiss…

  3. Chris 3

    Not sure this will make you feel better or not but there was an article the other day the other day saying that it is likely they will all be knocked down after the show anyway.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/residential-property/news/article.cfm?c_id=76&objectid=10815056

    Actually scratch that it makes it obviously makes it worse.

    • Deano 3.1

      that makes me how angry.

      and vto is right,. why the hell didn’t they do this in christchurch?

      • shorts 3.1.1

        do we really need reality shows taking advantage of the devastation of property and people in CHCH?

        these sorts of shows are insulting enough in themselves imo but no need to add insult to injury

        • Deano 3.1.1.1

          How would it be ‘taking advantage’?

          If you want to make a show about repairing broken houses, don’t go and break some houses and then do a crap job of fixing them – go to where there are lot of broken houses and fix them up properly, improving the lives of the people who live there.

          You could make it competition-based if you want and it would actually have some soul to it as well, much better TV.

          • shorts 3.1.1.1.1

            Christchurch residents need and deserve our collective help… not reality TV making light of their hardship in pursuit of advertising dollars

  4. It’s just so bloody stupid.

    Unfortunately that just about sums up much of commercial television in New Zealand now, including half the ‘news’ coverage.

    Commercial TV probably does cater well for the MacImbecilic demographic, which seems to be a sizable group. The rest are out of luck – it’s hard to even pick much decent pay to view TV.

    • Kevin Welsh 4.1

      Agree 100% PG.

    • bbfloyd 4.2

      still havn’t worked out how sky gets away with putting ad breaks on every channel bar the movie channel…. I thought double dipping was illegal….. or have the laws been quietly changed?

      Don’t have sky btw… Don’t enjoy being fleeced…..

    • mike e 4.3

      That’s your party included PG what happened to Tvnz7 !
      Handed over to the private sector for Free.
      Pathetic git still defending bad govt at all costs.
      Like the banking sector needed competition from Kiwibank.
      WE need a private broadcaster to give them a hurry up.
      But alas the worm helped turn of the last bastion of public broad casting.
      Pathetic Grovelar how did you get your ban lifted

    • mac1 4.4

      MacImbecilic? Oy!

      On behalf of the Macs/Mcs of this world.

      Mac1.

      I do agree with your view of commercial TV, though.

  5. Uturn 5

    It’s the most expensive non-fiction programme ever made in New Zealand.

    All “Reality” TV is fiction. I’ve seen five minutes of three renovation shows. There was a re-run of one recently, with Terry Serepisos. Some “teams” were trying to increase the rental value of viaduct appartments by seeing who could make theirs the most banal. I thought I was literally going to implode. Then there was an Aussie version, complete with bickering ego-toddler tradesmen, arguing over where to stack gib board, causing a similar reaction. Another where Aucklanders go round the country telling Hotelliers how to run and present their rooms and business. The only reality TV I like is Police ten 7. The way the old guy takes it all so personally. Hilarious.

    • McFlock 5.1

      I do recall watching one of those “Auckland business advisor teaches rull nuzilurs how to pay their bills” shows – one of the grateful average kiwis receiving his advice was in Alexandra.
         
      The suit told her to rent her garage out as a sleepout – okaay. However, the two had a disagreement because the suit wanted the garage just lined with gib, carpet down and bob’s your uncle. The owner refused to rent out as accommodation an uninsulated shell, on the grounds of general decency and a typical Alexandra winter (for the JAFA business folk here, the phrase is “life threatening”).
          
      The smart lady took some of his advice on bill management, and knew exactly when to tell him to stick his asocial amoral greed. The suit was talking to camera about being disappointed that she wasn’t doing everything she could to help herself, but I was most impressed. 

  6. Newt 6

    I agree. We are doing up our ex-state house at the moment… I was yelling and screaming at the TV because of what they did before and the morons they chose to do it.

    Unfortunately I will still watch it to see what happens and get ideas for our ex-state house…

  7. just saying 7

    Just as an aside,
    I’m sick to death of the competition format for a large number of “reality” TV programmes. As if we weren’t already soaking in cultural social darwinism. Competition in all things. Winner take all. Rardy rardy rah.

  8. Rupert 8

    Now come on – trashing those houses would have also done wonders for the affordability of the surrounding neighbourhood…

  9. RJL 9

    I fail to see a problem here.

    Sure, it might not be TV you want to watch — in which case don’t watch it.

    And while it might cost a lot of money, it is the sponsor’s money, and the money is mostly going into our economy. Presumably, the sponsors have calculated (correctly or not) that the programme will earn them a net profit (in terms of increased business or similar).

    • Deano 9.1

      So, we’re not allwoed to criticise anything as long as it doesn’t invovle public money and is profitable?

      Ethics and sensible use of our society’s limited resources don’t enter into it?

      • RJL 9.1.1

        You can criticise whatever you like, but I can’t see why this particular programme is so problematic.

        It costs someone a lot money, and likely seems dreadful if you are not part of the demographic it appeals to. However, it is no worse than any other TV programme made for entertainment (and the sponsor’s benefit). At least it’s made in NZ, so most of the money spent on it is spent in NZ.

        I would personally much rather watch The Block than say the Olympics, but I don’t begrudge (too much) the fact that the Olympics will be on our TV.

        • bbfloyd 9.1.1.1

          I have to admire your faith rj….. Can you point to the company(s) in new zealand that will make the most profits?

          Or are we looking at a crass misuse of adverising revenue that would have been spent anyway?

          This looks more like defending “broken window” economics, rather than any meaningful action that would, or could benefit businesses in auckland any more than any other form of advertising would have…..

          Indeed, it could damage the reputations of sponsors if this does turn out to be the turkey it’s looking like becoming……
          Verrrry clever…….

          • RJL 9.1.1.1.1

            bbfloyd,

            If you are interested in who the sponsors are, you can read the relevant press releases for yourself. I have no idea which sponsor will recieve the biggest payback on their investment, or whether this form of advertising is more effective for the companies involved than alternatives. Presumably the companies involved thought it was a good idea, and believe it can be justified to their shareholders.

            Some of the sponsors expecting a return (Kiwibank, say) are NZ owned, while others (Mazda, say) are international companies, but it is hardly the fault of Mediaworks that some of the companies willing and large enough to sponsor this sort of programme are foreign owned.

            “The Block” also employs NZ crew and the production expenses occurred largely in NZ, etc. I know that the production company Eyeworks is now foreign owned, but most of the production cost has been spent within NZ paying NZ crew, NZ builders, etc.

            You don’t have to like the programme, and you don’t have to watch it, but that just speaks to your own good/poor taste.

        • QoT 9.1.1.2

          “You can criticise whatever you like …”

          but

          “Sure, it might not be TV you want to watch — in which case don’t watch it.”

          Danger, Will Robinson! Paradox incoming!

          (And yes, dear critic, the paradox does involve recognising the hidden “and shut up” on the end of the second statement. It’s only clear as day.)

  10. DH 10

    I feel a bit sorry for the mugs who buy the properties. A rushed job is a crap job. The handyman skill of the average person is pretty low even when they take their time, bodging a quick do-up is guaranteed to cause grief & more bills for the new owners.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 10.1

      They use licensed tradesman for all the serious stuff, they just get to choose the paint and clean up

      Plus there is a site foreman on hand to check the tradesmen.

      This is how the real world works too – without the cameras

      • RJL 10.1.1

        Yes.

        The “mug who buys” one of these properties is actually getting a much better “guarantee” of quality work than somebody who buys a normal property.

        Most normal properties have been subject to numerous iterations of DIY of various skill-levels. The pseudo-demo work on these properties is actually a good thing from that perspective, as it resets the house to its basic structure. The damage done was actually pretty feeble and cosmetic and done to things like decking, gib board, windows, and toilet and kitchen fixtures. This would all be replaced anyway.

        The biggest risk (for a buyer) with these properties is that some of the design decisions will be tragically fashionable, and therefore date really quickly.

  11. Kevin 11

    The viewing public loves it, call it vacuous, a waste of taxpayer money etc, but it has been tipped as the biggest show of the year for TV3:
    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1205/S00200/tv3-breaks-new-ground-with-the-block-nz-partnerships.htm.

    • MAgnus McManus 11.1

      Doesn’t say too much about the viewing public then does it?

    • Vicky32 11.2

      The viewing public loves it,

      They know that how?
      I recall my son doing a study of ratings and how they’re determined, in media studies at school. Ratings households have to be homeowners, so that lets out a huge proportion of the population – and have to actually be blood families, no flatmates allowed.
      Apparently, old widows and/or widowers are allowed, as I heard of one nutty old besom who always tuned the TV to sport, so that any sport would rate highly, even when she was out! (In memory of the late Mr who was a sport-obsessive, apparently). This one old dear represented 400 people and so any piece of rubbish can rate highly, “The viewing public loves it” if one to ten ratings households can be induced to have it switched on, on the TV with the device attached. Let’s see, what would a yuppie house-buying couple want to watch? Oh, The Block, maybe?

  12. mike e 13

    If these brain dead producers had any grey matter up stairs they would be rebuilding houses in Christchurch instead of wrecking homes to get viewer ratings.

  13. Populuxe1 14

    So basically your big whinge is that the Government may have made a sensible loan to a NZ business to make NZ television programming that if other reality TV show of it’s kind are any guide to go by, will no doubt be enormously popular – but you think it’s beneath you. So really you’re just exhibiting pretentious snobbery for the tastes of the common Joe. Really nice.

  14. Jenny 15

    It’s tragic

    The concept of a staged competition pitting desperate combatants against each other for the entertainment, was a perversion 2000 years ago when it was first dreamed up.

    Everyone of these houses looks like an ex state rental. The first two definitely are.

    In both a litteral and allegorical drama on the privatisation of state assets – perfectly good state assets end up in the hands of private “investors” to do with as they wish. They proceed to wreck them, to squeeze maximum profit out of them, while those who these assets were built for go without.

    Compare the side by side photos of the first Labour MPs proudly carrying furniture into the first state rental, with these private sector wreckers. I imagine that these old Labour MPs would be shaking their heads in grief and shame that their great project to address poverty and end homelessness has ended up as a decadent television spectacle where people desperate for are home are pitted against each other in a sort of gladitorial contest for the entertainment of the masses.

    Whlle the cynical and jaded media Caesars who dreamed up this spectacle gaze over their bloodless but no less serious contest.
    The losers in these modern games will be condemned, not to death but to debt. While we cheer. (That is, if they can swallow their pride to take out a huge mortgage, to live in the purposely ruined and then horridly rushed patched up house, that they desperately tried to win, but instead will always be a bitter reminder of their loss.)

  15. Rusty Shackleford 16

    What a whiny tosser. They are a private company. They can do what ever the fuck they want as long as they act within the law. If it was paid for with govt funding, then sure. It was a stupid waste of money. But, it wasn’t so stop whining like a little baby, Eddie.

  16. mike e 17

    RS if it weren’t for Steven Joyce’s CronyismsTV3 would be bankrupt its relying on Gvt hand outs and glamorising of alcohol add’s

    • Rusty Shackleford 17.1

      They’re are behind on their licensing fees. The govt lent them money to cover the fees. That’s basically like the school bully who steal your lunch money giving you a line of credit for the arrears you owe him.

      I think the bigger issue here is the infringement on free speech caused by huge licensing fees. 

      • lprent 17.1.1

        Radio spectrum is a very limited resource. That is especially for analogue systems like radio and TV stations which broadcast over wide segments of the bandwidth. Personally as a programmer, I’d prefer that the waste of bandwidth is curtailed to a single plus backup channel with a fully digital broadcast for ALL broadcast media to multiplex in.

        I think the license fees are too low for broadcast media in comparision to alternate uses.

        • Rusty Shackleford 17.1.1.1

          It’s impossible to know whether the radio spectrum is priced too high or too low because it is monopolised by the state. 

          • Colonial Viper 17.1.1.1.1

            Not quite: the real question is whether the current pricing is achieving the social good required.

      • Colonial Viper 17.1.2

        I think the bigger issue here is the infringement on free speech caused by huge licensing fees.

        Which is why its important that parts of the spectrum are provided free to public broadcasting and non-profits, don’t you think?

        Sounds like you would agree.

        • Rusty Shackleford 17.1.2.1

          Provided for free by whom? 

          Public broadcasters and non-profits (as if that is some huge virtue) can easily broadcast from other avenues. Or they could buy broadcasting rights at the market rate (which is currently impossible). 

          • Colonial Viper 17.1.2.1.1

            So you disagree, even though it would greatly aid freedom of speech?

            I thought you were interested in increasing the freedom of speech of NZ citizens.

            • Rusty Shackleford 17.1.2.1.1.1

              Nobodies freedom of speech is being infringed under a system where broadcasting is not govt owned. 

              • Colonial Viper

                So why are you not for giving ordinary citizens easy ways to get airtime?

                • Rusty Shackleford

                  Ordinary citizens have easy ways to get airtime under the current regime?

                  Actually they do. It’s called youtube.  

                  • Colonial Viper

                    Its got to be TV time and radio time, that’s really valuable stuff for ordinary citizens to have access to so their voices and everyday stories can be heard.

                    Would you hinder their free speech and deny them that, Rusty?

                    • Rusty Shackleford

                      “Its got to be TV time and radio time…”

                      Why?  

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Because its VALUABLE that’s why. Even the corporates realise its VALUABLE. Are you denying the value of TV and radio time in promulgating free speech?

                    • Rusty Shackleford

                      Buggy whips were valuable once as well.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      I thought you would be supporting ways to give ordinary citizens access to TV and radio broadcast time, and instead you’re trying to tap dance away from it.

                      you’re really not much of a free speech proponent are you?

                    • Rusty Shackleford

                      I’ll ask you again. 

                      How does the current regime give ordinary citizens easy access to free airtime. 

                    • Colonial Viper

                      I’m sure between the two of us we can think up some ways, right? Public broadcasting which gives people the opportunity to hear each others views, hear each others personal stories, etc.

  17. prism 18

    Actually it’s not just freedom of speech we ordinary citizens need, it’s also freedom of information as unskewed as possible, and without commercial influences, on matters affecting citizens and the whole country.

  18. prism 19

    CV
    I think there are large numbers supporting radionz and we’ll get back TV7 or similar I am sure as soon as we get these nation killing nasties out. Did you hear the discussion on Singapore’s methods and true situation on Radionz this a.m. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jokey Hen didn’t see them as a good template.

    and
    Rusty
    Buggy whips were valuable once as well.
    Used for whipping horses asses on occasions – still of value when so many h.as around.

    • Rusty Shackleford 19.1

      I think you failed to grasp the point prism. CV is lamenting that ordinary people don’t have enough access to broadcasting time. Which is about as dumb as someone in 1950 lamenting that people don’t have enough access to transport because the horse and buggy industry is in decline.

  19. prism 20

    Rusy S
    I got the idea that CV was concerned about the public getting quality broadcasting time, probably as opposed to the delivery of the sweepings from the minds of popular DJs. There needs to be solid informed stuff for the people who want to listen and learn something on how the country is running, could run and why the difference. I may be wrong, but I don’t think so!

    CV talks about hearing each others’ stories. I don’t know if he is referring to private station talkback but I hope not. Listening to the half-formed ideas of the populace doesn’t provide much light on their subject. It would be different if talkback callers had thought through the problem and had some positive suggestion to make. If this is the access to broadcasting time you endorse I think it’s time to call in the horses again, and follow up with a shovel.

    • Rusty Shackleford 20.1

      That’s the problem. Most people don’t want quality broadcasting. They want to watch trash television. Which is fine. If you want to learn something, read a book or download something decent off the internet. 

      • prism 20.1.1

        Rusty S
        No wonder our little nation is going down the gurglers with people as dismissive as you about being informed and the government ensuring that we are through providing full information and support to our culture’s self-expression freely to the nation.

        Get yourself a book what a suggestion. Reading any old book might be something for you to aspire to. Me I want a national broadcaster to inform us all, who have the interest and desire to hear, and see.

        And the internet is like a library without shelves and without a critical buying system. I do find some of it very good for information but much is unreliable, and much of what is there is from overseas, and I want to hear some overseas but more of what is happening here.

        • Rusty Shackleford 20.1.1.1

          Govt backed broadcaster does not automatically equal an informed populace. More likely the govt would spend a ton of cash and nobody would watch it. Lefties would be able to act smug and decry the lack of interest from the general populace and how the country is going down the gurgler. Meanwhile life would go on.

          • prism 20.1.1.1.1

            Rusty S Good reply from a don’t care about an informed democracy and responsibility of government to be nearly transparent to voters and taxpayers. I guessed this final comment so won’t bother to argue any more points.

            • Rusty Shackleford 20.1.1.1.1.1

              haha, you are a giant baby. Get in a huff, commit a straw man then take the ball and go home. Intellectually lazy (at best) in the extreme.

               

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    You talking about me?  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    5 hours ago
  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 hours ago
  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 hours ago
  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 hours ago
  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    8 hours ago
  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    11 hours ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    13 hours ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    13 hours ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    13 hours ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    13 hours ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    13 hours ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    13 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    13 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    13 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    13 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    20 hours ago
  • 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. ...
    21 hours 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
    22 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
    24 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep 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 thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats 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. Heres 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. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen 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 ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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, ...
    2 days 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, ...
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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 ...
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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 ...
    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
    3 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 ...
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
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  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
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