A dream where every New Zealander is held to the same rules and accepted etiquette
A dream where every New Zealander contributes and pays his own way
A dream where radicals and fanatics are treated universally with the contempt they deserve
A dream where honest tax paying New Zealanders are treated with the respect THEY deserve
Sadly this dream is just that – a dream
As long as we tolerate eunuchs in government, allow activists to rule our country and happily provide a platform for welfare funded traitors to spout their diatribe New Zealand will continue to live in the past
Pasupial – I don’t really have much respect for Martin Luther King Jr, he had no respect for women. And yes I do in fact know how much you want to punch that smiley face but that’s Ok. One of the benefits of ‘Open Mike’ is that it allows such venting.
I don’t use any non de plume and I don’t comment here (I’ve made an exception to make this point – attempting to identify users of pseudonyms is supposed to be a serious offence here isn’t it?)
Not surprising to see felix still up to his usual, being well aware of site policy like “We are intolerant of people starting or continuing flamewars where there is little discussion or debate. This includes making assertions that you are unable to substantiate with some proof”.
I don’t have proof but this looks like a deliberate false claim probably aimed at trying to start a flamewar.
I don’t “still read every word” just as lprent doesn’t read every word at YourNZ but manages to notice things there that interest him. And felix is presumably well aware of blog basics like this, but chooses to perpetuate deliberate falsities – because he thinks he can get away with malicious bullshit here with immunity?
*phew* Lucky there were a few radical and fanatical people out there that led to the public discussion of disrespect of women, with an outcome that public views changed and some legislation arose to support women’s rights.
Patronising git Steve James @ 1.4.1 but thank goodness YOUR dream/nightmare is not a reality.
A society in which YOU define acceptable etiquette, YOU define radicalism and YOU identify fanatics in order that YOU might discriminate and deprive. It would be a horribly unsafe, corrupt society. And no marks for the cheap MLK rip-off.
Reality is that Waitangi 2014 has been a damp squib in terms of the discord and upheaval Key’s been whining up since the weekend. Nothing more notable really than is seen in any prosaic question time in parliament with the schoolboy PM acting the fuckwit.
Eckshilly there were two (Monty Pythonesque) things of note.
Firstly the PM being twittered off by the GG when the PM falsely claimed that the GG got a bit of the physical stuff and the GG denied it.
Secondly the PM giving new meaning to the word “effectively”. It’s now shorthand for “it never happened but we’ll act like it did and no more questions thank you and anyway it wasn’t my fault”. Really sick. And this is our PM ?
hold on folks – weve got it all wrong about steve. Hes really talking about the act party and the corrupt voodoo ideology they dont like telling anyone about
didnt know john banks was a eunuch – but it makes sense now that i think about it
More shit stirring by Nat Ele Ludeman on Homepaddock, her ‘word of the day’ was wairangi, which she defines as deluded, deranged etc. Oh what a coincidence only one letter difference one day before Waitangi day, ha ha, aren’t the right wing clever (not)
Shane Jones needs to be kicked out the Labour party, many of the caucus know he is very lazy. I would be very surprised if he stood in a electorate seat, not that he wouldn’t win a Maori seat since Pita is skulking off after losing his mana ‘over my dead body’ comments.
However Jones is too bloody lazy to commit to doing electorate work. The protesters at Waitangi should have given him a stir up for his attitude to deep sea mining, however I hear he bought a few Maori off with some koha up there. Wait until I catch up with him, he will get the message what I think of the useless cunning prick, DC and other MPs will get others and my opinion of him too. As the only Labour MP up in the North we never see him which angers us.
For a newcomer to Whangarei, Skinny, you do presume to know a lot ! Shane Jones does more than you could even contemplate in your wildest dreams …… just get back into your gossipy little tent !
Aah dialects, different strokes for different folks, down this way ‘wairangi’ would be more used to describe the foolish actions of the young,(and not so young), in love,
‘Porangi’, here, far better encompasses deluded, deranged, mad…
Why does Ludeman get so much coverage on National Radio. I know she is a senior figure in National Party circles down south but honestly do we need to be inflicted with her right wing views every other day.
I wonder why RNZ don’t introduce her as a National activist just to make situation clear, and could we also have a senior Labour activist on at regular intervals. I don’t actually think we have any Labour activists on National Radio
I think I’ve been banned from Kiwiblog. Every time I attempt to post there my comment does not show up in the posted comments, if I copy and paste and try again I get the ‘Duplicate comment detected’ pop-up box and still nothing on the comments section.
I was banned by Cameron slater because I kept calling him on his lies, his attempts to do his fathers dirty work, being a mouth piece for national etc…
I tried posting the following comment in the Beyond the Hyperbole’ thread: “We should expect a reciprocal arrangement where the US allows New Zealand’s IRD carte blanche access to the accounts of suspected New Zealand tax dodgers.”
The thing with walking through the bush is once you have learnt to identify the plantlife that may irritate or poison you, you can more easily avoid it. Though their roles in the bush are important, they will be there whether we notice them or not. As will the rodents who scurry amongst them.
I am making the choice to travel on in more open ground and leave the noxious weeds of bigotry and denial to strangle themselves in the undergrowth as they fight each other for the most light. On occasion there will be barborous patches to battle through, but to make real progress they must be passed by as frequently as possible.
The election year being an overgrown bush particularly thick with the vegetation in question, means there are two choices. To hack against them, fighting the same plants over and over, making little ground as the light of the day fades, or, travel a route where real progress can be made and the view is more representative of the land you travel, leaving a clear path for others when they come across your trail. This is surely better than laying in dank shadows, scrabbling amongst rodents who are content with feeding off the decaying bounty of the forest.
…very poetic….but occasionally you find a treasure in the swamp which can be shouted out to the world and even change it …and yu often learn something…… even from the noxious pests…..also it can be fun jousting and hacking with the rodents (where is possum?)
so it is worth some bushwhacking…especially when travelling with fellow comrade bushwhackers…who exchange travellers tales and knowledge and experience
“What does it mean to YOU, mate, to be a Kiwi?”
Thoughtful commentary from thoughtful commentators The Paul Henry Show, TV3, Wednesday 5 February 2014 Breakfast, Television ONE, Thursday 6 February 2014
On TV3’s Paul Henry Show last night, Waitangi Day preparations provided the perfect chance for the host to express his disdain for Māori people and Māori culture. First of all he unwittingly, but appropriately, channeled Stalin and sneered at the protestors as “wreckers and haters”, and endorsed Winston Peters’ harebrained call for them to be banned.
Late in the programme, after an advertising break, he threw to Jesse Peach, who was daringly alone in a room full of Māori kids. The Māori kids were in a circle, singing and dancing on the spot. This failed to charm the host….
PAUL HENRY:[sardonic, irritated expression] What are they DOING? JESSE PEACH: I’ll ask them a question. …[He walks into the group of kids]… Hey guys, I’d like to ask you: what does Waitangi Day mean to you? [He thrusts his microphone in front of a startled little girl, aged about eight years old.] LITTLE GIRL: Ummm. ….[giggles]….I dunno….
Back in the studio, the host is not impressed….
PAUL HENRY:[frowns] That’s not a very good start. …..[frowns again]….
Over on Television One this morning, the contempt for Māori was missing, but the quality of the dialogue was as dreadful as we have come to expect…..
RAWDON CHRISTIE: What does it mean to YOU, mate, to be a Kiwi? What’s the ONE thing? SAM WALLACE:[Long pause, and baffled look] That’s a GOOD QUESTION. ….[baffled expression continues]….Hmmmmm…. The summer. And Māori culture. It’s something that makes us unique.
…Long, thoughtful pause…..
RAWDON CHRISTIE: I asked my three kids the same question. The first one said this is a place where racism is wrong. The second one said New Zealand is a place where you can say what you like. And the third one, the six year old, said New Zealand is a place where there’s not much danger. NADINE CHALMERS-ROSS:[to camera] So tell us, what does being a Kiwi mean to YOU? Some of the people get a bit fed up with all the politics on the day, but what does being a Kiwi mean to YOU? RAWDON CHRISTIE: Good question!
Morrissey I chuckle deep at the picture of you resolving you could take no more.
I know how you feel. Seeing and hearing His Effeteness who strictly is entitled to call himself PM and looking at the carpetbaggers of the Iwi Leaders Forum all gladhanding His Effeteness I felt very much the same.
That’s why I didn’t leap in the car and travel the 19 kilometres from my place to Waitangi today. There’s a rotten stench over there today. I’ll go and see my Haruru/Waitangi whanaunga on the weekend.
Good interview this morning on National Radio with David C.
He was quite clear on where he saw Labour heading and offered a clear alternative to Maori Voters.
Refused to allow the host to put words in his mouth all around VG
Listened to that audio clip. Strikes me that Mercep reflects that which so many interviewers are guilty of – a tending to strident negativity to Cunliffe particularly. A sort of a status quo-ism which says more or less “this better be good….”, and when it is, “Oh My God he’s getting away with too much here”…….raised voice and overtalking. Cunliffe did well. Had Mercep spluttering.
Yes, I’m saying Cunliffe did very very well. Cunliffe has the excellent quality of trenchant response and “Back off dickhead !” without looking an arsehole.
Whereas John Key is a girl really. I’m gonna get bashed for that I know. Well if you must you must you legions of super sensitive lefties out there. You form over substance ones. I don’t give a fuck. That’s the best way to say it.
Ron.. Heartily agree..Cunliffe has sharp substance..so different from the sneering lack of it shown by Mr Key. Feel a bit sorry for the interviewer trying hard to do a Gower (‘Help! I’ve lost control of this discussion..must interrupt ) interview but he may get better as the year goes on.
I like the way when interrupted or challenged, Cunliffe becomes more forceful rather than shirty.
Also
Good to see Vernon Small admitting that Key is ‘ dodgy’, writing:
“If Key goes ahead and purposely tries to give ACT and UnitedFuture an “overhang” seat that would be about as close to the definition of a gerrymander as you would ever see”
(See Clemgeopin below..Thanks)
and wonders will never cease!..did I hear P.Gower describing it as ‘a rort’ by John Key?
Apple definition
rort |rôrt|
nounAustral. informal
1 [ often with modifier ] a fraudulent or dishonest act or practice:
2 a wild party.
Flying Nun legend Bill Direen will be dropping into Auckland this Saturday night to play some songs at the Wine Cellar on K Rd. Rumour has it that Direen’s set will include tracks from the tribute to Michael Joseph Savage he put together with the late and also legendary Red Mole ensemble: http://readingthemaps.blogspot.co.nz/2008/06/bill-direens-savage-attack-on-labour.html
Works for me on my macbook. Rātā. Can use either ` key or Option+the releveant vowel. Have a nifty little United Tribes flag icon up on the top right taskbar. Also put the german keyboard on too, cos you never know when you might fancy a glass of Grüner Veltliner.
ok, just looked at the Windows instructions. Here’s how it works on a mac. Once the right keyboard is selected, I hold down the ` key, keep holding it down and then press the vowel key, then let go. It’s a bit different than the option +vowel, where you press them all at once. With the ` key there are a few steps.
When I tried this in a text document I got a yellow colour appearing that showed me where the vowel would go. I don’t see that in the ts text box, but an underscore appears instead.
Thanks for the link. Well worth reading – and a bit of a surprise from Vernon Small.
For those who have not read it, Small addresses Key’s ‘moral mandate’ remarks re the largest party having first go at forming a government – and disagrees. The article also covers failure to act on the Electoral Commission recommendations, dodgy deals with one man band parties, and the overhang allowance.
Small’s conclusion
“If Key believes in moral mandates the least he could do is put the commission’s suggestions to a referendum and let the people decide on the rules that elect their representatives and their governments.
That would be far more meaningful than a vote for the colours on a rectangle of material flying atop a flagpole.”
(It’s ironical that one of the main arguments against lowering the threshold is the fear small parties will proliferate, yet the deals with mini-parties do just that.)
Something tells me that the “fear” of small parties in parliament is more about the large parties not being able to control who gets in rather than an actual fear of small parties.
You might think that the days were gone when elementary school kids would work long hours in the field picking crops, but that’s the reality at farms across the country.
The minimum age required for children to work in agriculture is 12 years old, but a Fusion investigation found kids as young as 8 and 10 years working in tobacco fields in North Carolina.
The presence of children in the agricultural sector isn’t a secret. Roughly 400,000 children work in agriculture every summer in the United States, according to The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Program.
Studies show these children face a high risk of dropping out of school, getting injured, or experiencing other serious health issues like heat exhaustion or green tobacco poisoning. Efforts to be better regulate the child labor have been pushed back by the farm lobby.
In this video, investigative reporter Rayner Ramirez visits the fields, talks to the young workers and their parents, and confronts farm industry officials about the persistence of child labor in agriculture.
No Rudman, they need sacking. For being big fish bullies in little ponds. Like Mr Unrepentant Fucked Old Bully Mr Al Kirk principal of Whangarei Boys High School.
“The fees were for things that the students had done in previous years – such as sports teams, school trips, Rubicon programmes – and not for the voluntary donation.”
So fucking what SSLands……..discriminate against kids over something they have no power to fix and then expect them to respect you. Get fucked you Nazi !
The Asians that I know are very hard working and very disciplined
They also show a lot of respect to their parents and do what they are told.
It is always easier to blame someone else than face up to your own failings and then do something about it
Or in McFuck’s case just abuse people with evidence that he can not explain.
well, I could have bothered trying to explain it to you in tiny words, but then you’re the sort of idiot who’d reduce complex issues of resourcing, approach to education, diversity in governing systems, and social support for children, all into the profound statement “The Asians that I know are…”.
You lost Nacker halfway through the second line McF. He/She uses blogs to improve His/Her writing skills. Probie told Him/Her to do it. Part of the therapy. Getting there.
.
Mr Schleicher’s spurious pisa tests are almost aptly named.
The bogus ranking of countries (itself a spurious exercise) doesn’t explain why parents of those supposed high ranking countries,especially Korea, China, and some Japanese are bringing their kids here in droves because of our state education system unlike theirs, teaches kids ‘how to think, not what to think’.
(Thanks to CV…. wanted to use that quote for a long time)
I have rather belatedly responded to the fascinating conversation about Lakoff & Caleb Rosado’s article (which I very erroneously thought was written by Paul C Gorski) on yesterday’s Open Mike
Xox
Hey Phil U,
Can you please publish your vegan sausage recipe? Summer’s nearly over in Wellington. Chick peas, lentils, herbs n spices, tahini breadcrumbs? Rsvp asap Ta
Philip
Do you have any problem with microwave PU ? I know some people do but I’ve got a mighty one hit of the button 8 minute porridge with nuts and fruit recipe/process if you want it. All done in the time of a shower.
You take 8 minutes for a shower? I’m eternally surprised at the lengths people go to in getting clean. A long brush, harsh soap, and a really big towel….
I average 5 minutes from walking into the bathroom to exiting it including the occasional shave and relief time on the toilet. Never quite sure what other people do in there. Mind you Lyn averages 20 minutes to commune. I can read a hundred pages in 20 minutes and regularly do so in the morning.
I tend to still be half asleep and zone out. But then the hot water also relaxes my decrepit upper back and neck. 15mins-half hour, depending on how long I zone out for.
South Korean father turns down a million dollars, and then refused to name his price when asked by Samsung as the company sought to deflect a compensation claim for his daughter’s illness. The Guardian previews the partly crowd-funded film Another Promise, which tells the family’s story.
‘The director, Kim Tae-yun, said he was inspired to make the film after reading a newspaper article about Yu-mi’s case.
“Friends told me not to do it, that it would be dangerous for my career,” he said. “But I’m not the one doing the fighting here – the families are. I don’t care if I’m tackling controversial or sensitive subjects, because there shouldn’t be any taboo subjects for film-makers.”
Yu-mi and her colleague were not alone. About 200 workers have made similar allegations against Samsung and other chipmakers, according to Supporters for the Health and Rights of People in the Semiconductor Industry [Sharps].
Of the three-dozen Samsung workers who filed for compensation through the workers’ welfare service last year, only two were successful, according to Lee Jong-ran, a lawyer who represents technology workers who have fallen ill.
Most of the semiconductor industry workers who turned to Sharps were in their 20s and 30s when they fell ill. More than 50 have since died.’
Today’s New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll shows National (47%, up 3.5%) regaining a lead over a potential Labour/ Greens alliance (44%, down 2%) for the first time since November 2013. However, support for Key’s Coalition partners has fallen slightly: Maori Party 1.5% (down 0.5%), United Future 0% (down 0.5%), ACT NZ 0% (unchanged).
Support for the Labour Party has fallen slightly to 33% (down 0.5%), while the Greens have fallen to 11% (down 1.5%), New Zealand First 4.5% (up 0.5%), Mana Party 1% (up 0.5%), Conservative Party of NZ 2.5% (down 1%).
Support for Kim Dotcom’s new Internet Party is only 0.5%, and the Internet Party will struggle to win a seat with such low support while support for Others is now 0% (down 1%).
If a National Election were held now the latest New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll shows that the result would be too close to call and depend on minor party support.
The latest NZ Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating is virtually unchanged at 139pts (down 0.5pts) with 63.5% (up 0.5%) of New Zealanders saying New Zealand is ‘heading in the right direction’ compared to 24.5% (up 1%) that say New Zealand is ‘heading in the wrong direction’.
“However, despite this week’s improvement for National the latest Roy Morgan New Zealand December Quarter employment statistics show 19.8% (up 2.7% since the September Quarter) of New Zealanders are unemployed or under-employed. A total of 519,000 New Zealanders (up 69,000). For John Key and National to retain their current lead and stand a good chance of re-election at the end of the year, further reforms are needed to reduce labour market regulation and provide real opportunity for the more than half a million New Zealanders looking for work or looking for more work to find gainful employment.”
Hmmmm…. shouldn’t the pollsters be neutral re poltical policy?
Pleased you added that comment from Roy Morgan, Karol – and yes, I totally support your last para re pollsters being neutral re political policy. On this occasion, Roy Morgan let their mask down.
Yes I was taken aback by that as well. Especially the nature of the suggestion. It would have been one thing point out that National may need to address unemployment and under-employment if they want to hold their ground, but it is quite another for them to offer neo-liberal advice as to what they should do about it.
So the nasty little attack on David Cunliffe by Nact and their bovver boys and girls in the MSM seem to have worked. They went over the top trying to denigrate a hugely important Labour policy. To hell with poor families and poor kids is what they are really saying. We don’t care. So long as we keep onside with Key we’ll be on the pigs back!
Anyone see the snide comments by the female who now calls herself Kerre McIvor in the Herald or HoS? Not a word about the policy. Just dirty little digs at Cunliffe inferring he is a tricky creep who can’t be trusted.Talk about transferring Key’s traits onto Cunliffe. I’d like tear that b—h apart – metaphorically speaking of course.
It will take more than on speech and one policy release to wholly turn things around Anne. If Cunliffe’s broad outline of where Labour is going holds true(and I think it will) then Labour will build up steam as the year progresses, regardless of the Key sycophants. Unusually optimistic for me, but I believe that will happen.
Not feeling as optimistic Olwyn. This is clearly the election year strategy – tear gaping holes into Cunliffe/Labour over every pedantic detail of policy. On it own the voters (bless their little cotton socks) would eventually see through it, but with the addition of the pro- Key/anti-Cunliffe barrage coming from the MSM Key sycophants, then the voters (damm their little cotton socks) might once again be conned into voting for that “nice Mr Key”.
I see less “nasty little attack” by Nact and more “completely bolloxing up an entire week of media coverage and looking like a muppet” by Cunliffe and co.
Not many miners are politically neutral, and Gary Morgan appears to be heavily involved in the industry, ‘striking gold’ recently according to this sydney morning herald story last October.
His directorships:
Roy Morgan Research Limited
Roy Morgan International Limited (incorporated in USA)
Roy Morgan International Limited (incorporated in UK)
Elazac Pty Limited
Elazac Mining Pty Limited
Haoma Mining NL
Kitchener Mining NL
Well of course he would say this, just like the Governor General got a hiding and I didn’t know about Dotcom until 8 hours ago and I truly mourned for Nelson Mandela and all the other shit this piece of vain wee schoolboy shit mouths off at the direction of a bunch of Karl Rovish lunatics in Crosby Textor Sydney.
Nine more months of being Little Churchill areshole then your “care” is over to the Secret Service in Hawaii. Best news of the year for New Zealand. ShonKey Python will go down in history (if at all) as an effete wee laddie owned by international money who nearly fucked an entire nation.
On Radionz interesting report about France from 8-9pm. A French anti-semitic comedian has a huge following. He is tapping into dissatisfaction with the government and its rules. There are strong censorship laws and many young people feel they are being smothered by PC. They feel that the government is dishonest itself, and its forcing them to be dishonest when they voice opinions. And this comedian says outrageous things, hurtful things to individuals, but says it is all just free speech, it doesn’t mean anything.
Many of the young are supporting him as a revolt against traditional politics. Many support the right wing Le Pen party, which was against refugees, immigration, all the usual suspects,, but apparently has tidied its extreme image, and has a lot of support.
It seems it is popular to say forbidden things as a way of thumbing noses against the crooked politicians that they dislike, i.e., a lot of young men but also some sounding middle class. Actual statistics indicate that anti-semitism is low. But some of the population are turning their attention to Jews because they are considered to get too much attention, too much sympathy. It’s all anti social, and its transference.
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
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 ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
There’s an island in the far reaches of Auckland’s territory, sitting off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, 30 minutes by air from the city or four hours on the slow boat. Aotea Great Barrier is off-grid, it has a population of fewer than a thousand people … and most ...
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author and advocate, Jim Aubrey, today led a national symbolic one minute’s silence to mark the “blood debt” owed to Papuan allies during the Second World War indigenous resistance against the invading Japanese forces. “A promise to most people is a promise,” Aubrey said in ...
Asia Pacific Report The Freedom Flotilla is ready to sail to Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the humanitarian trip to the besieged enclave. However, organisers received word of an “administrative ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
You can’t have missed the Gallipoli story as the movies, documentaries, essays and books capture what it was like for New Zealand troops in their eight-month campaign on the Peninsula. But this Anzac Day the Auckland War Memorial Museum has published a book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
I have a dream
A dream where every New Zealander is held to the same rules and accepted etiquette
A dream where every New Zealander contributes and pays his own way
A dream where radicals and fanatics are treated universally with the contempt they deserve
A dream where honest tax paying New Zealanders are treated with the respect THEY deserve
Sadly this dream is just that – a dream
As long as we tolerate eunuchs in government, allow activists to rule our country and happily provide a platform for welfare funded traitors to spout their diatribe New Zealand will continue to live in the past
but was it a ‘wet-one’..there..steve..?
phillip ure..
and that is quite a/the diatribe against the lying/thieving rightwing bastards/fanatics –
– who have so blighted our lives these last few decades…
..there..steve..
..well done/said there!…that steve..
..phillip ure..
lol ..+100phillip ure
🙂
SJ
You’ve no idea how much I want to punch you in that smiley face right now.
Hitler had a dream like yours too.
You’re out to lunch Steve.
Your views their are more radical in NZ than anything spouted by Hone, or the Greens, or anyone else in parliament.
You are free to hold these views obviously, because all views are tolerated, some just don’t gain traction because they are fucking abhorrent.
You seem to be very upset with the National Government Steve.
SJ
Misquoting Martin Luther King Jr (who was a bit of an activist himself) to further the cause of colonial oppression on Waitangi day!
Pasupial – I don’t really have much respect for Martin Luther King Jr, he had no respect for women. And yes I do in fact know how much you want to punch that smiley face but that’s Ok. One of the benefits of ‘Open Mike’ is that it allows such venting.
five people you do ‘respect’..?
..ayn rand amongst them..?
..perchance..?
(you do know she ‘leeched’ (her word..eh?)..welfare for years and years..eh..?
..hidden behind/under her husbands’ name..?
..whoar..!..eh..?..
..’holy making a total sick-joke of professed ‘beliefs..!..batman..!’
..eh..?..steve..?..
..philip ure..
i mean..rand ‘leeching’ (her word) welfare..
..would be kinda like me opening a burger-franchise..
..eh..?
‘phil’s beefy-burgers’..
..eh..?
..whoar..!
..did you know that about rand..?..there..steve..?
..you’ve gone all quiet..there..steve..
..having another dream..?
..phillip ure..
It looks like he posted the same comment at Kiwiblog. The last person to do this as far as I am aware was Pete George …
what an auto-eroticist..
phillip ure..
lol
Is Pete George’s, latest nom de plume going to be SJ ? Which probably stands for Stupid Jerk
Stupid Jerk back at you.
I don’t use any non de plume and I don’t comment here (I’ve made an exception to make this point – attempting to identify users of pseudonyms is supposed to be a serious offence here isn’t it?)
petey..!
..do tell us all of your loss of faith in the pompadoured-one..?
..eh..?
..how did this come about.?..what happened..?.
(.oh..!..the humanity..!..)
..have you ritualistically burnt all your posters/pics/treasured-keepsakes etc..?
..of the pompadoured-one..?
..(i am sure you will feel better about it all..if you ‘share’..eh..?..)
..and..who now..?
..does chem-trails-col take yr fancy..?..
..phillip ure..
Nice to know that even though Pete George / Steve James / Mark Richard / John Donald doesn’t comment here, he still reads every word.
Not surprising to see felix still up to his usual, being well aware of site policy like “We are intolerant of people starting or continuing flamewars where there is little discussion or debate. This includes making assertions that you are unable to substantiate with some proof”.
I don’t have proof but this looks like a deliberate false claim probably aimed at trying to start a flamewar.
I don’t “still read every word” just as lprent doesn’t read every word at YourNZ but manages to notice things there that interest him. And felix is presumably well aware of blog basics like this, but chooses to perpetuate deliberate falsities – because he thinks he can get away with malicious bullshit here with immunity?
🙄
“he had no respect for women”
*phew* Lucky there were a few radical and fanatical people out there that led to the public discussion of disrespect of women, with an outcome that public views changed and some legislation arose to support women’s rights.
Patronising git Steve James @ 1.4.1 but thank goodness YOUR dream/nightmare is not a reality.
A society in which YOU define acceptable etiquette, YOU define radicalism and YOU identify fanatics in order that YOU might discriminate and deprive. It would be a horribly unsafe, corrupt society. And no marks for the cheap MLK rip-off.
Reality is that Waitangi 2014 has been a damp squib in terms of the discord and upheaval Key’s been whining up since the weekend. Nothing more notable really than is seen in any prosaic question time in parliament with the schoolboy PM acting the fuckwit.
Eckshilly there were two (Monty Pythonesque) things of note.
Firstly the PM being twittered off by the GG when the PM falsely claimed that the GG got a bit of the physical stuff and the GG denied it.
Secondly the PM giving new meaning to the word “effectively”. It’s now shorthand for “it never happened but we’ll act like it did and no more questions thank you and anyway it wasn’t my fault”. Really sick. And this is our PM ?
hold on folks – weve got it all wrong about steve. Hes really talking about the act party and the corrupt voodoo ideology they dont like telling anyone about
didnt know john banks was a eunuch – but it makes sense now that i think about it
More shit stirring by Nat Ele Ludeman on Homepaddock, her ‘word of the day’ was wairangi, which she defines as deluded, deranged etc. Oh what a coincidence only one letter difference one day before Waitangi day, ha ha, aren’t the right wing clever (not)
that’s the ludeman who is nat-rad aft radios’ token-blogger’..
..and going on appearances there..
..where said ludeman trots out a couple of inconsequential/old/tired internet-stories..
..all said in a lifeless/monotonous drone..
..said ludeman is boredom on steroids..
..and ‘wairangi’..?..yep..!..that fits perfectly into the ludeman-ouvre to date..
(will that do..?..corokia..?..)
phillip ure..
Corokia
Shane Jones was doing the whole wairangi/ Waitangi thing yesterday too – though he’s pretty right wing in my book.
Shane Jones needs to be kicked out the Labour party, many of the caucus know he is very lazy. I would be very surprised if he stood in a electorate seat, not that he wouldn’t win a Maori seat since Pita is skulking off after losing his mana ‘over my dead body’ comments.
However Jones is too bloody lazy to commit to doing electorate work. The protesters at Waitangi should have given him a stir up for his attitude to deep sea mining, however I hear he bought a few Maori off with some koha up there. Wait until I catch up with him, he will get the message what I think of the useless cunning prick, DC and other MPs will get others and my opinion of him too. As the only Labour MP up in the North we never see him which angers us.
For a newcomer to Whangarei, Skinny, you do presume to know a lot ! Shane Jones does more than you could even contemplate in your wildest dreams …… just get back into your gossipy little tent !
Aah dialects, different strokes for different folks, down this way ‘wairangi’ would be more used to describe the foolish actions of the young,(and not so young), in love,
‘Porangi’, here, far better encompasses deluded, deranged, mad…
Why does Ludeman get so much coverage on National Radio. I know she is a senior figure in National Party circles down south but honestly do we need to be inflicted with her right wing views every other day.
I wonder why RNZ don’t introduce her as a National activist just to make situation clear, and could we also have a senior Labour activist on at regular intervals. I don’t actually think we have any Labour activists on National Radio
I think I’ve been banned from Kiwiblog. Every time I attempt to post there my comment does not show up in the posted comments, if I copy and paste and try again I get the ‘Duplicate comment detected’ pop-up box and still nothing on the comments section.
@ yoza..
..small blessings..!..eh..?..
..think of how much better you could spend that (wasted) kiwiblog time..eh..?
..i haven’t read the gobs of spew from those swamp-bottom-dwellers for ages and ages..
..i would guess it is still groundhog-day there..?
..still the same-old same-old shit..?
..from the same-old same-old shitheads..?
phillip ure..
Take it as a badge of honour.
I was banned by Cameron slater because I kept calling him on his lies, his attempts to do his fathers dirty work, being a mouth piece for national etc…
I tried posting the following comment in the Beyond the Hyperbole’ thread: “We should expect a reciprocal arrangement where the US allows New Zealand’s IRD carte blanche access to the accounts of suspected New Zealand tax dodgers.”
The thing with walking through the bush is once you have learnt to identify the plantlife that may irritate or poison you, you can more easily avoid it. Though their roles in the bush are important, they will be there whether we notice them or not. As will the rodents who scurry amongst them.
I am making the choice to travel on in more open ground and leave the noxious weeds of bigotry and denial to strangle themselves in the undergrowth as they fight each other for the most light. On occasion there will be barborous patches to battle through, but to make real progress they must be passed by as frequently as possible.
The election year being an overgrown bush particularly thick with the vegetation in question, means there are two choices. To hack against them, fighting the same plants over and over, making little ground as the light of the day fades, or, travel a route where real progress can be made and the view is more representative of the land you travel, leaving a clear path for others when they come across your trail. This is surely better than laying in dank shadows, scrabbling amongst rodents who are content with feeding off the decaying bounty of the forest.
Freedom
That seems wise and is certainly eloquent.
DNFTT is quicker to type. Though sometimes one does have to kick against the pricks; when the fortunate become too outrageous.
Love it, and agree, cut a fresh path don’t just respond to the rubbish they serve up. Put them on the back foot.
i see red baron has continued that ambulatory-metaphor/theme..
..’foot..’
..very good..!
phillip ure..
Unintentional I’m not that creative but thank you
…very poetic….but occasionally you find a treasure in the swamp which can be shouted out to the world and even change it …and yu often learn something…… even from the noxious pests…..also it can be fun jousting and hacking with the rodents (where is possum?)
native orchids
http://www.nativeorchids.co.nz/Sun_Orchids1_LR.htm
native clematis nz
http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=native+clematis+nz&espv
so it is worth some bushwhacking…especially when travelling with fellow comrade bushwhackers…who exchange travellers tales and knowledge and experience
now if only the original verse had been in iambic pentametre (5 feet) it would have been getting near perfection.
“What does it mean to YOU, mate, to be a Kiwi?”
Thoughtful commentary from thoughtful commentators
The Paul Henry Show, TV3, Wednesday 5 February 2014
Breakfast, Television ONE, Thursday 6 February 2014
On TV3’s Paul Henry Show last night, Waitangi Day preparations provided the perfect chance for the host to express his disdain for Māori people and Māori culture. First of all he unwittingly, but appropriately, channeled Stalin and sneered at the protestors as “wreckers and haters”, and endorsed Winston Peters’ harebrained call for them to be banned.
Late in the programme, after an advertising break, he threw to Jesse Peach, who was daringly alone in a room full of Māori kids. The Māori kids were in a circle, singing and dancing on the spot. This failed to charm the host….
PAUL HENRY: [sardonic, irritated expression] What are they DOING?
JESSE PEACH: I’ll ask them a question. …[He walks into the group of kids]… Hey guys, I’d like to ask you: what does Waitangi Day mean to you? [He thrusts his microphone in front of a startled little girl, aged about eight years old.]
LITTLE GIRL: Ummm. ….[giggles]….I dunno….
Back in the studio, the host is not impressed….
PAUL HENRY: [frowns] That’s not a very good start. …..[frowns again]….
Over on Television One this morning, the contempt for Māori was missing, but the quality of the dialogue was as dreadful as we have come to expect…..
RAWDON CHRISTIE: What does it mean to YOU, mate, to be a Kiwi? What’s the ONE thing?
SAM WALLACE: [Long pause, and baffled look] That’s a GOOD QUESTION. ….[baffled expression continues]….Hmmmmm…. The summer. And Māori culture. It’s something that makes us unique.
…Long, thoughtful pause…..
RAWDON CHRISTIE: I asked my three kids the same question. The first one said this is a place where racism is wrong. The second one said New Zealand is a place where you can say what you like. And the third one, the six year old, said New Zealand is a place where there’s not much danger.
NADINE CHALMERS-ROSS: [to camera] So tell us, what does being a Kiwi mean to YOU? Some of the people get a bit fed up with all the politics on the day, but what does being a Kiwi mean to YOU?
RAWDON CHRISTIE: Good question!
At this point, I could take no more….
Morrissey I chuckle deep at the picture of you resolving you could take no more.
I know how you feel. Seeing and hearing His Effeteness who strictly is entitled to call himself PM and looking at the carpetbaggers of the Iwi Leaders Forum all gladhanding His Effeteness I felt very much the same.
That’s why I didn’t leap in the car and travel the 19 kilometres from my place to Waitangi today. There’s a rotten stench over there today. I’ll go and see my Haruru/Waitangi whanaunga on the weekend.
http://whoar.co.nz/2014/conservatives-dont-want-to-admit-that-economic-inequality-is-ruining-marriage-ed-and-the-other-motes-in-their-eyes/
(excerpt..)
“..that is like that other gigantic-mote in conservatives’ eyes..
..they oppose abortion..and they also oppose state support for those children when/if born..
..seemingly unable to see that the relentless demonisation of/driving into guaranteed penury/making into ‘the other’ –
– of those women considering whether to abort or not..
..actually drives many of those women to abort..
..whereas if those women knew they would face a dignified/respected/not blighted by poverty life..
..for them and their child..
..that many of them would then choose not to abort..”
(assorted anti-conservative insults follow…)
..phillip ure..
Good interview this morning on National Radio with David C.
He was quite clear on where he saw Labour heading and offered a clear alternative to Maori Voters.
Refused to allow the host to put words in his mouth all around VG
Audio is at http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2584773/david-cunliffe-live-from-waitangi
Listened to that audio clip. Strikes me that Mercep reflects that which so many interviewers are guilty of – a tending to strident negativity to Cunliffe particularly. A sort of a status quo-ism which says more or less “this better be good….”, and when it is, “Oh My God he’s getting away with too much here”…….raised voice and overtalking. Cunliffe did well. Had Mercep spluttering.
Yes North-but regardless Cunliffe took Key (and Mercep) to the cleaners. Bliss!
Yes, I’m saying Cunliffe did very very well. Cunliffe has the excellent quality of trenchant response and “Back off dickhead !” without looking an arsehole.
Whereas John Key is a girl really. I’m gonna get bashed for that I know. Well if you must you must you legions of super sensitive lefties out there. You form over substance ones. I don’t give a fuck. That’s the best way to say it.
Ron.. Heartily agree..Cunliffe has sharp substance..so different from the sneering lack of it shown by Mr Key. Feel a bit sorry for the interviewer trying hard to do a Gower (‘Help! I’ve lost control of this discussion..must interrupt ) interview but he may get better as the year goes on.
I like the way when interrupted or challenged, Cunliffe becomes more forceful rather than shirty.
Also
Good to see Vernon Small admitting that Key is ‘ dodgy’, writing:
“If Key goes ahead and purposely tries to give ACT and UnitedFuture an “overhang” seat that would be about as close to the definition of a gerrymander as you would ever see”
(See Clemgeopin below..Thanks)
and wonders will never cease!..did I hear P.Gower describing it as ‘a rort’ by John Key?
Apple definition
rort |rôrt|
nounAustral. informal
1 [ often with modifier ] a fraudulent or dishonest act or practice:
2 a wild party.
(Maybe Gower means both definitions)
Gower ingratiating himself with those he sees as the new rulers? “The King is dead, long live the King” he’d have made a great court toady.
yeah..could be that..Whatever their reasons it’s nice to see the spots change a bit.
Flying Nun legend Bill Direen will be dropping into Auckland this Saturday night to play some songs at the Wine Cellar on K Rd. Rumour has it that Direen’s set will include tracks from the tribute to Michael Joseph Savage he put together with the late and also legendary Red Mole ensemble:
http://readingthemaps.blogspot.co.nz/2008/06/bill-direens-savage-attack-on-labour.html
How to set up your keyboard for macrons
http://kupu.maori.nz/Show.aspx?page=12
Thanks. Done.
Just doing a test because the macrons look weird in the ts text box and once posted.
Måori
Māori
The first is me typing, the second is a cut and paste.
Lynn are you around. Any idea what that is about? I’m on a mac.
M`a
Hmmm…. how do you get the macron over the vowel? Above is what I get if I press the macron key then the vowel.
On a mac, once the keyboard is set in system preferneces, I press option +letter, and it puts the macron on top.
I don’t know what the macron key is. What OS are you using?
There is also this option, where you can cut and paste from http://maori.typeit.org/
Windows 7
Works for me on my macbook. Rātā. Can use either ` key or Option+the releveant vowel. Have a nifty little United Tribes flag icon up on the top right taskbar. Also put the german keyboard on too, cos you never know when you might fancy a glass of Grüner Veltliner.
Yep, sorted now thanks (had reverted back to the Aussie flag for some reason).
What does the ` key do?
The ` is in the instructions you linked to for Vista and Windows 7. Following the instructions just results in this
M`a
I was asking Scott who is using a mac 🙂
ok, just looked at the Windows instructions. Here’s how it works on a mac. Once the right keyboard is selected, I hold down the ` key, keep holding it down and then press the vowel key, then let go. It’s a bit different than the option +vowel, where you press them all at once. With the ` key there are a few steps.
When I tried this in a text document I got a yellow colour appearing that showed me where the vowel would go. I don’t see that in the ts text box, but an underscore appears instead.
You have to change the keyboard that Windows is using to the Māori one.
I did that using the instructions at the weka’s link above.
Trying this: I’ve been getting macrons from the extended character map up til now.
`a
hmm. Hasn’t worked. Investigating!
āha!
I needed to reboot first.
Thanks Weka.
A nice article on our electoral system:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/9689695/Key-and-the-moral-mandate
Thanks for the link. Well worth reading – and a bit of a surprise from Vernon Small.
For those who have not read it, Small addresses Key’s ‘moral mandate’ remarks re the largest party having first go at forming a government – and disagrees. The article also covers failure to act on the Electoral Commission recommendations, dodgy deals with one man band parties, and the overhang allowance.
Small’s conclusion
“If Key believes in moral mandates the least he could do is put the commission’s suggestions to a referendum and let the people decide on the rules that elect their representatives and their governments.
That would be far more meaningful than a vote for the colours on a rectangle of material flying atop a flagpole.”
Something tells me that the “fear” of small parties in parliament is more about the large parties not being able to control who gets in rather than an actual fear of small parties.
Exactly, Draco. Sorry, don’t have time to expand on that.
No words for this shit.
You might think that the days were gone when elementary school kids would work long hours in the field picking crops, but that’s the reality at farms across the country.
The minimum age required for children to work in agriculture is 12 years old, but a Fusion investigation found kids as young as 8 and 10 years working in tobacco fields in North Carolina.
The presence of children in the agricultural sector isn’t a secret. Roughly 400,000 children work in agriculture every summer in the United States, according to The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Program.
Studies show these children face a high risk of dropping out of school, getting injured, or experiencing other serious health issues like heat exhaustion or green tobacco poisoning. Efforts to be better regulate the child labor have been pushed back by the farm lobby.
In this video, investigative reporter Rayner Ramirez visits the fields, talks to the young workers and their parents, and confronts farm industry officials about the persistence of child labor in agriculture.
http://fusion.net/fusion_investigates/story/year-child-picking-tobacco-419577
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11196754
No Rudman, they need sacking. For being big fish bullies in little ponds. Like Mr Unrepentant Fucked Old Bully Mr Al Kirk principal of Whangarei Boys High School.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11195207
Sometimes looks do matter.
Did you miss this bit in the article?
“The fees were for things that the students had done in previous years – such as sports teams, school trips, Rubicon programmes – and not for the voluntary donation.”
These parents should pay up.
So fucking what SSLands……..discriminate against kids over something they have no power to fix and then expect them to respect you. Get fucked you Nazi !
Poverty is the reason our children are failing at school. Or not???
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26015532
a simplistic statement from a simple-minded fool who links to a simplistic corelation story and clams a causation argument
What are the differences between the poor communities in the UK and those in Asia?
You can’t figure out everything using statistics.
The Asians that I know are very hard working and very disciplined
They also show a lot of respect to their parents and do what they are told.
It is always easier to blame someone else than face up to your own failings and then do something about it
Or in McFuck’s case just abuse people with evidence that he can not explain.
well, I could have bothered trying to explain it to you in tiny words, but then you’re the sort of idiot who’d reduce complex issues of resourcing, approach to education, diversity in governing systems, and social support for children, all into the profound statement “The Asians that I know are…”.
You lost Nacker halfway through the second line McF. He/She uses blogs to improve His/Her writing skills. Probie told Him/Her to do it. Part of the therapy. Getting there.
Poverty is the biggest reason. If you are looking for one and one only reason for educational failure you will be really disappointed.
.
Mr Schleicher’s spurious pisa tests are almost aptly named.
The bogus ranking of countries (itself a spurious exercise) doesn’t explain why parents of those supposed high ranking countries,especially Korea, China, and some Japanese are bringing their kids here in droves because of our state education system unlike theirs, teaches kids ‘how to think, not what to think’.
(Thanks to CV…. wanted to use that quote for a long time)
I have rather belatedly responded to the fascinating conversation about Lakoff & Caleb Rosado’s article (which I very erroneously thought was written by Paul C Gorski) on yesterday’s Open Mike
Xox
Hey Phil U,
Can you please publish your vegan sausage recipe? Summer’s nearly over in Wellington. Chick peas, lentils, herbs n spices, tahini breadcrumbs? Rsvp asap Ta
Philip
@ philj..
sorry..secret-recipies..and all that..
(..you will enjoy them tho’ when/if they get to market..)
..but on the wknd i will share my re-take/re-imagining on porridge..
..easy-as..no stirring/watching/slow-cook/de-facto pressure-cooker method..
..easy as..tasty as..
..it’s like having an indulgent/super-healthy-dessert..
..for breakfast..
..and the best thing to send children to school on..
(‘cos of slow-release energy..and all that..)
..phillip ure..
Do you have any problem with microwave PU ? I know some people do but I’ve got a mighty one hit of the button 8 minute porridge with nuts and fruit recipe/process if you want it. All done in the time of a shower.
You take 8 minutes for a shower? I’m eternally surprised at the lengths people go to in getting clean. A long brush, harsh soap, and a really big towel….
I average 5 minutes from walking into the bathroom to exiting it including the occasional shave and relief time on the toilet. Never quite sure what other people do in there. Mind you Lyn averages 20 minutes to commune. I can read a hundred pages in 20 minutes and regularly do so in the morning.
I tend to still be half asleep and zone out. But then the hot water also relaxes my decrepit upper back and neck. 15mins-half hour, depending on how long I zone out for.
share..north..
..microwaved or not..
..it’s still much better/healthier than the sugar-laden crap marketed as ‘healthy’ breakfast cereal..
..(‘send yr kids to school..!..on a sugar-high..!’..)
..if you put it here..and it gets lost in ‘yesterdays’ comments’..
..put it up again under my one on the wknd..
..phillip ure..
South Korean father turns down a million dollars, and then refused to name his price when asked by Samsung as the company sought to deflect a compensation claim for his daughter’s illness. The Guardian previews the partly crowd-funded film Another Promise, which tells the family’s story.
‘The director, Kim Tae-yun, said he was inspired to make the film after reading a newspaper article about Yu-mi’s case.
“Friends told me not to do it, that it would be dangerous for my career,” he said. “But I’m not the one doing the fighting here – the families are. I don’t care if I’m tackling controversial or sensitive subjects, because there shouldn’t be any taboo subjects for film-makers.”
Yu-mi and her colleague were not alone. About 200 workers have made similar allegations against Samsung and other chipmakers, according to Supporters for the Health and Rights of People in the Semiconductor Industry [Sharps].
Of the three-dozen Samsung workers who filed for compensation through the workers’ welfare service last year, only two were successful, according to Lee Jong-ran, a lawyer who represents technology workers who have fallen ill.
Most of the semiconductor industry workers who turned to Sharps were in their 20s and 30s when they fell ill. More than 50 have since died.’
Just a small part of the price humanity is paying for our cheap electronic consumer gizmos from Asia.
Samsung
fixed the link.
cool
New Roy Morgan:
Nat 47 (+3.5) Lab 33 (-0.5) Green 11 (-1.5) NZF 4.5 (+0.5) Maori 1.5 (-0.5), UF 0 (-0.5), ACT 0% (NC) Mana 1 (+0.5) Con 2.5 (-1)
Roy Morgan.
Oh, and this little bit from Roy Morgan –
Hmmmm…. shouldn’t the pollsters be neutral re poltical policy?
Pleased you added that comment from Roy Morgan, Karol – and yes, I totally support your last para re pollsters being neutral re political policy. On this occasion, Roy Morgan let their mask down.
Yes I was taken aback by that as well. Especially the nature of the suggestion. It would have been one thing point out that National may need to address unemployment and under-employment if they want to hold their ground, but it is quite another for them to offer neo-liberal advice as to what they should do about it.
Fascinating…Roy Morgan polling co. pretending to be a neoliberal economics think tank.
So the nasty little attack on David Cunliffe by Nact and their bovver boys and girls in the MSM seem to have worked. They went over the top trying to denigrate a hugely important Labour policy. To hell with poor families and poor kids is what they are really saying. We don’t care. So long as we keep onside with Key we’ll be on the pigs back!
Anyone see the snide comments by the female who now calls herself Kerre McIvor in the Herald or HoS? Not a word about the policy. Just dirty little digs at Cunliffe inferring he is a tricky creep who can’t be trusted.Talk about transferring Key’s traits onto Cunliffe. I’d like tear that b—h apart – metaphorically speaking of course.
It will take more than on speech and one policy release to wholly turn things around Anne. If Cunliffe’s broad outline of where Labour is going holds true(and I think it will) then Labour will build up steam as the year progresses, regardless of the Key sycophants. Unusually optimistic for me, but I believe that will happen.
Not feeling as optimistic Olwyn. This is clearly the election year strategy – tear gaping holes into Cunliffe/Labour over every pedantic detail of policy. On it own the voters (bless their little cotton socks) would eventually see through it, but with the addition of the pro- Key/anti-Cunliffe barrage coming from the MSM Key sycophants, then the voters (damm their little cotton socks) might once again be conned into voting for that “nice Mr Key”.
I hope you’re right and I’m wrong.
I see less “nasty little attack” by Nact and more “completely bolloxing up an entire week of media coverage and looking like a muppet” by Cunliffe and co.
Not many miners are politically neutral, and Gary Morgan appears to be heavily involved in the industry, ‘striking gold’ recently according to this sydney morning herald story last October.
His directorships:
Roy Morgan Research Limited
Roy Morgan International Limited (incorporated in USA)
Roy Morgan International Limited (incorporated in UK)
Elazac Pty Limited
Elazac Mining Pty Limited
Haoma Mining NL
Kitchener Mining NL
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9694172/Key-knows-Snowdens-info
Well of course he would say this, just like the Governor General got a hiding and I didn’t know about Dotcom until 8 hours ago and I truly mourned for Nelson Mandela and all the other shit this piece of vain wee schoolboy shit mouths off at the direction of a bunch of Karl Rovish lunatics in Crosby Textor Sydney.
Nine more months of being Little Churchill areshole then your “care” is over to the Secret Service in Hawaii. Best news of the year for New Zealand. ShonKey Python will go down in history (if at all) as an effete wee laddie owned by international money who nearly fucked an entire nation.
Tight knit group of offsiders? Unusual language to use. And who may they be I wonder…
Waitangi day is a pain for Lyn to have her birthday on in terms of moderating. 400+ comments to check through with a few wines under the belt…
But her 39th birthday has past. She is now in her 40th year. Next Waitangi day will be interesting…
Xox
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
On Radionz interesting report about France from 8-9pm. A French anti-semitic comedian has a huge following. He is tapping into dissatisfaction with the government and its rules. There are strong censorship laws and many young people feel they are being smothered by PC. They feel that the government is dishonest itself, and its forcing them to be dishonest when they voice opinions. And this comedian says outrageous things, hurtful things to individuals, but says it is all just free speech, it doesn’t mean anything.
Many of the young are supporting him as a revolt against traditional politics. Many support the right wing Le Pen party, which was against refugees, immigration, all the usual suspects,, but apparently has tidied its extreme image, and has a lot of support.
It seems it is popular to say forbidden things as a way of thumbing noses against the crooked politicians that they dislike, i.e., a lot of young men but also some sounding middle class. Actual statistics indicate that anti-semitism is low. But some of the population are turning their attention to Jews because they are considered to get too much attention, too much sympathy. It’s all anti social, and its transference.