She did her own research
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11:23 am, October 4th, 2024 - 12 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, health, nz first -
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The details of the mysterious papers that Casey Costello relied on to overrule Official advice on decision to cut taxes on Heated Tobacco Products so that Philip Morris could get a $216 million tax cut have been disclosed.
The papers do not support Costello’s claim about them. And they call into question her suitability to be a Minister.
From Russell Palmer at Radio New Zealand:
The Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s “independent advice” on heated tobacco products is five articles that are either about different products, outdated, or only offer weak support for her view.
The five documents are not decisive on the benefits of the products.
They include:
- A 190-page report from Royal College of Physicians in the UK, published in 2016 that does not specifically mention heated tobacco products
- An article from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) in 2022, suggesting HTPs may help with smoking cessation, but the benefits are reduced if HTPs are used as a replacement for less-harmful vaping, and warns it could encourage non-smokers to use tobacco or lead former smokers to relapse
- A 2016 article (IJERPH) indicating the use of a different tobacco product, Snus, ‘appears to facilitate’ smoking cessation in Sweden
- A 2020 article (IJERPH) about smoking patterns in Japan – where nicotine vaping is not used – showing cigarette sales decreased after the introduction of Heated Tobacco Products
The final article was a comment piece published in the Lancet.
A more recent report from the Royal College of Physicians also says the tobacco industry’s claims heated tobacco products are less harmful than cigarettes is “not yet supported by independent evidence”.
The 2022 article also highlights that while substantial research has been devoted to nicotine vaping products, “much less is known about HTPs”.
“Better information is needed to more precisely define the health risks of HTPs compared to cigarettes and NVPs, the relative appeal of HTPs to consumers, and the likelihood of later transitioning to smoking or quitting all products,” it states.
Labour’s Ayesha Verrall has gone on the offensive. Again from Radio New Zealand:
Labour’s Ayesha Verrall told RNZ it showed Costello could not be trusted, and should be sacked.
“There are many things that Ministers are expected by Cabinets to have worked out for themselves, and when they put assurances in paper to Cabinet about the work they have done to justify the paper they’re bringing, that will be taken on trust by their colleagues.
“What the minister has shown here is that her assurance cannot be trusted, and that comes back to Christopher Luxon. Is he going to accept someone who basically prints some junk off the internet as a justification for a $216 million tax cut, being part of his Cabinet?”
I am still shaking my head about this. From what I can tell Costello’s highest qualification was obtained at Police College. Medical science is really detailed and contested and there is nothing to suggest that she has the Intellectual rigour to properly analyse what she is reading. And she has racist tendancies as shown by her support for Hobson’s Pledge. There is an inverse correltation between intelligence and holding racist beliefs.
Her level of intellectual rigour is such that she does not appear to appreciate that her judgment is inferior to that of people who spend their professional lives keeping on top of the literature. And she was willing to bypass them and exclude them from her decision making.
And even if there is merit in using HTPs to reduce smoking there is no guarantee that the way she has done it will actually make the products cheaper or more accessible. Philip Morris could just pocket the extra profit.
This highlights Christopher Luxon’s lax control over his ministers not to mention the very poor quality of Ministers that he has. If this was Helen Clark’s Government Costello would be out.
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The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed today with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ...1 week ago
- Release: Hundreds more jobs cuts on housing frontline
The Government has shown its true intentions for the public service and economy â itâs not to get more public servants back to the office, itâs more job losses. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt not addressing health workforce crisis
The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government cuts fair pay for bus drivers
The Government has cut funding for bus drivers to get paid fairly for the work they do, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...1 week ago
- Crown Minerals Bill Advances Colonisation
Today, the Crown Mineral Amendment Bill was read for the first time, reversing the ban on oil exploration off the coast of Taranaki. It was no accident that this proposed law change was read directly after the Government started to unravel the ability of iwi and hapĆ« MÄori to have ...1 week ago
- Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing
Proposed cuts to KÄinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis. ...1 week ago
- Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed â Te PÄti MÄori
Te PÄti MÄori spokesperson for Justice, TÄkuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading. "MÄori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ...1 week ago
- NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon
The Government must immediately help evacuate New Zealanders and Lebanese whanau caught up in the current conflict unfolding across south Lebanon. ...1 week ago
- Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits
The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalitionâs introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. ...1 week ago
- Government introduces controversial MACA legislation
The Governmentâs introduction of its interventions in the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act threatens to throw relations between MÄori and Crown into deeper disharmony. ...1 week ago
- Release: Gun lobby bill removes regulation at ranges
Gun lobbyist Nicole McKee and her conflict of interest has struck again, this time removing safety regulations from shooting clubs and ranges in New Zealand. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt forgetting the 6000 jobs theyâve cut
The real problem in the public sector is ongoing job losses and cuts to the front line. Â ...1 week ago
- Government undermines public service with WFH crackdown
The Green Party says the Governmentâs retrograde move to tighten up on Work from Home arrangements is the latest in a series of blows to the Public Service. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ministers oblivious to cutsâ effect on families
The National Government is oblivious to the impact cuts to services will have on New Zealanders who are doing the hard yards caring for mentally ill family members. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Public service set up to fail under National
Nicola Willis has set up the public service to fail to pay for reckless tax cuts for landlords and the tobacco industry. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Coalition cooking up costly RMA replacement
National continues to dismantle environmental protections in the interests of rushing through unsustainable development that will ultimately cost communities. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National red-faced as benefit numbers skyrocket
The economy has stagnated and the National Government is having to face the consequences of its atrocious lawmaking, as beneficiary numbers skyrocket past even Treasuryâs predictions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National allocating police officers not hired yet
There are 104 fewer police officers now than there were when National came into Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Economic decline further cause for tax transformation
Todayâs GDP figures combined with the injustice of our tax system will mean more pain for our lowest-income households while those at the top remain relatively unscathed. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: No growth under National, just cuts
The National Governmentâs decisions have hindered, not helped the economy. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must act to avoid the worst of NIWAâs climate projections
New climate projections from NIWA underscore how urgently climate action is needed. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More job losses as Government fails on manufacturing
The Government is failing the manufacturing sector with no plan for its future. ...2 weeks ago
- TÄmaki-Makaurau MP Urges Immediate Support for Families Impacted by Mill Closure
Te PÄti MÄori Member of Parliament for TÄmaki Makaurau is urging a full wraparound of services to intervene quickly with families affected by today's announced closure of the Penrose Mill. Seventy-five people are set to lose their jobs right on the eve of Christmas. "I want to extend my thoughts ...2 weeks ago
- Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Unionâs Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...32 mins ago - Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property
The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. âThe school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and itâs critically important itâs managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...3 hours ago
- New Government support for residential construction market announced
The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. âWe know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...4 hours ago
- New appointment to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. âI am pleased to welcome Brett OâRiley to the EPA board,â Ms Simmonds says. âBrett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...5 hours ago
- Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects
The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âOur Government is committed to delivering ...6 hours ago
- Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes
Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âIncreasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...6 hours ago
- Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainvilleâs future. âNew Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...22 hours ago
- Latest census data highlights New Zealandâs growing ethnic diversity
The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealandâs growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. âTodayâs census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. Itâs something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...23 hours ago
- FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable
Parents and caregivers are now able to claim for FamilyBoost, which provides low-to-middle-income families with young children payments to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. âFamilyBoost is one of the ways we are supporting families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, by helping ...24 hours ago
- South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration
This weekâs South Pacific Defence Ministersâ Meeting (SPDMM) has concluded with a renewed commitment to regional security of all types, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. Defence Ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga gathered in Auckland to discuss defence and security cooperation in the ...24 hours ago
- Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings
Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. âThis is good news on two fronts â it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as ...1 day ago
- Speech to the Minerals West Coast Forum
Introduction Good morning! What a pleasure to be back in the stunning West Coast at one of my favourite events in the calendar. Every time I come back here, Iâm reminded of the Coastâs natural beauty, valuable resources, and great people. Yet, every time I come back here, Iâm also ...1 day ago
- Positive progress on Government health targets
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Governmentâs health targets. Health New Zealandâs quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Governmentâs five health targets, which came into ...1 day ago
- Supporting better access to data for Kiwis
The launch of a new data tool will provide Kiwis with better access to important data, Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly says. âTo grow our economy and improve productivity we must adopt smarter ways of working, which means taking a more data driven approach to decision-making. âAs Statistics Minister one of ...2 days ago
- Progressing remote building inspections
The Government is progressing plans to increase the use of remote inspections to make the building and consenting process more efficient and affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. âWe know that the building and construction sector suffers from a lack of innovation. According to a recent report, productivity ...2 days ago
- PPTA accepts charter schools
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the PPTA putting a proposal to members at its annual conference to change its constitution and allow membership of teachers who work in charter schools. âThe PPTA has had a come to Jesus moment on charter schools. This is a major departure from the ...2 days ago
- New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed
David Clarke has been announced as the Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). David Clarke is a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law and he has over 20 years experience in governance roles in commercial, public and charitable sectors. He also is a current TAIC Commissioner. ...3 days ago
- Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea
The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. âThis is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in ...3 days ago
- South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland
Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministersâ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, ...3 days ago
- Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed
In a triple whammy of good news, 1 October heralds the beginning of the funding of two major health products and a welcome contribution to early childhood fees, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. âKeytruda is the first drug to be funded and made available from the $604 million boost we ...3 days ago
- Childrenâs Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Childrenâs Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care. âThe opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving ...3 days ago
- Minor variations no longer major problem
It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. âPreviously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced seven diplomatic appointments. âProtecting and advancing New Zealandâs interests abroad is an extremely important role for our diplomats,â Mr Peters says. âWe are pleased to announce the appointment of seven senior diplomats to these overseas missions.â The appointments are: Andrew ...3 days ago
- SuperGold Information Hub live
The first iteration of the SuperGold Information Hub is now on-line, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today. âThe SuperGold Hub is an online portal offering up-to-date information on all of the offers available to SuperGold cardholders. âWe know the SuperGold card is valued, and most people know its use ...3 days ago
- New fund to clean up old landfill and dump sites
A new Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund will help councils and landowners clean up historic landfills and other contaminated sites that are vulnerable to the effects of severe weather, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. "This $30 million fund, part of our Q4 Action Plan, increases the Governmentâs investment in ...3 days ago
- Increased medicines access welcomed following budget boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Governmentâs increased investment in Pharmac. âPharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,â says Mr Seymour. âWhen our Government assumed office, New ...3 days ago
- Foreign Minister completes successful week of international engagements
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today wrapped up a week of high-level engagements at the United Nations in New York and in Papeete, French Polynesia. âOur visit to New York was about demonstrating New Zealandâs unwavering support for an international system based on rules and respect for the UN Charter, as ...4 days ago
- Final 2024 Action Plan focused on infrastructure
The Governmentâs Quarter Four (Q4) Action Plan will be focused on making it easier and faster to build infrastructure in New Zealand as part of its wider plan to rebuild the economy, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. âMy Government has been working at pace to get the country back on ...4 days ago
- Four new laws to tackle crime passed in Q3
New Zealanders will be safer as a result of the Governmentâs crackdown on crime which includes tougher laws for offenders and gangs delivered as part of the Quarter Three (Q3) Action Plan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. âIâm proud to say we have delivered on 39 of the 40 actions ...4 days ago
- Government partnership boosting vineyard productivity
The Government is backing a new world-leading programme set to boost vineyard productivity and inject an additional $295 million into New Zealandâs economy by 2045, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today announced. The Next Generation Viticulture programme will transform traditional vineyard systems, increasing profitability by $22,060 per hectare by 2045 without ...4 days ago
- Strong support for NZ minerals strategy
Over 90 per cent of submissions have expressed broad support for a New Zealand minerals strategy, indicating a strong appetite for a considered, enduring approach to minerals development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. A summary of the 102 submissions on the draft strategy has been published today by the Ministry ...4 days ago
- Snapper catch limits up, orange roughy down
Catch limits for several fisheries will be increased following a review that shows stocks of those species are healthy and abundant. The changes are being made as part of Fisheries New Zealandâs biannual sustainability review, which considers catch limits and management settings across New Zealandâs fisheries. âScientific evidence and information ...5 days ago
- Reforming the building consent system
The Government is investigating options for a major reform of the building consent system to improve efficiency and consistency across New Zealand, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. âNew Zealand has some of the least affordable housing in the world, which has dire social and economic implications. At the heart ...5 days ago
- Cost-benefit analysis for potential third medical school completed
The Government has announced that an initial cost-benefit analysis of establishing a third medical school based at the University of Waikato has been completed and has been found to provide confidence for the project to progress to the next stage. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says the proposal will ...6 days ago
- Government delivers sensible approach to speed limits
The Governmentâs new speed limit rule has today been signed to reverse Labourâs blanket speed limit reductions and enable Kiwis to get to where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Reverse Labourâs blanket speed limit reductions on local streets, arterial roads, and state highways ...6 days ago
- Minister to meet with Pacific Island climate leaders
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is travelling to Fiji on Monday to attend a Ministerial Meeting (Talanoa) with Pacific Island Countries, Australia, and New Zealand. âAttending the Talanoa will reinforce New Zealandâs commitment to supporting climate resilience in the Pacific and advancing action in the areas of climate change,â Mr ...6 days ago
- Human rights recommendations accepted
The Government is accepting the majority of human rights recommendations received at the fourth Universal Period Review in Geneva, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. âWe have considered all 259 recommendations from the United Nations. We are supporting 168 and partially supporting 12 of these recommendations. âRecommendations related to womenâs rights, ...7 days ago
- Geotech work begins on Warkworth to Te Hana Road of National Significance
The Government is continuing to move at pace on the Northland Expressway, with significant geotechnical investigations now underway for phase one from Warkworth to Te Hana, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âWith thousands of motorists and freight travelling through Northland, weâre focused on delivering for this region to grow our economy. ...1 week ago
- Free mental health resources for business owners
The Government and Auckland Business Chamber have entered a memorandum of understanding which will enable mental health and wellbeing resources for business owners to be freely available, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. âAs a former business owner, I know first-hand the toll running a business can take ...1 week ago
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission board appointment announced
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have announced the Government has appointed Wayne Langford to the Board of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission for a five-year term of office. Mr Langford is the National President of Federated Farmers and is also their spokesperson for ...1 week ago
- The hidden costs of building a home: what every family should know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Park Thaichon, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Southern Queensland Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock Building a home can come with hidden costs. Unfortunately, many people donât think about these costs until itâs too late. Some buyers succumb to the tricks marketers use ...20 mins ago - International Condemnation Of NZ Charter Schools Law
Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, told the Ministers that âyour lack of support for the workers of the PPTA who provide so much to their students shows a lack of leadership on your part. ...29 mins ago - Daylight saving is about to start. But why do the days get longer?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral researcher in radio astronomy, University of Sydney Kasper Lyngby/Shutterstock The days are getting longer and in Australia, the switch to daylight saving time is almost upon us (for about 70% of the population, anyway). But why ...1 hour ago
- Daylight savings is about to start. But why do the days get longer?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral researcher in radio astronomy, University of Sydney Kasper Lyngby/Shutterstock The days are getting longer and in Australia, the switch to daylight saving time is almost upon us (for about 70% of the population, anyway). But why ...1 hour ago
- More than 50,000 property investors making losses
Information released under the Official Information Act shows that there were 53,350 taxpayers who reported negative rental income in the 2023 tax year. ...2 hours ago - Health New Zealand Reports Near $1 Billion Dollar Deficit
âThese recent figures highlight the financial mismanagement that occurs at Health New Zealand. With news like this, taxpayers are absolutely in their right to demand answers. ...2 hours ago
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Not so long ago it was an essential tool to aid in the struggles of coming of age. Now less than a third of New Zealand households still have a landline telephone. On Thursday morning at 10.45, a thrill buzzed in the air, possibly only detectable by journalists. Another tranche ...2 hours ago - Government to shake-up ‘bureaucratic and inefficient’ school property system
"Schools were consistently critical of a lack of transparency and unclear prioritisation of projects," a ministerial inquiry has found. ...3 hours ago
- Government to temporarily underwrite new housing developments
The Housing Minister says the plan would lower the risk for developers and ensure houses were ready for buyers to enter the market as interest rates drop. ...3 hours ago
- What is bankruptcy?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason Harris, Professor of Corporate Law, University of Sydney Shutterstock Capitalism without insolvency is like Christianity without Hell. Those were the words of former Apollo 8 commander Frank Borman, speaking as chairman of Eastern Airlines in the United ...4 hours ago
- Mike Hosking is one of the Warriorsâ biggest fans, and it doesnât make any sense
His world view is famously built on centre-right common sense, with little time for losers and dreamers. Which makes his undying love for the Warriors all the more baffling to this fellow supporter. Hello, my name is Pete, and I am a New Zealand Warriors fan. Actually, itâs a bit ...4 hours ago
- Is big tech harming society? To find out, we need research â but itâs being manipulated by big t...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Graham, Associate Professor in Digital Media, Queensland University of Technology AlexandraPopova/Shutterstock For almost a decade, researchers have been gathering evidence that the social media platform Facebook disproportionately amplifies low-quality content and misinformation. So it was something of a surprise ...4 hours ago
- What are the greatest upsets in NRL grand final history?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wayne Peake, Adjunct research fellow, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University The Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm will contest the National Rugby League (NRL) grand final on Sunday. Betting markets have them pretty much equal favourites. However, history ...4 hours ago
- XEC is now in Australia. Hereâs what we know about this hybrid COVID variant
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Herrero, Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock Over the nearly five years since COVID first emerged, youâd be forgiven if youâve lost track of the number of new variants weâve seen. Some have had a ...4 hours ago
- How we created a beautiful native wildflower meadow in the heart of the city using threatened grassl...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Horsfall, PhD Candidate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne Matthew Stanton, CC BY-NC A city street may seem an unusual place to save species found in critically endangered grasslands. My new research, though, shows we ...4 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hay, Senior Lecturer, School of Education and Professional Studies, Griffith University Yanz Island/Shutterstock Since ChatGPT was released at the end of 2022, there has been a lot of speculation about the actual and potential impact of generative AI on universities. ...4 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Will Visconti, Teacher and researcher, Art History, University of Sydney Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec At the Moulin Rouge – The Dance, 1890 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec/Wikimedia Commons When the Moulin Rouge first opened on October 6 1889, it drew audiences from across classes and ...4 hours ago
- In defence of Sally Rooneyâs skinny protagonists
If you want to read a book that makes you feel good about your body, I beg you to look elsewhere Once again Sally Rooney is the subject of discourse after body-positive womenâs liberation magazine Vogue published an opinion piece titled âWhy Are All The Characters in Sally Rooney Novels ...5 hours ago
- The lives that could be saved by creating a âsmokefree generationâ
Over a million lives are on the line around the world, and New Zealand is in the spotlight, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in todayâs extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...7 hours ago
- Childcare subsidy calculations catch family out
A family does not qualify for the Family Boost early childhood education rebate, despite earning "well below" the advertised $180,000 cap. ...7 hours ago
- Health staff ‘doubly punished’ over botched holiday pay – union
The cost of Holidays Act breaches and untaken long service service has now hit $3.6b, with authorities making savage budget cuts to pay for them. ...8 hours ago
- Removing te reo MÄori teacher training funding ‘so crazy’, students say
Teachers who can speak te reo can connect on a "different level", Äkonga MÄori say. ...8 hours ago
- This weekâs bestselling books â October 4
FICTION1 Marry Me in Italy by Nicky Pellegrino (Hachette, $37.99)2 Kataraina by Becky Manawatu(Makaro Press, $37)A free copy of the eagerly-awaited sequel to AuÄ is up for grabs in this week’s giveaway contest. ReadingRoom devoted all week to covering Kataraina and took the only once-precedented step of publishing three reviews, ...9 hours ago - Labour calls for Associate Health Minister Casey Costello to be sacked over ‘advice’ to ...
It comes after documents she relied on to support a heated tobacco tax cut turned out to be inconclusive at best. ...9 hours ago
- Why free school lunches matter â and what one group of students is doing to save them
A Year 11 social studies class at WaitÄkere College has been following David Seymourâs campaign to cut funding for free school lunches with interest, and launched a campaign of their own in response. This is an excerpt from our food newsletter, The Boil Up. In my past life as a high ...9 hours ago
- All the Auckland harbour crossing ideas, ranked from worst to best
Some are simply terrible. Others are fanciful but fun. A couple are actually quite good â but there can only be one champion, and it might shock you. Ever since the Auckland Harbour Bridge was born in 1959, weâve been berating it as inadequate and a disappointment. For decades weâve ...9 hours ago
- Emails show David Seymour was invited to Koroneihana
David Seymour says he wasn’t invited to Kiingi Tuheitiaâs coronation anniversary celebrations alongside other politicians, but emails between the PMâs office and Seymourâs show otherwise. The post Emails show David Seymour was invited to Koroneihana appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Fighting a war on climate change
A former military head on why climate change and security are inextricably linked The post Fighting a war on climate change appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Exporters relieved EU deforestation rules may be delayed
The European Union looks set to delay new rules aimed at curbing deforestation that will impact New Zealand exporters. The post Exporters relieved EU deforestation rules may be delayed appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Shockwaves felt in Dunedin Hospital after bombshell announcement
Specialists and nurses are shocked and appalled at the Governmentâs bombshell hospital announcement The post Shockwaves felt in Dunedin Hospital after bombshell announcement appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 4 October
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 4 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- From science fiction to science fact
Opinion: If I referred to a digital twin, some readers might imagine an avatar that looks just like them, that can be used for fun, in gaming, for instance, which one day could be so advanced it would look and sound so much like you, you can send it off ...9 hours ago
- (In)security and âresistanceâ push Lebanon back towards the abyss
This week, the Israeli Defence Forces moved onto Lebanese territory for the fourth time in half a century.The invasions in 1978 and 1982 were launched against the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which was striking Israeli targets from south Lebanon in the name of resistance to the occupation. The latter invasions in 2006 ...9 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 4 October
The post Daily crossword, Friday 4 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Fears of privatisation by stealth in an overwhelmed healthcare system
More signs are emerging of New Zealanders turning to private healthcare as the public system struggles, with Southern Cross this week reporting unprecedented demand for insurance.The not-for-profit group says it has had a jump in business as people go private to beat the waiting lists. Chief executive Nick Astwick predicts ...9 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: As the anniversary of the Voice vote nears, the high costs of Albaneseâs misjud...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra This time a year ago, we were on the cusp of the October 14 Voice referendum. Most players were already aware it was doomed. Less understood was just how far-reaching would be the impact of ...13 hours ago
- Well-Behaved Women: this cabaret-esque celebration of women icons is musically delightful â but hi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Arrow, Professor of History, Macquarie University Brett Boardman Women have long turned to the past to understand their place in the present. Many âgreat womenâ of history have served as role models and sources of inspiration âthough the specific women ...18 hours ago
- The medicines we take to stay healthy are harming nature. Hereâs what needs to change
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren T. May, Senior Lecturer and Group Leader, Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University Shutterstock Evidence is mounting that modern medicines present a growing threat to ecosystems around the world. The chemicals humans ingest to stay healthy ...19 hours ago
- NgÄti Toa leader on why he wants a debate with David Seymour
Helmut Modlik will take on David Seymour in a public debate next Tuesday. ...19 hours ago
- Casey Costello releases ‘independent’ advice on heated tobacco
It's five articles that are either about different products, outdated, or only offer weak support for her view. ...20 hours ago
Should that be 'have been disclosed' rather than 'have not been disclosed'?
[Oops. Now corrected – MS]
PM Baldrick Luxon is playing “I know nothink…” because he lacks courage, is not well suited to politics, and yet knows exactly what will happen if Mrs Costello is sacked–Winston will be at his door…carrying a (figurative) baseball bat with spikes…
Remember when Clare Curran got relentlessly hounded for alleged diary discrepancies for one pathetic meeting with a media figure? Nothing compared to what this Minister has been up to, arrogantly securing millions for her Tobacco mates and potentially endangering thousands of NZ peoples health, in a very unsophisticated way.
Too easy..
.
@drayeshaverrall
Costello’s bid for a $216M tax break for Philip Morris was approved by Cabinet, but it turns out the only evidence she had was a bunch of irrelevant papers and an op ed.
Time to break out the epidemiology PhD and Costello’s so called “independent advice” … cracks knuckles. đ§”1/8
https://xcancel.com/drayeshaverrall/status/1841745561697059310
Whenever someone says "they did their own research" an alarm bell rings inside my head.
Big Tobacco Farm funded research?
Wot really happened:
A Phillip Morris executive called Costello – "Look, we've got a shed load of these HTP which are not moving. How about giving a bit of an incentive for
mugspeople to buy them?"Costello – "Will do, I'll persuade Luxon to offer a tax break, he's a sucker for any line of non-reasoning which doesn't affect his bottom line. If nothing else, you'll make a tidy bit on the side, and I know you'll remember me when I 'retire' from politics."
Political commentators: "Where is the evidence on which you based this tax break?"
Costello to emotional junior staffer: "Quickly, search the internet for anything that backs up my position!"
And the rest, as they say, is history!
Was Minister Costello ever asked when she did this research, even down to the individual papers/reports, especially when compared to the timeline of her decision-making process?
In other words, what actual evidence influenced her decision/s?
Was she asked what reports and evidence was she offered or made aware of, before the decision being made, that she did not read?
Does this explain why she initially refused to show these papers /reports? She’d not read them and needed time to amass some ‘evidence’?
An unsavoury situation. It is a digital world now, Governments and Parliamentary political parties have procedures and things like Cabinet Manuals and so on. So unless you are delivering a ransom note or something, random pieces of paper do not cut it in serious politics.
Mrs Costello’s document handling practices are apparently under review by the Parliamentary Archivist. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528429/chief-ombudsman-criticises-costello-over-withholding-tobacco-documents
I can't see her lasting until Christmas tbh.
Ordinarily I would agree with you. But we are in strange times.
If we had a leader with a hint of a spine, some political nous and ability to read the room, she'd be gone. But we've got Luxon.
If she was a National MP, she would have probably been booted from Cabinet.
But she isn't. And under our Luxon who clearly was willing to give up nearly everything to be PM, she may hang on.
Time will tell I guess. Probably even Peters is finding her to be an embarrassment. So, might be quicker than what you think.
Corruption Costello is clearly not fit to be a Minister (or an MP). But like Seymour, McKee, Jones etc she knows under this corrupt coalition with it's shallow, incompetent PM she and they are untouchable.
Unless the pressure builds to cancer drug funding levels.