Open mike 26/05/2011
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6:00 am, May 26th, 2011 - 30 comments
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- Supporting prevention, preparedness and response to global pandemicsAotearoa New Zealand has committed to strengthen global prevention, preparedness and responses to future pandemics with seed funding for a new World Bank initiative, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We cannot afford to wait until the next pandemic. We must all play our part to support developing countries ...3 days ago
- Overseas investors converting farms to forests must show benefit to New ZealandA law change to ensure that forestry conversions by overseas investors benefit New Zealand has passed its final reading in Parliament. Previously, overseas investors wishing to convert land, such as farm land, into forestry only needed to meet the “special forestry test”. This is a streamlined test, designed to encourage ...4 days ago
- International visitors boosting economic recoveryInternational tourism recovery well underway with higher level of overseas visitor arrivals than previously expected UK and US card spend already back at pre-COVID levels Visitors staying in New Zealand longer and spending more compared to 2019 Govt support throughout pandemic helped tourism sector prepare for return of international ...4 days ago
- Ministry’s inaugural Strategy paves way for ethnic communitiesThe Ministry for Ethnic Communities has released its first strategy, setting out the actions it will take over the next few years to achieve better wellbeing outcomes for ethnic communities Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan announced today. “The Strategy that has been released today sets out ...4 days ago
- World class aquatic centre opened in Hawke’s BayThe Prime Minister has officially opened the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre today saying it is a huge asset to the region and to the country. “This is a world class facility which will be able to host national and international events including the world championships. With a 10-lane Olympic ...4 days ago
- Tulī Takes Flight winners take to the wingThe Associate Minister of Education, Aupito William Sio, has today announced the recipients of the Tulī Takes Flight scholarships which were a key part of last year’s Dawn Raids apology. The scholarships are a part of the goodwill gesture of reconciliation to mark the apology by the New Zealand Government ...4 days ago
- Govt supports free period products in over 2000 schools within one year96% of estimated menstruating students receive free period products 2085 schools involved 1200 dispensers installed Supports cost of living, combats child poverty, helps increase attendance Associate Minister of Education Jan Tinetti today hailed the free period products in schools, Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata, a huge success, acknowledging ...4 days ago
- Govt boosts tourism transformation to strengthen workforce and improve outcomesThe Tourism Industry Transformation Plan outlines key actions to improve the sector This includes a Tourism and Hospitality Accord to set employment standards Developing cultural competency within the workforce Improving the education and training system for tourism Equipping business owners and operators with better tools and enabling better work ...5 days ago
- NZ earns another major digital investmentMinister for the Digital Economy and Communications Dr David Clark welcomes Google Cloud’s decision to make New Zealand a cloud region. “This is another major vote of confidence for New Zealand’s growing digital sector, and our economic recovery from COVID 19,” David Clark said. “Becoming a cloud region will mean ...5 days ago
- Changes to NCEA & University Entrance in response to COVID-19 disruptionsA package of changes to NCEA and University Entrance announced today recognise the impact COVID-19 has had on senior secondary students’ assessment towards NCEA in 2022, says Associate Minister of Education Jan Tinetti. “We have heard from schools how significant absences of students and teachers, as a result of COVID-19, ...5 days ago
- 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Samoa- “Lifelong Fri...Te Reo Māori tauparapara… Tapatapa tū ki te Rangi! Ki te Whei-ao! Ki te Ao-mārama Tihei mauri ora! Stand at the edge of the universe! of the spiritual world! of the physical world! It is the breath of creation Formal acknowledgments… [Your Highness Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo] ...5 days ago
- New law passed to reduce gun harmThe Government’s commitment to combatting firearms violence has reached another significant milestone today with the passage of the Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill, Police Minister Chris Hipkins says. The new law helps to reduce firearm-related crime by targeting possession, use, or carriage of firearms by people whose actions and behaviours ...5 days ago
- Minister sends condolences as last Battle for Crete veteran passes awayMinister for Veterans, Hon Meka Whaitiri sends her condolences to the last Battle for Crete veteran. “I am saddened today to learn of the passing of Cyril Henry Robinson known as Brant Robinson, who is believed to be the last surviving New Zealand veteran of the Battle for Crete, Meka ...5 days ago
- Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill passes third readingLegislation to repeal the ‘Three Strikes’ law has passed its third reading in Parliament. “The Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill ends an anomaly in New Zealand’s justice system that dictates what sentence judges must hand down irrespective of relevant factors,” Justice Minister Kiri Allan said. “The three strikes law was ...5 days ago
- Government working on preliminary steps to improve support for abuse survivorsWork is under way on preliminary steps to improve the Government’s support for survivors of abuse in care while a new, independent redress system is designed, Public Service Minister Chris Hipkins says. These steps – recommended by the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry – include rapid payments for ...6 days ago
- Remarks upon 77th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and NagasakiRemembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki Online Forum 77 years ago today, an atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. Three days earlier, on the 6th of August 1945, the same fate had befallen the people of Hiroshima. Tens of thousands died instantly. In the years that followed 340,000 ...6 days ago
- Govt signs NZ–USA agreement launching new opportunities for space sectorAn agreement signed today between the New Zealand and United States governments will provide new opportunities for our space sector and closer collaboration with NASA, Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said. Stuart Nash signed the Framework Agreement with United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman. The signing ...6 days ago
- Govt strengthens emergency management cooperation between NZ and the USAn agreement signed today between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will strengthen global emergency management capability, says Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty. “The Government is committed to continually strengthening our emergency management system, and this Memorandum of Cooperation ...6 days ago
- New Zealand to stay at Orange as winter continuesNew Zealand will remain at the Orange traffic light setting, while hospitalisations remain elevated and pressure on the health system continues through winter. “There’s still significant pressure on hospitals from winter illnesses, so our current measures have an ongoing role to play in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases and ...6 days ago
- Path paved for communities to reshape streetsStreets will soon be able to be transformed from unsafe and inaccessible corridors to vibrant places for all transport modes thanks to new legislation proposed today, announced Transport Minister Michael Wood. “We need to make it safe, quicker and more attractive for people to walk, ride and take public transport ...6 days ago
- Boost for agricultural and horticultural science in schoolsMore young minds eyeing food and fibre careers is the aim of new Government support for agricultural and horticultural science teachers in secondary schools, Agriculture and Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The Government is committing $1.6 million over five years to the initiative through the Ministry for Primary ...6 days ago
- Bumper breeding season boosts Kākāpō populationKākāpō numbers have increased from 197 to 252 in the 2022 breeding season, and there are now more of the endangered parrots than there have been for almost 50 years, Conservation Minister Poto Williams announced today. The flightless, nocturnal parrot is a taonga of Ngāi Tahu and a species unique ...6 days ago
- Relationship with Malaysia to be elevated to Strategic PartnershipThe relationship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Malaysia is to be elevated to the status of a Strategic Partnership, to open up opportunities for greater co-operation and connections in areas like regional security and economic development. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta met her Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah today during a ...6 days ago
- Call for New Zealanders to get on-board with rail safetyWith 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 ...7 days ago
- Regional approach the focus at ASEAN and East Asia Summit talksThe 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, ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Criminal Bar AssociationKia ora koutou Firstly, thank you to the President of the Criminal Bar Association, Fiona Guy Kidd QC, for her invitation to attend the annual conference this weekend albeit unfortunately she is unable to attend, I’m grateful to the warm welcome both Chris Wilkinson-Smith (Vice-President, Whanganui) and Adam Simperingham (Vice-President, Gisborne) ...1 week ago
- The beat goes on as Government renews support for musiciansExtension 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 ...1 week ago
- Minister of Defence to attend Guadalcanal Commemorations in the Solomon IslandsMinister 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 ...1 week ago
- New programme to provide insights into regenerative dairy farming 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. ...1 week ago
- More women on public boards than ever before52.5% 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. ...1 week ago
- Awards support Pacific womenI 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 ...1 week ago
- Govt investment into Whakatāne regeneration reaches new milestonesToday 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 ...2 weeks ago
- Government determined to get a better deal for consumersNew 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 ...2 weeks ago
- Business calls for ‘catch up’ migration, as participants position ahead of Albanese’s jobs sum...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Big business wants a “catch up boost” to permanent migration, with at least two thirds of the places going to skilled workers, In proposals for next month’s jobs and skills summit, the Business Council ...3 hours ago - ‘It’s important not to overreact’: Australia’s top economists on how to fix high inflationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Australia’s top economists are divided about how to tackle ballooning inflation of 6.1% that’s forecast to climb to a three-decade high of 7.75% by ...11 hours ago
- Will Fiji’s 2022 hotly contested elections further cement democracy?ANALYSIS: By Shailendra Singh of the University of the South Pacific In Fiji’s politically charged context, national elections are historically a risky period. Since the 2022 campaign period was declared open on April 26, the intensity has been increasing. Moreover, with three governments toppled by coups after the 1987, 1999 ...1 day ago
- Mark Brown confirmed as Cook Islands PM with slim gripRNZ Pacific The Queen’s Representative in the Cook Islands, Sir Tom Marsters, has confirmed Mark Brown as the Prime Minister. In a statement issued from Mark Brown’s office, Sir Tom said he was “satisfied” that Mark Brown had the majority of the MPs elected to Parliament. Following the final count ...1 day ago
- Former list MP Aaron Gilmore says Sam Uffindell bullying is 'outrageous behaviour'
Former list MP Aaron Gilmore, who resigned in 2013 after he used his position as a threat to a hotel employee, says there has been "outrageous behaviour" by those in Parliament. ...1 day ago - It’s great education ministers agree the teacher shortage is a problem, but their new plan ignores...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pasi Sahlberg, Professor of Education, Southern Cross University Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and his state colleagues met in Canberra on Friday. Lukas Coch/AAP Last Friday, Australia’s state and federal education ministers met with emotional teachers, who spoke of working on weekends ...1 day ago
- Government's measles campaign a 'failure' – NationalNational has branded the government's two-year $20 million measles catch-up campaign as a failure that can't solely be blamed on Covid-19. ...1 day ago
- Local body nominee numbers still low as elections approachDespite an 11th-hour rush of nominations for this year's local body elections, Local Government New Zealand says the numbers could still be too low. ...1 day ago
- Labour refuses to comment on bullying claimLabour is refusing to comment on a former staff member's claim that she was bullied by an MP. ...1 day ago
- National says government must revoke idea backpackers not welcome in New ZealandThe National Party is criticising the Tourism Minister's comments on backpackers as harmful to the sector. ...2 days ago
- Efeso Collins could scoop Molloy votes – analystA political analyst says people who would have voted for Leo Molloy in Auckland's mayoral election may now turn to Efeso Collins, because both candidates have working-class appeal. ...2 days ago
- Focus on Politics: Uffindell saga has parties grappling with bullying claimsPodcast - After one of the fastest political downfalls in New Zealand's history, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher examines how both major parties now face bullying accusations. ...2 days ago
- Government's new literacy plan met with some skepticismThe government has unveiled what it is calling a radical plan to overhaul reading, writing and maths teaching after two decades of sliding literacy rates. ...2 days ago
- Russel Norman: Don’t be fooled by NZ greenwashing, the lack of real climate action is dangerousANALYSIS: By Russel Norman, executive director of Greenpeace Aotearoa Only people power can ensure genuine enduring progress on climate and people need to know the truth if they are to act on it. For that reason greenwashing is the enemy of progress on climate and where you stand on ...2 days ago
- PNG elections chief Sinai seeks extra extension for Southern HighlandsPNG Post-Courier Papua New Guinea’s Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai says he will seek a further extension from the Governor-General for the return of writ for Southern Highlands provincial seat which has faced protracted delays in counting. He said any discussions and talks of “failing” an election and calling for a ...2 days ago
- Historic new deal puts emissions reduction at the heart of Australia’s energy sectorSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Shutterstock Australia’s energy ministers on Friday voted to make emissions reduction a key national energy goal, in a major step forward in the clean energy transition. Federal, state and territory energy ministers agreed to ...2 days ago
- Labour MP Gaurav Sharma: 'I stand by my claims of ongoing bullying'Labour MP Gaurav Sharma has launched another broadside at his own party, posting a lengthy statement on social media that details his interactions with Parliamentary Service and the Labour whips. ...2 days ago
- Ron Mark throws hat in ring to be Carterton mayor againThe former NZ First MP didn't plan to run for Carterton's mayoralty - until residents suggested otherwise. ...2 days ago
- Royal commission delivers damning interim report on defence and veteran suicide. Here’s what happe...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Wadham, Director, Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families, Flinders University The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has released its interim report after more than 1,900 submissions and 194 witnesses. It includes recommendations considered so urgent ...2 days ago
- Three reasons why disinformation is so pervasive and what we can do about itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathieu O’Neil, Associate Professor of Communication, News and Media Research Centre, University of Canberra GettyImages Donald Trump derided any critical news coverage as “fake news” and his unwillingness to concede the 2020 presidential election eventually led to the January 6, 2021 ...2 days ago
- Getting super growth into those tree seedlings is simple – it can be done for a song (or two) and ...
The Government’s esteem for science and science-based research findings can be gauged from a press statement released by the Ministry for Primary Industries. The statement gives a progress report on a New Zealand Forest Services’ partnership with a marae-based tree-growing project and its grant of nearly $500,000 over two years ...2 days ago - The COVIDSafe app is dead. What can we learn from this ‘failure’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stan Karanasios, Associate professor, The University of Queensland Rob Hampson/Unsplash On August 9 2022, Australia’s COVIDSafe app was officially decommissioned, and all its features removed. People were encouraged to uninstall the app. Reports of its closure have made international news. ...2 days ago
- VIDEO: China tensions, the Barilaro affair, Albanese’s jobs summit, and more teals on the moveSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon talk about this week in politics. They discuss Australia’s relationship with China as tensions rise over Taiwan, the inquiry into ...2 days ago
- Personality testing in job applications: what can and can’t employers ask you?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominique Allen, Associate Professor, Monash University Photo by Sora Shimazaki/Pexels, CC BY You might have heard of jobseekers being asked to complete a “personality test” as part of a job application, or been through the process yourself. The questions can ...2 days ago
- Fetters are slapped on “fast-track” law to ensure the country benefits from forestry conversions...Buzz from the Beehive Some readers might be surprised to learn from Associate Finance Minister David Parker that the law has been changed to ensure forestry conversions by overseas investors benefit New Zealand. Did the law previously allow forestry conversions by overseas investors that would be to ...3 days ago
- 'We need more support from New Zealand': Ukraine ambassador wants tariffs lifted, free tra...The Ukrainian ambassador to New Zealand is urging the government to consider lifting tariffs temporarily to support his country. ...3 days ago
- Tax break for investors providing long-term rentalsThe government is giving long-term build-to-rent developments a tax break in a bid to increase secure rental supply for tenants for at least 10 years. ...3 days ago
- Aucklanders Now Have A Clear Choice
Aucklanders now have a clear choice between continuing the failing status quo or choosing a candidate who can fix Auckland, Mayoral candidate Wayne Brown says. “They can choose more of the same from current councillor Efeso Collins, or a new proactive ...3 days ago - New book has focus on Pacific activists against militarism, for climate justicePacific Media Watch newsdesk A new Aotearoa New Zealand book focusing on activists and their causes against militarism and for social struggles and climate justice across the Asia-Pacific is being launched in Wellington today. Peace Action: Struggles for a decolonised and demilitarised Oceania and East Asia, edited by Wellington-based activist ...3 days ago
- SIBC chief defends ‘free’ state media broadcaster in face of tighter controlsPacific Media Watch newsdesk The head of the Solomon Islands state-owned broadcaster has defended its role in the face of the government tightening control — a move that critics say is squarely aimed at controlling and censoring the news. The government said last Friday that the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation ...3 days ago
- Power Play: Houses in disorder after turbulent week for Labour, NationalWhat a difference less than a week can make: National lurching from success to controversy and Labour facing its own bombshell, Political Editor Jane Patterson writes. ...3 days ago
- Te Pāti Māori Celebrating 40-years Of Anthem, Poi EDebbie Ngarewa-Packer, Te Pāti Māori co-leader and list MP based in Te Tai Hauāuru will this weekend share in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Pātea Māori club anthem, Poi E. “Iwi of Taranaki and Ngāti Ruanui will be reminiscing ...3 days ago
- Auckland mayoralty candidate Leo Molloy quits raceMolloy says polls suggest he couldn't win the Auckland mayoralty race and withdrawing is the right thing to do. ...3 days ago
- Labour responds to Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma's allegations of bullying at ParliamentLabour's Whip's office says it has always acted in good faith with Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma, after he made explosive allegations about bullying. ...3 days ago
- Extinction Rebellion Whakatū Announce Their Candidate For This Year's Local Body ElectionToday, XR Whakatū are blocking the Trafalgar St to launch “The People” in the form of Te Tiriti based peoples assemblies as their candidate for this year's local body elections. “The climate and ecological crisis proves our political system ...3 days ago
- Sam Uffindell was lucky to avoid NZ’s criminal justice system as a schoolboy – but it was the ri...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Mehigan, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Canterbury Getty Images However you look at it, the National Party has selected someone who once committed an act of criminal violence to represent the Tauranga electorate in parliament. It’s an unfortunate ...3 days ago
- Getting more men into nursing means a rethink of gender roles, pay and recognition. But we need them...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patricia Davidson, Vice-Chancellor, University of Wollongong Shutterstock Demand for health care is soaring as the population ages, medical treatments become more widely available and more people live with chronic and complex illnesses. However, there is global shortage of health professionals ...3 days ago
- Catholic Church’s Redress Not Fit For PurposeA sexual abuse survivor group SNAP says the Government’s decision to allow faith-based institutions like the Catholic Church to continue providing redress to survivors would just re-traumatise Catholic Church survivors. SNAP’s national leader, Christopher ...3 days ago
- Additional $99,999 Available In The 2022 Round Of The Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy FundThe 2022 round of the Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund (RWLF) will see $299,999 in grants being distributed to programmes with a focus on mental health in rainbow communities thanks to a partnership with Foundation North. Foundation North, the community trust ...3 days ago
- A Slap In Face To Natural JusticeThe Government continuing to push through a Wairarapa treaty settlement without addressing serious flaws in it, is a slap in the face to natural justice and rank hypocrisy from the Crown. That’s the submission today to Parliament’s Maori Affairs ...3 days ago
- Rental Price Indexes: July 2022The rental price indexes measure the changes in prices that households pay for housing rentals. Key facts Monthly change In July 2022 compared with June 2022: the index for the stock measure of rental property prices rose 0.2 percent the index for the ...3 days ago
- Minister Unable To Back Claims Farmers Are Harming The ClimateClimate Change Minister James Shaw has been found wanting, after his response to a letter from Groundswell NZ lacked any evidence that New Zealand agriculture is contributing to climate warming, Groundswell NZ emissions spokesperson Steve Cranston ...3 days ago
- Kiwis Feel The Crunch: Over Half Of New Zealanders Have Changed Their Usual Food Purchases Due To Ri...New research from HelloFresh bites into the nation’s changing diets and reveals what’s impacting the way we eat Leading meal-kit provider, HelloFresh serves up fresh research that explores New Zealand’s changing diets, revealing how eating ...3 days ago
- Time To Throw The Book At Out Of Control Youth“The marked increase in violent youth crime has been long predicted and is being met by a chorus of excuses instead of admitting the soft youth system is a demonstrable failure,” says Darroch Ball Leader of Sensible Sentencing Trust. “Its time to ...3 days ago
- Political editors panel: Bullying behaviours under the spotlightMorning Report - This week RNZ and Stuff's political editors Jane Patterson and Luke Malpass discuss the accusations by Labour's Gaurav Sharma, and those against National's Sam Uffindell. ...3 days ago
- Government Inquiry Offers Chance For Rail Reset...3 days ago
- These unusual moths migrate over thousands of kilometres. We tracked them to reveal their secret nav...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myles Menz, Lecturer, Zoology and Ecology, James Cook University Christian Ziegler Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Author provided Migratory insects number in the trillions. They’re a major part of global ecosystems, helping to transport nutrients and pollen across continents ...3 days ago
- Why doesn’t monkeypox have a new name yet?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Toole, Associate Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute As monkeypox vaccination programs roll out and health authorities release information about how to reduce the spread of the virus, progress on another aspect of the outbreak is lagging: its name. On June 14, ...3 days ago
- Beyond net-zero: we should, if we can, cool the planet back to pre-industrial levelsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, The University of Melbourne Marc Pell/Unsplash, CC BY The world’s focus is sharply fixed on achieving net-zero emissions, yet surprisingly little thought has been given to what comes afterwards. In our new paper, ...3 days ago
- To lock out foot-and-mouth disease, Australia must help our neighbour countries bolster their biosec...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Alders, Honorary Professor, Australian National University Foot-and-mouth disease now poses a high threat to Australia. This highly contagious livestock virus is sweeping Indonesia – the closest it’s been to Australia since the 1980s. A large outbreak here could cause decimate the ...3 days ago
- NZ’s first climate adaptation plan is a good start, but crucial questions about cost and timing mu...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anita Wreford, Professor Applied Economics, Lincoln University, New Zealand Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto via Getty Images New Zealand’s national adaptation plan, launched last week, offers the first comprehensive approach to how communities can prepare for the inevitable impacts of a changing climate. ...3 days ago
- Australia’s teacher shortage won’t be solved until we treat teaching as a profession, not a trad...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Larissa McLean Davies, Professor of Teacher Education, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Today, state and federal education ministers will meet in Canberra to discuss the teacher shortage. In their first in-person meeting for more than a year, they will ...3 days ago
- Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon confirms there will be no sexual violence on screen. Her...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury HBO HBO’s fantasy series Game of Thrones dominated television and pop culture discourse for much of a decade. Its upcoming prequel series, House of the Dragon, is similarly ...3 days ago
- Local body nomination gaps remain as deadline loomsPeople wanting to stand for local government have just a few hours left to put their name on the list. ...3 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Will ‘teals’ strike Liberals another blow in Victorian and NSW elections?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The federal Liberals are in a parlous state, after an election that was not just lost to Labor but where “teals” stripped them of a batch of traditional seats. In coming months the Liberal ...3 days ago
- ‘Face of democracy is going to change’ in NZ, say Māori wāhine candidatesBy Leah Tebbutt, RNZ News reporter A number of Māori wāhine have put their hat in the ring to become mayor at this year’s Aotearoa New Zealand local body election across the motu in October. Georgina Beyer is believed to be the first and only Māori woman ever elected as ...3 days ago
- PNG has ‘gone to the dogs’, says lawyer calling on new MPs to step upBy Concy Simon of the PNG Post-Courier Leadership of Papua New Guinea has “gone to the dogs” represented by a rapid increase in prices of goods and services and the “worst national election” ever, says a lawyer. Lawyer Goiye Kondago made the crtiticism during the official declaration of Kerenga Kua ...3 days ago
- Uneasy Pacific makes wartime memories more important than everCOMMENTARY: By Barbara Dreaver, 1News Pacific correspondent Even from the grainy black and white footage of American soldiers wading towards shore while under fire, you can see and sense the fear, resignation and determination in that moment. The Battle of Midway in World War II may have been won, but ...3 days ago
- Cook Islands: Navigating the rise of third party politics and a new eraCook Islands Press By Jason Brown Tens of thousands of Cook Islanders celebrated 57th Constitution Day events these last weeks. Not just in the homeland, but overseas as well, with communities across New Zealand, Australia and beyond celebrating language, dance, culture and other arts. How many in all might be ...3 days ago
- Petition to expel Russian ambassador delivered to ParliamentA petition has been delivered to Parliament, calling for the Russian ambassador to be expelled, and for New Zealand to sever diplomatic relations. ...3 days ago
- Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma accuses Parliamentary Service of stonewalling bullying claimsA Labour backbencher has launched an extraordinary broadside, claiming MP-on-MP bullying is rampant within Parliament and facilitated by those supposed to prevent it. ...3 days ago
- Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code led the world. It’s time to finish what we startedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rod Sims, Professor in the practice of public policy and antitrust, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock Public interest journalism is essential to a well-functioning society, even for those who do not watch or read it. It holds ...3 days ago
- New immigration detention bill could give Australia a fresh chance to comply with international lawSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cleo Hansen-Lohrey, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania GettyImages Last week, independent MP Andrew Wilkie reintroduced to federal parliament the Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill 2022. This bill gives Australia the chance to bring its immigration detention ...3 days ago
- Transport Inquiry Chance To Get Regional Rail Back On TrackThe Greens will continue to push for climate friendly, affordable transport options as part of a new cross-party Parliamentary inquiry into the future of inter-regional passenger rail in New Zealand. “Investing in rail is a great way to connect our ...3 days ago
- A production to satisfy Sydney’s darkest imaginings: Sydney Theatre Company’s Strange Case of Dr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Huw Griffiths, Senior Lecturer in English Literature, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/ STC Review: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, directed by Kip Williams for Sydney Theatre Company With their new production, Kip Williams and the Sydney Theatre ...3 days ago
- National leaders don't let Sam Uffindell's university life revelations shake efforts in Te...National Party's leader and deputy leader say details of Sam Uffindell's flat are "not great" and "yuck", and the party will continue improving its candidate selection processes. ...3 days ago
- Local Businessman Decides Not To Run For Council: Endorses Ali Jones For Council SeatDavid Timbs from Peter Timbs Butchers has decided not to run in this year’s local body election. Mr Timbs initially said he would be running for council but has now put his support behind independent candidate Ali Jones who is running for the Innes ...3 days ago
- Govt has dived into Covid-19 recovery funds to help build aquatic centre that – gosh! – may brin...Buzz from the Beehive Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has been busy in the past 24 hours, joining the PM for the opening of a new aquatic centre, enthusing about data from the latest visitor statistics and announcing a new industry strategy. The Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca ...3 days ago
- You can’t be what you can’t see: the benefits for and the pressures on First Nations sportswomenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University A record number of female Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander athletes represented Australia at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. While embracing their role model status, it is worth considering the weighty ...3 days ago
- Surprise discovery shows you may inherit more from your mum than you thinkSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marnie Blewitt, Head, Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute leah hetteberg/unsplash What if we could inherit more than our parents’ genes? What if we could inherit the ability to turn genes on and off? These possibilities have come ...4 days ago
- Another school has banned mobile phones but research shows bans don’t stop bullying or improve stu...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Orlando, Researcher: Digital Literacy and Digital Wellbeing, Western Sydney University Shutterstock This week, one Sydney high school made headlines for banning mobile phones during school hours. Phones can come to school but must stay in locked pouches allowing teachers ...4 days ago
- What is this new Langya virus? Do we need to be worried?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Allen Cheng, Professor in Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Monash University People could have caught the virus from wild shrews. Shutterstock A new virus, Langya henipavirus, is suspected to have caused infections in 35 people in China’s Shandong and Henan provinces. It’s related to ...4 days ago
- Green Party member's Prohibition of Mining bill to go to ParliamentA Green Party member's bill would ban any new exploration, prospecting and mining activity on conservation lands and water. ...4 days ago
- ‘Let it rip’: Barangaroo, a masterclass in planning as deal-makingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dallas Rogers, Head of Urbanism and Associate Professor of Urban Studies, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney The redevelopment of the 22-hectare Barangaroo precinct on Sydney Harbour has long been a masterclass in poor urban development governance and lack ...4 days ago
- Govt’s Smokefree Proposals Must Be Enforced, Say VapersThe Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA) is encouraging Kiwis to make a submission on the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill by 24 August. They say getting tough on tobacco is well overdue. Now with Parliament’s ...4 days ago
Relationships are a prerequisite for a culture of respect for human rights to flourish, but they don’t guarantee them. If nobody is listening, or worse, those concerned have conflicting interests then Human Rights are ignored and sidelined.
Debt in moderation is good for a country. But when families can’t afford milk how can being the premium milk producer matter to every day Kiwis?
Plutocracy watch:
http://www.bepress.com/bap/vol13/iss1/art4/
Between this stuff, the revolving doors, the computer traded ticket clippers and the lack of any real reform, I’m starting to suspect that this cake might be a bit fictional.
Anybody going to follow up on the $2.4 million untendered gift of taxpayers’ money to a ‘Christian’ parenting group in the Budget? Sounds like that donation to a National Party-aligned Pacific business in the Budget last year.
The Petulant Bean may have some serious questions to answer over this perceived abuse of procedure.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/5055820/Queries-over-2-4m-parenting-contract
Anyone else notice how she bounces to her feet when answering questions in the House, especially when she has a smart rejoinder to deliver. One of these days her upper body may continue on up and whack her in the face.
And when is that privacy act business going to get resolved?
The last I heard ‘that privacy case’ is going to court – sometime after the election.
Good grief. The court should issue damages based on how much we’ve paid Bennett in the interim.
The US deficit: ( The GOP should shut up about it if they had any self respect edition)
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/chart-bush-policies-dominant-cause-of-debt.php?ref=fpblg
The GOP, just like our own conservatives (National, Act, mP), are only there to transfer public wealth into the hands of themselves and their rich mates.
Greywolf Mining want to exploit/explore Golden Bay for oil, gas and coal. But as TV3 have said they are a bit more of a grey ghost not a grey wolf – why?
emails bounce
the chinese company listed as a partner on the website is not their partner
hard to find company offices
are greywolf a sham – just another dirty company involved in dirty business? IMO yes. But who is going to make the money – that’s the trail to follow.
http://mars2earth.blogspot.com/2011/05/murky-mining-attempt.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/5053379/Mining-firms-credentials-brought-into-doubt
Cynthia McKinney is one of my heroes. She is black, educated and of a high moral fiber. It was she who confronted Rumsfeld about the child slave ring run by Dynacore, the missing trillions of the Pentagon budget and travelled to the Gaza strip two years ago on one of the boats trying to break the siege.
She travelled to Libya to see with her own eyes what is happening there. She wrote a Counterpunch piece about the “kinetic, humanitarian” action called Feast of Blood.
Alex Jones is also one of my heroes. Considered by many a vile, redneck, truther birther, teapartier, nutcase but as he is one of the most outspoken anti war activists who calls out both Bush and Obama and their puppet masters on their lie based illegal wars of aggression and resource robbery he has to be one of my heroes even if I don’t agree with his gun toting, anti abortionist views to name a few.
Today only here is the link to the page which contains a link to his radio show in which he interviews US Congress woman McKinny who at this moment is in Tripoli Libya awaiting the nightly “kinetic, humanitarian” bombings.
So for those of you who thought that the intervention was a good use of NATO and the US army I would challenge you to listen to this interview between Cynthia McKinny, black (sort of) leftist black women (She is the leader of the American green party) and white male Texas, gun toting, birther 911 truther Alex Jones and educate yourself. (A word of warning; The radio show is about three hours and streaming so you might have to wait for the interview to air again.)
Here is the Youtube link to the first part of the interview edited out of the radio program
What is worth less and can be sacrificed?
Lives or Profits?
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/the-real-danger-to-air-passengers-is-not-the-ash-cloud-ndash-its-these-men-2289097.html
Obama: UK, US lead fight for peace and just world
THE HEADLINE….
************************************************************
Obama: UK, US lead fight for peace and just world
************************************************************
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3227321.htm
THE REALITY BEHIND THE HEADLINE….
http://www.travelersdigest.com/war_pics/knife_torture.jpg
http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/02/gallery_abu_ghraib/abu.jpg
http://moviereviewh2one2.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/abu-ghraib-tm.jpg
http://rexcurry.net/dog-torture-terrorism-abu-ghraib1b.jpg
http://files.blog-city.com/files/A05/141484/p/f/abughraib1.jpg
http://infowars.net/pictures/news_files/Nov05/281105AbuG.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J11lnNV_GI/RsWpTZL9o7I/AAAAAAAAAXg/EfdENAgD_M8/s1600/Iraqi%2BCivilians.jpg
Parliament’s Wall of Shame #3
http://thejackalman.blogspot.com/2011/05/parliaments-wall-of-shame-3.html
National Party MP Tau Henare has shown what a complete douche bag he is once again on his Twitter feed. The Jackal doesn’t like to see such atrocious behaviour like this and has therefore included Tau Henare in the Parliament’s Wall of Shame.
In October 2005, Taito Philip Field lost his ministerial posts following controversies around allegations that he had improperly used his influence as an MP to receive material gain.In October 2005, Taito Philip Field lost his ministerial posts following controversies around allegations that he had improperly used his influence as an MP to receive material gain.
Phil Heatley announced his resignation from his portfolios on 25 February 2010, citing further problems with his ministerial credit card spending. Mr Heatley said his decision to quit came after he had looked closely at his ministerial credit card expenses for the past 18 months.
Like your walls of shame – good job.
Loon Watch No. 1: Philippe Karsenty
Unless you are especially interested in charting the tortured and unhappy progress of crazed far-right lunatics, you probably haven’t heard of PHILIPPE KARSENTY, a minor-league French fringe-dweller. Karsenty is a conspiracy theorist who has become the darling of the
Israeli extreme right, following his determined effort to cast doubt on the veracity of television film of a routine killing by Israeli troops of a Gazan boy on Sunday, September 30, 2000.
Karsenty has as much respect amongst sane and honest people as a flat earther, a moon-landing “skeptic”, a 9/11 Truther, or a global warming denier. As you will see in the video (Part 3) this is very much a sore point for Kasenty. Luckily for him however, he had the perfect interlocutor, an empty vessel called JAMIE GLAZOV, when he appeared on the very first edition of FrontPage Close-Up….
http://frontpagemag.com/2010/12/09/the-premiere-of-frontpage-close-up-with-jamie-glazov/
Part 1
Jamie Glazov: “We are honored to have as our guest a HERO of our time: Philip Karsenty, who exposed the infamous Mohammed Al-Dura hoax. Mr Karsenty, what support are you receiving for exposing what is obviously a lie and a hoax?”
Philippe Karsenty: “This is a case for democracy. You need to have media which are conveying the truth, not lying. … It was a state- sponsored blood libel. …Chirac decided to demonize Israel.”
Karsenty then launches into a hysterical denunciation of Charles Enderlin. This is problematic, because Enderlin, like so many of the most trenchant and courageous opponents of Israeli criminality, is Jewish, so he can’t simply be smeared with the routine “anti-Semitism”
baloney. But Karsenty is obviously incapable of thinking of any other strategy, and so he says, risibly, that Enderlin was “responsible for the blood libel.” He derides Enderlin for complaining about the way that fanatical Zionists attacked him, and forced him out of his apartment.
Glazov continues: “The wounds on the father are not gunshot wounds. The boy himself has never been found. Is that correct? How is it possible to be shot fifteen times and for there to be no blood?” The answer, of course, is easy: it’s all “incitement against Israel”.
Glazov then tries to pour cold water on the exhaustively documented fact that Israeli troops routinely fire thousands of bullets at unarmed protestors. It just doesn’t make SENSE, he reasons:”If you said that an American policeman shot for 45 minutes just to kill someone, it wouldn’t make sense. Brainwashing makes them believe that Israelis would shoot at them for 45 minutes. French intellectuals won’t listen to Holocaust-deniers, and they won’t listen to us. Their
main argument is to refuse to debate.”
Part 2
Maybe, just maybe, you’re extremely indulgent, and inclined to give anyone a fair go. Perhaps you need more evidence that Glazov is not only a denier of evidence, but a crank and a fool? Well then, please watch the first thirty seconds of Part 2: Glazov assures us that not only do our eyes deceive us when we watch film of the Mohammed al-Dura killing, but that global warming is a hoax.
Karsenty returns to talking about the shooting video, and raves on and on: “Ten years of insane lies… Israel has been poorly treated by the U.S. over the years….No matter how many facts you will prove, this is about deeply entrenched Jew-hatred. …More lies and more lies and more lies. What you have to understand is that the lies didn’t stop after the death of Mohammed al Dura. Lies about the Lebanon war, the Gaza war, the so-called peace flotilla, lies, lies, lies. There is no anti-
Semitism, it’s anti-Israel. Be clear. There is no anti-Zionism, it’s anti-Semitism.”
Part 3
Jamie Glazov assures Karsenty that “forensic scientists have delegitimized the evidence of this shooting. Beyond reasonable doubt!” Karsenty: “Our worst opponents in this were extreme left
Jews.”
Glazov is obsessed with the fact that not one Palestinian has supported Karsenty. “You have Jews on the side of Palestinians,” he points out. “So why don’t some Palestinians support you?” Karsenty expresses his indignation that French intellectuals don’t respect his intellect. He rails against “Jewish journalists” who “demonize and bash Israel”. It’s all “brainwashing. Brainwashing is the worst thing that can happen.”
Part 4
Karsenty: “I know that I have the truth. We are moving forward. We will win at the end. Because nobody can fight against the truth.”
Glazov: “Let’s say that tomorrow the boy and the father show up. Do you think the world will apologize to you?”
Karsenty: “Of COURSE some boys die in the middle east, of COURSE some die. It doesn’t make sense, when you think of the rules of engagement of the Israeli soldiers.”
Glazov: “You’re not waiting for an apology for this faked report?”
Karsenty: “I tell you, the truth will come out some day. It’s so obvious.”
———————————————-
Note that nearly the whole video is a free-ranging denunciation of critics of Israel. The “hoax” is not dealt with in any detail. Karsenty does not present even one piece of evidence to back up his
outlandish claims.
If you want a contrast to this lunacy, you can watch a measured report, by a reputable and highly respected TV station, on the killing of Mohamed Al Dura HERE…
I wish my connection allowed me to see videos Morrissey, but thank you for the summary… I used look at Frontpagemagazine occasionally, but it was no good for my BP. What a bunch of nutmegs!
The pleasure is all mine.
Too lazy to copy and redo the links:
In summary, Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand are talking out of their arses on a recent bit of research. While I don’t like the term scaremongering, it’s the easiest and simplest way of describing their claims, which basically ignore any prior research on the toxicity of glyphosphates and modified Cry toxins from bt bacteria, and basic toxicology 101. i.e. that toxicity is in the dosage and mechanisms of action and that mere presence alone isn’t a indicator of impending doom.
And their support of various pseudo-science groups, such as NZ based anti-fluoridation groups, an alt-med group masquerading as “health-choice”. Plus ye olde anti-1080 kiddies who don’t understand basic organic chemistry and lack of any actively publishing NZ GMO researchers makes Nick rather suspicious about their ability to interpret teh literature without making first year mistakes.
And one thing I forgot to add is a link to the successor to the NZ Institute of Gene Ecology, The Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety based out of Canterbury uni, staffed by people who are actually trained and currently researching issues to do with GMO’s. Who TVNZ should have gone to for an opinion on this instead…
And just to try and drive people to distraction, here’s the instructional video for an origami kiwi. Muwahahaha
Here’s some fantastic CGI videos. Although, you do have ask just what happened to all the traffic that those roads are supposed to be transporting went to. Perhaps they all disappeared with the oil…
On Afternoons today, Jim-I-so-value-and-admire-the-Penguin-Mora has quoted the blog as a source for information and valid comment today. What it does seem to suggest is that Jim dwells in the sewers for some of his browsing.
Even worse, it suggests he believes as well.
Peak Oil was in 2006 Dr Fatih Birol on National Radio yesterday http://www.youtube.com/user/oilcrash1?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/k22q5KZibtI
Dr. Fatih Birol is Chief Economist and Head of the Economic Analysis Division of the Paris-based International Energy Agency. He is organiser and director of the World Energy Outlook series, the IEA’s flagship publication. He is also responsible for providing regular briefing to the Executive Director and Governing Board of the IEA on the economic impact of energy market and industry developments.
Gerry Brownlee New Zealand Minster of Energy and Resources signed off on this statement on 1 June 2010
“The Government’s position on peak oil, therefore, continues to be that oil production will not change significantly until 2030, or until some date beyond this. ”
Its the end of the world as we know it …
Brownlee signed off his credibility in that statement showing how out of touch and blinkered and plain dim he is!Mind you life is a lot less stressful being a Donkey, but! he’s paid a lot of money to wake up, care and be alert as to NZ’s future prospects or threats to those prospects.
Can we afford an increased minimum wage? Yes!
Can we afford capitalists? No!
Originality, creativity and innovation captured in one word for Wellingtonians:
Wellywood
Movies aren’t even made in Hollywood any more.
Infratil – a company that is a likely buyer of our energy companies/ public infrastructure, creating a deliberately provocative distraction in the form a of stupid sign to try and get us to forget about a bullshit budget and the lies and corruption that is going on right in front of our eyes.
Fuck the sign.