Open mike 21/09/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 21st, 2024 - 17 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:


Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

17 comments on “Open mike 21/09/2024 ”

  1. Jenny 1

    '

    Sayings

    There is a saying, "The end justifies the means"

    there is a another saying, "Rotton means, indicate a rotten end"

    • Subliminal 1.1

      One of the latest batch of fascistic Israeli MK (member of Knesset) is Zvi Sukkot, a protege of Ben Gvir. Both follow the writings of the book The Kings Torah which justifies the killing of babies as the elimination of future enemies.

      Both were present at wedding celebrations joyously celebrating the burning to death of baby Ali and his parents. The celebration included frantic stabbing of photos of Ali. Both supported the perpetrators at trial which included chants of "Wheres Ali? " and glorifying the murder and murderers.

      And all this occurred before Oct 7. There are huge numbers of these depraved fascists in Israel and they are filled with joy by the opportunity that they now have to encourage dispersion of the Palestinians through torture, starvation and mass murder.This is their moment and no ceasefire will be agreed because Israelis would then turn on themselves.

      https://mondoweiss.net/2023/02/meet-zvi-sukkot-israels-newest-fascist-lawmaker/

      • SPC 1.1.1

        There will be a turning on themselves at some point, the issue is when and why.

        In the recent past over the Oslo Accords (assassination of Rabin of Labour), over disengagement from Gaza settlements and some in the WB (Kadima period).

    • Obtrectator 1.2

      Nothing new or unprecedented about the Israelis' attitudes. This from "Colonel" J M Chivington after the Sand Creek massacre of 29 November 1864:

      Damn any man who sympathizes with Indians! … I have come to kill Indians, and believe it is right and honorable to use any means under God's heaven to kill Indians. … Kill and scalp all, big and little; nits make lice. (my bold)

      Quoted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Chivington – scroll about 1/3 the way down the page.

      That bugger never faced a court either and always stood by his barbaric actions.

  2. Adrian 2

    Strangely enough apparently 40% of the IDF are American citizens which is a problem for US politicians who need to be seen to be serving all US citizens. About 30% of Israelis were born elsewhere, 2/3rds from Europe and the EU, one can only assume they were attracted there because of their radical views that the superiority of their origins would find a welcoming home. It must be a fairly difficult job to scan the demography of belief and level of fundamentalism with the most radical believers, mostly the Hasidics. refusing to fight yet demanding all others fight for them, so it is no wonder that it is such a cesspit of nastiness and stupidity.

    • Mikey 3.1

      Maybe Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-ʾIslāmiyyah don't use pagers, or buy their comms stuff from non-infiltrated sources.

    • Mac1 3.2

      And when will states and groups at war understand that the use of that technology makes us all uncertain of our safety for ever?

      Will every member of government, and every leader or member of a group at odds with a government which does not respect human rights and obligations to the principles of justice, ever use a phone or electronic device without a frisson of danger?

      Can a politician go speak at a rally or venture onto a golf course without that same dread?

      What price democracy now?

      • SPC 3.2.1

        The monopolies that run the on-line world provide the means for supply of information to government about the public. This is why they are so unregulated (apart from the secret court where they get told to spy on the people whether they like it or not).

        This, less passive, dominance of tech users .. means high tech homes and self-drive vehicles are based on a trust model (Panopticon Society prison). The “drones” of “civil society”.

        We the people are all … John Connor.

        Terms of service agreement slaves, this is the AI quantum computing RNM matrix.

        RNM – republican noise machine to remote neural monitoring (American state of mind frequency)

  3. Ngungukai 4

    What an absolute "Crock of Shit this Treaty Principles Bill" is IMHO.

    Seymore the sewer rat is just wasting everyone's time, money and energy with this pointless exercise unless he can somehow twist Luxton and Winnie's arms ????

    • tc 4.1

      The hypocrisy of ACT's wasteful spending here and in a brand new ministry full of political appointments.

      NZ you so got played so these puppets can continue at taxpayers expense now with a toothless PM unable to touch them

  4. Incognito 5

    The coalition government is hollowing out democracy and eating away trust in politics & politicians, government, authority, and evidence-based decision-making processes. Indeed, the continuing attacks that have gained in force on the Treaty of Waitangi and Māoridom should be seen in this light.

    According to the author of this bill [Treaty Principles Bill], David Seymour, this is all about democracy. I’d argue the broader politics he pursues runs counter to this.

    https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/09/17/the-neoliberal-attack-on-the-treaty-of-waitangi/

    • Ngungukai 5.1

      In light of reading this article Sir Allan Gibbs and David Seymore see themselves as Alpha Males, as does Luxton, Winston likewise.

      • Incognito 5.1.1

        It’s not about the frickin alpha males, it’s about their actions.

        • SPC 5.1.1.1

          Yeah – alpha males do.

          2003 – Ozzie "4 more years" semi-final World Cup, every AB coach for a Bledisloe Cup test since then, "40 more years".

          2022 3rd test Wellington – Mahony "…. …" Retallick " .. …. … “quarter-final 2023 World Cup.

  5. SPC 6

    Less people (and lower pay?) – government bureaucracy facilitated by AI is coming.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/528611/acc-trial-of-artificial-intelligence-sees-boost-in-quality-speed-of-work

    Wonder how it makes those failing to implement a modern and integrated IT infrastructure for Health New Zealand and subsidiaries feel about funding and staffing cut-backs?

Leave a Comment

CommentsOpinions

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

FeedsPartyGovtMedia

  • Trust Us, Luxon Said

    Just a little something for the painHospital food getting you down?Honey now I'm not one to complainBut this hangin' aroundIs wearing me outSong by David Gray.Yesterday, Dr Shane Reti, the Minister of Health, and Chris Bishop, the duty Minister for looking sad, sincere and determined, announced that Dunedin’s promised new ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    12 mins ago
  • Treasury warns of unprecedented cuts in real spending per capita to achieve surplus

    Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, September 27:Treasury’s Chief Economics Adviser Dominick Stephens gave the year’s most important speech yesterday, saying real and per-capita cuts in public spending implied by the Government’s surplus ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    43 mins ago
  • Weekly Roundup 27-September-2024

    Welcome to the end of the week and the end of the month. Ready to “spring forward” to Daylight Saving Time this weekend? As always, this post is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew. If you’d like to support our work and keep the posts coming, we welcome ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 hours ago
  • Please consider submitting on the offshore mining bill: We have 4 full days left

    The National led Coalition government intends to bring back offshore oil and gas mining. Shane Jones made that clear as soon as he got into power last year:“Mining is coming back!” he declared in Parliament in December.And this year: “Drill, Baby, Drill!”It’s his brand of politics.It feels futile but I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 hours ago
  • The Long and the Short: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.

    While a nationwide vote to confirm, or not, the public’s understanding of our foundational constitutional document would be ‘divisive’, ‘racist’, a ‘blunt instrument’, and therefore completely out of the question, a referendum to extend the life expectancy of elected politicians, which no one not deeply involved with the governing process ...
    3 hours ago
  • Procedures, Processes and Principles: Is It Possible To Defend The Treaty Of Waitangi And Democracy?

    Out Of The Loop: The great insight of sympathetic Pakeha jurists, like Sir Geoffrey Palmer, was that, suitably empowered, the judiciary and the executive branch of the state could take on the role formerly played by the non-elected governors of mid-nineteenth century New Zealand. Māori resources could be protected, and ...
    4 hours ago
  • Has Government Become A Public-Private Partnership?

    Dirty Deals Done In The Dark: There will be times when it is to the considerable advantage of both National and Labour to be able to shrug philosophically and pardon themselves for cooperating in the introduction of controversial and divisive policies by explaining to an outraged public that this is simply ...
    4 hours ago
  • Is National A White Supremacist Party?

    By Their Deeds Shall Ye Know Them: When the defeated Reform and United parties were persuaded to unite under the rubric of “National” in 1936, the values advanced were unashamedly imperialist and white supremacist. Eighty-eight years later, National is at pains to distance itself (coalition agreements permitting) from the most obvious ...
    5 hours ago
  • On the way to another “Mother of All Budgets”?

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday dismissed a grim warning from the Treasury that the country was headed for a fiscal crisis. Treasury Deputy Secretary Dominick Stephens said that fulfilling the Government’s promise to get the country’s books back to surplus by 2027-28 would require cuts to Government services “unprecedented in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 hours ago
  • The Three-Headed Taniwha Has Begun Biting Itself

    When ACT, National, and New Zealand First joined together in a three-way coalition at the end of the last year, it was met with predictions of backstabbing, stonewalling, and inter-party politics. Many seemed convinced this government would get little done with such a diverse agenda. If only that had been ...
    12 hours ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #39 2024

    Open access notables Refined Estimates of Global Ocean Deep and Abyssal Decadal Warming Trends, Johnson & Purkey, Geophysical Research Letters: Deep and abyssal layer decadal temperature trends from the mid-1980s to the mid-2010s are mapped globally using Deep Argo and historical ship-based Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) instrument data. Abyssal warming trends are widespread, ...
    15 hours ago
  • Embrace the heresy, touch the third rail

    Let’s examine some numbers.This is a public transport number.3% And this is an invitation to make an educated guess: In the morning rush hour in Wellington on Thorndon Quay, what proportion of the vehicles are buses?Yes indeed …the answer is:3% However, what do we find if we look inside those buses? Care ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    18 hours ago
  • Another abuse of democracy

    This week National introduced its long-threatened bill to repeal the offshore drilling ban and promote the fossil fuel industry, and rammed it through to select committee. Today the select committee opened for submissions. If you have an opinion on this corrupt, ecocidal legislation, you will need to speak up quick ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    18 hours ago
  • Bye, Bye Health !

    Bye, Bye hospital plans.Today Rachel Thomas reported - $3.2 billion is sleighted to come out of “hospital and mental health infrastructure projects”, and it seems the first formal casualty is Dunedin hospital, South Island.ODT reports former Labour Cabinet minister Pete Hodgson saying:“At the end of the day, the question is ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    22 hours ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s trade deal with the UAE could unlock Middle East

    New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are moving closer together – at record pace. Just a year after agreeing to enter initial talks, Wellington and Abu Dhabi have concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (or CEPA for short). The deal will go down as one of ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    23 hours ago
  • Things That Make You Go… Dang

    Pull up like a shipwreck in reverseYeah, I do, yeah, I doMaybe it's foreverMaybe it's just shampooDangSong by Caroline PolachekToday, a few things that, depending on your age, might make you go - that’s outrageous, or hmm, maybe WTAF, or just plain old dang.Specifically, I’ll be covering:When Press Secretaries resign, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    24 hours ago
  • Minister ignored widespread concern about GPS, official documents confirm

    Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Transport proactively released two tranches of documents that show the advice officials provided to Minister of Transport Simeon Brown as he directed the shaping of his draft and final Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport. You can find the documents via the MoT ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • An attack ‘unbecoming of a leader’

    Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, September 26:Days after realising hundreds of thousands of tax-free gains on the sale of one of his rental properties, PM Christopher Luxon responded yesterday to ANZ CEO ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Hamish is out. Has had enough of Luxon role

    Following on from my earlier post … ‘Hamish Rutherford always looks grim these days‘, well, it seems that enough is enough for Hamish Rutherford (and fair enough too). Stuff reports: [Rutherford’s] message said: “It has been an absolute honour to work for Christopher Luxon both in Opposition and for the ...
    The PaepaeBy Peter Aranyi
    2 days ago
  • Climate Adam: Turning the Tide on Climate Change

    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). As the world heats, we face the consequences from rising seas, extreme weather, and the spread of disease. But what can ...
    2 days ago
  • Reasons to feel positive

    Reason to feel positive # 1The next of Life's Little Victories could be just around the cornerSince I got back I have been hearing a wheezing choking rasping sound coming from the Number One Boss element of our gas stove. Wheezy gas is never something you want to hear coming ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • David Seymour Got His Wish – Charter Schools Are Back. Who Is Getting the $$$ ?

    OPINIONThis morning I wrote that the Charter Schools Bill had passed its final reading. Jan Tinetti called it a “sad, sad day for New Zealand education”. And Green Party MP Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan said the move is “not about education, it’s about privatisation”.$153mn for charter schools in what teachers and ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • David Seymour: “The Government is Broke” & Other Politics Headlines

    Note: Video of the fricken’ targets and a nanny state mentality at end. Read more ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: We can’t afford the gas industry

    Yesterday, National finally introduced its long-threatened bill to repeal the offshore drilling ban and promote the fossil fuel industry to the House. They'll be ramming it through its first reading under urgency this afternoon, and while it will go to select committee, they will almost certainly try their usual stunt ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft

    In your mind you have capacities, you knowTo telepath messages through the vast unknownPlease close your eyes and concentrateWith every thought you thinkUpon the recitation we're about to singCalling occupants of interplanetary craftCalling occupants of interplanetary, most extraordinary craftSongwriters: John Woloschuk / Terry DraperThink of the capabilities of the human ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Nine public transit lessons from Perth

    This guest post by Darren Davis originally appeared on his excellent blog, Adventures in Transitland, and is republished here by kind permission. A while ago, I wrote about Perth’s public transport journey, outlining how Perth got to where it is now. I recommend reading that piece if you haven’t already, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago
  • ANZ CEO says ‘it’s time’ for a Capital Gains Tax

    Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, September 25:Ad agency climate activist group Comms Declare today launched the New Zealand version of the globally compiled ‘F list,’ which names 14 local agencies “which have ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Parliament to get its own police force

    Parliament yesterday moved to give its security staff powers of search, seizure and arrest. In effect it is establishing a quasi Parliamentary police force which will have the power to handcuff and detain offenders.  But it will be a force with some heavy restrictions on what it can do. Most ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • How to complain about a delayed OIA release

    A few years back, Te Kawa Mataaho / Public Service Commission started releasing OIA statitistics, on the theory that this would allow failure to be identified and managed, and so improve performance. It may have done so initially, but then the iron laws of bureaucracy (and specifically, Goodhart's and Campbell's) ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Just have a think: Arctic Sea Ice minimum 2024. Three degrees Celsius warming now baked in?

    This video includes conclusions of the "Just have a Think" channel's creator Dave Borlace. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). From the video‘s description: Arctic Sea ice reaches it's minimum extent each year around the middle of September. This ...
    3 days ago
  • Let them eat glue

    What is real, what is fake?  Do we really know any more?Let's say you want to make tonight’s dinner a bit more appealing by trying something new.Why don't I google it? You say.You type: Idea for fresh and exciting meal.Google tells you: Pizza!  Here's a topping combo that will wow ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Narcissist in Life

    OPINIONYesterday, after the Polkinghorne case verdict, Philip Polkinghorne told reporters:"Now we can grieve and let Pauline rest in peace. That is the best gift we can possibly give her."And today his defence lawyer Elizabeth Hall said the case showed the justice system was working as intended.Jurors could not land the ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Do you know what the Coalition Government has done for you in its first 100 days? Here’s a lis...

    I decided to finally write my “About Mountain Tui” page and found some of my old posts that I wanted to transfer here. This won’t be distributed by email, but will serve as a record of my writing.Here is one of them:Repealed under urgency No more Fair Pay Agreements, a ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Back in the Office

    These things that I've been told can rearrangeMy world, my doubt in time but inside outThis is the working hourWe are paid by those who learn by our mistakesSongwriters: Ian Stanley / Roland Orzabal / Immanuel Franklin EliasSince Covid, life has been tough for many central city businesses. As you ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • The Mayor’s Plan for Bridging the Harbour

    Discussion of another harbour crossing has been in the news a lot recently as a result of Mayor Wayne Brown pushing for a bridge from Point Chev to Birkenhead. While I believe his proposal is bad, at least some of his reasoning behind his push for a bridge is correct. ...
    3 days ago
  • ACCC accuses Woolworths of misleading pricing

    Up then down: Australia’s competition watchdog alleges both Woolworths Australia and main competitor Coles Myer put the price of hundreds of products up before dropping them again and advertising ‘everyday low prices’. Photo: Getty ImagesKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • A World Full of Potential Cult Leaders

    Hi,In this Webworm podcast episode, I bring you a conversation with someone I found endlessly fascinating to talk to — one of my favourite authors, Jason Pargin. He’s perhaps most well known for writing John Dies At The End, or a host of other books that all have amazing titles ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago
  • Nicola Willis’s Catch-22

    Would you like to get paid more and have your work get worse, or have your pay decrease in real terms but when you’re saving lives or raising the next generation of workers, you get to keep your head juuuust above the water level during this flood of fiscally unnecessary ...
    3 days ago
  • Luxon Is THAT Asshole Boss

    After firing half the capital’s public servants, Luxon and Willis are now trying to blame the remaining few for sending Wellington’s cafes bankrupt. It couldn’t possibly be the economic downturn that resulted from him pulling all the money out of the system and giving it to the wealthy to bank. ...
    4 days ago
  • Nicola’s destruction

    Today, Stuff led with a headline claiming that forcing public servants to return to the office was “the number one” fix for Wellington’s ‘icy’ economy.No mention until much later of the 6500+ positions the Government culled or its slashing of government programs and spend.That’s been the key differentiator in Wellington, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Media Link: ” A View from Afar” on multidimensional hybrid warfare and the ineffectiveness of mu...

    This week’s “A View from Afar” podcast addresses the issue of multidimensional hybrid warfare using the Israeli pager attacks in Lebanon as a starting point before moving on to discuss the failures of multilateral institutions, the UN in particular, when … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Priorities

    Back in 2018 the then-Labour government legislated formal targets to reduce child poverty with the Child Poverty Reduction Act - and took actual steps to achieve them, with a $5.5 billion families package to boost incomes and a school lunches scheme to ensure kids didn't go hungry. While a lot ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • The Dead-End Options Of Political Decay.

    Dark Times: Denied the state’s leadership and resources, New Zealand’s economy has been hollowed out and taken over. More importantly, so has its democracy.WHAT’S WRONG WITH NATIONAL? New Zealand’s “natural party of government” (since its formation in 1936 the National Party has won 17 out of 28 general elections) has ...
    4 days ago
  • Fixing child poverty would cost <1% of GDP

    The previous Government set a goal of reducing the number of children experiencing “material hardship” from 13.3% down to 6% by mid-2028. But Upston says sticking to that, or even the suggested ‘lower ambition targets’, wasn’t realistic. Photo: Lynn GrievesonKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • If I Only Had a Brain

    I would not be just a nuffin'My head all full of stuffin'My heart all full of painI would dance and be merryLife would be a ding-a-derryIf I only had a brainSongwriters: Harold Arlen / Yip HarburgNot much happens in the world of politics on a Monday. I mentioned that recently ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • A vision for Swimmable Cities

    This is a guest post by Nikki Goodson, a self-proclaimed urbanist and Independent Marketer for businesses building a better world. Looking for projects to connect on, she found the global movement Swimmable Cities and thought advocacy for urban swimming sounded like a pretty good idea. (The header image of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    4 days ago
  • Yawning gaps in RMA proposals

    The Government’s overriding principles for resource management reform, released on Friday, are likely to be widely welcomed by some and resisted by others. Minister Chris Bishop and Simon Court promise the two replacement bills will be less complex than Labour’s legislation, which was passed by Parliament last year but would ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #38

    A listing of 33 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Mon, September 16, 2024 thru Sun, September 22, 2024. Story of the week Might be added later. Stories we promoted this week, by publication date: Before September 16 Departures ...
    4 days ago
  • No Fricken’ Chicken on Q&A

    These train conversations are passing me byAnd I don't have nothing to sayYou get what you pay forBut I just had no intention of living this wayI need a phone call, I need a plane rideI need a sunburn, I need a raincoatAnd I get no answers, and I don't ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Eulogy, delayed

    There is more to tell about my drive to Masterton earlier this year.The first stop was Turangi, to let my cousin Garth know about Mum, or rather to talk to him on the phone because I soon learned he was in the back country, which is where you will often ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • The Luxon Government: turning Aotearoa not just “around”, but completely upside down…

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…. cultural, political, economic, environmental, social costs aplenty to our society, every day. It’s been one of those weeks, again. Barely a day, even a minute it seems, can go by before the public get assaulted with some new attack, figuratively, or literally, on the public good. ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    6 days ago
  • Brer Sauron’s Briar Patch: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power, Episode 6 (Season 2)

    We are now into the back-half of The Rings of Power, season two. Thus far, I have gushed with praise for how much improved the show has become – at least relative to season one. Never mind my innate sense of charity, I have worried whether my reviews have become ...
    6 days ago
  • Who’s to Blame for the Government?

    I saw no evil when I looked into your eyesI heard no evil while you told me all those liesI spoke no evil when I called out your nameLook at us now, babyWho’s to blame?Lyrics: Hemberger, Hemberger, Mayo, RaseroToday’s newsletter is a bit of a rant; some of you might ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Political revolutions don’t exist. But economic ones do.

    The further you get into radicalism, the more appealing the concept of a revolution seems. Both the far right and the far left dream of taking up arms and overthrowing what they see as an unsatisfactory system, to an unhealthy and unhelpful extent. Instead of revolution, what happens in the ...
    6 days ago
  • Hangups

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Unfortunately, Being a Hero is Mostly Illegal

    Hi,Today is a pretty heavy, weighty Webworm — so maybe get yourself a cup of tea or coffee before you settle in. It’s about, you know, the end of the world and stuff.Before we get to that, I’d like to say I thoroughly enjoyed the notes you left under my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • My Substack erm… Summer

    Hi all,Apparently it’s the end of Summer, hope you enjoyed it. 🙂The rather Northern Hemisphere centric folks over at Substack have sent this out, I’m not sure what time period it covers, I guess the last three months. In any case you might like to give it a go yourself ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago
  • Pricing Road Usage

    Congestion pricing is easier said than done.The first seminar I attended in Britain – around sixty years ago – explained a scheme for road usage pricing which would eliminate traffic congestion and direct roading investment. It was impressive and elegant (as many such seminar propositions are) but proved impractical and ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    7 days ago
  • Tory Whanau may have to sell Wellington mayoralty to make ends meet

    Tory Whanau has revealed that she’s struggling so much financially that she may have to part with her beloved mayoralty, that of New Zealand’s capital city, if she’s to fund her ever-diminishing lifestyle. Whanau was elected to lead Wellington in 2022, winning an overwhelming victory against the incumbent mayor: the ...
    The CivilianBy Ben Uffindell
    7 days ago
  • And round we go again…

    One of Labour's few achievements last term was to finally move on RMA reform. Following an independent review and a select committee review of an exposure draft, both aimed at ironing out bugs and producing a compromise most people could live with, Labour passed the Natural and Built Environments Act ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • The Supreme Court stands up for fairness

    National is planning to breach te Tiriti o Waitangi by amending the Marine and Coastal Area Act to effectively make it impossible for the courts to recognise Māori rights over the foreshore and seabed. But its also been playing dirty in other ways. Earlier in the year it announced changes ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • My Substack Summer

    What I read in Summer 2024Highlights☕ I read the most in the morning💌 I subscribed to 16 new Substacks🎧 I listened to 76 minutes of podcasts📽️ I watched 46 minutes of video❤️ I liked 22 posts💬 I left 8 comments on posts📜 I scrolled 26 meters in Notes🕵️ I discovered ...
    7 days ago
  • Today’s 10 Politics Headlines: Luxon flails and Simeon Drives

    1/ Jobseeker numbers are going the opposite way of Luxon’s KPIs. Against a target of minus 50,000 by 2030, the new forecast shows the Government is looking at an increase of 24,000 jobseekers in its first term.In Thomas Coughlin’s report, Upton responds by blaming Labour: “We inherited an economy in ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    7 days ago
  • Kaka project: What could a revamped Entrust do with/for/to Vector?

    Long story short, I interviewed transport and energy activist Patrick Reynolds this week about the bid to run Entrust by a new campaign group he’s part of called More for you; better for Auckland. There’s a lot more detail in this GreaterAuckland post and on ‘Better’s’ website.They’re campaigning to win ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Missing the Feckin’ Targets

    And although my eyes were openThey might just as well have been closedAnd so it was laterWhen the miller told this taleHe said that her face at first just ghostlyAnd then turned a whiter shade of paleSongwriters: Keith Reid / Gary BrookerI want to talk about two things today, subjects ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #38 2024

    Open access notables A just world on a safe planet: a Lancet Planetary Health–Earth Commission report on Earth-system boundaries, translations, and transformations, Gupta et al., The Lancet Planetary Health: The health of the planet and its people are at risk. The deterioration of the global commons—ie, the natural systems that ...
    1 week ago
  • Deadly floods and streams of non-solutions

    Long stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:Central Europe is reeling from the devastating effects of Storm Boris, which has so far caused 21 deaths and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 20-September-2024

    Welcome to the end of the week, as we head towards the spring equinox. Let us brighten your week with links to stories about how to make our city a little greater. This roundup is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew. If you’d like to support our work ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Three years of recession deeper than GFC

    Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, September 20:New Zealand’s total GDP contracted less than expected in the June quarter, but per-capita GDP extended its three-year-long slump at a rate that is faster than ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • That’s Gangsta!

    The gang patch legislation finally passed in the House after a long period of fanfare from National. Gangs won’t be allowed to publicly display gang insignia on the body or in vehicles, and if they’re very naughty i.e. caught thrice, police will be able to enter private homes to search.How ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to Sept 20

    The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-host talking about the week’s news with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on the latest climate news, including media coverage of extreme events and how big tech is gobbling up so much renewable power growth; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • “It’s not about the fricken targets.”

    This outburst from our Prime Minister is shocking not because of the language choice, or because of the display of emotion, though both are noteworthy. If you’ve been listening to our Prime CEO over the past year, you could perhaps be forgiven for thinking that actually, it is about the ...
    1 week ago
  • Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Picks Fight With the Magna Carter

    Due to a quirk of law and the sheer importance of the right to trial by jury in our justice system, not only is the Magna Carta, an 800 year old piece of legislation, a part of New Zealand’s statutory legislation, it’s also considered a critical part of our constitution. ...
    1 week ago
  • A very healthy distrust of how this Government is handling health across the board is needed…

    And alongside that, is the ultimate question for the public, and indeed Opposition Parties trying to appeal for enough of the public to support a change from this heinous direction of travel being imposed on us: how much of the damage here can even be stopped in time? Let us ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago
  • Hang up on him David, just stop

    There is a story I want to tell, but I'm not going to begin with it because it would be too abrupt. I'll start by telling you that I'm a big fan of the way Nicola Toki conveys her message. And Nicola Toki is a big fan of the way Jane ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • Clubs and Ranges Bill passes first reading

    Improvements to the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated are on the way with the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passing its first reading says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.   “The package of reforms in this Bill will enable simple and effective regulation ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Want to make a difference? Go to school

    Students should be in school and learning instead of protesting during school hours, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says in response to the school climate strike planned for Friday 27th September. “If students feel strongly about sending a message, they could have waited until Monday, when the end of term ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Peer Mental Health Service Launched, Further Support Planned

    Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the new peer support service launched in Middlemore’s Emergency Department today is a positive step towards improving mental health outcomes. “Having someone with lived experience available to support someone in mental distress can make a crucial difference. With the right training and clinical supervision, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • New reporting for amateur charter fishing vessels

    A proposed new electronic reporting system will make it simpler for amateur charter vessels to record and report fish catch information, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The new digital reporting, via an app, will replace the paper-based system which is out of date and slow,” Mr Jones says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Building a stronger weather forecasting system

    The Government is looking at integrating the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the MetService to improve the weather forecasting system for New Zealand, Science, Innovation & Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “We have agreed in-principle to NIWA acquiring the MetService, with the MetService retaining its role ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Next steps on the New Dunedin Hospital

    The Government is seeking advice on two options for delivering the New Dunedin Hospital project within its existing funding appropriation to ensure the people of Dunedin get the modern, fit-for-purpose medical facilities they need. At the same time, Ministers have warned that much-needed upgrades to other regional hospitals could be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • No child left behind with STAR system

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Government is delivering real solutions to get kids back in the classroom, introducing the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system. “Any student who reaches a clearly defined threshold of days absent will trigger an appropriate and proportionate response from their school and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • New Zealand concludes trade agreement with the UAE

    New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement, which will unlock economic opportunities for Kiwi exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the Gulf region. This agreement was concluded in just over 4 months following the launch ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Data shows school attendance is on the rise

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says data released today shows increased school attendance in Term 2 of 2024 with 53.2 per cent of students regularly attending, an increase of 6.1 percentage points compared to the same term last year. Regular attendance across primary students increased by 7 percentage points, to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Supercharging schools to teach maths

    The coalition Government is supercharging schools to lift maths achievement by delivering new resources and more support for teachers and students for Term 1 next year.  “$30 million will fund resources including workbooks, teacher guidance and lesson plans for the 2025 school year. Resources will be available in English and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Tougher sentences on the horizon for criminals

    Sentencing reforms that will ensure criminals face tougher consequences and victims are prioritised have passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Despite a 33 per cent increase in violent crime, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Changes to improve prison safety and rehabilitation

    The Corrections Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament today, making a number of changes to improve safety and rehabilitation in prisons.   Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says it’s important the law is reflective of the increasingly complex prison environment.  “Corrections manages some of New Zealand’s most dangerous people, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Better options for same-sex parents

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is delivering better flexibility for same-sex parents in New Zealand by making changes to the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Regulations. “Parents notifying the birth of their child will soon be able to choose whether they are named as a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Symposium 2024

    Thank you very much for the generous welcome Reverend Reihana. Thank you to Alcohol Healthwatch and your organising committee, including representatives from: FASD-CAN Aotearoa; Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo (the Māori FASD Coalition); Hauora Māori Services and Health Promotion Directorates, Health New Zealand; Oranga Tamariki; and the Centre for Addiction Research, University ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand welcomes United Arab Emirates Trade Minister

    United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi will visit New Zealand this week, Trade Minister Todd McClay has today announced.  “I’m delighted to welcome my colleague and friend, Minister Al Zeyoudi to New Zealand. The UAE is one of our closest partners and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Greater investment in FASD support and prevention

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a $4.85 million package of initiatives aimed at understanding the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), promoting better education and supporting women to stay alcohol free during pregnancy. “People with FASD can experience lifelong physical, behavioural, learning, and mental health problems. Those ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Restoration of Customary Marine Title test begins

    Legislation that will provide certainty around how Customary Marine Title is granted for New Zealand’s coastlines has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Customary Marine Title gives the holder valuable rights, including the ability to refuse some resource consents in the area, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Northland transmission tower collapse report released

    The Electricity Authority’s report into the collapse of a Northland transmission tower on 20 June 2024 that left 88,000 people without power has been released, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“The report highlights that several key failures led to the transmission tower collapsing and that the economic impact for Northland was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Lifting education outcomes for young Kiwis

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the passing of the Education and Training Amendment Bill shows the Government is making significant progress to lift education outcomes. “Establishing charter schools, lifting attendance, and streamlining early learning regulations are all essential to raising achievement. This legislation will set in motion the system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Rollout of onboard cameras to continue

    The rollout of onboard cameras on commercial fishing vessels will continue and discard rules will be amended under fisheries reforms proposed by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. Mr Jones is proposing practical changes that will reduce red tape, provide a boost to commercial fishers, and ensure a thriving and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Milestone for return of petroleum exploration

    Legislation reinstating offshore petroleum exploration has been introduced by the Coalition Government, a key step in addressing the significant energy security challenges felt by Kiwis across the country this winter. The Crown Minerals Amendment Bill reverses the ban on new oil and gas exploration beyond onshore Taranaki, signals the Government’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Significant progress on SH1/29 intersection upgrade

    Motorists and freight will now drive through a new roundabout at the SH1/SH29 intersection at Piarere, marking a major milestone for one of the Government’s Roads of Regional Significance that will improve safety and reliability for motorists and freight using this strategic corridor, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Government is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliament Bill passes first reading

    The Parliament Bill has passed its first reading this afternoon, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.  “Today Parliament has taken an important step towards modernising the legislation that supports its operations.  “The Parliament Bill will consolidate and modernise the four Acts comprising Parliament’s statutory framework: the Clerk of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Tougher sentences to improve transport safety

    The Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers as part of its plan to restore law and order, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced. “In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in abuse and attacks on public ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Workforce boost in specialist mental health training welcomed

    Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey welcomes the significant increase in Health NZ-funded psychiatry registrar places and the increase of Health NZ-funded clinical psychology internships, as today’s plan supports this Government’s commitment to double clinical psychology intern numbers between 2023 and 2027. Today, Health NZ published its Mental Health and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Caring Families Aotearoa National Conference

    Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room, and those not able to be here today, for all that you do for our children and young ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to Caring Families Aotearoa National Conference

    Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room, and those not able to be here today, for all that you do for our children and young ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Caregivers thanked at their national conference

    “Today at the Caring Families Aotearoa National Caregiver Conference I got to say a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room for all that they do for the children and young people of New Zealand. “Without caregivers providing safe, stable homes for children, Oranga Tamariki would not be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government introduces revised clubs and ranges rules

    Improving the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated will be the outcome of a Bill introduced today Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee says.   “Cabinet has agreed to a package of reforms to amend Part 6 of the Arms Act 1983 which will enable simple and effective regulation ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Supporters of Russia’s invasion targeted in further sanctions

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions as part of the Government’s ongoing response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.     “Russia’s continued illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is an assault on the rules-based order,” Mr Peters says.    “This latest round of sanctions targets actors involved in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to 2024 Aerospace Summit

    Good morning, and thank you to Aerospace New Zealand and the committee for inviting me to attend the third annual Aerospace Summit.  Thank you also for all the work undertaken by the Aerospace New Zealand committee and your team in the delivery of so many outreach and educational activities around ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government helping advanced aviation take off

    The Government is introducing a light-touch regulatory approach to advanced aviation as it moves to give businesses certainty and boost productivity, Space Minister Judith Collins and Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Novel aviation technologies, such as drones and uncrewed aircraft, are set to revolutionise aviation, as well as have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • First of its kind trilateral trade meeting held to celebrate Pacific partnership

    Trade Minister Todd McClay hosted Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Hon Manoa Kamikamica and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for trilateral trade talks in Rotorua over the weekend. “The meeting was an opportunity to understand how we can all best support each other. As friends and partners, we want ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New work-from-home guidance for public service

    The Government wants to see more public servants come into their place of work each day and is taking steps to make this expectation clear to chief executives, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Updated guidance for the public service will make clear that working from home is not an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for National Commemoration of Service in Timor-Leste

    A warm welcome to you all as we gather to acknowledge the New Zealanders who were involved in peace support operations in Timor-Leste, and to remember those who lost their lives as a result of their service. I acknowledge the many military and civilian veterans present, and I am pleased ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Racing Integrity Board appointments

    Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced one new member and the reappointment of two existing members to the Racing Integrity Board.    David Howman is appointed to the Board for a three-year term, joining existing members Dr Patricia Pearce and Brent Williams who are reappointed for a second term.  Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Trade Ministers discuss next steps for CER

    Trade Minister Todd McClay hosted Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua this weekend.  “CER is a gold-standard agreement underpinning $32 billion in annual trade. Minister Farrell and I discussed how we can continue to build on its success to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New details of Phillip Mehrtens’ first hours of freedom

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is able to share new details following the release of New Zealander Phillip Mehrtens in Papua, Indonesia.   Mr Peters says with Mr Mehrtens safely back with family members in Jakarta, he is now able to provide more information relating to the New Zealander’s movements since ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Action taken on sale of nitrous oxide for recreation

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says urgent action is being taken to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide and welcomes new advice from Medsafe highlighting tougher penalties if sold for recreational purposes.  “Nitrous oxide has several legitimate uses, but we also know it is increasingly being used as a recreational ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Priority One effective in getting kids into homes

    Ki te kahore he whakakitenga, ka ngaro te Iwi – without a vision, the people will perish. The latest data on whānau moved from emergency housing motels into social homes shows that Priority One is making a huge difference, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. “At the end of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-09-26T22:16:11+00:00