Open mike 27/03/2025
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6:00 am, March 27th, 2025 - 93 comments
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- 2025 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #13
A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 23, 2025 thru Sat, March 29, 2025. This week's roundup is again published by category and sorted by number of articles included in each. The formatting is a ...5 hours ago - Inspired Quill: Anthology Submissions Open
For prospective writers out there, Inspired Quill, the publisher of my novel(s) is putting together a short story anthology (pieces up to 10,000 words). The open submission window is 29th March to 29th April. https://www.inspired-quill.com/anthology-submissions/ The theme?This anthology will bring together diverse voices exploring themes of hope, resistance, and human ...6 hours ago - The untold story of the 2009 defence white paper
Prime minister Kevin Rudd released the 2009 defence white paper in May of that year. It is today remembered mostly for what it said about the strategic implications of China’s rise; its plan to double ...1 day ago - This is not democracy
When National introduced its bullshit "Treaty Principles Bill", the public reacted with outrage. Over 300,000 of us - more than 5% of the entire population of Aotearoa - submitted on the bill, crashing parliamentary servers. But now, National's stooge committee has decided to dump two-thirds of those submissions in the ...2 days ago - Bernard’s Picks ‘n’ Mixes on Saturday, March 29
In short this morning in our political economy:Voters want the Government to retain the living wage for cleaners, a poll shows.The Government’s move to provide a Crown guarantee to banks and the private sector for social housing is described a watershed moment and welcomed by Community Housing Providers.Nicola Willis is ...2 days ago - Updates from Rwanda and the Congo – by Zoom
The recent attacks in the Congo by Rwandan backed militias has led to worldwide condemnation of the Rwandan regime of Paul Kagame. Following up on the recent Fabian Zoom with Mikela Wrong and Maria Amoudian, Dr Rudaswinga will give a complete picture of Kagame’s regime and discuss the potential ...2 days ago - Public-Private-Partnerships?
New Zealand’s economic development has always been a partnership between the public and private sectors.Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) have become fashionable again, partly because of the government’s ambitions to accelerate infrastructural development. There is, of course, an ideological element too, while some of the opposition to them is also ideological.PPPs come in ...2 days ago - Australia’s international spending reveals uneven ambition
How Australia funds development and defence was front of mind before Tuesday’s federal budget. US President Donald Trump’s demands for a dramatic lift in allied military spending and brutal cuts to US foreign assistance meant ...2 days ago
- The imperilled truth and the imperilled Herald
Questions 1. Where and what is this protest?a. Hamilton, angry crowd yelling What kind of food do you call this Seymour?b. Dunedin, angry crowd yelling Still waiting, Simeon, still waitingc. Wellington, angry crowd yelling You’re trashing everything you idiotsd. Istanbul, angry crowd yelling Give us our democracy back, give it ...2 days ago - Northern Australia’s economic revival can support defence readiness
Two blueprints that could redefine the Northern Territory’s economic future were launched last week. The first was a government-led economic strategy and the other an industry-driven economic roadmap. Both highlight that supporting the Northern Territory ...2 days ago
- Climate Change: More subsidies for Tiwai
In December 2021, then-Climate Change Minister James Shaw finally ended Tiwai Point's excessive pollution subsidies, cutting their "Electricity Allocation Factor" (basically compensation for the cost of carbon in their electricity price) to zero on the basis that their sweetheart deal meant they weren't paying it. In the process, he effectively ...2 days ago
- Tamatha Paul’s Pile On Is Unjustified
Green MP Tamatha Paul has received quite the beat down in the last two days.Her original comments were part of a panel discussion where she said:“Wellington people do not want to see police officers everywhere, and, for a lot of people, it makes them feel less safe. It’s that constant ...3 days ago - Trump could make Asia more united
US President Donald Trump has raised the spectre of economic and geopolitical turmoil in Asia. While individual countries have few options for pushing back against Trump’s transactional diplomacy, protectionist trade policies and erratic decision-making, a ...3 days ago
- Friday 28 March
Jobs are on the line for back-office staff at the Department of Corrections, as well as at Archives New Zealand and the National Library. A “malicious actor” has accessed and downloaded private information about staff in districts in the lower North Island. Cabinet has agreed to its next steps regarding ...3 days ago - The Hoon around the week to March 28
3 days ago
- The Browns Bay Bird Poisoner
Hi,As giant, mind-bending things continue to happen around us, today’s Webworm is a very small story from Hayden Donnell — which I have also read out for you if you want to give your sleepy eyes a rest.But first:As expected, the discussion from Worms going on under “A Fist, an ...3 days ago
- Weekly Roundup 28-March-2025
Today’s another Friday, and we are almost at the end of March. Here’s another roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. This week in Greater Auckland On Tuesday, Connor pointed out that people tend to like people-friendly cities. On Wednesday, Matt looked at the stadium proposals, ...3 days ago - To counter China’s coercion of Taiwan, we must track it better
The threat of a Chinese military invasion of Taiwan dominates global discussion about the Taiwan Strait. Far less attention is paid to what is already happening—Beijing is slowly squeezing Taiwan into submission without firing a ...3 days ago
- Good Morning Good Morning
After a while you start to smile, now you feel coolThen you decide to take a walk by the old schoolNothing has changed, it's still the sameI've got nothing to say but it's okaySongwriters: Lennon and McCartney.Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, today, a spectacle you’re probably familiar with: ten ...3 days ago - Bernard’s Picks ‘n’ Mixes on Friday, March 28
In short this morning in our political economy: Chris Bishop attempted to rezone land in Auckland for up to 540,000 new homes last year, but was rejected by Cabinet, NZ Herald’s Thomas Coughlan reports this morning in a front page article.Overnight, Donald Trump put 25% tariffs on all car and ...3 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #13 2025
Open access notables New coasts emerging from the retreat of Northern Hemisphere marine-terminating glaciers in the twenty-first century, Kavan et al., Nature Climate Change: Accelerated climate warming has caused the majority of marine-terminating glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere to retreat substantially during the twenty-first century. While glacier retreat and changes ...3 days ago
- Trump’s critical minerals order may harm Australian interests
US President Donald Trump is certainly not afraid of an executive order, signing 97 since his inauguration on 20 January. In minerals and energy, Trump has declared a national emergency; committed to unleashing US (particularly ...3 days ago
- Is this what government is for?
Aotearoa has an infrastructure shortage. We need schools, hospitals, public housing. But National is dead set against borrowing to fund any of it, even though doing so is much cheaper than the "public-private partnership" model they prefer. So what will National borrow for? Subsidising property developers: The new scheme, ...3 days ago
- Late Capitalism / Early Dystopia FAQ
QUESTION:What's the difference between the National government loosening up the RMA so that developers can decide for themselves what's a good idea or not, and loosening up the building regulations in the early 1990s so that a builder could decide for themselves what was a good idea or not?ANSWER:Well in ...3 days ago - China’s warships reveal more than a need to strengthen the ADF
Last month’s circumnavigation by a potent Chinese naval flotilla sent a powerful signal to Canberra about Beijing’s intent. It also demonstrated China’s increasing ability to threaten Australia’s maritime communications, as well as the entirety of ...3 days ago
- Will Labour take on the oligarchs?
David Parker gave a big foreign policy speech this morning, reiterating the party's support for an independent (rather than boot-licking) foreign policy. Most of which was pretty orthodox - international law good, war bad, trade good, not interested in AUKUS, and wanting a demilitarised South Pacific (an area which presumably ...4 days ago
- Louise Upston ensures beneficiaries can’t pay rent or utilities while Matt Doocey undermines p...
Hi Readers,I’ve been critical of Substack in some respects, and since then, my subscriber growth outside of my network has halted to zero.If you like my work, please consider sharing my work.I don’t control the Substack algorithms but have been disappointed to see ACT affiliated posts on the app under ...4 days ago - Australia’s security architecture must evolve, not regress
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- Big Business
Think you've had enoughStop talking, help us get readyThink you’ve had enoughBig business, after the shakeupLyrics: David Bryne.Yesterday, I saw the sort of headline that made me think, “Oh, come on, this can’t be real.” At this point, the government resembles an evil sheriff in a pantomime, tying the good ...4 days ago - Thursday 27 March
Kiwis working while physically and mentally unwell is costing businesses $46 billion per year, according to new research. The Tertiary Education Commission is set to lose 22 more jobs, following 28 job cuts in April last year. Beneficiaries sanctioned with money management cards will often be unable to pay rent, ...4 days ago
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- NZ missing a primary health care opportunity
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- Bernard’s Picks ‘n’ Mixes on Thursday, March 27
In short: New Zealand is spending just a third of the OECD average on primary health care and hasn’t increased that recently. A slumlord with 40 Christchurch properties is punished after relying on temporary migrant tenants not complaining about holes in the ceiling. Westpac’s CEO is pushing for easier capital ...4 days ago - Australia surveys volatile and unpredictable geoeconomics
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- The five-domains update
Sea state Australian assembly of the first Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) shipsets for the Royal Australian Navy began this month at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland. The ship protection system, ...4 days ago
- The five-domains update
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- Signalling Deliberate Reckless Disregard.
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Australia and other democracies have once again turned to China to solve their economic problems, while the reliability of the United States as an alliance partner is, erroneously, being called into question. We risk forgetting ...5 days ago
- Wednesday 26 March
Machines will take over more jobs at Immigration New Zealand under a multi-million-dollar upgrade that will mean decisions to approve visas will be automated – decisions to reject applications will continue to be taken by staff. Health New Zealand’s commitment to boosting specialist palliative care for dying children is under ...5 days ago
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- Bernard’s Picks ‘n’ Mixes on Wednesday, March 26
In short in our political economy around housing, climate and poverty on March 26:Three Kāinga Ora plots zoned for 17 homes and 900m from Ellerslie rail station are being offered to land-bankers and luxury home builders by agent Rawdon Christie.Chris Bishop’s new RMA bills don’t include treaty principles, even though ...5 days ago - James (Jim) Grenon & Sinead Boucher’s Worlds Affect Us All
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When Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers stood at the dispatch box this evening to announce the 2025–26 Budget, he confirmed our worst fears about the government’s commitment to resourcing the Defence budget commensurate with the dangers ...5 days ago
- It’s time for the ADF to train in Asia-Pacific languages
The proposed negotiation of an Australia–Papua New Guinea defence treaty will falter unless the Australian Defence Force embraces cultural intelligence and starts being more strategic with teaching languages—starting with Tok Pisin, the most widely spoken language in ...5 days ago
- Here is the news at 4.30
Bishop ignores pawnPoor old Tama Potaka says he didn't know the new RMA legislation would be tossing out the Treaty clause.However, RMA Minister Bishop says it's all good and no worries because the new RMA will still recognise Māori rights; it's just that the government prefers specific role descriptions over ...5 days ago - China’s shadow fleet threatens Indo-Pacific communications
China is using increasingly sophisticated grey-zone tactics against subsea cables in the waters around Taiwan, using a shadow-fleet playbook that could be expanded across the Indo-Pacific. On 25 February, Taiwan’s coast guard detained the Hong Tai ...5 days ago
- Improving OIA enforcement
Yesterday The Post had a long exit interview with outgoing Ombudsman Peter Boshier, in which he complains about delinquent agencies which "haven't changed and haven't taken our moral authority on board". He talks about the limits of the Ombudsman's power of persuasion - its only power - and the need ...6 days ago
- A Fist, an American Flag, and Fire
Hi,Two stories have been playing over and over in my mind today, and I wanted to send you this Webworm as an excuse to get your thoughts in the comments.Because I adore the community here, and I want your sanity to weigh in.A safe space to chat, pull our hair ...6 days ago - Tuesday 25 March
A new employment survey shows that labour market pessimism has deepened as workers worry about holding to their job, the difficulty in finding jobs, and slowing wage growth. Nurses working in primary care will get an 8 percent pay increase this year, but it still leaves them lagging behind their ...6 days ago
- Big Gun
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Here’s my selection1 of scoops, breaking news, news, analyses, deep-dives, features, interviews, Op-Eds, editorials and cartoons from around Aotearoa’s political economy on housing, climate and poverty from RNZ, 1News, The Post-$2, The Press−$, Newsroom/$3, NZ Herald/$, Stuff, BusinessDesk/$, Politik-$, NBR-$, Reuters, FT/$, WSJ/$, Bloomberg/$, New York Times/$, Washington Post/$, Wired/$, ...6 days ago - Most people want a people-friendly city
With many of Auckland’s political and bureaucratic leaders bowing down to vocal minorities and consistently failing to reallocate space to people in our city, recent news overseas has prompted me to point out something important. It is extremely popular to make car-dominated cities nicer, by freeing up space for people. ...6 days ago
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- tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753486518085091399.post-2287094456929079731
Chris Trotter is now on Substack visit him at christrotter418256.substack.com ...6 days ago - Australia should work with South Korea to secure undersea cables
South Korea and Australia should enhance their cooperation to secure submarine cables, which carry more than 95 percent of global data traffic. As tensions in the Indo-Pacific intensify, these vital connections face risks from cyber ...6 days ago
- Parliament says “no” to transparency
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- Bolt from the blue: what we know (and don’t know) about the US’s powerful F-47 fighter
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- Yesterday Once More
All my best memoriesCome back clearly to meSome can even make me cry.Just like beforeIt's yesterday once more.Songwriters: Richard Lynn Carpenter / John BettisYesterday, Winston Peters gave a State of the Nation speech in which he declared War on the Woke, described peaceful protesters as fascists, said he’d take our ...7 days ago - Can we now find out who the real Vladimir Putin is?
Regardless of our opinions about the politicians involved, I believe that every rational person should welcome the reestablishment of contacts between the USA and the Russian Federation. While this is only the beginning and there are no guarantees of success, it does create the opportunity to address issues ...7 days ago - The transatlantic world will never be the same
Once upon a time, the United States saw the contest between democracy and authoritarianism as a singularly defining issue. It was this outlook, forged in the crucible of World War II, that created such strong ...7 days ago
- 30% of doctors leave NZ after graduation
A pre-Covid protest about medical staffing shortages outside the Beehive. Since then the situation has only worsened, with 30% of doctors trained here now migrating within a decade. File Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories shortest: The news this morning is dominated by the crises cascading through our health system after ...7 days ago - Monday 24 March
Bargaining between the PSA and Oranga Tamariki over the collective agreement is intensifying – with more strike action likely, while the Employment Relations Authority has ordered facilitation. More than 850 laboratory staff are walking off their jobs in a week of rolling strike action. Union coverage CTU: Confidence in ...7 days ago
- The permanent Australia-China contest in the South Pacific
Foreign Minister Penny Wong in 2024 said that ‘we’re in a state of permanent contest in the Pacific—that’s the reality.’ China’s arrogance hurts it in the South Pacific. Mark that as a strong Australian card ...7 days ago
- Release: Labour backs farmers’ call for better process on GE
Labour shares farmers’ concerns that the Gene Technology Bill is moving too fast. ...4 days ago - Release: Bar still too high for small mental health providers
Small mental health providers will still be locked out of co-funding from the Mental Health Innovation Fund despite a lower threshold. ...4 days ago
- Greens call for Govt to scrap proposed ECE changes
The Green Party is calling for the Government to scrap proposed changes to Early Childhood Care, after attending a petition calling for the Government to ‘Put tamariki at the heart of decisions about ECE’. ...4 days ago - NZ First Introduces Bill That Gives Democracy Back To The People
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill today that will remove the power of MPs conscience votes and ensure mandatory national referendums are held before any conscience issues are passed into law. “We are giving democracy and power back to the people”, says New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters. ...4 days ago - Speech: Navigating the New World (Dis)order in Turbulent Times
Welcome to members of the diplomatic corp, fellow members of parliament, the fourth estate, foreign affairs experts, trade tragics, ladies and gentlemen. ...4 days ago
- Te Pāti Māori Call for Mandatory Police Body Cameras
In recent weeks, disturbing instances of state-sanctioned violence against Māori have shed light on the systemic racism permeating our institutions. An 11-year-old autistic Māori child was forcibly medicated at the Henry Bennett Centre, a 15-year-old had his jaw broken by police in Napier, kaumātua Dean Wickliffe went on a hunger ...4 days ago
- Release: Kiwis lose faith in job market
Confidence in the job market has continued to drop to its lowest level in five years as more New Zealanders feel uncertain about finding work, keeping their jobs, and getting decent pay, according to the latest Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index. ...5 days ago
- Greens question Govt commitment to environmental protection with RMA reform
The Greens are calling on the Government to follow through on their vague promises of environmental protection in their Resource Management Act (RMA) reform. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt must tackle meth use crisis
New data shows methamphetamine use is spiralling out of control while the Government sits on its hands. ...7 days ago
- “Make New Zealand First Again”
“Make New Zealand First Again” Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, thank you for being here today. We know your lives are busy and you are working harder and longer than you ever have, and there are many calls on your time, so thank you for the chance to speak ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt’s continued lack of action on Gaza condemned
Hundreds more Palestinians have died in recent days as Israel’s assault on Gaza continues and humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, is blocked. ...1 week ago
- Release: National at sea over Defence jobs
National is looking to cut hundreds of jobs at New Zealand’s Defence Force, while at the same time it talks up plans to increase focus and spending in Defence. ...1 week ago
- Release: National standards returning by stealth
It’s been revealed that the Government is secretly trying to bring back a ‘one-size fits all’ standardised test – a decision that has shocked school principals. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Kiwis still struggling as economy stumbles along
Kiwis aren’t feeling any better off despite figures showing a very slight growth in GDP in the December quarter. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe
The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison. ...2 weeks ago
- Another failed ETS auction, another indictment on the Govt’s climate credibility
The ETS auction’s failure today is yet another clear sign that the Government is failing us all on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Luxon quick to give away principled position on nukes
Christopher Luxon seems to have thrown New Zealand’s principled anti-nuclear advocacy under a bus. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must act on Israel’s slaughter of children
The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Still no certainty for disability communities
One year on from the Government’s abrupt and callous changes to disability funding, the community still has no idea what the future holds. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party backs volunteer firefighters in their call for ACC recognition
The Green Party stands in support of volunteer firefighters petitioning the Government to step up and change legislation to provide volunteers the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid counterparts. ...2 weeks ago
- Stand Up for Palestine: A Call to Action Against Israels Treacherous Attack
At 2.30am local time, Israel launched a treacherous attack on Gaza killing more than 300 defenceless civilians while they slept. Many of them were children. This followed a more than 2 week-long blockade by Israel on the entry of all goods and aid into Gaza. Israel deliberately targeted densely populated ...2 weeks ago
- MP Views: Living Strong, The Economy, Servicing Our Nation, The Golden Egg, and 4 Year Terms
Living Strong, Aging Well There is much discussion around the health of our older New Zealanders and how we can age well. In reality, the delivery of health services accounts for only a relatively small percentage of health outcomes as we age. Significantly, dry warm housing, nutrition, exercise, social connection, ...2 weeks ago
- Shane Jones has no shame
Shane Jones’ display on Q&A showed how out of touch he and this Government are with our communities and how in sync they are with companies with little concern for people and planet. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National botches health funding numbers
Health Minister Simeon Brown’s claim that the Government has put $16.68 billion into the health system over three years is wrong. ...2 weeks ago
- Government tramples on the rights of disabled migrant children
The Green Party is condemning the Government’s move to tighten access to visas for disabled children. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Auckland needs second harbour crossing
Labour supports Minister Chris Bishop’s call for input on the second Waitematā Harbour crossing. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds’ speech to NZ Investment Summit 2025
I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak to you today about how we make overseas investment work for all New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour does not support PPPs for prisons
Labour does not support the private ownership of core infrastructure like schools, hospitals and prisons, which will only see worse outcomes for Kiwis. ...2 weeks ago
- Dunedin Futures report should be a wake-up call
The newly released report on the South Dunedin Future Programme must be a wake-up call for our Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Members’ Bill makes wage theft a crime
Workers will now be able to go to the Police and report their employer if they are not being paid wages they’re owed. ...3 weeks ago
- Missed opportunity to stop the stealing of Māori land
The Green Party is disappointed the Government voted down Hūhana Lyndon’s member’s Bill, which would have prevented further alienation of Māori land through the Public Works Act. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports sanctions against Israel’s illegal occupation
The Labour Party will support Chloe Swarbrick’s member’s bill which would allow sanctions against Israel for its illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Govt procurement plan cuts wages and trashes the environment
The Government’s new procurement rules are a blatant attack on workers and the environment, showing once again that National’s priorities are completely out of touch with everyday Kiwis. ...3 weeks ago
- Procurement proposals pose risk to people and planet
The Green Party is concerned by the impact the Government’s proposed changes to procurement processes could have on people and planet. ...3 weeks ago
- Just six Government MPs needed to pass Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill
With Labour and Te Pāti Māori’s official support, Opposition parties are officially aligned to progress Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in Palestine. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour’s approach to Māori economy benefits all
Under Labour, the Māori economy went from strength to strength according to the latest report released by MBIE. ...3 weeks ago
- New planning laws to end the culture of ‘no’
The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment, say Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court. “The RMA is broken and everyone knows it. It makes it too hard to build ...6 days ago - New Zealand & India Comprehensive FTA consultation begins
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today launched a public consultation on New Zealand and India’s negotiations of a formal comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. “Negotiations are getting underway, and the Public’s views will better inform us in the early parts of this important negotiation,” Mr McClay says. We are ...7 days ago
- Cost of living support coming for 1.5 million New Zealanders
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Anne puts TINA to bed.
https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/24/anne-salmond-the-emperors-clothes/#comment-335517
If you don’t know what TINA stands for and its origins, then brush up here.
(sigh..!)
..national/coc propose a reactionary/repressive…and most importantly..a deeply illogical/irrational ..roadside drug testing policy …
..and labour rush to vote for it..
F.f.s…!
That’s a load of negative adjectives there. Why don’t you explain why you think these adjectives apply to the Coalition’s Bill that’s now becoming Act. Use as many ellipses as you need but don’t go dotty …
Ok..
…cannabis stays in the system..so a previous days use will give a positive reaction..how to deal with that..?
Those with legal weed will test positive . .so a cop over-rules a doctor..?..since when..? .how to deal with that..?
Cocaine/meth:…the facts of those drugs mean they do not impair driving…they make the users more alert…and arguably improve their road safety..which is why long distance lorry drivers have traditionally used meth…to stop them from falling asleep at the wheel…
But the real howler around this one…is all those people whacked off their tits on prescription meds..which most definitely do impair driving skills..
And so many old people who gobble down their daily dose of multiple uppers/downers/leapers/screamers…
…and then go hop in their cars…
..is that enough irrational/illogical to be getting on with.. ?
And I would love to hear just why labour voted for this dog’s arse piece of legislation.
Quoting Andy Huggins on YouTube…
"The cop came over and handed me the bag with the tube on it. My troubles really started when I inhaled, then passed the bag over to the cop. YOLO"
Doesn't test impairment.
How would that be able to be done? I know of folks that can consume quantities of electric puha that would stupify The Wailers, but can still function adequately.
None of this excuses impaired driving, obviously roads are part of the commons and respect for other road users is paramount.
That doesn't entitled the state to dispossess a citizen of their property and liberty because a 'spit test' picks up presence of cannabinoids in the system.
As to Labour, centrists gotta centrist.
I know people who smoke a lot (or even a little) and believe they're not impaired. That's a feature of cannabis culture.
Have a read of the rules, they kind of make sense. I don't have an opinion on the usefulness of the legislation, still waiting for some good analysis of the actual Bill.
Unless the spit test has improved remarkably ( it hasn't or else they would be telling us), the wider important point stands, you can test positive and not be impaired. (Yesterday's toot.)
it's not an impairment tests as far as I can tell, see my comment here,
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-27-03-2025/#comment-2029748
Define "recent".
I didn't write the rules
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-27-03-2025/#comment-2029757
I tried to add: the extra bullshitty part of this, considering impairment or lack of, is the random stop aspect.
Do the saliva test if there's due cause (forgive me if that's not the local terminology).
I can see this impacting our caramel cousins and to fight it you can pay for a private test to be done.
Did Paula Bennett (P testing industry goddess) consult on the legislation?/sarc.
Here's The Greens on this.
https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20250325_056760000/men%c3%a9ndez-march-ricardo
Menendez sums it up well…
…and I guess we still haven't heard why labour would take the unusual move..of voting in an opposition bill…
.. especially one so fundamentally flawed ..
I'm sure M/PI people will be disporportionately negatively affected, as per usual.
I'm not saying it's a good law, I'm just pointing out that we seem to be arguing without knowing what the law actually intends to do.
The other feature is it convinces users that it's harmless ,has no long term effects on tthe mandatory they're not addicted in some way, unlike drinkers who no it isn't good for them but carry on anyway.
that's interesting, because is it culture or the drug itself that does that? Alcohol is physically addictive in ways that cannabis isn't, so perhaps people that overuse alcohol have a better sense of it because they know what it's like to not be able to stop. Whereas cannabis addiction seems to be more psychological with physical effects, and produces different kinds of downsides that tbf aren't as destructive generally, so maybe the whole chill vibe has lead to the idea that it's not harmful at all.
I'm of 2 minds about this legislation.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556311/concerns-new-drug-driving-testing-could-detect-medication
People who are going to drive drugged (the illegal drugged) are going to drive, the same way some drunk people are going to drive, and laws don't make any difference to them.
But with regards to medical prescriptions-
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/medication/#:~:text=Check%20to%20see%20if%20you,feeling%20drowsy%20or%20sleepy
It's a self-assessment to decide if you're ok to drive or now, and a lot of people can't recognise it, and are also in denial about their limitations. I certainly know that the type of medication I take could affect me driving (moot point because I'm permanently banned anyway). Muscle weakness, slow reaction times for starters. The symptoms they ask you to check aren't always recognisable, so driving seems quite reasonable.
There's a lot of people out there on the roads who are technically impaired by prescription meds and by rights shouldn't be behind the wheel. They are also the types of meds that are unlikely to show up in drug testing, so what do we do?
Lots of social cannabis users drive who now might think twice about it if there are consequences, especially if there are random police stops. It's about lowering overall risk of accidents.
Of course, and I think we can all agree that can only be a good thing. It doesn't help the problem of impairment by prescribed medication.
https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/safety/Alerts/driving-impairment.asp
If a qualifying drug is identified, a medical defence is available for the use of prescription medicines for drug driving offences:
Except a lot of people don't read the caution with driving warning that appears on the patient info leaflets, and too many doctors don't even mention it. In my opinion, people who drive medication-impaired, whether or not they crash, deserve some sort of punishment. I acknowledge my driving ban influences my views on this, people have just got to learn that driving is a privelige, not some god-given right.
I think it is more a case of labour giving a textbook example of the incrementalism that has so blighted them…for so long ..
Being seen to be doing something about something…but not really achieving much at all..
That..and hipkins ongoing lifting of his skirt/flirting with national…around the idea of a grand coalition between the two…
And this legislation is reason number 53 why users should get themselves a script for legal weed ..
..and the standard reply to police should be: 'i will test positive..because I used some of my prescribed medicine yesterday'…
Yup, that'll work…
/
The legislation gives police powers to undertake random roadside saliva tests, similar to drink-driving enforcement.
Drivers who return a positive result will have their saliva sample sent for further laboratory testing. If that subsequent test finds qualifying drugs and an indication of recent use, the drivers would be issued a fine and demerit points.
Two positive roadside tests would be required before a driver is prohibited from driving for 12 hours.
Under changes made at the committee stage, drivers will be able to challenge the result once an infringement notice has been issued following a positive test, by paying a private analyst to test the oral fluid sample.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547547/drug-driving-testing-legislation-passes-despite-concerns
I haven't driven anything since 2010 and frankly that's just as well. Tiredness I found was so damn dangerous – maybe someday they will find an easy way to measure fatigue. Never tried and have no interest in trying meth. I will concede weed affects reaction times but i used to find with the enjoyment of the action of driving the focus on performing the task and absence of aggression to be positives. With alcohol, as well as the physical impairment, the aggression increase and the attacks of leadfoot driving were absolutely the most dangerous.
so long as you have an actual prescription and receipt for purchase.
And then what, dive on, sir? I don't think so because afaik, the law hasn't changed and returning a positive test will be sanctioned despite any actual prescription and receipt for purchase.
dunno, I haven't read the Bill. Have you?
I have and cannabis, actual prescription and receipt for purchase or not, is a qualifying drug.
11A Persons not to drive or attempt to drive while blood contains evidence of, or oral fluid indicates, use of qualifying drug
(1)
A person may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle while—
(a)
the person’s blood contains evidence of use of a qualifying drug (see sections 57A(1) and (2), 57B(1) and (2), and 57C(1) and (2)); or
(b)
the person’s oral fluid indicates use of a qualifying drug (see sections 57A(3), 57B(3), and 57C(3) and (4)).
(2)
A person’s blood contains evidence of use of a qualifying drug if—
(a)
the blood concentration level of a listed qualifying drug exceeds the tolerance level for the drug; or
(b)
the blood contains any level of an unlisted qualifying drug.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), a person’s oral fluid indicates use of a qualifying drug if the results of a first oral fluid test and a second oral fluid test subsequently undergone by the person are positive and indicate the use of the same qualifying drug.
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2022/0005/latest/whole.html
oh good, maybe you can clarify. Does the infringement kick in for any presence of any of the said drugs, or does it have to be a certain level?
@ weka..
I carry a prescription container in my glove box…at all times..
And I urge others to do the same…
It's not going to get you off the hook should you return a positive roadside test.
But it will be the basis to fight it…
.. I'm up for that…
..and I would factor in an anecdote told me by a prescribing doctor…
One of his patients at one love..smoking a large spliff..
..three cops walking towards him…
..one cop asks him if he has a prescription for that..
..he nods ..and the cops didn't even break stride..
..unsure how that factors into all this…
Basis to fight what, driving under the influence of a qualifying drug?
Good luck with that….
a prescription for cannabis? Are you getting high from that?
Nah..!
Just proof of my legal use…
..but I felt ' high' when I got my first script…
..a definite/literal feeling ..
..induced by casting off the shackles of prohibition …
..it felt quite liberating..
..(yet another reason for users to go legal..)
My first response is, do they have they science based research to indicate a sufficiency to prove to the level of driving impairment?
1.alcohol
2.THC
3.amphetamines of various types
MDMA is prescribed for PTSD, others a form of amphetamine for ADHD. If the level of drug presence is not to the level of impairment, it should pass the test.
An irony is that some who use meth now, to remain alert, will be less safe, if tired. Tired truckers and speed are both dangerous.
Some effort to not victimise people, and not make things worse is part of legislative work.
It's nice that we have a new tech device, but …
as far as I can tell it's not a test for impairment, it's a test for recent use,
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547547/drug-driving-testing-legislation-passes-despite-concerns
There is an impairment level for alcohol, why not for others?
It's poor legislation on this ground alone.
Thus those with PTSD and ADHD are going to be messed around with. They do not need this.
If there is not an impairment level standard, it is just a means to identify and punish drug users under "road safety".
It reminds one of tests to block those who smoked at the weekend from working. Now from roads on following days.
This is not road safety legislation, it is a fraud.
The article indicates sufficient reason – harm to so many New Zealanders who would be driving safely – to question the credibility of all those who voted for it.
Because blood alcohol is an easy measurement that correlates closely with impairment. This is not true of other drugs afaik. So the legislation can't be condemned because other drugs aren't the same as alcohol.
@ weka..
But it can be 'condemned' for all the other flaws highlighted in this thread .
..surely…?
you'd have to be more specific.
Comment 2.1.1..
Plus what kay…and others have highlighted..
from 2.1.1.
Is the law going to catch any use, or just above a certain level?
Muck like workplace testing, to an upper limit to account for passive/casual contact.
if your argument is that evidence of recent use isn't sufficient reason to stop someone driving, then I would agree depending on how recent the test is meant to capture. Someone who smoked cannabis yesterday isn't still going to be stoned. So we lack information in this thread.
What 'information' is lacking..?
People will test positive for cannabis up to 72 hrs after consumption…
How in anyone's name is that either logical..or rational…?
what level on testing is deemed sufficient to stable recent and get demerit points?
Dunno the specifics of that..but a heavy session the nite before would likely still read high the next morning..despite the intoxication being long gone..
I'll wait until I know how the process works.
Pithy version
It will do more harm than good and is in breach of civil liberties.
I welcome our Supreme Court indicating its contempt.
here's the legislation if anyone else wants to read it and make sense of the testing.
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2024/0069/latest/whole.html?search=ts_act%40bill%40regulation%40deemedreg_drug_resel_25_a&p=1#LMS965582
sorry, that's the amendment bill, so not very easy to read.
This, just this.
Ash Sarker's analysis goes a long way to explaining the staggering difference in social attitudes between young men and young women.
But it got me thinking – if Labour or the Greens really wanted to reconnect with young men, they'd run an ad series on SM where a guy has an emotional journey from living this kind of life to discovering socially useful work, and turns down a lonely night of working at some flash restaurant to go help out with his local scouts group or whatever.
Haven't watched the link but I will later.
One thing, from yr comment resonates. Males, generally enjoy, acknowledge and are drawn to the idea of something bigger than themselves.
Be that sports teams/ groups, scouting, church etc. All things that have lost value in today's society.
Sarkar is often pithily on the mark. Though I'm not sure her observation is a new one. I remember from long ago the observation (from someone I've forgotten) that young women are validated simply by who they are, while young men are validated only by what they do. Young women can 'be', young men must 'become'. That may be an age-old dynamic, but in the modern world everything and anything can and must be monetised, with corrupting effects. The idea that 'becoming' can be achieved through something other than self-obsession and personal gain – through socially useful work for example – is something to hang on to and promote.
It seems to be true of young men focusing on what they want to become, but it's also true of many young women. Social pressure from media, social media, fashion industry, etc is strongly focused on how young women present visually: thin, young-looking, conventionally feminine rather than being assertive, and/or more butch looking, etc: ie to be looked at rather than to be appreciated for what they are, to be appropriately submissive on many occasions, and on limited ways on what they do: ie should care for others and be less into striving for their own development and success in society.
Social pressure does put more stress on the things men do, giving an idea of what young men are to strive for in terms of individual social, political and employment success.
Was the US Houthi Strike chat group using Signal a bungle or intended? Paul Buchanan at Kiwipolitico poses some interesting points…
https://www.kiwipolitico.com/2025/03/signalling-deliberate-reckless-disregard/
to quote his para #5
“5) There are reports that Signal was used to avoid Freedom of Information ACT (FOI) and Official Records Act (ORA) scrutiny. This was recommended by Project 2025 to eliminate information data that might be considered prejudicial or controversial if made public under the FOI or as part of ORA obligations (since apps like Signal permanently delete conversations once they are closed, so no records of them are kept). Deliberately trying to circumvent the ORA is illegal. Think of the historical precedent: Nixon’s Watergate tapes;”
Thanks for that…
Lefties should have a copy of project 2025…
..as a reference/explainer asset…
White House comms focus on, the invitation to the journalist onto the chat, appears to be the diversion to distract people from noticing.
It's started already. At this rate they can write off the mid-terms as a means of reining in the Trump gang.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-signs-executive-order-requiring-proof-of-citizenship-in-federal-elections/ar-AA1BEvLK
It's birth certificates or passports for ID. Otherwise birth certificates and drivers licenses (state photo ID if they have no drivers license). Or birth certificates, marriage certificate (change of name) and drivers licenses.
A passport does it all in one, but most Americans do not have one.
It’s bureaucratic obstructionism.
I'd be more worried about mail in voting restraint* (subsequent reduction in options for early voting in targeted areas and also fewer voting booths on the day will follow).
Taking over US Post and mail in votes having to be received by election day*.
That many Americans have to vote on a day they are required to work is the kicker here.
Blatant voter suppression.
Dr Hugo Z Hackenbush
@MangyLover
Remember when the far right Heritage Foundation found only 193 official findings of mail in voter fraud. In 30 years. Out of 250 million?
https://x.com/MangyLover/status/1853562227543937068
https://electionfraud.heritage.org/
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-voting-elections-executive-order/
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-anti-voting-order-draws-furious-pushback/
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/with-new-order-trump-tries-to-kill-off-vote-by-mail/
Remember, during one election speech, Trump promised the audience, vote for me this time, and you’ll never have to vote again.
Yep..!
The coup will be going down before the mid-terms…
Hence the urgency with which trump is filling all areas of gummint/military with his supporters..
He already has the supreme court stacked with those who support him…
So…a bit of civil unrest…a state of emergency declared by trump…then military rule/elections suspended…
That’s how ya do it…
That is exactly the way I see it happening. Get the (non-MAGA) population angry, to the point of physical violence, and voila martial law.
I predict mid-2026.
Also add ex-prisoners, who have a labrynthine process to re-register, and who have been incorrectly prosecuted for alleged voter fraud.
With the disproportionately high incarceration rate for african-americans, this is another example of systemic racism via disenfranchisment.
Realistically, most of the people being described as 'disenfranchised' don't actually vote.
And, the argument about it preventing criminals from voting, is unlikely to be seen as a problem by the vast majority of the population (a crim is a crim, even when they're released from jail.)
It may go down well with the left-wing intelligensia – but they're already in agreement with you. It will leave the right wing and centre, entirely unmoved.
The majority of the US voting population (as in the people currently registered to vote, and who regularly do vote) – don't see a problem with turning up with ID. They might grumble a little about the 'bureaucracy' – but it's not even a significant inconvenience for them. Especially if its presented as a patriotic duty to prevent criminal non-citizens voting [Yes, yes I know, the numbers who've actually done so are minuscule, but it's the message which is being sold]
You might have greater success by attacking the law on patriotic grounds. 'No government can tell me that I have to have a stinkin' piece of paper to vote in this man's America'
But, even if they won on this issue, would the Democrats actually be better off at the polls? I seriously doubt it. And they'll have used up a lot of political capital to get there.
It's a political distraction.
That
1.democrats can only win the House with a majority of the popular vote is down to gerrymandering.
2.exploiting the movement of those who rent (within areas) to remove people from rolls has more impact on those registered as democrats
3.limiting booths in some areas with more registered democrats
4.limiting early voting
5.obstructing mail in voting
6.requiring people to vote on a working day
it is not to distract democrats, but to let them know that the GOP prefer a system that is deliberately unfair to their opponents.
Like blocking an Obama nomination to SCOTUS for a year.
None of that is changed by this new legislation.
And, clearly, it wasn't sufficiently important to the Dems when they were in government during the last several administrations, to fix. So it can't be a major concern for them.
The executive order includes restrictive rules for mail in voting.
Democrats at federal level cannot change state practice, without GOP buy in.
I don't see what your argument is. Are you complaining that some states have Republican leadership, and therefore wouldn't (in the future) follow a Democratic federal lead?
Surely the same would hold true for the current situation, where Democratic states can choose not to follow a Republican federal lead.
Or is it that it's only Trump who has thought to issue executive orders?
Of course, now the principle has been established, future Democrat Presidents can follow suit.
It seems incredibly unlikely that dropping the mail in option, is going to significantly change the voting balance.
Taking California, for example, a heavy mail-voting state. Over half the registered voters are Democrats, while only 25% (and dropping) are Republicans. It would require heroic levels of voter disenfranchisement to change the Senate/Congress results at mid-terms or full elections.
The idea of a POTUS trying to advantage their party keeping control of the House at the half-term in this way, is unique.
It is a bit like the McConnell blocking the POTUS 44 nomination of Garland to SCOTUS in 2016.
An original corruption.
Other can follow it and make it bi-partisan, is that your view?
I don't see any serious attempt to leverage the vote.
1. The vast majority of the people that *may* be disenfranchised, currently don't vote.
2. The States like California, which have large percentages of mail-in votes – are not swing States. Even the most pessimistic view of the outcome of this legislation, doesn't envisage that it will turn California Red!
3. If it turns out that 'ordinary' US voters (many of whom are Republicans) are unable to vote (which seems highly unlikely ATM) – the Republican Party would be taking swift action to protect their voting base.
It's a storm in a teacup.
While I don't think that the changes are necessary (I don't think there has been significant vote fraud in the US for decades) – the changes are relatively harmless to actual voters. And the more frothing outrage that the Democrats engage in over criminals not being able to vote, the more centrists they alienate; and the more bandwidth they consume with issues which don't matter to swing voters.
This is not a losing strategy for Trump.
Focusing on the economic impacts of things like his tariffs – is a much more effective strategy for the Democrats.
And, yes, I think that the door to executive authority that Trump has opened, won't be easily closed. It will be used by Democrats in the future.
Bomber rightly criticises the local Zionist org: https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/03/27/the-israel-institute-of-nz-and-their-definition-of-anti-semitism-must-be-challenged/
Caring folk get to be made fearful by means of a trendy label, so they will end up too scared to adopt an sjw stance in public life. Tedium threatens, you may respond; the syndrome they use as propaganda tool has been effective for years (it destroyed Corbyn).
I think both left and right politicians are too scared to tell the truth about Israelis & Palestinians both being mostly semitic. Pretending that the commonality doesn't exist keeps everyone safe from reality. Trump used `alternative facts' to invoke this collective imaginal realm but partisan grouping in such mental clouds usually accomplishes little other than solidarity in your favourite part. Common ground works better for progress.
The government chose Rainbow as head Commissioner overseeing the HRA, despite or because of his epic rant about McCully over the UNSC Resolution in Dec 2016.
By the way the other person critical of it was Winston Peters, but on the grounds of not having been formally decided at a Cabinet n meeting.
The Greens have called it genocide….. don't they count Dennis?
Have they informed the media that its one bunch of semites doing genocide on another bunch of semites? I expect not! It would help folks to reframe on all these spurious claims of one side being antisemitic if they did so. Semites claiming other semites are antisemitic would reduce such behaviour to a farce in the public mind.
Then we could all move on, because the Israelis would pick up on the ebb tide of sympathy and figure that they'd better get real to earn respect. They've been riding on that holocaust victim thing for too long already.
A Venezuelan gang invaded the USA, and now leftists have combined with judges to stop Trump ejecting them: https://www.pahomepage.com/hill-politics/appeals-court-wont-lift-boasbergs-order-blocking-alien-enemies-act/
Seems like he didn't call them Maduro agents – a missed pr opportunity. If it goes to the Supreme Court next, I expect the SC will focus on the war thing. Has Trump actually declared war on illegal immigrants? If not, no such war exists. The US govt's war on drugs is analogous: a bipartisan success story now in its 56th year of operation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_drugs
So the SC would have to decide to support the leftist view that the gang invasion was imaginary or the rightist view that it was real.
So the SC would have to decide to support the leftist view that
the gang invasion was imaginary or the rightist view that it was realdue process should be followed to avoid legitimate asylum seekers like Andry Hernandez being caught up in the magat fever-dream and being sent to El Salvadorian mega prison despite having no gang affiliation.fify
//
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/venezuelan-asylum-seeker-deported-sent-to-el-salvador-mega-prison/3662760/
In an ideal world, a Supreme Court decision ought to address all primary dimensions of any issue it addresses for both moral and economic reasons (don't avoid one just to be economic or it will return to clog up the justice system).
btw, if you're interested in the challenges to tRump's executive orders etc.
This public resource tracks legal challenges to Trump administration actions. If you think we are missing anything, you can email us at lte@justsecurity.org. Special thanks to Just Security Student Staff Editors Anna Braverman, Isaac Buck, Rick Da, Charlotte Kahan, and Jeremy Venook, and to Matthew Fouracre and Nour Soubani.
The Tracker is part of the Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of the Trump Administration’s Executive Actions. Readers may also be interested in signing up for our free Early Edition roundup of news and our end-of-day newsletter with Just Security articles from the day (We respect your privacy. We do not use your email address for any other purpose except to automatically send you the requested email.)
The Tracker was first published on Jan. 29, 2025 and is continually updated. Last updated March 27, 2025.
https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/
Wow, I'm impressed! T can boast to the public that he's giving the legal system a thorough work-out. Involved judges will soon be complaining that they've got muscles in their head that they didn't even know they had!
For the circuses section, the Guardian interviews Marlon Williams on his new album in Te Reo Māori. There's a doco due in May on its production, too. Love Marlin's voice, and song writing.
If you don't know who he is, try his duet with Aldous Harding, in the video list here, where they sing about their breakup.
He's coming to Palmy. The Regent
We got tkts a couple of weeks ago.
Very Excite.
Oh dear another addiction to worry about
https://futurism.com/the-byte/chatgpt-dependence-addiction
I can report that my middle-aged daughter & Italian husband (they live in Rome) both switched from averse sceptic to enthusiastic user in recent months. The tool gave them impressive career-facilitating advice (they have different careers) that in each case was specific to their (separate) situations.
She told me you just log onto their website and use it for free, said I ought to check it out. I admit to coasting into the slow lane when I retired a decade ago but I've been reading multiple books continuously since the late '80s so I'll likely encompass the gizmo sometime soon…
I am currently working on a daily news bulletin concept…curated by me…assisted by AI…
As someone who spent a decade making news stories for TVNZ long ago, I have an interest in your operational design. In principle, I reckon leftist entrepreneurs are a sub-species deserving of help due to being so rare. I admit my approval would depend on the interface style & media content selection but I suspect you'll go for younger folk than me so that's irrelevant eh?
I will be aiming at all ages… intelligence being the only criteria heh .!
..and basically doing an upgrade on what I did for quite awhile @ whoar co.nz…
A curation of the local/international news of the day..
..but also much much more..involving entertainment/music etc etc…
I see the presenter being voiced by me…but the imagery being the depiction of me when young ..done for me by Chris Knox…bless him..!
I am seeking software that will enable me to sit to present…but the imagery will be that cartoon…a talking cartoon…. synched to what I am saying..and an image that can live on…(Hat tip to max headroom..)
..and will also operate as an open door training option..
I think the concept will work well on the various options available..and a large viewership will earn a lot of money…but as significantly will be a voice presenting that essential viewpoint ..
I repeat…this will be a not for profit..I am not doing this for personal wealth..
..I want something that has the best chance of carrying on after me..
..and it will be configured that the board can toss me out should they choose..
..I expect to earn my role ..on an ongoing basis ..
That's the bare bones of where I am at the moment..
Hope that clarifies what I intend..
Hey that all seems excellent as a vision outline & operational scenario.
Max Headroom was always well-conceived, well-written and presented too. Chris Knox became a close friend of my 2nd wife after Toy Love played a gig at our night-club (The Squeeze) in summer/autumn 1980.
We watched him do the thing with the broken beer bottle jagged edge down his fore-arm till the blood ran out in various dribbles during a song but I wasn't a fan (older generation chasm). However she's told me enough about him since (they both lived near each other in Grey Lynn for years) that I know he could be a suitable role model for quirky style…
Nothing wrong with a media op making a profit btw, since the common interest lies in how it gets shared around, and I like your prioritising of continuance as part of the design. Inter-generational sharing is what folks need to develop more nowadays, but it ain't easy.
Chrs…!
Heh ..!.. it's developed further over the course of the evening,…
It's a wonderful thing…the mind…the mind's eye…
Calls for some commission to investigate fluoride.
No new information would result, just an examination of information from abroad.
The issue of because of a new policy to have it in water supply nationwide.
Europe's use is voluntary. Fluoride is naturally present at low levels in most drinking water in England and Wales. Germany for example
AI
Most nations that provide it with drinking water reduced it towards the level to those with the lowest ones historically (Ireland and Singapore) – 0.5.
The USA is currently at 0.7 (not compulsory 60-70% coverage).
Our rate is still the historic one, at 0.7 to 1.0, which is high, we should have gone to 0.5-0.7 when making it nationwide.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/26/rotorua-water-to-be-fluoridated-by-friday-deadline/
National will do nothing and let NZF campaign on freedom of councils to decide, to remain in parliament.
A referenda
a in all water, or not.
b in all water at the current rate or 0.5-0.7 or 0.5
c in water as councils decide.