Archive for April, 2009
How much is a lie worth?
Written By: - Date published: 6:00 pm, April 2nd, 2009 - 29 comments
Labour revealed in parliament today that Richard Worth has another secret shareholding that created conflict of interest when he carried out ministerial duties on his trip to India. After Key gave him the famous ‘bollocking’ on Monday, Worth can have been under no illusion that there wasn’t a conflict of interest with these shares. He had repeated opportunities […]
Submit!
Written By: - Date published: 3:00 pm, April 2nd, 2009 - 1 comment
From No Right Turn. The Law and Order Committee has called for submissions on the Corrections (Contract Management of Prisons) Amendment Bill. Two copies, by Friday, 22 May 2009, to: Law and Order Committee Secretariat Parliament Buildings Wellington The bill would allow prisons to be privately managed. In the process, it would remove private prisons […]
G20 protests
Written By: - Date published: 1:43 pm, April 2nd, 2009 - 65 comments
Tens of thousands of people protested yesterday April 1st in London at the G20 summit. The protest is made up of a multitude of different groups and has no clear overall spokesperson or agenda, other than to draw attention to the obvious failures of unregulated capitalism and the increasingly obscene taxpayer funded banking bailouts and […]
Criticising car corporation charity
Written By: - Date published: 11:35 am, April 2nd, 2009 - 19 comments
Here’s why Fickle Cycle is rapidly becoming the best New Zealand blog focussed on international issues: I wasn’t impressed with December’s car industry bail-outs in the US and I’m not any happier with the latest round. I have a fundamental issue with giving money to these corporations whose primary interest is collecting profit. The US […]
Mana enhancement – fail
Written By: - Date published: 10:45 am, April 2nd, 2009 - 28 comments
To further enhance their mana Te Ururoa Flavell and Rahui Katene spent their questions in parliament yesterday asking patsies to National. ‘How will the government’s tax cuts benefit people on low incomes?’ they asked allowing Key and English to talk about the wonderful new $10 a week Independent Earners’ Rebate and claim Labour never cut […]
Centre for Inaccurate Studies
Written By: - Date published: 9:35 am, April 2nd, 2009 - 35 comments
The CIS released a report [PDF link] today entitled Ending No. 8 Wire Welfare: Why New Zealand is Lagging Behind. Its author is Luke Malpass. Predictably, from the right-wing think tank, the paper is an ideologically driven argument for a more punitive welfare system. As is so often the case, it’s premised on the tired […]
Regurgitating rubbish
Written By: - Date published: 9:04 am, April 2nd, 2009 - 10 comments
On his blog Colin Espiner rejects the argument that National’s tax cuts are “unfair because they give more to those who earn more” saying “I’m afraid that’s the nature of progressive taxation”. That’s what National politicians say too. It’s wrong. There are infinite tax cuts one could devise that don’t give more to the well off. Cut the […]
US warns: don’t cling to carbon
Written By: - Date published: 6:59 pm, April 1st, 2009 - 43 comments
Take heed, for the Superpower has spoken. At Round One of this year’s international climate change negotiations (in Bonn, Germany) the US has stolen the spotlight with a rousing opening address. President Barack Obama’s envoy Todd Stern stressed the need for action and warned countries like New Zealand that they’re set to become losers in […]
Key plays the April fool
Written By: - Date published: 5:17 pm, April 1st, 2009 - 30 comments
Someone’s set up a swag of fake Twitter accounts under the names of Labour MPs. Apparently Labour came across these on Monday at the latest and wrote to Twitter telling them the accounts were fake. But no-one, including his staff, told John Key the tweets were obvious forgeries. So he jumped up in Parliament today […]
“Monitoring”
Written By: - Date published: 3:00 pm, April 1st, 2009 - 14 comments
No Right Turn exposes ineffectual government spin on the fire at will act. The select committee procedure would have improved the bill. Perhaps to the point that it at least lived up to the spin. Earlier in the month, Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson warned employers not to abuse their new 90-day fire at will […]
It’s the men in black
Written By: - Date published: 1:31 pm, April 1st, 2009 - 10 comments
The SIS has made its yearly attempt to scare the crap out of MPs and get more funding. Apparently, New Zealand is under constant threat and only the SIS can save us. Lucky they were there to hunt down those hippies in Aro Valley and Maori sovereignty activists in the Ureweras who were on the […]
Happy tax cut day?
Written By: - Date published: 11:07 am, April 1st, 2009 - 58 comments
The tax cuts that National are implementing today are more generous to high income earners, and less generous to low income earners, than the tax cuts that they cancelled (Labour’s already legislated for package, see for example here, here, here and here). That’s business as usual for National, stiffing those with genuine need to take […]
Herald: You’re too poor to exist
Written By: - Date published: 9:26 am, April 1st, 2009 - 41 comments
What’s missing here? Oh yeah. Half the population. Everyone on less than $25,000. According to The Herald if you’re not rich you don’t even exist.
Mayday Mayday, Worth’s bought it and I’m losing altitude – Groser out
Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 1st, 2009 - 36 comments
Richard Worth, OBE, is now in very serious trouble having been snared in what looks like untruths about using his Ministerial portfolio to further the interests of a company he had a private commercial interest in. It’s pretty blatant and really Key won’t be able to get away with keeping him on for much longer. […]
What’s Labour got up its sleeve?
Written By: - Date published: 4:09 am, April 1st, 2009 - 20 comments
When you were perusing yesterday’s Hansard (don’t lie, you were) did you notice this question from Pete Hodgson to Richard Worth amongst the questions about his India shenanigans? Hon Pete Hodgson: Does the Minister still receive any form of income from Simpson Grierson; if not, when did he last receive any income from Simpson Grierson? […]
- Gas industry boasts about killing proposed ban with lobbying
Gas NZ went to an international fossil fuel forum and claimed responsibility for killing off a proposed government ban on new gas connections. ...4 days ago - Outgoing police boss hopes the role remains politically neutral
Andrew Coster will leave his position early to head the revamped Social Investment Agency, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...4 days ago - NZ’s government plans to lift a ban on gene tech outside the lab – here’s what people think
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marie McEntee, Senior Lecturer, School of Environment, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images The government’s recently announced plan to end New Zealand’s effective ban on the use of gene technologies outside the laboratory has reignited debate about this historically ...4 days ago - Business cases for large roading projects ‘disconnected’ from reality – ministry
The government has been warned that business cases for many projects - even large roading projects - have become so weak that they are disconnected from reality. ...4 days ago
- Who is going on 30 with Guyon Espiner?
"There is a strange thing that happens after about 15 minutes, 16, 17 minutes when people start to loosen up." ...4 days ago
- Working from home: ‘There are gains from our people having some flexibility’ – Auc...
There are no plans to change the general rule of a minimum three days a week in the office. ...4 days ago
- Cameras on fishing boats rollout resumes – with a catch
The fisheries minister will confirm installation of cameras on the last of 255 medium-sized inshore fishing boats, but he’s throwing the circling birds a few tidbits. The post Cameras on fishing boats rollout resumes – with a catch appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago - NZ’s role in a tricky Pacific peace
The Detail - Sir Don McKinnon on New Zealand's key role in bringing peace to Bougainville over the past 30 years. ...4 days ago
- What is the role of the Police Commissioner and who’s in line for the top job?
Andrew Coster is leaving the top job. So how was his tenure, what's the political nature of the role and who might replace him? ...4 days ago
- ‘Time has arrived’ for a capital gains tax, says ANZ boss Antonia Watson
The head of New Zealand's largest bank says a capital gains tax would be "politically extremely courageous" - but fair. ...4 days ago
- It’s the most common type of crime. But the government isn’t doing much about it
It’s easy to say you’ll be ‘tough’ on crime that happens on the streets. But what about crime that happens on the internet? It doesn’t take long for the dedicated con artist to convince the owner of the vault to hand over the keys, and then it’s all go ...4 days ago
- The crackdown on nangs, explained
Nitrous oxide has increasingly been sold, and used, as a recreational drug. The government is tightening regulations, but some argue other substances should be prioritised. Gabi Lardies explains. “This cannot continue,” said health minister Shane Reti on Sunday, announcing the government’s restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide, also known ...4 days ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 25 September
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,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, Wednesday 25 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- Workplaces need a ‘speak-up’ culture or the rest is silence
Opinion: A lack of awareness about protection for whistleblowers likely contributes to employees settling grievances privately The post Workplaces need a ‘speak-up’ culture or the rest is silence appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 25 September
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 25 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- A democratic way to address Treaty principles issues
Former prime minister seeks constructive ways to find enduring answers on the Treaty The post A democratic way to address Treaty principles issues appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- NZ’s role in a tricky Pacific peace
Nearly five years after the Autonomous Region of Bougainville voted for independence from Papua New Guinea, the two parties are at a stalemate, and have tapped our former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae to mediate.For those who’ve followed the evolution of the conflict, there’s little surprise to see a New Zealander ...4 days ago
- A drunk in Eastbourne
There is a photo from the 1880s of an elderly couple sitting in the sun outside a scrappy hut under a hill in Rona Bay, Eastbourne. They look quite peaceful to me, but history records that she wore perpetual bruises, and he was often too drunk to stand up. Looking ...4 days ago
- ‘We reclaimed this special place’ – Christchurch Town Hall
Opinion: The film Maurice and I brings back memories of the trauma Christchurch experienced The post ‘We reclaimed this special place’ – Christchurch Town Hall appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- Super strain from NZ’s ageing population
Extra money can’t be ‘magicked from thin air’ to support ageing population, analysts warn The post Super strain from NZ’s ageing population appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- We need to reduce plastic use, not merely recycle it
Opinion: There are microplastics in probably every part of your body. They’ve been found in human faecal matter, in the lungs, the bloodstream, testes, the placenta and even the brain. Everywhere we’ve looked, we’ve found some form of plastic.There’s no need to freak out just yet and start thinking that ...4 days ago
- Willis shrugs off Treasury advice about DoC cuts
The Government pressed on with cuts to DoC’s funding after conservation minister assured the finance minister it wouldn’t hit the frontline The post Willis shrugs off Treasury advice about DoC cuts appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 days ago
- No RBA rate cut yet, but Governor Bullock is about to find the pressure overwhelming
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Who’d want to be Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock? On Tuesday she had to do the almost impossible: defend a decision not to cut interest rates at a time when ...5 days ago
- ACT concerned by university’s travel funding guidelines
AUT's policy gives academics who identify as Māori and Pasifika preference when applying for travel. ...5 days ago
- Surrogacy is booming. But new research suggests these pregnancies could be higher risk for women and...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University Helena Lopes/Pexels A new study from Canada has found women who agree to carry and birth babies in surrogacy arrangements face a higher risk of ...5 days ago
- Working from home: Why employees like it, and what the law says
The government has told department bosses to get their staff back into the office - but will they come? ...5 days ago
- Both Israel and Hezbollah are obligated by the law to prevent civilian deaths. Neither side is showi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily Crawford, Lecturer and Co-Director, Sydney Centre for International Law, University of Sydney As the violence between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated dramatically in recent days, civilians have paid a heavy price. Hundreds of people in southern Lebanon have been killed and ...5 days ago
- Greenpeace Seabed Mining Protest Extends To A Second Site
Spokesperson Juressa Lee says that while today’s focus has been on Trans Tasman Resources and their plan to mine the seabed of the South Taranaki Bight, it should also be a warning to any company considering using the Fast Track approvals process ...5 days ago - Matthew Hooton, Don Brash and the defamation drama behind a deleted podcast
An astonishing monologue from the centre right commentator electrified audiences – then Don Brash called in the lawyers. The video lasts a little over four minutes, part of an episode of The Working Group politics podcast, which invites those with polarised views to debate them live. Matthew Hooton, the former ...5 days ago
- Parliament Bill to be assessed by special select committee
The new legislation - to combine and modernise the four laws setting out Parliament's statutory framework - has the initial unanimous backing of all parties. ...5 days ago
- How can I stop using food to cope with negative emotions?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Inge Gnatt, PhD Candidate, Lecturer in Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock Have you ever noticed changes in your eating habits when you are sad, bored or anxious? Many people report eating either more, or less, as a way ...5 days ago
- Cabinet has not discussed Interislander ferries replacement – Willis
No discussions or proposals for replacements have gone to Cabinet in the nine months since the government cancelled the new fleet. ...5 days ago
- Government Called To Condemn Israel’s Reckless Provocation In Civilian Slaughter In Lebanon
“Israel is an out-of-control rogue state which is pushing hard for an all-out war with Iran” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “Our government must condemn the killings and demand accountability for Israel’s reckless provocations” ...5 days ago
- Government plans to launch its own satellite by 2030
New Zealand currently relies almost entirely on space assets owned by other countries or companies. ...5 days ago
- Costly defamation action looms large over Australian newsrooms. It’s diminishing press freedom
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock This piece is the final of a three part series on Australia’s defamation laws. You can read the other pieces here and here. Defamation laws exist ...5 days ago
- How can I stop eating to cope with negative emotions?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Inge Gnatt, PhD Candidate, Lecturer in Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock Have you ever noticed changes in your eating habits when you are sad, bored or anxious? Many people report eating either more, or less, as a way ...5 days ago
- Watch: Five arrested after anti-mining protesters scale Straterra office in central Wellington
A Greenpeace protest outside the Wellington office of mining lobby group Straterra temporarily shut down parts of The Terrace. ...5 days ago
- David Seymour urges Winston Peters to speak with ACT about Israel before future decisions
However, Nicola Willis says she would not have expected Peters to consult with other parties over a ministerial decision like that. ...5 days ago
- Casey Costello under fire on links to tobacco industry, says govt still committed to Smokefree 2025
Researchers at a health conference have questioned the Associate Minister of Health's credibility. ...5 days ago
- Review: Ngā Rorirori dazzles but falls short
The theatre production offers moments of brilliance and striking visuals, but its lack of emotional depth and cohesion leaves much to be desired. There’s something disheartening about having high expectations but being left wanting more. I thought Ngā Rorirori would be great. My anticipation slowly built up over the days ...5 days ago
Recent Comments