As Rob pointed out in his recent “A big gap to close” post, Labour is continuing to loose support with a further 3% lost to alternative parties and now sits on only 28% support, while the left as a whole sits 15% behind in the polls.
What do people think Labour and the left have to do to regain traction and support from the voters?
The moment Goff declared the ETS policy, Key was rushed out with the lie that it would effect milk prices for shoppers. Only later in the day was the lie exposed.
I would start declaring every policy will increase milk prices until everyone got the joke
that is our PM. That we won’t be scared into voting National.
Bringing the ETS forward may not affect international milk prices, but it could affect us locally like the Fonterra price freeze, and it will certainly affect farm profits, and it gives our farmers an unfair disadvantage.
Talking of dairy I just heard some bullshit from Goff on NatRad. He said something like: “The rise in GST has pushed prices far higher than wages”.
Significant price rises, like petrol and dairy products, have been due to international influences. The GST rise was offset by tax and benefit changes. If Goff understands that dairy prices are set on the international market then he must understand he is wrong about GST, so it is blatant bullshit – unless he’s parroting and doesn’t undeerstand?
Significant price rises, like petrol and dairy products, have been due to international influences. The GST rise was offset by tax and benefit changes
Free market failure.
Time for the Government to intervene.
and it gives our farmers an unfair disadvantage.
So you want hard working NZ families to pay higher milk prices to make it OK for farmers? You know, at the same time that Fonterra is reporting record milk payouts?
The price may be set internationally, but GST is levied locally. The rise went on top of the then current price, Pete, therefore Goff is correct to say that GST has affected the price more than wage rises which have been internalised in the ‘international’ price.
So the bullshit/failure to understand is all you, bud.
1. Focus on the economy
2. Announce their policies
3. Provide counters to/have answers for National’s BS
4. Avoid scandals on their team, and in-fighting between parties on the left
About tell the story as it is, don’t embelish it and then you look stupid “..they would have pulled back on their almost $25billion in tax cuts, which is responsible for roughly $130 million a week worth of our borrowing…”.
And why are well selling our economy out ? Just to look good at the RWC, and I still after a nights sleep don’t get it with higher unemployment are we allowing govt policies to have tourists take the jobs that will be available over this period. And no comment on the Labour site.
Who do these politicians represent??? Labour doesn’t want asets to be sold, but it appears it is ok to sell our jobs !!!. These are the day to day issues that effect people. Jobs, jobs, jobs and we hear nothing http://www.worldcup2011newzealand.com/2011/05/tax-breaks-for-rugby-bodies/ http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/outrage-over-visa-extensions-rugby-world-cup-4186681
The Left need to stop being so utterly 19th century about everything. Yes, we know, they didn’t like the Industrial Revolution. Big deal, move on.
Nice parody site you have going here. If Labour ever get into power I imagine they’ll create a Ministry of E-ffairs to shut down such good-hearted hi-jinks.
Tell me Charlie Parker, what is 19th century about a green revolution? Clean tech is the cutting edge of development. It is a big deal with countries like Germany embracing the change instead of being stuck in the 19th century where coal is king. They have low amounts of wind and sun and not much space to implement renewables, but they have and this shows that any country in the world can.
The only people who are stuck in the 19th century are the right wing hacks who have investments in oil and coal and therefore don’t want a renewable source of energy. They would rather destroy the world for a few bucks in the back pocket.
Nationals outdated thinking and backwards policies mean New Zealand will not be on the crest of the wave surfing into a brighter future. A lack of R&D means that the only large implementation of new renewable infrastructure New Zealand will have is when we buy it from another country. By then the 19th century right wing environmentally ignorant fuckwits might have destroyed us.
A lack of R&D means that the only large implementation of new renewable infrastructure New Zealand will have is when we buy it from another country. By then the 19th century right wing environmentally ignorant fuckwits might have destroyed us.
No “might” about it. The last three decades of unsustainable right-wing policies has almost done so already.
Yeah, the left really hated how the industrial revolution lifted the living conditions of millions of people across the globe. The left wish everyone was consigned to the poor house and child labour. That’s why they have so many policies about abolishing the minimum wage and getting rid of social welfare.
Do you actually stop to think about what you’re writing? It doesn’t look like it.
The industrial revolution effectively formalised the power of capital over labour. It took decades before labour laws and protections caught up with the changes wrought by the industrial revolution.
Frankly, it would have been a far better change for the people if it had been the workers who had owned the new factories and the new machines. Then they might have been against things like sending child labour into coal mines etc.
Stuff report on setting up of system to sell SOEs. This doesn’t sound like restricting to selling only to Kiwi Mums and Dads?
“The Government favours an initial public offering approach, keeping at least 51 percent of each business and wants to give local investors priority over foreigners. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5052188/Treasury-kicks-off-asset-sales-process
Is this the same treasury that gave such compelling advice to the idiots running this country ? and invented 170,000 jobs. Now what ? they are going to what come up with an even more fantastic document to encourage said idiots to sell more than the 49%.
Oh great a bumbling idiot in charge of the government, and Treasury looks like they are all on drugs.
The maori party are getting strong, smart advice and their latest campaign has legs because they are reiterating their key message of incremental progress. Unlike others i see no problems with multiple choices for Māori and i also see the debate as positive for empowerment of Māori so i say go hard maori party, the harder the better.
Any one notice the latest bit of corporatist lunacy. One SOE power company being forced to pay millions to buy power stations from another SOE power company. As if that was not crazy enough, the buyer has been forced to borrow the money at commercial rates.
Treasury is starting the asset sales process, KiwiSaver changes start from July… how is that seeking a fresh mandate before National start breaking all their 2008 promises?
A short-list is expected to be prepared by June 10, with the contract expected to begin on June 20.
The initial term will end on November 26, the day of the election, with an extension dependent on whether the elected Government proceeds with the asset sale programme.
So it’s preliminaries, not actually selling anything.
KiwiSaver changes start from July…
In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.
“In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.”
I’m sure the accounting changes have happened already.
Call me superficial or that I display ageism traits, yet I hope that is not THE reason not to sell our power coys, retiress in skimpy outfits. If it is I may have to review my oponion. 😉
Yeah, I’m not sure either.
It runs really slow. And I chose the apple. After all, apples are good for you, and a little bit of sin is good for you too, in moderation.
Its a perfect example of everything that is wrong with National’s approach. The people of Christchurch are being shut out of decisions about their own city, their own future, by back-room deals cooked up by a micromanaging dictator. They deserve better.
So, the dictatorial, non-consulting nature of CERA shows it’s teeth.
How is it that the US government could get two of the tallest buildings in the world demolished, top down and falling within their own footprints in less than a couple of weeks, yet ten years later the NZ government can’t get a building a quarter the size demolished in a year? Have they not seen travellerev’s youtube links?
Most likely that was not a mistake. Hard to mistakenly control demolition a large building since it takes months of planning and preparation, checking and rechecking.
Labour will win the election if they 1/ stop the politics of envy and 2/ forget socialism 101 – robbing from the rich for ‘redistribution’ 3/ promote hard work and success – even if ones comes from a background of adversity.
A prime example of how not to argue with science. The research says that the pesticides used on GM food crops in North America + a modified form of the bt toxin Cry1Ab. Where as Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand*, without taking into account that fact that the pesticides have been in use since the 1970’s[1], as have bt bacteria sprays, chock full of Cry-toxins since the 1930’s[2]. Observed toxicities of both are considered low to humans compared to other toxins, due to the specificity of the mechanisms of toxicity for them. Plus it doesn’t call for ban, merely more lots more research.
What glyphosphates do is block shikimate synthesis, which plants require in order to biosynthesise aromatic side chain amino acids, various aromatic chemicals that plants use for protection, and lignin which glues plant cells together. Animals have generally lost the ability to synthesise shikimate and kinked compounds as they generally acquire what they need from their food. However, biology is messy, and thus glyphosphates can interact with other enzymes, and in case of being used near freshwater, need to have the right formulation to prevent it becoming a problem for aquatic animal life. However, I can’t provide a better breakdown on dosage effects due to not being at uni any more, as there are hints of impacts of pregnant rats, but the abstract has no info on dosage given.
In this particular case, I’m sceptical given what I know about developmental biology that very low levels of glyphosphate will have major impacts on foetal development, compared to the vast array of other common chemicals we already know to disrupt endocrine signalling or have other know toxic effects on development. Like methyl mercury from salt water fish, like tuna, or various other pesticides we haven’t outlawed despite known issues.
As for Cry toxins, they rely on binding to specific cell surface receptors so they can create a large pore in the cell membrane. Which without, unless used at rather insane dosages, they have very very low toxicity to non target species, although there are issues with other insects such as bees and evolution of resistance in target pest species. The source bacteria as mentioned before was and still is used as a spray, and if memory serves me right is considered okay to use for organic crops. The modifications made to the various Cry toxins used in GE plants are missing a protein chain that’s cleaved off by insect gut proteases to activate the toxin, to make them faster acting. Personally, this was probably not the brightest of ideas as it remove a specificity filter, but to date evidence has been sketchy on toxicity in humans at low levels. Thus I’d bet that the amounts found are unlikely to be an issue, especially as the mean of action by cry toxins doesn’t interfere with developmental signals, which is what endocrine disruptor’s and thalidomide do.
If anything, the glyphosphates are a possible issue, but as I said earlier, prior hasn’t produced any signals of problems on that front. It definitely is worth researching, because as the authors state there’s a dearth of research into this. But is it worth banning GE crops over? Hardly.
Thus I sort of consider Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand claims to be a bit dodgy on this, more knee-jerk than anything based on teh literature.
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*hmmmn, not sure what to make of this group, especially given the lack of any major genetics researchers in their trusties list, particularly as one of my former lecturers is very involved in dealing with possible GMO issues. Suggests group is “amateur” and google turns up links to an NZ anti-fluoridation group, spouting the usual science-fail/toxicology 101-fail claims about the horrors low levels of fluoride in water supplies will cause. Also, they refer to “toxic chemical based agriculture” and want organic farming everywhere. Make of that what you will, especially if you know thy basic organic/biochem (we’re made of chemicals) and issues with mass production of organic food.
Labour is demanding answers after a multi-million dollar Government contract was awarded without any competition.
Oh dear, it seems that Nact have been going round giving out non-tended government funds – again.
The chief executive of Parents Inc is Bruce Pilbrow who was appointed by Bennett to the Families Commission two years ago
More of our money for their mates? At the very least it looks like a company getting the job because they knew what the specs would be because of the CEO working for the government. In fact, reading that article, it seems the CEO managed to sell the product to the minister directly.
Parents Inc is a Christian based programme, and Pilbrow was one of her Christian fundamentalist appointees to the Families Commission. Why is government money going to this programme without a tender process? I think the Auditor-General should investigate as usually anything over about $20,000 has to go out on the GETS tender system. 1. Why did it go without tender? 2. Why this company (which has little evidence-base for effectiveness)?
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said that was the product the Government was after.
”It’s really the tool box that we are buying and no one else has it, so if we put it out for tender someone else would have to create something that is already there,” she told TVNZ.
Well, that’s the excuse but really they should have determined what they wanted to achieve and then put it out to tender and not give the sale straight to the salesman who also happened to be a Paula Bennett appointee.
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Supporting New Zealanders is at the heart of our approach as a Government, and we’re working hard to tackle the big issues Kiwis are facing. While long term challenges like child poverty won’t be solved overnight, we’re putting in place policies that make a real difference for New Zealanders. Here ...
Delegates at the AGM of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand have voted to retain Marama Davidson as Green Party co-leader and to re-open nominations for the other co-leader position. ...
Every New Zealander deserves a healthy, affordable place to call home. We have a comprehensive plan to make it happen, and we’re making good progress. Here's the latest on how we're supporting Kiwis into homes: ...
The Government is allowing wealthy individuals to ‘purchase’ residency while entrenching a system that keeps low-waged workers on a precarious and temporary status, the Green Party says. ...
The Election Access Fund established by a Green Party members’ bill opened for submissions this week, showing positive progress towards more accessible elections. ...
With additional trains operating across the network, powered by the Government’s investment in rail, there is need for a renewed focus on rail safety, Transport Minister Michael Wood emphasised at the launch of Rail Safety Week 2022. “Over the last five years the Government has invested significantly to improve level ...
The Foreign Minister has wrapped up a series of meetings with Indo-Pacific partners in Cambodia which reinforced the need for the region to work collectively to deal with security and economic challenges. Nanaia Mahuta travelled to Phnom Penh for a bilateral meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and Aotearoa New Zealand, ...
Extension of Aotearoa Touring Programme supporting domestic musicians The Programme has supported more than 1,700 shows and over 250 artists New Zealand Music Commission estimates that around 200,000 Kiwis have been able to attend shows as a result of the programme The Government is hitting a high note, with ...
Minister of Defence Peeni Henare will depart tomorrow for Solomon Islands to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. While in Solomon Islands, Minister Henare will also meet with Solomon Islands Minister of National Security, Correctional Services and Police Anthony Veke to continue cooperation on security ...
The Government is partnering with Ngāi Tahu Farming Limited and Ngāi Tūāhuriri on a whole-farm scale study in North Canterbury to validate the science of regenerative farming, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The programme aims to scientifically evaluate the financial, social and environmental differences between regenerative and conventional practices. ...
52.5% of people on public boards are women Greatest ever percentage of women Improved collection of ethnicity data “Women’s representation on public sector boards and committees is now 52.5 percent, the highest ever level. The facts prove that diverse boards bring a wider range of knowledge, expertise and skill. ...
I am honoured to support the 2022 Women in Governance Awards, celebrating governance leaders, directors, change-makers, and rising stars in the community, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. For the second consecutive year, MPP is proudly sponsoring the Pacific Governance Leader category, recognising Pacific women in governance and presented to ...
Today Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash turned the sod for the new Whakatāne Commercial Boat Harbour, cut the ribbon for the revitalised Whakatāne Wharf, and inspected work underway to develop the old Whakatāne Army Hall into a visitor centre, all of which are part of the $36.8 million ...
New Zealanders are not getting a fair deal on some key residential building supplies and while the Government has already driven improvements in the sector, a Commerce Commission review finds that changes are needed to make it more competitive. “New Zealand is facing the same global cost of living and ...
Mana in Mahi reaches a milestone surpassing 5,000 participants 75 per cent of participants who had been on a benefit for two or more years haven’t gone back onto a benefit 89 per cent who have a training pathway are working towards a qualification at NZQA level 3 or ...
The Government has invested $7.7 million in a research innovation hub which was officially opened today by Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Dr Ayesha Verrall. The new facility named Te Pā Harakeke Flexible Labs comprises 560 square metres of new laboratory space for research staff and is based at ...
Unemployment has remained near record lows thanks to the Government’s economic plan to support households and businesses through the challenging global environment, resulting in more people in work and wages rising. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in the June quarter, with 96,000 people classed out ...
Action to address the risks identified in the 2020 climate change risk assessment, protecting lives, livelihoods, homes, businesses and infrastructure A joined up approach that will support community-based adaptation with national policies and legislation Providing all New Zealanders with information about local climate risks via a new online data ...
Māori with mental health and addiction challenges have easier access to care thanks to twenty-nine Kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction services across Aotearoa, Associate Minister of Health Peeni Henare says. “Labour is the first government to take mental health seriously for all New Zealanders. We know that Māori ...
A Bill which updates New Zealand’s statistics legislation for the 21st century has passed its third and final reading today, Minister of Statistics David Clark said. The Data and Statistics Act replaces the Statistics Act, which has been in effect since 1975. “In the last few decades, national data and ...
The Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament today, marking a significant milestone to improve the lives of disabled people. “The Bill aims to address accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people, tāngata whaikaha and their whānau, and others with accessibility needs from living independently,” said ...
Kia ora koutou, da jia hao It’s great to be back at this year’s China Business Summit. I would first like to acknowledge Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister Helen Clark, His Excellency Ambassador Wang Xiaolong, and parliamentary colleagues both current and former the Right Honourable Winston Peters, the ...
Narrowing the expenses considered by lenders Relaxing the assumptions that lenders were required to make about credit cards and buy-now pay-later schemes. Helping make debt refinancing or debt consolidation more accessible if appropriate for borrowers The Government is clarifying the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance (CCCFA) Regulations, to ensure ...
The Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill will be passed through all remaining stages by the end of next week, Police Minister Chris Hipkins said. The Justice Select Committee has received public feedback and finalised its report more quickly than planned. It reported back to the House on Friday. “The Bill will ...
The Government has stepped up activity to protect kauri, with a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) coming into effect today, Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor and Associate Environment Minister James Shaw said. “We have a duty to ensure this magnificent species endures for future generations and also for the health of ...
Prime Minister Ardern met with members of Samoa’s Cabinet in Apia, today, announcing the launch of a new climate change partnership and confirming support for the rebuild of the capital’s main market, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between Aotearoa New ...
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for the Indo-Pacific region today for talks on security and economic issues at meetings of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit in Cambodia, and during bilateral engagements in Malaysia. “Engaging in person with our regional partners is a key part of our reconnecting strategy as ...
United Nations Headquarters, New York City Thank you, Mr President. Ngā mihi ki a koutou. I extend my warm congratulations to you and assure you of the full cooperation of the New Zealand delegation. I will get right to it. In spite of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the nuclear ...
A major milestone of 10,037 additional public homes has been achieved since Labour came into office, the Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods confirmed today. “It’s extremely satisfying and a testament to our commitment to providing a safety net for people who need public housing, that we have delivered these warm, ...
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has announced further sanctions on the armed forces and military-industrial complex of the Russian Federation. “President Putin and the Russian military are responsible for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, which is a grave breach of fundamental international law,” Nanaia Mahuta ...
Easing the process for overseas nurses and provision of up to $10,000 in financial support for international nurses for NZ registration costs. Provide for the costs of reregistration for New Zealand nurses who want to return to work. Covering international doctors’ salaries during their six-week clinical induction courses and ...
A new future between Pacific Aotearoa and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is the essence of a Dawn Raids Apology anniversary event in Auckland this month, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. One year ago, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern formally apologised to Pacific communities impacted by the Dawn Raids in ...
Tēnā koutou katoa Tuia ngā waka, Tuia ngā wawata, Tuia ngā hou-kura Let us bind our connection, let us bind our vision, let us bind our shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. This year marks a significant milestone in the New Zealand – China relationship. Fifty years ago – 1972 – ...
It’s Cook Islands Language week and the Minister of Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio wants the community to focus on what it means to keep the language alive across the generations. “Our Cook Islands community in Aotearoa have decided to focus on the same theme as last years; ‘ Ātuitui’ia ...
From 1 August an estimated 2.1 million New Zealanders will be eligible to receive the first targeted Cost of Living Payment as part of the Government’s plan to help soften the impact of rising global inflationary pressures affecting New Zealanders, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. The payments will see eligible ...
· New Zealand’s international border opens to all visitors, including from non-visa waiver countries, and international students from 11:59PM, 31 July 2022. · Cruise ships and recreational yachts able to arrive at New Zealand ports. This evening marks the final step in the Government’s reconnecting plan, with visitors from non-visa ...
New Action Plan to eliminate HIV transmission released for consultation today $18 million Budget 2022 boost Key measures to achieve elimination include increasing prevention and testing, improving access to care and treatment and addressing stigma The Government has today released its plan to eliminate the transmission of HIV in ...
A report released today shows Government support has lifted incomes for Beneficiaries by 40 percent over and above inflation since 2018. “This is the first time this data set has been collected, and it clearly shows Government action is having an impact,” Carmel Sepuloni said. “This Government made a commitment ...
Thirty new warm, safe and affordable apartments to be delivered by Tauhara North No 2 Trust in Tāmaki Makaurau Delivered through Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme, jointly delivered by Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Allocation of the apartments will be prioritised to support ...
Disarmament and Arms Control Minister Phil Twyford will lead Aotearoa New Zealand’s delegation to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference at the United Nations in New York next week. “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons,” Phil Twyford said. “The NPT has ...
I am delighted to join you today for the launch of the Construction Sector Accord Transformation Plan 2022-2025. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues – the other Accord Ministers, the Accord governance and sector leadership, the CEOs of Government agencies, and leaders from the construction sector. The construction ...
Associate Minister of Transport Kieran McAnulty was joined this morning by the Mayors of Carterton and Masterton, local Iwi and members of the Wairarapa community to turn the first sod on a package of crucial safety improvements for State Highway 2 in Wairarapa. “The work to improve safety on this ...
The board to take the Milford Opportunities Project (MOP) forward has been announced by Minister of Conservation Poto Williams today. “The Milford Opportunities Project is a once in a generation chance to reshape the gateway to Milford Sound Piopiotahi and redesign our transport infrastructure to benefit locals, visitors, and our ...
A new three year plan to transform the construction industry into a high-performing sector with increased productivity, diversity and innovation has been unveiled by the Minister for Building and Construction Dr Megan Woods and Accord Steering group this morning. As lead minister for the Construction Sector Accord, Dr Woods told ...
For the first time counsellors will be able to become accredited to work in publicly funded clinical roles to support the mental wellbeing of New Zealanders. The Government and the board of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) have developed a new opt-in accreditation pathway so NZCA members can ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: Luxon’s “New National”Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Back in the 1990s, Tony Blair rebranded The British Labour Party as “New Labour”, to try and draw a line under past failures. It’s as if Christopher Luxon is attempting to follow suit, and launch “New ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Handley, Associate Professor of Volcanology and Geoscience Communication, University of Twente and Adjunct Associate Professor, Monash University Marco Di Marco/AP The Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland began erupting again on Wednesday after eight months of slumber – so far without ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Maguire, Associate Professor in Human Rights and International Law, University of Newcastle Israel launched multiple air strikes on Gaza on August 5, in another eruption of open warfare between Israel and Palestinian militants. The latest attacks come just over a year ...
National's newest MP has admitted he was kicked out of his boarding school as a teen for beating a younger student. The party knew of the incident during the candidate selection process for the Tauranga by-election. ...
“The Auditor-General’s comments on Labour’s divisive Three Waters should be the final nail in the coffin for the widely-rejected reforms,” says ACT’s Local Government spokesperson Simon Court. “The Auditor-General raised serious concerns ...
The Government must listen to the concerns of the Auditor General in his submission on the Water Services Entities Bill, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says. "The concerns of the Auditor General echo those made by the more than ...
Buzz from the Beehive Safety and security were the common theme in the latest statements – just two – from The Beehive. The first – headed Call for New Zealanders to get on-board with rail safety – tells us this is Rail Safety Week. Transport Minister Michael Wood grabbed the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Shaw, Honorary Senior Fellow in Urban Geography and Planning, The University of Melbourne Author provided Australian cities are good at growing – for decades their states have relied on it. The need to house more people is used to justify ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Stevens, Lecturer in Arts and Cultural Management, The University of Melbourne AP Photo/Laurent Rebours Australia, and the world, has lost a unique voice with the passing last week of acclaimed director and writer Shirley Barrett. Barrett gained international ...
We have published our submission to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Water Services Entities Bill. Because water services are critical to everyone, our focus is on how the public and Parliament are able to influence the performance of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Santosh Tadakamadla, Associate professor and Discipline Lead for Dentistry, La Trobe University Unsplash/Mieke Campbell, CC BY What is inside teeth? – Nicholas, age 5, Australian Capital Territory Great question, Nicholas. It is important for us to know ...
A gaping hole. That’s how the Federation of Primary Health Aotearoa New Zealand Executive Director is describing the lack of primary and community care funding in the current health reform programme. Angela Francis says the Federation board and ...
E Tipu E Rea Whānau Services are deeply concerned with recent policy announcements in regard to youth unemployment and benefits over the weekend. As an organisation that works with marginalised rangatahi every day, we are always concerned when we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stu Hayes, Lecturer, Tourism, University of Otago Spraying disinfectant on an Indonesian cattle farm infected with foot and mouth disease in July 22.Getty Images Recent warnings of a “doomsday” scenario if foot and mouth disease (FMD) arrived in New Zealand inevitably ...
Be. announce an exciting new Leadership Development Programme to foster a community of disabled and access leaders equipped with the skills for 21st century governance, and to embed accessibility at a strategic level in the board agenda. Over the past ...
Recommendations from the recent Charities Act Review could mean registered charities with operating expenses over $140,000 per year will be required to disclose information about the reserves they hold, and why they hold them, says Barry Baker, Partner and ...
The prime minister has criticised National's proposed welfare changes saying they prove the opposition party doesn't understand the incentives currently in place to help people into work. ...
Manaaki Rangatahi are concerned that punitive approaches to welfare, such as National's latest policy announcement, and current sanction policies for young people in need of financial support from MSD, run the risk of increasing harm for young people and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Holly Thorpe, Professor in Sociology of Sport and Physical Culture, University of Waikato Shutterstock Given recent and often sensationalist media coverage of the issue, it’s easy to overlook the fact that transgender athletes have participated in elite sport for decades ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Lupton, SHARP Professor, leader of the Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, UNSW Sydney, and leader of the UNSW Node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Sonnemann, Principal Advisor Education, Grattan Institute www.shutterestock.com This Friday, state and federal education ministers will meet for the first time since the federal election. The stakes are high. Ministers meet as teacher shortages and workload pressures are dominating ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Macquarie University Crown Resorts’ striking new A$2 billion casino on Sydney’s Barangaroo Point opens its doors to gamblers for the first time this week. But only if they are “VIPs”. Its licence to operate remains conditional, ...
One of New Conservative’s core principles is a commitment to the sanctity of life. We believe human life is sacred, from conception to natural death. These principles are not held by the ruling Labour/Greens coalition; neither are they held by National ...
The magenta wash shot through the true blue National branding is one way Christopher Luxon is making his mark as party leader, and he'll be hoping this past weekend's party conference will be another, writes Jane Patterson. ...
New Zealand Defence Force personnel have remembered all those who served in Solomon Islands during World War II, as they attended commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal today. A group of personnel from the Royal New Zealand ...
Minister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says there's no evidence National's welfare plan will work, while the Greens say it shows a "depressingly familiar side of the National Party". ...
Minister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says there's no evidence National's welfare plan will work, while the Greens say it shows a "depressingly familiar side of the National Party". ...
The Greens are the only party with a comprehensive plan to support people on low incomes so everyone in and out of work has enough to make ends meet and provide for their families. “It is clearer today than ever before that thousands of families ...
Sylvia Wood has been elected President of the National Party by the Party’s board of directors at its annual conference in Christchurch. Ms Wood has been on the board since 2021 and will serve as National’s 18th President after the retirement of ...
PROFESSOR ELIZABETH RATAgave this address – ‘In Defence of Democracy’ – to the New Zealand ACT Party Annual Conference, in Wellington and Auckland, last month. Although the address was given at a political party event, she says she was a guest speaker and the ideas she presents are her ...
National has taken aim at those on welfare for longer than a year, in particular young people, saying it's unacceptable in a time of extreme labour shortages. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Giuffre, Senior Lecturer in Communication, University of Technology Sydney Judith Durham, one of Australia’s most recognisable voices, has passed away at 79. An icon of the Australian music industry as lead singer for The Seekers and a solo artist, hers ...
RNZ News Protesters blocked roads in central Auckland this afternoon for the second time in two weeks, marching past the main entrance to the city’s hospital. The Auckland motorway onramp used by protesters two weeks ago was closed ahead of another rally at the Auckland Domain today. Aucklanders were warned ...
National Party outgoing president Peter Goodfellow has acknowledged mistakes in his final speech, but says he does not regret trying to move the party into the 21st century. ...
Buzz from the Beehive Ministers were dishing out money to musicians and Māori farmers over the past day or so while also announcing awards for women and – in the case of our Minister of Defence – travel plans for a a trip to the Solomon Islands. The announcement of ...
RNZ Pacific The Solomon Islands government has prompted anger by ordering the censorship of the national broadcaster. The government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has forbidden it from publishing material critical of the government, which will vet all stories before broadcast. The Guardian reports that on Monday the government announced ...
PNG Pacific A former Papua New Guinea military commander who drew up a plan 17 years ago to try to end gun violence says the first thing he would do is ban the public from owning guns. Major-General Jerry Singirok compiled a gun control report in 2005. It included 244 ...
By Peter Korugl of the PNG Post-Courier “Shame on yous!” … these are the three powerful words Julie Soso, former governor and candidate for the Eastern Highlands regional seat, had to say for the newly elected members to Papua New Guinea’s Parliament — all men so far. Soso, Carol Mayo ...
National's deputy Nicola Willis has sought to extinguish any doubt over her tax plan, telling members the party will deliver as much relief as it "responsibly can". ...
PSNA is holding nationwide rallies on Saturday August 6th in solidarity with Palestinians resisting ethnic cleansing in Masafer Yatta, an area of the South Hebron hills which is home to over 1200 Palestinians living in 20 villages. “Many of these people ...
Analysis by Keith Rankin. A couple of weeks ago I received a number of articles mainly about Covid19 deaths in the United States. (See below.) As I have noted in the past, it is important to address the reported facts, rather than to ignore them. As they stand, these articles ...
Former Labour Party leader Andrew Little and the Prime Minister's chief press secretary have appeared as witnesses in a trial about anonymous donations to the country's two biggest political parties. ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta has met with her Chinese counterpart face-to-face for the first time at the East Asia and ASEAN summits in Cambodia. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Micah DJ Peters, Senior Research Fellow / Director – Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) National Policy Research Unit (Federal Office), University of South Australia Shutterstock Former Health Department Chief Martin Bowles has reportedly proposed “virtual nurses” could help address ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Associate Professor Caroline Fisher discuss the week in politics. Michelle and Caroline discuss the first fortnight sitting of the new parliament, with the government’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt King, Director of the ARC Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania Shutterstock Atomic clocks, combined with precise astronomical measurements, have revealed that the length of a day is suddenly getting longer, and scientists don’t know ...
It sounded curiously like something out of a Marxist textbook – the notion that power sits with ownership. The relationship between ownership and power – it seems – should be more important to us than the issue of representation in the country’s democratic institutions or the concept of one person, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University Shutterstock The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID, originated from bats and then, probably after passing through an intermediary host, gained the ability to infect humans. Many new viruses that emerge in this way, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zoe Richards, Senior Research Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock In what seems like excellent news, coral cover in parts of the Great Barrier Reef is at a record high, according to new data from the Australian Institute of Marine Science. But ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Associate Professor Caroline Fisher discuss the week in politics. Michelle and Caroline discuss the first fortnight sitting of the new parliament, with the government’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lorinda Cramer, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Australian Catholic University The question of what counts as professional dress for Australia’s politicians loomed large again this week. New Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather rose to speak in question time. He wore a neat navy suit ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Glavovic, Professor in Natural Hazard Planning, Massey University Fiona Goodall/Getty Images New Zealand’s first climate adaptation plan, launched his week, provides a robust foundation for urgent nation-wide action. Its goals are utterly compelling: reduce vulnerability, build adaptive capacity ...
First-of-its-kind ranking report highlights food delivery companies taking important steps to improve chicken welfare in New Zealand and those lagging behind. Animals Aotearoa has today released a ranking report of food delivery service businesses ...
There’s a small hole in current law which a responsible camping group wants plugged. Often publicly blamed for fouling our natural environment, freedom campers and van travellers have been the target of a lot of poo-slinging lately. Tourism Minister ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, The University of Melbourne The Bureau of Meteorology recently announced a negative Indian Ocean Dipole event is underway. But what does that mean and how does it affect Australia’s weather? Will we get a ...
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui are this morning welcoming yesterday’s news that a members bill to ban seabed mining will finally enter the parliamentary process. “Ngāti Ruanui is thrilled to hear that Debbie Ngarewa-Packers bill to ban seabed mining ...
The Government’s meddling is driving up the cost of land and contributing to the ongoing housing crisis, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says. “The ‘huge upfront’ purchase of land at Ferncliffe Farms is setting off major ...
By Susana Suisuiki and Finau Fonua of RNZ Pacific The Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland came alive with music, glitz and glam for the first live Pacific Music Awards in two years last night. The annual ceremony has been held online for the past two years due to covid-19 ...
By Murray Horton As I was having breakfast in my Christchurch suburban dining room on Monday morning, I heard a loud but indeterminate noise. I actually thought it was a quake, but as there was no shaking, I assumed it came from the noisy construction site two doors away. So, ...
Pacific Media Watch newsdesk The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the censoring of the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) as an “assault on press freedom” and an “unacceptable development” amid mounting concern over China’s influence on the media and security. “The censoring of the Solomon Island’s national ...
By Gorethy Kenneth in Port Moresby People’s National Congress party leader Peter O’Neill has blown the race for the Papua New Guinea prime minister’s job wide open by declaring he will not run for the country’s top post. As the national election winds down and lobbying intensifies among Pangu Pati, ...
COMMENTARY:By Anton Lutz The sun rises over a strange landscape. Come with me and meet these people over here. Even though they have stayed awake all night, now that the sun has risen, they are jumping up and down, singing happy songs and even expressing tears of joy. Next ...
As Rob pointed out in his recent “A big gap to close” post, Labour is continuing to loose support with a further 3% lost to alternative parties and now sits on only 28% support, while the left as a whole sits 15% behind in the polls.
What do people think Labour and the left have to do to regain traction and support from the voters?
Remove the deadwood MPs and bring up/in new talent, at the moment Labour look old, tired and bereft of ideas
Stop looking for dirt on John Key (or at least keep it quiet) because its just not there and makes Labour look sordid
Try listening to what D O’Connor had to say but add in the teaching and university professions
Most importantly Labour must start acting like a team and stop back-stabbing each other
None so blind as those who will not see…
The moment Goff declared the ETS policy, Key was rushed out with the lie that it would effect milk prices for shoppers. Only later in the day was the lie exposed.
I would start declaring every policy will increase milk prices until everyone got the joke
that is our PM. That we won’t be scared into voting National.
Talking of fibs, did Goff talk to Ferrier or not?
Labour is going to bring ETS in two years earlier. If Key is such a dick he
thinks ETS will raise milk prices then he deserves the ripping.
Bringing the ETS forward may not affect international milk prices, but it could affect us locally like the Fonterra price freeze, and it will certainly affect farm profits, and it gives our farmers an unfair disadvantage.
Talking of dairy I just heard some bullshit from Goff on NatRad. He said something like: “The rise in GST has pushed prices far higher than wages”.
Significant price rises, like petrol and dairy products, have been due to international influences. The GST rise was offset by tax and benefit changes. If Goff understands that dairy prices are set on the international market then he must understand he is wrong about GST, so it is blatant bullshit – unless he’s parroting and doesn’t undeerstand?
Free market failure.
Time for the Government to intervene.
So you want hard working NZ families to pay higher milk prices to make it OK for farmers? You know, at the same time that Fonterra is reporting record milk payouts?
I wonder which side you are working for.
I thought that was obvious CV – He’s working for his masters’ side.
The price may be set internationally, but GST is levied locally. The rise went on top of the then current price, Pete, therefore Goff is correct to say that GST has affected the price more than wage rises which have been internalised in the ‘international’ price.
So the bullshit/failure to understand is all you, bud.
Er, except – not really! (That is to say, not noticeably)
There is a post on Red Alert where Ferrier tells John Campbell exactly how milk prices are set.
http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/05/24/who-knows-better-fonterra-or-key-on-setting-dairy-prices/
It was a morning post but what I should have said was: until you have actual proof because otherwise it makes Labour look cheap
1. Focus on the economy
2. Announce their policies
3. Provide counters to/have answers for National’s BS
4. Avoid scandals on their team, and in-fighting between parties on the left
About tell the story as it is, don’t embelish it and then you look stupid “..they would have pulled back on their almost $25billion in tax cuts, which is responsible for roughly $130 million a week worth of our borrowing…”.
And why are well selling our economy out ? Just to look good at the RWC, and I still after a nights sleep don’t get it with higher unemployment are we allowing govt policies to have tourists take the jobs that will be available over this period. And no comment on the Labour site.
Who do these politicians represent??? Labour doesn’t want asets to be sold, but it appears it is ok to sell our jobs !!!. These are the day to day issues that effect people. Jobs, jobs, jobs and we hear nothing
http://www.worldcup2011newzealand.com/2011/05/tax-breaks-for-rugby-bodies/
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/outrage-over-visa-extensions-rugby-world-cup-4186681
The Left need to stop being so utterly 19th century about everything. Yes, we know, they didn’t like the Industrial Revolution. Big deal, move on.
Nice parody site you have going here. If Labour ever get into power I imagine they’ll create a Ministry of E-ffairs to shut down such good-hearted hi-jinks.
Tell me Charlie Parker, what is 19th century about a green revolution? Clean tech is the cutting edge of development. It is a big deal with countries like Germany embracing the change instead of being stuck in the 19th century where coal is king. They have low amounts of wind and sun and not much space to implement renewables, but they have and this shows that any country in the world can.
The only people who are stuck in the 19th century are the right wing hacks who have investments in oil and coal and therefore don’t want a renewable source of energy. They would rather destroy the world for a few bucks in the back pocket.
Nationals outdated thinking and backwards policies mean New Zealand will not be on the crest of the wave surfing into a brighter future. A lack of R&D means that the only large implementation of new renewable infrastructure New Zealand will have is when we buy it from another country. By then the 19th century right wing environmentally ignorant fuckwits might have destroyed us.
No “might” about it. The last three decades of unsustainable right-wing policies has almost done so already.
Yeah, the left really hated how the industrial revolution lifted the living conditions of millions of people across the globe. The left wish everyone was consigned to the poor house and child labour. That’s why they have so many policies about abolishing the minimum wage and getting rid of social welfare.
Do you actually stop to think about what you’re writing? It doesn’t look like it.
The industrial revolution effectively formalised the power of capital over labour. It took decades before labour laws and protections caught up with the changes wrought by the industrial revolution.
Frankly, it would have been a far better change for the people if it had been the workers who had owned the new factories and the new machines. Then they might have been against things like sending child labour into coal mines etc.
Redbaiting season at Kiwiblog?
http://readingthemaps.blogspot.com/2011/05/chatting-at-hate-show.html
Full marks for forebearance Scott. Pearls before swine, but such beautiful pearls, such fascinating swine….first-class entertainment.
Well done Scott. Hugely enjoyable interchanges.
Stuff report on setting up of system to sell SOEs. This doesn’t sound like restricting to selling only to Kiwi Mums and Dads?
“The Government favours an initial public offering approach, keeping at least 51 percent of each business and wants to give local investors priority over foreigners.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5052188/Treasury-kicks-off-asset-sales-process
Is this the same treasury that gave such compelling advice to the idiots running this country ? and invented 170,000 jobs. Now what ? they are going to what come up with an even more fantastic document to encourage said idiots to sell more than the 49%.
Oh great a bumbling idiot in charge of the government, and Treasury looks like they are all on drugs.
The maori party are getting strong, smart advice and their latest campaign has legs because they are reiterating their key message of incremental progress. Unlike others i see no problems with multiple choices for Māori and i also see the debate as positive for empowerment of Māori so i say go hard maori party, the harder the better.
http://mars2earth.blogspot.com/2011/05/harder-better.html
Dude I really really think that Mp should run with this campaign NB I am one who thinks that they should lose every seat they hold currently 🙂
Any one notice the latest bit of corporatist lunacy. One SOE power company being forced to pay millions to buy power stations from another SOE power company. As if that was not crazy enough, the buyer has been forced to borrow the money at commercial rates.
Yep, post up on Red Alert.
Ta. Didn’t see anything in the media though.
Treasury is starting the asset sales process, KiwiSaver changes start from July… how is that seeking a fresh mandate before National start breaking all their 2008 promises?
Treasury is starting the asset sales process…
So it’s preliminaries, not actually selling anything.
KiwiSaver changes start from July…
In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.
“In theory perhaps, but nothing actually happens until July next year. If a different government like the Greens takes over in November they could change what is paid out in plenty of time.”
I’m sure the accounting changes have happened already.
Nah, not actually selling anything.
And I’m not actually off to the pub.
Then where are you going?
Oh, I’m just walking out to the car.
So you can drive to the pub, right?
Well yeah, but I’m not actually “going to the pub” right now, I’m just “walking to the car”.
So you might decide to drive somewhere else?
No, I’ll definitely be going to the pub. But right now I’m just walking to the car.
I don’t think you should be driving to the pub.
I’m not. I’m just walking to the car.
etc
etc
etc
And by the same logic, Customs should not stop the import of bulk pseudoephedrine. After all the recipient may just have an enormous headache.
What the …
Call me superficial or that I display ageism traits, yet I hope that is not THE reason not to sell our power coys, retiress in skimpy outfits. If it is I may have to review my oponion. 😉
Kooky!
I’m loving the Chuck Norris bit. And the Trev vs Tau…
In an age of choosing sides I’m not sure what the choices are! Very odd. Is it officially Labour made or…
I thought it was a piss-take (a poor taste one at that) at first but apparently it’s actually an official Labour site.
Yeah, I’m not sure either.
It runs really slow. And I chose the apple. After all, apples are good for you, and a little bit of sin is good for you too, in moderation.
Brownlee puts his foot down
So, the dictatorial, non-consulting nature of CERA shows it’s teeth.
How is it that the US government could get two of the tallest buildings in the world demolished, top down and falling within their own footprints in less than a couple of weeks, yet ten years later the NZ government can’t get a building a quarter the size demolished in a year? Have they not seen travellerev’s youtube links?
Except the US government also managed to get tower 7 taken out, by mistake.
I think we’re trying to avoid that sort of scenario here.
Most likely that was not a mistake. Hard to mistakenly control demolition a large building since it takes months of planning and preparation, checking and rechecking.
Labour will win the election if they 1/ stop the politics of envy and 2/ forget socialism 101 – robbing from the rich for ‘redistribution’ 3/ promote hard work and success – even if ones comes from a background of adversity.
It’s not “robbing from the rich” as they didn’t produce the wealth – merely appropriated it.
http://tvnz.co.nz/health-news/research-prompts-calls-ge-food-ban-4188129
A prime example of how not to argue with science. The research says that the pesticides used on GM food crops in North America + a modified form of the bt toxin Cry1Ab. Where as Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand*, without taking into account that fact that the pesticides have been in use since the 1970’s[1], as have bt bacteria sprays, chock full of Cry-toxins since the 1930’s[2]. Observed toxicities of both are considered low to humans compared to other toxins, due to the specificity of the mechanisms of toxicity for them. Plus it doesn’t call for ban, merely more lots more research.
What glyphosphates do is block shikimate synthesis, which plants require in order to biosynthesise aromatic side chain amino acids, various aromatic chemicals that plants use for protection, and lignin which glues plant cells together. Animals have generally lost the ability to synthesise shikimate and kinked compounds as they generally acquire what they need from their food. However, biology is messy, and thus glyphosphates can interact with other enzymes, and in case of being used near freshwater, need to have the right formulation to prevent it becoming a problem for aquatic animal life. However, I can’t provide a better breakdown on dosage effects due to not being at uni any more, as there are hints of impacts of pregnant rats, but the abstract has no info on dosage given.
In this particular case, I’m sceptical given what I know about developmental biology that very low levels of glyphosphate will have major impacts on foetal development, compared to the vast array of other common chemicals we already know to disrupt endocrine signalling or have other know toxic effects on development. Like methyl mercury from salt water fish, like tuna, or various other pesticides we haven’t outlawed despite known issues.
As for Cry toxins, they rely on binding to specific cell surface receptors so they can create a large pore in the cell membrane. Which without, unless used at rather insane dosages, they have very very low toxicity to non target species, although there are issues with other insects such as bees and evolution of resistance in target pest species. The source bacteria as mentioned before was and still is used as a spray, and if memory serves me right is considered okay to use for organic crops. The modifications made to the various Cry toxins used in GE plants are missing a protein chain that’s cleaved off by insect gut proteases to activate the toxin, to make them faster acting. Personally, this was probably not the brightest of ideas as it remove a specificity filter, but to date evidence has been sketchy on toxicity in humans at low levels. Thus I’d bet that the amounts found are unlikely to be an issue, especially as the mean of action by cry toxins doesn’t interfere with developmental signals, which is what endocrine disruptor’s and thalidomide do.
If anything, the glyphosphates are a possible issue, but as I said earlier, prior hasn’t produced any signals of problems on that front. It definitely is worth researching, because as the authors state there’s a dearth of research into this. But is it worth banning GE crops over? Hardly.
Thus I sort of consider Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand claims to be a bit dodgy on this, more knee-jerk than anything based on teh literature.
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*hmmmn, not sure what to make of this group, especially given the lack of any major genetics researchers in their trusties list, particularly as one of my former lecturers is very involved in dealing with possible GMO issues. Suggests group is “amateur” and google turns up links to an NZ anti-fluoridation group, spouting the usual science-fail/toxicology 101-fail claims about the horrors low levels of fluoride in water supplies will cause. Also, they refer to “toxic chemical based agriculture” and want organic farming everywhere. Make of that what you will, especially if you know thy basic organic/biochem (we’re made of chemicals) and issues with mass production of organic food.
Oh dear, it seems that Nact have been going round giving out non-tended government funds – again.
More of our money for their mates? At the very least it looks like a company getting the job because they knew what the specs would be because of the CEO working for the government. In fact, reading that article, it seems the CEO managed to sell the product to the minister directly.
Parents Inc is a Christian based programme, and Pilbrow was one of her Christian fundamentalist appointees to the Families Commission. Why is government money going to this programme without a tender process? I think the Auditor-General should investigate as usually anything over about $20,000 has to go out on the GETS tender system. 1. Why did it go without tender? 2. Why this company (which has little evidence-base for effectiveness)?
Well, that’s the excuse but really they should have determined what they wanted to achieve and then put it out to tender and not give the sale straight to the salesman who also happened to be a Paula Bennett appointee.
Damn, stuffed up the link:
Call for $2.4m Govt contract to be scrutinised
Can you roll eyes and cringe at the same time?
Maybe when this was suggested the answer should have been “let’s not”.