Daily review 29/11/2024
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5:30 pm, November 29th, 2024 - 2 comments
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- Translation #20 of The Debunking Handbook 2020 published!
In November 2011, we published the first version of The Debunking Handbook. As the update notice on that page already shows, more research has come in since then and the time had finally come for a complete overhaul of this very popular handbook (it still gets downloaded a couple of thousand ...58 minutes ago - The Meaning of MAGA
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Imagine you want to buy some guns, but you want to hide the fact from someone. So you abuse your access privileges to obtain the details of a registered owner, then use them to fraudulently register the weapons. If you or I did this, we'd obviously be going to jail. ...6 hours ago - The Parade That Didn’t Exist
Hi,I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the stories you shared under my last newsletter about my shitty day.Some of your own shitty days were hilarious. Others were devastating. They involved aging parents and lost pets, things lost and things found. Some felt like chaos theory in ...6 hours ago - ‘Why we’ve cut the OCR so much since August’
SummaryIn this conversation, Paul Conway, the Chief Economist for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, discusses the recent cuts to the official cash rate and the underlying economic factors influencing these decisions. He explains the dynamics of inflation in New Zealand, the impact of administered prices, and the role of ...6 hours ago - Another day, another breach of te Tiriti
Back in February, the National government disestablished Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority. It was a revolting breach of te Tiriti, but the government avoided a formal ruling of that by rushing the legislation into the House specifically to deprive the Waitangi Tribunal of jurisdiction and kill its ...6 hours ago
- Luxon surrenders worker protections to ACT Party
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This is our fifth first year babyAnd I feel like I'm in jail, LordI'm holding on to this cardCan't seem to get it in the mailAnd the card reads ...Happy anniversary babyGot you on my mindHappy anniversary babyGot you on my mindSongwriters: Beeb Birtles, David Briggs.First, they came for the ...10 hours ago - Working in high temperatures
Guidance for workers and union officials regarding high temperatures at work Working in high temperature can be hazardous. Exposure to excessive heat either indoors or outside can pose risks to worker health and safety. If temperatures at your work are creating a serious and immediate to your safety – you ...11 hours ago
- Unity for 2025
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- Weekly Roundup 29-November-2024
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- Report questions Labour’s big Covid spendup
Over 2020 and 2021, the Ardern Government spent a staggering 22 per cent of one year of the country’s GDP on Covid financial relief. All up, over those two years, they spent $70 billion. The money was borrowed, and the Treasury told the Government not to worry about the huge ...16 hours ago - Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission’s fine-tuning of vaccine mandates and lockdowns
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Open access notables Progression of ocean interior acidification over the industrial era, Müller & Gruber Gruber, Science Advances: Ocean acidification driven by the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 represents a major threat to ocean ecosystems, yet little is known about its progression beneath the surface. Here, we reconstruct the history of ocean ...24 hours ago
- Under his eye
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- Economy Nose Dives
The economy is spluttering:4.8% unemployment - a near four year record high - even as NZ keeps breaking new records for citizen departuresEmployment confidence declined to the lowest level since the first Covid lockdownsThe Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion reported firms are more pessimistic about their current trading conditions than ...1 day ago
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- RBNZ loosening as Govt tightening
Orr delivered a Christmas present for landlords and homeowners with mortgages, but there is little other seasonal cheer as it is becoming clearer how much the Government’s austerity programme is dragging on consumer spending and employment. File photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note ...2 days ago
- Look out Nicola, your surplus is slipping
With the Reserve Bank’s move to cut the Official Cash Rate yesterday all eyes are now on next year’s Budget. And the question will be whether the blowout in health expenditure and the drop in tax revenue means the return to surplus will have to be delayed again until 2028-29. ...2 days ago
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- The Fascism of David Seymour: Censorship
Fascism is a strong word. Powerful. Dangerous.Wield it carefully, the right say, as they defend their politicians from nazi-like behaviour and participate in the dismantling of their own constitutional protections. If you throw it around at just anyone, they say, it weakens it. Fascism doesn’t mean anything when you use ...2 days ago - Let me through I’m here to make money
What kind of government is this, really? What moves it? What is its guiding light? Pretty simple, really. It is a dumb waiter delivering what its paymasters have ordered.And what moves these paymasters? What is their guiding light?Also pretty simple:Get out of my way I want to make moneyGet out ...2 days ago - Secrecy destroys trust: the case of the nuclear waste dump
Something I was not expecting to learn this morning: the government has built a secret nuclear waste dump in rural Manawatu: A facility for storing all of New Zealand’s radioactive waste has been secretly built near Palmerston North, in a decision neighbouring farmers have called “horrifying” and “deceptive”. The ...2 days ago
- RBNZ data highlights weak economy and labour market
“Unemployment is forecast to remain elevated until the end of 2025 and isn’t expected to fall back to its pre-recession lows within the forecast period. Without a plan to reduce it, we are choosing a permanently higher unemployment rate in New Zealand. It’s no wonder so many Kiwis are emigrating ...2 days ago
- Malcolm McKinnon: Māori and other nationalisms
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The Reserve Bank will be announcing a change to the Official Cash Rate this afternoon, with most economists expecting a cut of around 50 basis points. The Government is reallocating $30,000 towards more senior doctors and specialist nurses, but some including the NZNO say that this is a “sticking plaster” ...2 days ago
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Mountain Tui is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Luxon Is That Job Interviewee That’s All Sunshine And RainbowsCraig McCulloch (RNZ) has an unbeatable report this morning on Luxon’s reflections of his first year as PM.Allow me to replicate:On ...4 days ago - Monday 25 November 2024
Maritime workers are joining opposition to the government’s plans for resuming live animal exports on the basis that the country “would benefit from being seen as a kind of modern and progressive exporter”. The TEU is slamming a proposal that would end an invaluable timber machining apprenticeship programme, while the ...4 days ago
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“Look, I don’t really live with regrets,” Luxon said in one of the interviews marking his first year as PM. File photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday, November 25: The news: COP29 ...4 days ago - Team of One
Oh, it's a mystery to me We have a greed, with which we have agreed And you think you have to want more than you need Until you have it all, you won't be freeSongwriter: Eddie VedderToday is the last day to subscribe to Nick’s Kōrero at the original price ...4 days ago - A Bad Day
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This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, an examination on cruise control and speed limits, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. Greater Auckland is brought to you by a ...5 days ago
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The gift that keeps giving: David Seymour has now opened a split in the coalition over the future of National’s promise to build a new medical school. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / TheKakaKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and ...1 week ago
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- Beyond Question?
Record Numbers: The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, which began at the tip of the North, and the tail of the South, on 11 November, culminated outside Parliament on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, in one of the largest demonstrations in New Zealand’s political history.ACCORDING TO TE ARA, the Ministry of Culture ...1 week ago - The Rush To Blame “The Activists”
Activists are such easy scapegoats. The right and center have been conditioned for decades to roll their eyes at all protests. The left are easily aggravated over students leading movements they see as belonging to grownups, who have more important concerns like the economy and whether the trains come on ...1 week ago - Cutting Through An Inundation of Dipshit Racists
Hi,Watching New Zealand from afar offers a strange perspective. It can be a good thing — distance from Aotearoa helped keep me sane while I reported on abuse at New Zealand’s biggest megachurch over the course of a year. It helps fuel my silly podcast. But it can also be ...1 week ago - This is bad news
The speech yesterday by Treasury’s Chief Economic Advisor warning that the books are in worse shape than forecasted looks like it’s part of a softening-up process for either more cuts or a longer wait to get back into surplus. The speech was a highly unusual public preview of Treasury’s Half-Yearly ...1 week ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #47 2024
Open access notables Projected increase in the frequency of extremely active Atlantic hurricane seasons, Lopez et al., Science Advances: Future changes to the year-to-year swings between active and inactive North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) seasons have received little attention, yet may have great societal implications in areas prone to hurricane ...1 week ago
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Chatting in the supermarket this morning, I found I needed to lunge for the chicken drumsticks.Coping mechanisms: who hasn’t felt a greater need for them lately?When it all gets too much, I turn to demonstrating handy butchery hacks.It wasn’t that she’d said anything wrong, our friend, not at all. We ...1 week ago - The year is 2024 and it’s 1984
This is written in response to the highly significant open letter from a group of economists that was today addressed to Christopher Luxon. The year is 2024, and it’s 1984. The country is reeling from a record Olympic medal gold haul, while the globe grapples with the choice of the ...1 week ago - Drawn
A ballot for one member's bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: KiwiSaver (Guardian Consent) Amendment Bill (Jan Tinetti) Its a minor bill, which would make it easier for single parents to opt children into Kiwisaver. The question is, will National vote it down ...1 week ago
- The IPCA has failed
Back in 2022, RNZ took an in-depth look at the "Independent" Police Conduct Authority and its handling of killings by police. These are the most serious test of oversight, and you would expect the police's use of lethal force to receive the most severe scrutiny. But despite the police regularly ...1 week ago
- Thursday 21 November 2024
The Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti arrived at Parliament on Tuesday – the size is being debated but estimates range from 42,000 to 100,000. The Prime Minister is defending not attending due to some of the organisers being affiliated with Te Pāti Māori. The national gang patch ban came into force ...1 week ago
- ‘These budget cuts are counter-productive and make no sense’
I spoke to former Productivity Chair Nana this morning about the letter he and a group of other economists sent to PM Christopher Luxon to urge the Government to urgently suspend cuts to spending and investment for the sake of the economy, struggling businesses and the wellbeing of vulnerable ...1 week ago
- ACT’s Astroturfing & A Co-ordinated Attack on Te Pati Māori
Unity on the Streets / Unity at the TableAfter the Hīkoi, all three right wing Coalition leaders came together to push the idea that the 42,000 - 50,000 + strong Hikoi was somehow less potent and brave, and more illegitimate than the energy and crowd displayed.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon 20-November: ...1 week ago
- Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Government’s latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...7 hours ago - Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...1 day ago - Waititi Orders Police Withdraw from Matapihi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki is demanding that the Police Minister immediately remove the heavy Police presence in the Matapihi community, as hundreds of officers saturate the Western Bay of Plenty area. “Minister Mitchell must intervene immediately and order the removal of the armed Police presence in ...1 day ago
- Release: Opposition parties unite on way forward to protect ECE
Early childhood education needs to be treated as a public good, say Labour, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori in their newly released report of findings from public hearings they held into the Government’s ECE Regulatory Review. ...1 day ago
- Government’s First Year a ‘Catastrophe for Māori’
Te Pāti Māori is calling the Government’s first year a catastrophe for Māori, following a year of policies that have done nothing but marginalise tangata-whenua. Today marks one year since the coalition was sworn into power. “This year has been an absolute catastrophe for Māori. This Government has fast-tracked us back ...2 days ago
- Release: 1500 Te Whatu Ora cuts will hurt New Zealanders’ health
Massive cuts across Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora demonstrate National’s willingness to risk the health of New Zealanders. ...2 days ago
- Release: Government to make public transport more expensive… again
The Government’s decision to push for significant fare increases on buses and trains over the next few years is a huge blow to communities across the country. ...2 days ago
- Release: National has given up on climate action
Climate action is missing from the list of things National is patting themselves on the back for one year on from becoming government. ...2 days ago
- Public transport fare hikes a disaster
The Government’s directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for communities across the country. ...2 days ago
- Release: Minister leaves Community Housing Providers out in the cold
Housing Minister Chris Bishop’s speech to Community Housing Providers today should have been titled ‘we want you to build houses, but we refuse to spend money so you’re on your own’. ...3 days ago
- Green Party appalled by woeful Government offer to school support staff
Support staff across Aotearoa have been dealt yet another devastating blow with the release of the latest collective agreement offer from the Government. ...3 days ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins sad to hear about Nikki Kaye
"The news today that Nikki Kaye has passed away after her long battle with cancer is incredibly sad," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...3 days ago
- Release: Government should be transparent on live exports
Targeted consultation on reinstating live cattle exports by sea won’t allow the New Zealand public to have their say. ...1 week ago
- NZ’s global climate rankings plummet as Govt removes agriculture from ETS
The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoa’s reputation on climate action plummets. ...1 week ago
- Failed boot camp experiment must end
As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi. ...1 week ago
- Gender-affirming care must centre evidence and health needs, not political posturing
The Ministry of Health has today released an evidence brief regarding the use of puberty blockers in gender-affirming healthcare, amid moves by the government to limit access. ...1 week ago
- Release: National doesn’t care about manufacturing
The National Government is walking away from our manufacturing sector with constant reports of closures and job losses. ...1 week ago
- Release: David Parker speech – Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change
David Parker's speech from the University of Auckland's forum on Piketty, Inequality and Climate Change in September 2024. ...1 week ago
- Release: Youth mental wellbeing no longer a priority for Child Poverty Minister
Louise Upston has revealed her diminished vision for vulnerable youth against a backdrop of snubbed advice, scrapped priorities, shifted goal posts and thousands more children projected to fall into poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: National’s lack of climate action taking NZ backwards
National Government’s backward-looking climate policy has seen New Zealand fall seven places on the Climate Change Performance Index to 41 out of 63 countries measured. ...1 week ago
- Release: Simple reason for drop in emergency housing
When the Government says it has reduced the number of people in emergency housing, what it means is it is stopping people from accessing it in the first place. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s child wellbeing strategy ‘shallow and shameful’
The Government is turning its back on children by not only weakening child poverty reduction targets, but also removing child mental wellbeing as a priority focus in their Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy. ...1 week ago
- Release: A historic win for Samoan communities
Labour warmly welcomes the Restoring Samoan Citizenship Bill as it passes its third reading, before becoming law. ...1 week ago
- Government plan to reinstate live animal exports a “national disgrace”
The Government has taken a giant step backwards by reinstating live animal exports. ...1 week ago
- Pasifika justice as Member’s Bill passes final reading
Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, the Citizenship (Western Samoa Restoration) Amendment Bill, has passed its third reading and will become law. ...1 week ago
- Release: Minister of Education thinks New Zealand ends at the Bombay Hills
The Minister of Education has shown complete disregard for rural communities and their school bus routes in Question Time today. ...1 week ago
- Economists sound alarm on Government’s slash-and-burn approach
A group of prominent economists has released an open letter to the Government, raising grave concerns about the far-reaching consequences of its fiscal policy. ...1 week ago
- Release: Smoking numbers up under Costello’s watch
National’s repeal of Labour’s smokefree legislation has taken New Zealand further away from achieving a Smokefree 2025 and a smokefree generation. ...1 week ago
- Release: Call for Palestine recognition by NZ, Australian and Canadian MPs
Parliamentarians from Australia, Canada and New Zealand have written an open letter to their respective Prime Ministers calling on them to recognise Palestine. ...1 week ago
- Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions
Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Power of the people on full display as hīkoi approaches Parliament
Today, Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arrived in Wellington, with thousands gathering to march in unity against the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Hypocrisy as Te Whatu Ora contractor bill balloons
Te Whatu Ora’s bill for contracting and consulting staff has ballooned by nearly 20 percent under the National Government, breaking a promise they made during the election campaign to cut contractors. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...2 weeks ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...2 weeks ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...2 weeks ago
- Minister reminds public health officials of priorities
Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says the National Public Health Service should concentrate its focus on prioritising serious public health issues facing New Zealanders. “Earlier this week I was informed about an 8-page submission by the southern arm of the NPHS regarding a proposed fast food outlet in Wanaka,” ...6 hours ago - World class visitor centre for Punakaiki
Sightseers to the iconic Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track) will enjoy a richer experience thanks to a world class visitor experience centre run by local Iwi, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. This state-of-the-art facility provides visitors to the West Coast with a high-quality experience and helps boost the region’s ...7 hours ago
- Healthy Homes Initiative improves health of more than 200,000 people
A five-year evaluation of the Healthy Homes Initiative has demonstrated the positive impact of warm, dry homes on the health and wellbeing of more than 200,000 people. The Healthy Homes Initiative, led by Health New Zealand, helps families living in cold, damp homes, providing support like education, beds and bedding, ...8 hours ago
- A year of concrete progress for infrastructure and transport
In a busy year of delivery, the Government has made concrete progress toward improving the foundations of the infrastructure system and addressing New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit, and is streets ahead when it comes to getting transport back on track, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown say. “It ...9 hours ago
- Mining stats show a sector delivering for NZ
New figures on mining activity across New Zealand show the Crown collected nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue in the 2023/24 financial year, bolstered by royalties collected from petroleum and gold, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The statistics, released this morning by the Ministry of Business, Innovation ...11 hours ago
- Safer ports – approved code of practice for loading and unloading cargo takes effect today
Today marks a significant milestone for the port and maritime sector, with the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon Brooke van Velden, and the Associate Minister of Transport celebrating the Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP) coming into effect. “The ...11 hours ago
- Red Tape tipline gets over 300 reports in first week
In just its first week, over 300 people have reported red tape issues to the new Red Tape tipline, Regulation Minister David Seymour says. “Red tape wastes valuable time, money and sanity. I am not surprised to see an outpouring of discontent from Kiwis who are sick of the tangle ...11 hours ago
- More flexible dismissal process for high-income employees
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says an upcoming change to the Employment Relations Act will enable employers to ensure they have the right fit for their high impact leadership and specialist roles. This policy delivers on the ACT-National coalition to set an income threshold above which personal ...13 hours ago
- NZ and Germany deepen cooperation
New Zealand and Germany are committed to enhancing their partnership, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our discussions in Berlin over the last few days have underlined the broad range of interests that New Zealand and Germany share,” says Mr Peters, following his meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. ...16 hours ago
- Chemical weapons and Iranian missiles targeted in new Russia sanctions
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced new sanctions in response to Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine – and joined partners in a Call to Action on sanctions-evading ‘shadow fleet’ activities. “These new sanctions respond to recent findings by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that illegal ...1 day ago
- Exporters benefit from new trade system
The modernisation of New Zealand’s trade certification system, which supports $33 billion of exports, is making selling top Kiwi products overseas more reliable and adaptable for the future, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.“New Zealand food and wine is admired around the world and brings jobs, money, and opportunities into ...1 day ago
- Whanganui to benefit from the latest health technologies
Today’s opening of a new MRI facility at Whanganui Hospital is the latest in a number of health infrastructure projects designed to improve healthcare services for the people of Whanganui and surrounding districts, says Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti. “I’m really pleased to have been able to deliver on ...1 day ago
- Strengthening timber trade with new assurance system
The Government is delivering on its commitment to combat trade in illegally harvested timber, with consultation starting today on operational details to implement New Zealand’s legal harvest assurance system, Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today. “The system will limit the risk of importing illegally harvested timber and provide the international ...1 day ago
- Royal Commission into COVID-19 phase 1 report received
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has today received the report from phase 1 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19. “The delivery of the phase 1 report marks the conclusion of phase 1 of the Inquiry. Phase 1 Commissioners Professor Tony Blakely and John Whitehead have now ...1 day ago
- More support in reading and maths for Kiwi kids
The Government is ensuring more Kiwi kids get extra support with their reading and maths by boosting the level of targeted interventions in classrooms around the country. “We are relentlessly focused on giving more Kiwi kids confidence at school so they can achieve their potential. Due to high demand, we’re ...1 day ago
- SH1B Telephone Road to reopen next year
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed that State Highway 1B (SH1B) Telephone Road in Waikato will reopen in 2025, following agreement by KiwiRail and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) on a package of improvements to enable the road and rail crossing to function safely and effectively together. “Economic growth, productivity, and ...1 day ago
- Growth of clinical psychology pipeline welcomed
The University of Canterbury is to be commended for increasing its intake of clinical psychology students, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmonds say. “This Government is focused on increasing access to support and growing the workforce is critical to this,” Mr ...1 day ago
- NZ and France agree to intensify close relationship
New Zealand and France have renewed efforts to work together more intensively in the Indo-Pacific and on issues of mutual importance, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It’s been a seriously productive few days in Paris, with New Zealand and France redoubling our efforts on bilateral relations, strategic alignment and ...2 days ago
- Squeezing more bang for buck from blackcurrants
The Government is backing a project to squeeze more value out of New Zealand blackcurrants, Associate Minister for Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “We’re investing in a two-year project with PharmaZen Limited to add value to our blackcurrant industry by piloting a processing facility in Canterbury which will allow growers to ...2 days ago
- First charter school announced to open Term 1 2025
Associate Education Minister David Seymour today announced Christchurch-based Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki as the first new charter school set to open in term one 2025. “This announcement is a significant step in the Government’s efforts to lift educational achievement in New Zealand,” says Mr Seymour. “Charter schools will ...2 days ago
- More relief for Kiwi families
The latest drop in the official cash rate will mean more relief for Kiwis’ backpockets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The 50 point drop in the rate is the third drop since August, meaning the rate has fallen 125 basis points in that time. “That is good news for families ...2 days ago
- Action on lifesaving immunisations
Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti has praised hauora Māori providers for continuing to lift delivery of life-saving immunisations across all ages and all populations. “In the first 10 months of the Immunising our Tamariki programme, hauora Māori providers have now delivered more than 69,000 vaccinations across all population groups, ...2 days ago
- Speech to the Community Housing Aotearoa Annual Conference
Introduction Growing together. An apt slogan not only for this year’s CHA conference but also for how good partnerships between the Government, Community Housing Providers, Iwi and others can work to enable better housing outcomes for New Zealanders. It's my pleasure to be here with you this morning as we ...2 days ago
- Fewer than 1000 Emergency Housing households
A strong focus on supporting people into better homes has seen the number of households still in emergency housing reduce to under 1000 since the Government came into office one year ago, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “The total number of households living in emergency housing motels has been ...2 days ago
- Māori housing partnership to deliver 198 affordable rental homes
An $82million Government investment into Māori housing providers will benefit many whānau across the country, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. Supported by funding administered by Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, 12 Māori housing providers will create a total of 198 whare in areas ...2 days ago
- ‘A path less travelled’ – delivered to the French Institute of International Relat...
Before beginning today, we would like to acknowledge the French Institute of International Relations. You have contributed to debates about international affairs over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. Can we also thank the Institute’s founder and Chairman, Thierry de Montbrial, and Deputy ...3 days ago
- Data set to quantify how business events benefit tourism
Today the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey announced Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) will be the first recipient of the Tourism Data Partnership Fund at the industry body’s annual conference. “Understanding how business events contribute to New Zealand’s economy will help regional tourism organisations to make critical decisions ...3 days ago
- Trade Minister heads to Canada for CPTPP
Trade Minister Todd McClay will travel to Vancouver today for the 8th Commission Meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). “CPTPP is a gold-standard free trade agreement. The accession by the United Kingdom and the interest shown by other economies shows the value of the Agreement,” Mr ...3 days ago
- Supporting rural New Zealand: one year of action
Farmers and rural communities are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. Over the past year, the Government has delivered practical reforms to reduce costs, cut red tape, provide certainty, and get Wellington out of farming. With 80 per cent of all the goods exports coming from the primary sector and ...3 days ago
- Speech to the Community Housing Aotearoa Annual Conference
Introduction Good morning. It’s great to be here at the Community Housing Aotearoa Conference and to see so many people dedicated to fixing New Zealand’s housing crisis. I’d firstly like to congratulate you on celebrating 20 years. Well done, and here’s to 20 more. I’d also like to thank you. ...3 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for Community Housing Providers
The Government has agreed to a series of changes to remove barriers faced by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) in delivering social housing, Housing and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Social housing is an important part of New Zealand’s housing market, providing affordable rental housing for low income tenants. CHPs ...3 days ago
- Statement on Nikki Kaye
Prime Minister and National Party Leader Christopher Luxon and Deputy Leader Nicola Willis are deeply saddened by the passing of Nikki Kaye, a cherished colleague, friend, and former Minister, Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament for Auckland Central. “Nikki’s contribution to our party, her community, and New Zealand has left an ...3 days ago
- Advisory group to focus on organised crime
Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group on transnational and serious organised crime, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced today. “This is an important step to ensuring we have a better cross-government response to fighting the increasing threat posed to New Zealand by international and domestic crime ...3 days ago
- Funding for 50 new senior doctors, more nurses
Frontline funding by the Government will enable the employment of 50 new senior doctors, as well as additional specialist nurses and other health professionals. “This will reduce wait times, enhance patient safety and support vulnerable specialties like dermatology,” says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “Our senior doctors are key to ...4 days ago
- Board of inquiry for Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal is appointed
Judge Brian Dwyer has been appointed as chair of the newly established board of inquiry for the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal, alongside a group of high skilled individuals, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “I am pleased to announce Judge Brian Dwyer of the Environment Court as chair,” Ms Simmonds says. “With a ...4 days ago
- PM marks one year in Government
As the Government marks a year in office this Wednesday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is committed to continuing to take bold action on the economy, law and order, health and education. “I’m aspirational for New Zealanders and energised by our ongoing fight to rebuild and grow the economy to reduce ...4 days ago
- New Police station in Auckland CBD
Today, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, alongside newly appointed Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, welcomed the announcement of a new police station in central Auckland. “Public safety is at the heart of this Government’s law-and-order programme, and increasing police visibility across our main CBDs is a key part of that. “Having a ...4 days ago
- Raising awareness of child exploitation
Customs Minister Casey Costello has praised the work of Customs’ Child Exploitation Operations Team (CEOT) for their commitment to combat the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. This specialist team in Customs features in an hour-long documentary, Unmasking the Monsters, which airs tonight on TVNZ 1. “It’s important that Customs has taken this ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister’s scholarships awarded
New Zealand is strengthening its global connections with Asia and Latin America, as 119 individual recipients have been awarded Prime Minister’s Scholarships for education experiences abroad, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Expanding New Zealand’s global engagement through world-class international education is a key government priority,” Ms Simmonds ...4 days ago
- Climate Minister to see Antarctica research first-hand
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is travelling to Antarctica on Monday to see the impacts of climate change first-hand and see New Zealand’s scientific work on the ice. “Antarctica is under increasing pressure from climate change, with rapid changes to the Antarctic ice sheet, ice shelves, sea ice, and biodiversity now ...5 days ago
- Privatising health care ‘not my overt policy’ – Shane Reti
The Health Minister wants to work more closely with the private sector to cut waiting lists - but insists that is not a step towards privatisation. ...2 hours ago - The government agrees Australia’s secrecy laws need to change. Now comes the hard part – taking ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Greste, Professor of Journalism and Communications, Macquarie University Earlier this year, the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM), Jake Blight, compared the sheer volume of Australia’s secrecy laws to works of literature. “You’d be looking at about 3,000-plus pages. That’s ...3 hours ago - At ACMI’s The Future & Other Fictions, artists challenge us to imagine a more optimistic worl...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa French, Professor & Dean, School of Media and Communication, RMIT University Eugene Hyland/ACMI The Future & Other Fictions, ACMI’s flagship summer exhibition, explores where storytelling imagines and rethinks the future. It is an original show co-curated by ACMI’s Amanda ...3 hours ago
- Health Minister criticises officials for Wānaka McDonald’s submission
Shane Reti has taken a swipe at the National Public Health Service, saying it should be focused on prioritising serious public health issues. ...3 hours ago
- You’re hot? I’m cold! Why our office temperature preferences can be vastly different to our coll...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Moro, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, Bond University Kampus Productions/Pexels As the weather warms up, offices are cranking up the air conditioning. But with such varying temperature preferences, where should you set the thermostat? It may be an ...4 hours ago
- Government to appeal latest Nelson Tenths ruling
A High Court ruling would see iwi at the top of the South Island entitled to thousands of hectares of land and millions of dollars. ...4 hours ago
- Watch: Manawanui sinking report released
And a disciplinary process will follow, the Navy chief says. Follow the announcement live. ...6 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon faces questions amid fresh Waitangi Tribunal criticism
The Prime Minister says it is not true to say Maori were not consulted. ...6 hours ago
- 3 reasons why kids stick Lego up their nose
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Girardi, Lecturer in Speech Pathology and Researcher at the Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland riekephotos/Shutterstock Children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, have an uncanny ability to surprise adults. And one of the more alarming discoveries parents can make ...6 hours ago
- The COVID inquiry report is an excellent guide to preparing for the next pandemic – health cuts pu...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Baker, Professor of Public Health, University of Otago Getty Images The rising threat of epidemics and pandemics adds urgency for the government to act on the recommendations of the long-awaited inquiry into New Zealand’s COVID response. The Royal Commission of ...6 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Climate Change Authority head Matt Kean says ‘put more solar panel...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The just-ended COP-29 in Baku, and the election of Donald Trump, have put the global response to climate change in the spotlight. Meanwhile back home, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen this week reported Australia is ...7 hours ago
- Drawing lines in the South China Sea: what Beijing’s new claims over a disputed coral reef mean
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yucong Wang, Lecturer, University of Newcastle Earlier this month, China declared new “baselines” around Scarborough Reef, a large coral atoll topped by a handful of rocks barely above sea level in the South China Sea. By doing so, China reaffirmed its ...7 hours ago
- Healthy Homes review shows five-fold social, health benefits
A Healthy Homes Initiative review shows every dollar spent led to $5 in health savings in the following five years, fewer hospitalisations and less school absenteeism. ...7 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Return Again’ by Lily Holloway
A new poem by Lily Holloway. Return Again At some point, I will have to return to myself; I sit, an empty bus terminal at the end of a dark gravel road, waiting for me. Nostos means homecoming but also song about homecoming. A howl spills out of me now, ...7 hours ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending November 29
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Orbital by Samantha Harvey (Jonathan Cape, $26) The concise yet majestic Booker Prize 2024 winner. ...7 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon faces questions amid fresh Waitangi Tribunal criticism
The Prime Minister has been meeting with rural communities in Ashburton. ...7 hours ago
- The Reserve Bank will now have a separate board just to set interest rates. Here’s why that’s si...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra On Thursday night, after a whirlwind day in Canberra, the Senate finally passed the federal government’s long-delayed amendments to the Reserve Bank Act. The reforms will create ...8 hours ago
- A new model accurately predicts the migration of humpback whales – and may help them survive clima...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasper de Bie, Research Fellow, Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Griffith University A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). SasinTipchai/Shutterstock This year’s humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) season in Australia has almost come to an end. The beloved mammals are on their way to ...9 hours ago
- After the hīkoi, the challenge: the Treaty principles debate and an honest reckoning with history
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Salmond, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Māori Studies, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images After the hīkoi, the haka, the flags and the tumult, what next? In the absence of obvious answers, a thoughtful and respectful discussion ...9 hours ago
- Upsurge of post-riots violence against women in New Caledonia, says advocate
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Figures for violence against women in New Caledonia have increased due to the post-riots crisis, according to local NGO SOS Violences president Anne-Marie Mestre. Mestre has told local news media that the recent upsurge was mainly due to the riots over ...9 hours ago
- Crown failed to follow process in Māori Health Authority disestablishment: Waitangi Tribunal
The Waitangi Tribunal has released the first part of its inquiry and found the Crown did not follow robust policy processes. ...9 hours ago
- Trans youth are already among Australia’s most marginalised people. The social media ban could mak...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Hickey-Moody, Professor of Intersectional Humanities, Maynooth, National University of Ireland, RMIT University Shutterstock I’m not sure if you remember Kaitlyn and Leah […] they are social media famous and they’re a couple. That was the first time I’d seen ...9 hours ago
- Where to watch all the big winners from the NZ TV Awards
Here’s your chance to catch up on the best local shows you might have missed this year. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. The best of New Zealand television was honoured last week at the 2024 New Zealand Television Awards Ngā Taonga ...9 hours ago
- Nanogirl Labs pulls plug on science education for tamariki due to funding crisis
Cuts in government funding and sponsorship have led to the popular science education programme becoming unsustainable, its co-founder says. ...10 hours ago
- Treasury warns government about overspend, poor planning on major infrastructure projects
The Government has been handed a grim warning as it struggles with how to pay for billions of dollars worth of roads, hospitals, courthouses and water projects. ...10 hours ago
- Port Industry Welcomes Approved Code Of Practice For Loading And Unloading Cargo At Ports And On Shi...
For the first time, all commercial ports in New Zealand now have a code of practice approved by the Minister to follow. The ACOP replaces all other existing industry codes of practice related to stevedoring. ...10 hours ago - The government wants public transport fares to go up. Why?
The government has released targets that would mean public transport users have to pay more for their ride. Shanti Mathias explains. What’s all this then? The New Zealand Transport Agency released a discussion document last week about increasing “private share of public transport operating expenditure” – which basically means that ...11 hours ago
- Behind the scenes of New Zealand arts funding
...11 hours ago
- Judges slam SFO overreach and oppressive orders – prosecutions now in doubt
The Court of Appeal has condemned the Serious Fraud Office for indiscriminate and unlawful fishing expeditions when it orders citizens, banks, phone companies and even airlines to hand over vast amounts of data on people under investigation.A long-running fraud case involving a trust overseeing the $10 million proceeds of an ...12 hours ago - How sharing stories about river restoration can inspire others to take care of waterways
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharina Doehring, Freshwater Scientist, Cawthron Institute Blair Reid, CC BY-SA Water is the lifeblood of our planet. But in Aotearoa New Zealand, a staggering two-thirds of the rivers monitored for water quality are classified as unswimmable. Only 2% of large lakes ...12 hours ago
- A tax on new plastic would slash waste – if built into the global treaty on plastics
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amelia Leavesley, Research Fellow in Urban Sustainability, The University of Melbourne Mohamed Abdulraheem/Shutterstock Earlier this week, the mining magnate Andrew Forrest made headlines calling for a global “polymer premium” – or plastic tax – to be placed on every tonne of ...12 hours ago
- ‘I am exhausted’: Australian teachers speak about how compassion fatigue is harming them and the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Glenys Oberg, PhD candidate in education and trauma, The University of Queensland DGL Images/ Shutterstock Teachers’ jobs involve more than just teaching the required curriculum. A significant part of their role includes providing emotional support to their students And with many ...12 hours ago
- What’s a trade war?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney Philip Lange/Shutterstock This article is part of The Conversation’s “Business Basics” series where we ask experts to discuss key concepts in business, economics and finance. Thanks to US President-elect Donald Trump, the term ...12 hours ago
- Whangārei District Council votes 7-6 against adding fluoride to water supply
The move goes against a directive issued by former director-general of health Sir Ashley Bloomfield. ...12 hours ago
- Kiwi parents would support similar social media ban to Australia’s – expert
Most New Zealand parents would support following Australia's example and banning social media for young people, an expert says. ...12 hours ago
- Long COVID appears to be driven by ‘long infection’. Here’s what the science says
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Crabb, Director and CEO, Burnet Institute Alexander Grey/Unsplash Around 5–10% of people with COVID infections go on to experience long COVID, with symptoms lasting three months or more. Researchers have proposed several biological mechanisms to explain long COVID. However, ...13 hours ago
- Welcome to Babel: new documentary charts the creation of painter Jiawei Shen’s three-storey magnum...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Culture and Communication. Editor in chief, Design and Art of Australia Online, The University of Melbourne Greg Weight/Bonsai Films When Jiawei Shen first came to Australia, he bought a copy of that great western ...13 hours ago
- Health NZ: $72m spent on outsourced staff for single IT project, amid staff cuts
And the big spend on external hires is set to continue next year, despite the ministry planning to cut up to 1500 staff. ...13 hours ago
- How our public spaces can be safer and more welcoming for children
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anahita Shadkam, Sessional Instructor, School of Urban and Regional Planning,, Toronto Metropolitan University A Georgia mother was recently arrested for reckless endangerment after her 10-year-old son was seen walking outside alone. The warrant for her arrest claimed she “willingly and knowingly” endangered ...13 hours ago
- A Covid inquiry ends and another begins
Phase two of the Royal Commission into the Covid-19 response will look at broader issues including vaccine safety and economic ramifications, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund for The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...14 hours ago
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Macquarie Dictionary announced its word of the year as:
It helpfully provides rated examples:
Thus proving aussies can acquire operational intellects (contrary to popular belief. The prominence of cultural trends with economic drivers points to the interface between media & capitalism, yet mass psychology looms as a tertiary dimension. The makes both a nexus and triad. So, despite the lack of aesthetic appeal, the technical term is likely to develop further traction. Linguistic purists will be horrified, of course, and will probably claim that degeneracy does the job perfectly well.
I have been somewhat detached from the real world, and even this world for the last days. Had the stub of a wisdom tooth removed from my upper right jaw. All of a sudden my worldly focus resolved down to questions of pain relief and the selection of soft foods.
That location is a bastard for causing ancillary damage. This was a tooth that popped up in my late 20s, and then one day broke off with minimal fuss in my early 30s. It left a stub, but everything healed up so I ignored it.
Much as I ignored dentists from 1975 to 2018. I never went to them most because my kid experience was them drilling unnecessary holes in my fluoride hardened teeth, then re-drilling them to replace fillings. During those years, I'd had a gold cap fall off an incisor, a couple of minor chips, and one molar that a side had sheared off due to an excessive childhood filling. I kept an eye on the state of dental technology and avoided dentists as being more damaging than anything else.
In 2018, while I was working in Singapore, I had a problem with a right rear upper molar being painful. However I was on a very long work week onsite, so deferred it until I got back to NZ.
Went to a dentist for the first time in more than 40 years. Turned out that the molar had split straight down the middle and was unrecoverable. So it got pulled. The only other dental treatment was to do a small side cavity, which was elegantly fixed with a minimal filling. I was warned that I'd probably need those old fillings dealt with sooner rather than later. So started going to the dentist and investing in reasonably permanent fixes to my teeth.
Have had a couple of the old really large amalgam fillings removed and replaced with turquoise caps. The mirror image molar of the one that cracked showed strong signs of the same problem, so I got that removed as it wasn't stable enough to act as a base for a cap.
The wisdom tooth stub was a bit of a surprise. Years after the first right rear molar removal, it cut through the gum as it tried to move into the hole. Annoying bouts of minor gum infection around the stub followed. I was warned that it would be a pain to deal with, but that more exposed through the gum it got, the less of a problem it would be to remove.
That was the case – it took about 7 minutes to remove, about 20 minutes to put stitches in to pull the gum together, and a lot of bruising and abrasion on the gum and cheek.
Then about 3 days where I wound up sleeping a lot and in pain when awake. Would have been easier if I could have taken an anti-inflammatory. But because of other meds, that didn't happen. Panadol was my pain relief, and it tends to put me to sleep.
I still have the sheared off molar that still needs a more complex cap which will happen next year along with the very last 1975 era amalgam filling replacement. That should finish off my dentistry long-term maintenance budget. Now that I am officially old, I will probably concentrate on trying to make sure that I don't need major repairs. I certainly don't need cosmetic teeth (and never did).
Dentistry has improved a lot over the last 40+ years. But I'd still go for the preventative approach. Fluoride in water and toothpaste from birth. Way cheaper than spending time at or after dental treatments.