Author Archive
Known Knowns and All the Other Ones
Written By: - Date published: 12:49 am, January 4th, 2020 - 6 comments
We cannot know everything and our only option is to trust others who know stuff that we don’t.
It Is the Thought That Counts
Written By: - Date published: 12:33 am, December 28th, 2019 - 70 comments
Antagonistic personalities are an obstacle to effective politics tackling major present problems.
MMP Mark II*
Written By: - Date published: 11:57 pm, December 25th, 2019 - 24 comments
What beats MMP? Open-list proportional representation with a low threshold would be a good option.
Democratisation by Social Media and the Internet Is Just Meaningless Waffle
Written By: - Date published: 1:35 pm, December 24th, 2019 - 22 comments
Social Media and the Internet are literally in our faces 24/7 but our political engagement is diminishing.
Two Referendums Too Many
Written By: - Date published: 1:32 pm, November 16th, 2019 - 50 comments
The referendums on two contentious issues could cloud and crowd out the General Election.
Smells Like Stale Male Spirit
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, August 18th, 2019 - 92 comments
We live in a rich and diverse society but this is not reflected in our local government.
Dinosaurs Fight Extinction Rebellion
Written By: - Date published: 12:46 am, July 17th, 2019 - 181 comments
Dinosaurs are speeding up our extinction.
Simon Bridges Going Blue in the Face Barking at Green Cars
Written By: - Date published: 3:48 pm, July 14th, 2019 - 51 comments
Simon Bridges is barking madly at green cars.
Toll by Stealth
Written By: - Date published: 4:17 pm, July 13th, 2019 - 51 comments
A tunnel is like a wormhole to another dimension. It changes people’s behaviour ever so slightly, ever so briefly, without them realising.
Politics is like a Traffic Jam
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 9th, 2019 - 45 comments
Traffic jams are frustrating, waste time and money, have no cause or purpose, and they are all the same.
The Attack of the Snowflakes
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 4th, 2019 - 119 comments
National is playing the innocent victim of Budgetgate whilst being the aggressive attacker all along.
Politicians Don’t Know Jack
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, June 3rd, 2019 - 63 comments
Politicians rely on information provided to them, not on an encyclopaedic memory and an IQ of a genius.
Beware of Truth Sayers
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 2nd, 2019 - 21 comments
We don’t all have to know all the facts and admitting ignorance is no shame but a virtue.
Same old dirty National
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 30th, 2019 - 179 comments
National is still embedded in Dirty Politics.
Hate Speech Is an Evitable Evil
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 19th, 2019 - 72 comments
Online behaviour like any other behaviour can be modified but this will not happen by itself.
This Could Happen To You
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 6th, 2019 - 58 comments
For some reason, this story struck a nerve. An 80-year old had his 59-year career terminated by an impersonal e-mail from a faceless manager. Ironically, the manager on his public LinkedIn profile likes a post entitled “Treat a janitor with the same respect as the CEO”. Isn’t it sad that we now treat people as […]
Everything Should Be Made As Uncomfortable As Possible, But No Less Comfortable
Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, April 24th, 2019 - 26 comments
When providing a voluntary carbon-offset scheme, make it as simple as possible, but not simpler, and tell people about it.
Kiwi Cultural Cringe is Alive and Well
Written By: - Date published: 4:00 pm, April 22nd, 2019 - 75 comments
New Zealand is too small for high-achievers and star-performers and does not offer enough challenges and rewards.
Don’t Rock The Titanic!
Written By: - Date published: 2:41 pm, April 19th, 2019 - 31 comments
The pace of politics of transformation is glacial but it is unstoppable.
Reflections on Free Speech and Public Discourse
Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 15th, 2019 - 119 comments
Silencing dissonant voices only leads to more and stronger dissonant voices and further radicalisation.
Are We Expecting Too Much Of Our Political Leaders?
Written By: - Date published: 11:12 pm, April 8th, 2019 - 122 comments
Political leaders must have expert knowledge on many topics and near-perfect recall. No naps allowed and no room for error.
Simon Bridges is rooting for the Greens*
Written By: - Date published: 4:12 pm, March 9th, 2019 - 28 comments
Simon Bridges makes a passionate plea for the environment and for a mate.
MAFS National Style*
Written By: - Date published: 10:32 am, March 3rd, 2019 - 61 comments
National is grooming the voters for another dirty ACT.
CGT as a Charitable Donation
Written By: - Date published: 12:44 pm, March 2nd, 2019 - 31 comments
Treat CGT like a semi-voluntary donation and give people a say in how it is spent.
The Big Operation
Written By: - Date published: 12:26 pm, February 23rd, 2019 - 19 comments
A life changing operation is a big decision and there are no easy answers.
The NZ National Party is the Wizard of Oz
Written By: - Date published: 2:57 pm, February 16th, 2019 - 32 comments
The National Party is a sad, confused, slightly dazed white old man behind the curtain.
Upset by Offset
Written By: - Date published: 7:23 am, February 7th, 2019 - 52 comments
Life is not simply a zero-sum game in which bad behaviour can be offset with good deeds.
The Power of Anger
Written By: - Date published: 8:13 am, January 28th, 2019 - 75 comments
Anger can be a great catalyst for change if used wisely.
An Ineffectual Opposition Is Bad News
Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 28th, 2018 - 42 comments
An ineffectual Opposition creates a vacuum that will be filled by the Mainstream and Social Media as they will assume the role of unelected and non-representative opposition in effectuo.
What are we waiting for?
Written By: - Date published: 11:47 am, October 20th, 2018 - 66 comments
We seem to be waiting for something? But what is it?
Fighting for a just cause is empowering
Written By: - Date published: 8:49 am, October 8th, 2018 - 29 comments
A purpose in life is an awesome Force of Nature.
- Snakeflu?! An intriguing source suggested for new Chinese coronavirus
The whole world is on edge over a coronavirus outbreak that started in early December in Wuhan City, China. The virus is thought to have first infected people working at a seafood and live animal market. So what could the original source have been? There’s no official word yet, but ...1 hour ago - Simon’s Philippine jaunt: #LittleBoysPlayingToughguys
Not too far back, Simon Bridges the Leader of the Opposition and National Party, went on an excursion to China. This was arranged not by MFAT (NZ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), but by their MP Jian Yang – a man who also just happened to “forget to mention” ...4 hours ago - Will Turia ever forgive Labour?
Dame Tariana Turia with former PM John KeyWhat is it about Tariana Turia’s grudge against the Labour Party? Not content with attacking the Government over Whānau Ora funding, which was increased by $80 million in 2019, she has now made it personal by saying that Jacinda Ardern is out of her ...11 hours ago - What are the recent fluoride-IQ studies really saying about community water fluoridation?
Scaremongering graphic currently being promoted by Declan Waugh who is well known for misrepresenting the fluoride science This graphic is typical of current anti-fluoride propaganda. It is scare-mongering, in that it is aimed at undermining community ... 16 hours ago- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #3, 2020
Biography of a policy metric Bård Lahn performs a sweeping literature review to present the history of our notion of a "global carbon budget" and how this number has come to encapsulate a massive amount of scientific research into a useful, easily grasped tool in our policy skill set. A ...19 hours ago- Oxfam Report: Time to Care – Unpaid and underpaid care work and the global inequality crisis
January 2020 Economic inequality is out of control. In 2019, the world’s billionaires, only 2,153 people, had more wealth than 4.6 billion people. This great divide is based on a flawed and sexist economic system that values the wealth of the privileged few, mostly men, more than the billions of ...1 day ago- How to avoid being a cunt to hospo workers’
Working hospo is hard mahi for many reasons, from long hours and gruelling high-volume weekends to customers who treat us as their servants. There are always lovely and polite customers who treat hospo workers with respect and kindness but, throughout my 15-years in the biz, I’ve collected a number of ...1 day ago- 2019-nCoV (the new coronavirus): Should we be concerned, and will there be a vaccine?
Probably yes to both but don’t panic yet. There is a plan. What is this virus? 2019 novel coronavirus, aka 2019-nCoV, belongs to a family of viruses called coronavirus. These are very common viruses that infect a wide range of animals including humans and can cause mild to severe disease, ...1 day ago- The Chinese coronavirus outbreak: what are the options for vaccines and treatments?
By now you’ve probably heard of the coronavirus outbreak that started in Wuhan City, China. The number of cases is rising, up to about 300 with six deaths. Cases have been reported in several more Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. ...1 day ago- Educating New Zealand’s future workforce
Judy Kavanagh Do you remember your first day at school? The education I received was for a very different world than the world of today. Along with huge social shifts there have been big changes in the New Zealand economy and the work people do. There are occupations unheard of ...1 day ago- A casual attitude towards transparency
Back in December, when the government was introducing new secrecy legislation on an almost daily basis, I posted about the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Bill. The Bill establishes a new class of public entity, "special purpose vehicles", which collect and spend public money and enjoy statutory powers. Despite this, they ...1 day ago- Against a carbon bailout
If we are to avoid making the planet uninhabitable, we need to cut carbon emisisons fast. Which basicly means putting the fossil fuel industry - coal, gas, and oil - out of business. But this means that the banks and other lenders who have bankrolled the industry's environmental destruction will ...1 day ago- Still a criminal industry
More evidence that the fishing industry suffers from pervasive criminality, with Forest & Bird highlighting some odd numbers in the annual statistics:The Annual Review Report For Highly Migratory Species Fisheries 2018/19 (Pg 4, Table 4) showed only 4% of commercial long lining trips for tuna and swordfish reported non-fish bycatch ...1 day ago- Controversy? Or Manufactroversy?
A few days ago, New Zealand’s Minister of Education announced the wider release of a resource on climate change, which was initially trialled at a Christchurch school during 2018. According to the Minister, children will learn about “the role science plays in understanding climate change, aids understanding of both the response ...2 days ago- The emerging coronavirus outbreak in China
By now you’ve probably heard of the new virus causing an outbreak of severe pneumonia in China. The question on most people’s minds is, how worried should we be, especially as hundreds of millions of people will soon be travelling across China and beyond to visit family for the Lunar ...2 days ago- How did climate change get so controversial?
An excerpt from the book Cranky Uncle vs. Climate Change, released Feb 25. Our human brain is poorly equipped to deal with a threat like climate change. Over millions of years, we’ve evolved to avoid life-threatening dangers like predators jumping out of bushes. We’ve survived by quickly detecting and avoiding immediate, short-term ...2 days ago- Farmers are ruining Canterbury’s rivers
Its summer, so people naturally want to go for a swim. But in South Canterbury, you can't, because the rivers are full of toxic goo:As of Monday, the Waihi River at Wilson Street footbridge, Geraldine, the Waihao River at Bradshaws Bridge, and three spots on the Opihi River - at ...2 days ago- Sack Shane Jones
Late last year, NZ First was caught trying to enrich itself from public office, with a dodgy forestry company linked to a number of NZ First figures sticking its hand out repeatedly for government money. Regional Economic Development Minister shane Jones' "explanations" were patently unconvincing, and his recusal from deciding ...2 days ago- BIG idea physics
This morning I’ve been having a quick look through some documentation from The Ministry of Education on proposed changes to NCEA Level 1 Science. For those not familiar with the NZ secondary education system, a typical student would complete NCEA level 1 at the end of year 11. In this ...3 days ago- Revolution in New Zealand? Not Even Close!
No Fires Thanks, We're Kiwis: For the moment, in those close-to-home places where revolutions are born, there may be tetchiness and resentment, frustration and complaint, but nowhere is anybody uttering the cry that will bring a New Zealand revolution into being: “We have found the way to make tomorrow better ...3 days ago- 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #3
Story of the Week... Editorial of the Week... Toon of the Week... Quote of the Week... Graphic of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Climate Feedback Claim Reviews... SkS Week in Review... Poster of the Week... Story of the Week... 'It's heart-wrenching': 80% of Blue Mountains and 50% of ...4 days ago- Britain exits the European Union and takes a sharp right turn
by John Smith Britain’s exit from the imperialist bloc known as the European Union (EU) is now irreversible. The crushing electoral defeat of the Labour Party has dismayed many workers and youth who had placed their hopes in Jeremy Corbyn, its left-wing leader. This article assesses these historic events, neither of which ...4 days ago- 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #3
A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week, i.e., Sun, Jan 12, 2020 through Sat, Jan 18, 2020 Editor's Pick The Past and the Future of the Earth’s Oldest Trees Bristlecone pines have survived various catastrophes over the millennia, and they ...5 days ago- How climate change influenced Australia’s unprecedented fires
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections, and has been adapted into a new myth rebuttal on climate-wildfire connections with the short URL sks.to/wildfires Australia’s frightening bushfires, which kicked off an early fire season in September 2019, have already had cataclysmic effects, and the continent is still just in the early ...5 days ago- Gender Identity Ideology – A Partial Bibliography of Online Coverage
This great resource has been contributed to Redline by Janie Doebuck. Janie made some notes on the bibliography: 1) It is by no means exhaustive. There are tons more gender critical posts, essays, articles, podcasts, youtube videos, etc. online. 2) There are links in the bibliography that are behind paywalls. There ...6 days ago- About those biased Oscar Nominations
There’s been a lot written about the 2020 Oscar Nominations and their apparent lack of diversity. It’s true, there are in fact no women nominated for the Best Director and very few nominees of colour across the board. But is this a result of a biased process or a symptom ...6 days ago- How New Zealand media reports chronic pain
Hemakumar Devan Around three million New Zealanders access news media (both paper and online) every week. Yes, you heard that right! So, the potential for news media to shape public health beliefs is common sense. As chronic pain affects one in five New Zealanders, we wanted to find out how ...7 days ago- Still Waiting For American Democracy.
Unfinished Republic: Though the United States' crimes against democracy are legion, most Americans are blissfully unaware of them. The brutal realities of American life: the officially sanctioned violence; the refusal to hold racists accountable for their actions; the seemingly endless tragedy of African-American suffering; of which White America is the ...7 days ago- In Outrage Over Its Bunk Science, Goop Finds Fuel for Growth
Michael Schulson For years, experts have said that Goop, the wellness and lifestyle brand founded by the actor and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow, markets pseudoscience and overblown cures. And for years, despite the criticism, Goop has just kept growing. Now the company, which was valued at $250 million in 2018, ...1 week ago- Tobacco Excise Taxes and the Smokefree 2025 Goal: Some Ways Forward
Janet Hoek, Richard Edwards, George Thomson, Andrew Waa, Nick Wilson Debate over tobacco tax increases has intensified as research indicates potentially conflicting policy directions. On the one hand, excise tax increases continue to stimulate quit attempts among smokers yet, on the other hand, they may lead to financial hardship for ...1 week ago- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #2, 2020
Conflation and how to fix it VIa AMS, Raul Lejano looks at what in a layperson's thinking would be called conflation— confusion and blending of entirely different topics— when people think about climate change. Ideology and the Narrative of Skepticism (open access) starts with some arguably frightening false connections between the science and ...1 week ago- ‘Cranky Uncle’ smart phone game will show you how to disarm climate deniers
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bud Ward (Image: Courtesy of John Cook) When it comes to climate change, it seems every family has its own version of the proverbial Cranky Uncle. An uncle, cousin, grandparent, in-law, neighbor, whatever. Just think back to the recent holiday season’s large ...1 week ago- Science in the ’20s – part 1
Outrageous, immoral or downright dangerous. That’s a description of the lifestyle of women “flappers” in the 1920s. Could it apply to science (and scientists) in the 2020s? Actually, you could look back at the past decade and see those, or similar terms, used about some science and scientists. Sometimes ...1 week ago- Postscript: Citizenship Granted.
I am pleased to say that I have been granted NZ citizenship. I need to do the ceremony for things to be official, but the application was a success. I now join my son as a dual NZ-US citizen. To be fair, very little will change other than the fact ...1 week ago- Hard News: Music: Morales is coming
It will be no secret to longtime readers that I, Russell Brown, love the disco. So I'm pretty excited by the fact that one of the greats of the game is returning this summer – and also pleased to say I have tickets to give away.Legendary mixer and DJ ...1 week ago- The WHO Vaccine Safety Summit – from someone who was actually there
The conspiracy I saw a new conspiracy theory flying around the other day. According to the conspiracy (that seems to originate from Del Bigtree), the World Health Organization have been ‘caught on camera’ questioning the safety of vaccines. Gosh this sounds as though someone was a mole at a ...1 week ago- The timely death of the British Labour Party
Below is an article submitted to Redline by Alec Abbott At its inception, the British Labour Party was a vehicle for the propagation of racist and imperialist views within the working-class. Such views are still widespread in the party, as they are in Europe’s Social-Democratic parties, though, in the case of ...1 week ago- Mystery China pneumonia outbreak likely caused by new human coronavirus
Connor Bamford, Queen’s University Belfast Since December 2019, there has been a cluster of 59 cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, eastern China. The pneumonia is associated with a previously unidentified coronavirus related to the deadly SARS virus. Seven of those cases are thought to be serious, and one person – ...1 week ago- Yes, koalas are cute – but should we bring them to NZ? Errm, no
It’s been hard to miss the extreme fires raging across Australia and the tragic plight of the animals – human and otherwise – affected by the fires’ insatiable spread. I know I’ve been captivated and concerned by the tales of how Australia’s famous wildlife has been coping. Koalas approaching cyclists ...1 week ago- National’s negative campaigning
Anybody who looked into the Dirty Politics saga knows all too well that honesty is often in short supply within the National Party. You would think that after the exposure the John Key government received over their untruthful attack politics, the National Party would learn from its "mistakes" and leave ...1 week ago- Ending the government’s charade over water
For the past decade, the government has been responding to the obvious Treaty issues raised by water allocation with the mantra that "no-one owns water". But last year, the Waitangi Tribunal ruled that actually, Māori owned it, and that those rights had never been extinguished. They recommended that iwi bring ...1 week ago- Northern Ireland joins the civilised world
Same-sex marriage has finally become legal in Northern Ireland. But not through any decision of the Northern Irish Executive or Assembly, which has only just reformed after a three year walkout by the DUP; instead, Westminster made that decision for them. I've talked before about the constitutional impropriety of this, ...1 week ago- I had an intense conversation at work today.
Claire Cohen-Norris volunteers with Citizens Climate Lobby as a chapter founder and leader in rural New York. Her climate advocacy sprung from her drive to provide a secure, joyful and fulfilling life for her two wonderful children. It has become a life’s mission, shared with her like-minded husband and partner. Claire ...1 week ago- French transport workers take on Macron over pension reform
by John Edmundson Starting on December 5th, 2019 workers in the Parisian rail network commenced an open-ended strike in opposition to French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed changes to their pension scheme. Rail workers in the Metro Underground have, for decades, had retirement conditions that compensate them for the low wages, ...1 week ago- What a difference the decimal point makes
I’m back at work following a nearly three-week break over Christmas. We were fortunate to be offered a house to stay in for a week over Christmas, which enabled us to have a holiday in Dunedin and see the extended family reasonably cheaply. But the house came with a catch: ...2 weeks ago- Who’s Going To Stop Him?
Blank And Pitiless: Having ordered the assassination of the Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani, President Donald Trump promised to reduce the cultural monuments of Iran’s 3,000 year-old civilisation to rubble if a revenge attack was mounted. A breach of international law? Certainly. A war crime? Indisputably. Who’s going to stop him? Nobody.WHAT ...2 weeks ago- A worker’s story
This interview is from Aotearoa Workers Solidarity Movement (AWSM) and is the first of an ongoing series of interviews they plan to do with workers from various sectors who are having their well being and livelihoods damaged. They begin with an educator in Southland. Due to the attitude and actions ...2 weeks ago- 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #2
A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week, i.e., Sun, Jan 5, 2020 through Sat, Jan 11, 2020 Editor's Pick Debunked Australian Bushfire Conspiracy Theories Were Pushed by Alex Jones, Murdoch Media As unusually intense and widespread bushfires have ...2 weeks ago- J.K. Rowling, the Seattle Library, and the Issue That Must Not Be Named
This article was submitted to Redline by Seattle-based activist Lucinda Stoan J.K. Rowling recognizes repression when she sees it. That’s why the author of the wildly popular Harry Potter books recently tweeted in defense of Maya Forstater. Forstater lost her job for stating that sex is real and immutable. A judge ...2 weeks ago- Rules of Empire: Laws simply do not apply and “National Security” excuses all else.
Empires rise and fall, and the American Empire is absolutely no different. But while an Empire, in order to further the footprint, it seems to pay to do one primary thing above all else: project that everything – everything – is “simply for the good of the world” at large, ...2 weeks ago- Indian lessons for NZ workers – the January 8 general strike
by Phil Duncan On Wednesday (January 8) another massive general strike took place in India. Some 250 million industrial workers, white-collar workers, agricultural labourers struck against the government’s economic policies and attacks on the Muslim population through new proposed citizenship rules. This ...2 weeks ago- Climate Change: The action that counts
Over on Newsroom, Professor Jacqueline Beggs writes about the action she is taking on climate change. Its the usual list: reduce meat, don't fly, consume less. I'm doing some of this myself, and none of it hurts - but the way our economic system is constructed means the impact of ...2 weeks ago- Fossil fuel political giving outdistances renewables 13 to one
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Karin Kirk Corporations, special interest groups, and individuals inject billions of dollars into the American political system every year. Much of the financial support in politics is concealed from public view, as some rules – and loopholes – allow “dark money” and ...2 weeks ago- Animal response to a bushfire is astounding. These are the tricks they use to survive
Dale Nimmo, Charles Sturt University Have you ever wondered how our native wildlife manage to stay alive when an inferno is ripping through their homes, and afterwards when there is little to eat and nowhere to hide? The answer is adaptation and old-fashioned ingenuity. Australia’s bushfire season is far from ...2 weeks ago- Should I ditch my fossil-fueled car?
Yes. Reducing the number of cars in your household, or switching from petrol/diesel to electric, will dramatically reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. It’s one of the easiest and highest-impact climate steps you can take. New Zealand is being flooded with cars The New Zealand vehicle fleet is increasing rapidly. In ...2 weeks ago- Speaker: Planet History: Taking Tea with Quentin
This interview with Quentin Crisp is part of a series of articles republished from Planet, the independent magazine I edited in the early 90s from a base at 309 Karangahape Road, along with Grant Fell, Rachael Churchward, Fiona Rae, David Teehan, Mere Ngailevu and others.Inevitably, you forget things, and over ...2 weeks ago- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #1, 2020
Supply Side How are we doing with CO2 emissions? It's an important question, increasingly posed to a mixed bag of CO2 contributors who may or may not provide accurate reportage. Liu et al present a new, additional means of measurement based on satellite observations of nitrogen dioxide co-emitted from ...2 weeks ago- Is the prostitute the seller or the sold?
Excerpts from Being and Being Bought, by Kajsa Ekis Ekman, Spinifex Press, 2013. Ekman, a Swedish journalist and critic, brings together a Marxist and feminist analysis of prostitution and surrogacy in this groundbreaking book. This is the third part of a synopsis and brief commentary of the book by Daphna Whitmore. Part 1 was ...2 weeks ago- The climate crisis is also a biodiversity crisis
Dr Andrea Byrom Like many of us, the summer break has seen me transfixed with horror at the scale and magnitude of the bushfire crisis in Australia. As an ecologist, I can’t help but be appalled at the loss of some of Australia’s most beautiful ecosystems and landscapes. And ...2 weeks ago- Apathy in the face of disaster
Warning: This article contains topics that might trigger right wing snowflakes!Unless you’ve had your head buried in a billabong for the last four months you’d of heard about the Australian bush fires. The fires have been unprecedented, with approximately five million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land burned nationwide. More ...2 weeks ago- Labour opposes leisure
Finland's new Prime Minister has made headlines by pushing for a 4-day week. So what does new Zealand's "centre-left" government think? Nope. They'd rather people kept working themselves into misery and death:The Government does not plan to follow Finland's lead to encourage businesses to offer staff a four-day week. [...] ...2 weeks ago- Who’s afraid of the non-native accent? Everyone … unless you tell them about it
As someone who learnt English late-ish in life, I was always on the look-out for signs which betray my foreignness, afraid that my clumsy mispronunciation or syntactic misalignment will give away my outsider status. And for once, sadly, my worries were well-founded it seems. It’s bad, prejudice is rife! In ...2 weeks ago- Donald Trump’s strategic gamble
There’s a meme going around the Internet at the moment claiming that Donald Trump is a bit of an idiot. To outside eyes it does seem as though the President of the United States thumbs his nose at his own countries laws and administration far too often to be taken ...2 weeks ago- More Spanish repression
Back in December, the European Court of Justice ruled that jailed Catalan politician Oriol Junqueras was a Member of the European Parliament and therefore had immunity from prosecution. In a democratic state under the rule of law, he would have been immediately released from prison (and compensated for his illegal ...2 weeks ago- Doubling down: Researchers investigate compound climate risks
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Daniel Grossman It was a grim day in Moscow on July 25, 2010. The English-language Moscow Times reported that the Russian capital had broken the 1936 temperature record for July: 98 degrees Fahrenheit. That month, the city, where air conditioning was (and still is) ...2 weeks ago- Everyone, we must be united and work together (now we’ve got rid of the Corbyn)
Yvette Cooper has written a piece in the Guardian outlinig 'Seven things Labour Must Do To Win The Next Election'.I'll overlook the absurd headline - no-one is talking about Labour winning the next election and I assume that Cooper didn't write the headline (she doesn't mention winning the next election anywhere ...2 weeks ago- “A common interest in war with Iran” say those who will NOT be in the firing line
Well, things have certainly escalated. Brent Crude hits $70 in light of recent geopolitical incidents. There’s a British nuclear sub on its way to thump Iran if needed, and Netenyahu says “everyone” is keen on war with Iran. Of course in terms of the oil prices, that’ll have downstream ...2 weeks ago- 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #1
Story of the Week... Editorial of the Week... El Niño/La Niña Update... Toon of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Climate Feedback Claim Reviews... SkS Week in Review... Poster of the Week... Story of the Week... The signal of human-caused climate change has emerged in everyday weather, study finds ...2 weeks ago- New Fisk
2 weeks ago- Climate Change: Complementary measures
For the past twenty-five years, climate change policy in New Zealand has been all about emissions pricing. Policy makers thought that all you needed to do was make people pay for their pollution via a carbon tax or emissions trading scheme, and the problem would be solved. This mechanism was ...2 weeks ago- Jeremy Clarkson – God is an arsonist
You've really got to wonder if Jeremy Clarkson is worshiping the right deity? I mean thinking that Australia is somehow deserving of the calamity that has befallen it in the form of unprecedented bush fires is one thing, but claiming God intentionally likes to cause people and animals immeasurable pain ...3 weeks ago- We are no longer welcome in Iraq
Last Friday, the US murdered a high-ranking Iranian general, ostensibly as retaliation for Iraqi militias attacking US troops in Iraq. It was a stupid move, a mistake as well as a crime (to misquote Talleyrand), and it is already having the expected effects: the Iranian nuclear deal is now completely ...3 weeks ago- Miscalculation, escalation and the law of unintended consequences.
Note: I penned a series of tweets on the consultancy page offering my thoughts on the Soleimani assassination. I have decided to gather them together, add some more material, and edit them into a blogpost. Here it is. The US drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iranian Quds force commander ...3 weeks ago- 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #1
A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week, i.e., Sun, Dec 29, 2019 through Sat, Jan 4, 2020 Editor's Pick There Is No Safe Global Warming Australia Bushfire - Shutterstock Safety is something we all crave. It’s human nature. ...3 weeks ago- The strike on Suleimani: a Neocon gambit for rolling the MIC onwards to a new chapter of global dest...
Anyone who thinks this was merely a so-called “precision strike” on “a really bad man!” and doesn’t get the wider geopolitical ramifications of this is beyond deluded. Probably those who think Commando comics are actually transcripts from a lost war documentary, and GI Joe was the biography of a real ...3 weeks ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #3, 2020
- Winston Peters: “Ihumātao deal still a long way off”
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters told Mike Hosking that a settlement deal regarding Ihumātao in Auckland is still a long way off. The Maori King's flag was lowered at the site near Auckland Airport yesterday, sparking suggestions an announcement of a deal could be made by Waitangi Day. Pania Newton, ...14 hours ago - Winston Peters accuses Gerry Brownlee of ‘politicising’ Holocaust memorialForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is accusing Gerry Brownlee of "politicising" a Holocaust memorial event after the National MP questioned the lack of Kiwi representation there. The Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, Israel, is holding the World Holocaust Forum on January 23 to mark 75 years since ...14 hours ago
- Provincial Growth Fund to help Waipukurau Pā sites attract thousands of touristsThe Ngā Ara Tipuna - Waipukurau Pā Site Interpretation project is receiving $2.798 million from the Provincial Growth Fund. It is is expected to boost the town's employment and tourism, creating sixteen new jobs once completed and attract up to 15,000 visitors a year. Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development ...2 days ago
- “Common sense will prevail, not extremism” Winston Peters backs Shane Jones’ pro-meat stanceNew Zealand First leader Winston Peters is backing his MPs who have spoken out against a new climate change teaching resource that advises students to eat less meat to save the planet. The new teaching resource, announced by Education Minister Chris Hipkins and Climate Change Minister James Shaw, tells students ...2 days ago
- Acting PM Winston Peters confirms NZDF troops in Iraq not hit by Iranian attacksActing Prime Minister Winston Peters called for calm and diplomacy following Iranian missile strikes on bases housing United States troops in Iraq, but confirmed New Zealand's base in the country was not hit. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was earlier today investigating claims New Zealand's base in Iraq had ...4 days ago
- Housing consents hit highest level since 1974Housing consents have hit a 45-year high, as Statistics NZ data shows a total of 37,010 residential consents were issued in the year to November --- the first time they have breached the 37,000 mark since the mid-1970s. Statistics NZ said the trend had been rising since late 2011, when ...1 week ago
- Darroch Ball MP: “Violence against first responders is a problem on the rise”New Zealand First MP Darroch Ball says that a paramedic being kicked unconscious last night in an attempted burglary in Warkworth, north of Auckland, is a symptom of a larger problem. "Incidents like this are becoming more and more frequent...and it’s getting worse," Mr Ball said. The MP is pushing for ...1 week ago
- Minister Ron Mark asks NZDF to conduct fire risk assessment from defence point of viewDefence Minister Ron Mark said there was nothing to prevent similar large-scale bushfires seen in Australia from also happening in New Zealand, and has asked the New Zealand Defence Force to conduct a nfire risk assessment from a defence point of view. The defence assessment would help prevent a disaster ...2 weeks ago
- Defence Minister Mark expresses “absolute confidence” in NZDF forces stationed in IraqWhile feeling worried about increased Middle East tensions, Defence Minister Ron Mark said he had "absolute confidence" in New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) leadership. His statements come as the fate of Kiwi troops stationed in Iraq comes under intense scrutiny. Forty-five Defence Force personnel were thought to be in the ...2 weeks ago
- Defence Minister Ron Mark: “NZDF focused on protecting troops in Iraq from retaliation”As tensions in the Middle East continue to grow after the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, the New Zealand Defence Force is focusing on the protection of Kiwi troops deployed in Iraq. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says that "recent attacks on coalition bases and embassies constitute unacceptable ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand least corrupt country in the world
New Zealand has regained its position as the least corrupt country in the world for the second time under this Coalition Government, says Justice Minister Andrew Little. “New Zealanders can be proud that our reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world has been restored,” says Andrew ...7 hours ago - Boost for Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands Community ConservationCommunity conservation in Rēkohu/Wharekauri/the Chatham Islands is receiving a boost, with grants to support local projects announced today by Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage. “Rēkohu/Wharekauri/ the Chatham Islands are home to 20 per cent of New Zealand’s threatened bird species and 11 per cent of New Zealand’s threatened plant species. ...9 hours ago
- Rātana Pā goes high-tech with UFBIwi, hapu and visitors to Rātana Pā near Whanganui now have access to ultra-fast broadband following its connection, completed in time for annual Rātana celebrations, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says. The connection and associated hardware were funded from the Provincial Growth Fund’s $21 million Marae Digital Connectivity programme, ...9 hours ago
- Govt’s strong financial management acknowledgedThe Government’s strong financial management and plan to future proof the economy with new infrastructure investment has gained further recognition from an international ratings agency. Credit rating agency Fitch has upgraded one of its main metrics assessing the Government’s books, lifting its foreign currency AA rating outlook to ‘positive’ from ...9 hours ago
- Boost in Whānau Ora funding to keep changing livesWhānau throughout New Zealand are set to benefit from an extra three million dollars that will go directly to Whānau Ora Commissioning Agencies, the Minister for Whānau Ora Peeni Henare announced today. Including previous funding boosts, the Agencies will now receive $87 million this year between them. In Budget 2019 ...14 hours ago
- More people getting into workThe December quarter benefit numbers released today show the Government’s plan to get people off the benefit and into work is starting to pay off,” Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said. “Nearly 19,000 people cancelled their benefit and went into work in the last few months of the year – ...15 hours ago
- Wairoa gets up to $6.1m to rebuild heart of CBDThe Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing up to $6.1 million to revitalise business and tourism opportunities in Wairoa, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. The PGF is funding: Up to $4.8 million for the Wairoa Integrated Business and Tourism Facility Up to $960,000 for the ...2 days ago
- Major Events support for creative and cultural eventsCreative and cultural events that highlight New Zealand’s diverse culture and build national pride are set to get a funding boost through the Major Events Fund, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford said today. The new Creative and Cultural Events Incubator, which is funded through the Major Events Fund, will open ...2 days ago
- Classroom internet in hundreds of schools to get a boostThe Government has begun a massive IT upgrade to provide more seamless internet access to 200 schools around the country. Te Mana Tūhono – Technology in Schools work programme will launch with a pilot of 10 smaller state schools early this year. IT equipment that gives students access to the ...2 days ago
- Construction workforce, apprenticeships hit record highsWorking with industry and committing to rebuild New Zealand’s infrastructure has produced a record high number of Kiwis working in the construction industry and learning trades, says Minister for Building and Construction Jenny Salesa. New figures available today from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Tertiary Education ...2 days ago
- NZ concludes digital economy trade talks with Singapore and ChileA new trade agreement concluded today helps New Zealand exporters and consumers take advantage of opportunities from digital trade. Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker together with Chile’s Vice Minister of Trade Rodrigo Yañez and Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, have announced conclusion of ...2 days ago
- Provincial Growth Fund to fund Waipukurau cultural development and tourismThe Ngā Ara Tipuna - Waipukurau Pā Site Interpretation project will receive $2.798 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to create an authentic cultural tourism experience, Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today “The project will inform visitors about the history of six pā sites in Waipukurau with a combination ...2 days ago
- 21 new judges boost diversity, improve access to justiceTwenty-one new District Court judges have been appointed in a move that will improve access to justice and boost diversity on the bench. The new judges include replacements for retirements and 10 new positions. Attorney-General David Parker today announced the 14 judges who can immediately be named, with the remainder ...2 days ago
- Puhinui to Auckland Airport in 10 minutesAucklanders are another step closer to getting rapid transit to the airport, with the start of construction to upgrade State Highway 20B to the airport, Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced today. SH20B will be upgraded with additional lanes in each direction, dedicated to bus and high-occupancy vehicles between Pukaki Creek ...3 days ago
- Advancing New Zealand’s trade agenda focus of Europe meetingsWorld Trade Organisation reform, agricultural trade and a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom will be the focus of Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker’s visit to Europe this week. David Parker leaves on Tuesday for a series of meetings in the UK and Switzerland that aim ...4 days ago
- Minister of Defence to visit counterparts in US and CanadaThe Minister of Defence, Ron Mark, departed today for the United States and Canada where he will meet with his counterparts. While in Canada Minister Mark will meet with his counterpart, Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan. “New Zealand and Canada are close friends, and share an instinctive like-mindedness on ...4 days ago
- Government to deliver family carers $2000 pay rise, expand scheme to spouses this yearThe Coalition Government is delivering this year the changes to Funded Family Care the disability sector has long-asked for, says Associate Minister of Health Jenny Salesa. “Today we are announcing the details of our big changes to Funded Family Care, including an annual average pay boost of $2,246.40 for funded ...5 days ago
- Ko te reo kua mū: Piri SciasciaMinister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta joins te ao Māori in their sorrow as they learn of the loss of one of the great orators and spokespersons of a generation – Piri Sciascia. “The son of Pōrangahau was a staunch advocate for Māori development and served his people for over ...5 days ago
- Minister opens new ecosanctuary at Cape FarewellA new ecosanctuary with a predator proof fence on Golden Bay’s Cape Farewell, which will restore a safe home for sea birds, rare native plants, giant snails, and geckos, was officially opened today by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage. “There has been a fantastic community effort supported by the ...5 days ago
- Pacific partners work together to provide additional support to AustraliaThe NZDF continues to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it battles fires in Victoria and New South Wales, including by transporting Republic of Fiji Military engineers from Nadi to Australia, announced Defence Minister Ron Mark. On Saturday morning a NZDF Boeing 757 will depart New Zealand to uplift ...6 days ago
- Kaikōura $10.88 million boost in tourism & businessThe Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing $10.88 million to boost business and tourism opportunities in Kaikōura, Parliamentary Undersecretary for Regional Economic Development, Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. As part of the Kaikōura Marina Development Programme, the following two projects will receive PGF funding: A $9.88 million investment to begin the ...6 days ago
- Govt accounts in surplus, debt remains lowThe Government’s books are in good shape with the accounts in surplus and expenses close to forecast, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Treasury today released the Crown accounts for the five months to November. The operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) was above forecast by $0.7 billion resulting ...7 days ago
- Auckland focus for first Police graduation of 2020The number of Police on the Auckland frontline is increasing with the graduation today of a special locally-trained wing of new constables. Police Minister Stuart Nash says the graduation of eighteen officers from Recruit Wing 333-5 means that more than 1900 new Police have been deployed since the Coalition Government ...1 week ago
- Wairarapa gets $7.11m PGF water boostThe Provincial Growth Fund is putting $7.11 million into creating a sustainable water supply for Wairarapa, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today. The following two projects will receive Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funding: A $7 million investment in Wairarapa Water Limited for the pre-construction development of ...1 week ago
- Progress with new Police station in MahiaCommunity safety and crime prevention in the East Coast community of Mahia has moved forward with the opening of a new Police station to serve the growing coastal settlement. Police Minister Stuart Nash has officially opened the new station, which was relocated almost 20 kilometres along the coast from the nearby ...1 week ago
- Plans to protect the future of whitebaiting announcedWith several native whitebait species in decline the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage has today released proposals to standardise and improve management of whitebait across New Zealand. “The need for action for a healthy whitebait fishery has never been greater,” Eugenie Sage said. “Four of the six whitebait species are ...1 week ago
- New resource for schools to increase awareness and understanding of climate changeA new Ministry of Education resource available for schools in 2020 will increase awareness and understanding of climate change, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “The resource, Climate Change – prepare today, live well tomorrow, will help students understand the effects of climate change at a local, national and global ...2 weeks ago
- Getting more out of our most productive firmsFinance Minister Grant Robertson has approved the terms of reference for an Inquiry into the economic contribution of New Zealand's frontier firms. Frontier firms are the most productive firms in the domestic economy within their own industry. “These firms are important as they diffuse new technologies and business practices into ...2 weeks ago
- NZDF sends more support to AustraliaThe New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is sending an Environmental Health Team, a Primary Health Care Team and a Chaplain to Australia, boosting New Zealand support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it battles bush fires in Victoria and New South Wales, Defence Minister Ron Mark announced today. The ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand joins partners in calling for full investigation into air crash in IranActing Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters says that developments suggesting a surface-to-air missile is responsible for the downing of the Ukrainian International Airlines flight in Iran is disastrous news. “New Zealand offers its deepest sympathies to the families of the 176 victims. It is ...2 weeks ago
- Staying connected to Australian agricultureAgriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor, says the Ministry for Primary Industries is continuing to stay connected to federal authorities in Australia as devastating fires affect the country. “The Ministry is using an existing trans-Tasman forum for discussions on the agricultural impact of the fires and the future recovery phase,” says Damien ...2 weeks ago
- Investment in schools – a commitment to communitiesThousands of school-age children, their teachers and wider communities are benefiting from the Government’s multi-million dollar investment upgrading and renewing schools, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “We want New Zealand to be the best place to be a child and that means learning in warm, comfortable and modern classrooms,” ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand Defence Force sends support to AustraliaMinister of Defence Ron Mark today announced New Zealand is sending three Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters and crew, and two NZ Army Combat Engineer Sections as well as a command element to support the Australian Defence Force efforts in tackling the Australian fires. The New Zealand Defence Force ...3 weeks ago
- Better access to books for blind and low vision citizens on World Braille Day"Today is World Braille Day and I am delighted to announce that an international treaty giving blind and low vision New Zealanders access to books and literary works comes into force today,” Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “Today the Marrakesh Treaty and the associated amendments to the ...3 weeks ago
- Grattan on Friday: Bridget McKenzie has made herself a sitting duck
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bridget McKenzie’s future is looking bleak, her position having worsened significantly this week. At its heart, the McKenzie affair is simple. Before last year’s election, the then-sports minister allocated grants to sporting organisations on an ...1 hour ago - UPJ Media Release on Temple Sinai
Just when world leaders gather in Jerusalem to remember the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to reaffirm a commitment to fight Antisemitism cowards defaced the exterior of Temple Sinai in Wellington, New Zealand with swastikas. ...4 hours ago - When will the business elite walk the talk?
The Davos forum had a wholesome slogan, but we need structural reform not fine words ...4 hours ago - New Zealand tops the 2019 Corruption Perceptions IndexThe New Zealand public sector and judiciary has again been ranked the least corrupt in the world. The Corruption Perceptions Index released today by Transparency International (a global anti-corruption organisation), ranks New Zealand first equal with Denmark, ...5 hours ago
- Māori leaders agree to meet Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern over Whānau Ora funding
The leaders seeking an urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing over the handling of Whānau Ora money have agreed to meet with the prime minister to discuss solutions. ...5 hours ago - An ode to Food Alley, 1992-2020
A downtown Auckland institution, the 28-year-old foodcourt Food Alley is soon to be demolished. Alice Neville and other Spinoff staff visited at lunchtime the day after the news broke to see how diners and stallholders were feeling.My earliest memories of Auckland life revolve around Food Alley. ‘Twas the summer of ...7 hours ago - Time for a total revision of Te Tiriti O WaitangiWe about to commemorate 180 years of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), yet grievances are still smouldering on. We must consider a better path forward for both Māori and our other Treaty partner, Pākehā! ...7 hours ago
- Space satire Avenue 5 is brilliant, even as it meanders off courseAvenue 5, the new show from The Thick of It and Veep genius Armando Iannucci, veers off-course after an ambitious launch, writes Sam BrooksArmando Iannucci has proven himself as one of the great satirists of our age. First making his name with Alan Partridge and then The Thick Of It ...8 hours ago
- The Visitors review: a witty imagining of what went before that fateful encounterSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Carlson, Professor, Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University Review: The Visitors, directed by Frederick Copperwaite for Sydney Festival Sydney Festival has really outdone themselves this season with a spectacular line-up of Indigenous shows to choose from including The Visitors. A warm greeting from ...8 hours ago
- Welfare figures show urgent need for benefit level increaseThe latest figures by the Ministry on Social Development show that benefit sanctions are increasing and a record number of families are requiring hardship grants to cover basic expenses such as rent and food, due to low benefit levels that are below the ...9 hours ago
- Convicted coal mining company should be blacklistedForest & Bird says it is a national disgrace that authorities continue green-lighting Bathurst Resources' coal mining activities, despite the company being a repeat environmental offender. The mining company has been fined $18,000 after pleading guilty to polluting ...9 hours ago
- Labour puts its chips on ‘positive politics’ in election year
Will the PM's pledge for "relentless positivity" hold up against criticism of the Government's record? ...9 hours ago - Embassy of Israel condemning anti-Semitic attacksThe Embassy of Israel in New Zealand condemns in the strongest possible terms the ecent acts of antisemitism that were carried out in Wellington, where a synagogue and other locations in the city were defaced with swastikas. ...9 hours ago
- Blunt Umbrellas on being at the pointy end of innovationBusiness is Boring is a weekly podcast series presented by The Spinoff in association with Callaghan Innovation. Host Simon Pound speaks with innovators and commentators focused on the future of New Zealand. This week he talks to Greig Brebner from Blunt Umbrellas.This week on the podcast is a business that ...9 hours ago
- Should we be worried about the new Wuhan coronavirus?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian M. Mackay, Adjunct assistant professor, The University of Queensland The World Health Organisation has postponed its decision about whether to classify the new Wuhan coronavirus as a global health emergency. It wants to gather more information and will meet again at ...10 hours ago
- Rappler challenges president’s ‘media powers’ in democracy fight backBy David Robie in Manila Rappler, the innovative online publisher that has been at the media freedom frontline in the Philippines for the past three years, has challenged President Rodrigo Duterte by taking the executive to the Supreme Court. The news website has called on the court to rule ...10 hours ago
- BREAKING…your toilet. Because detox teas will only make you shitDetox teas have been taken off shelves after being shown to include a pharmacy-only laxative ingredient.Promoted as being aids to weight loss and an organ cleanse, detox teas have had a resurgence in recent years thanks to Instagram influencers hawking them at every turn. What do they really do? According ...10 hours ago
- Ardern slams the door on scrutinyResponding to the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Government will no longer be establishing an election policy costing unit for this year’s election, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: ...10 hours ago
- NZ’s foreign currency rating outlook raised
One of the big three global ratings agencies, Fitch, has revised up the country's outlook. ...10 hours ago - Fonterra finalised sale of DFE Pharma share
Fonterra will bank a total of $554 million from the sale of its share in the European based in pharmaceuticals company DFE Pharma, but still expects further asset sales. ...10 hours ago - Let’s do this again: What’s on the whiteboard for Jacinda Ardern and Labour?As the Labour caucus gathers for its annual retreat in the Wairarapa, Toby Manhire asks what might on the agenda.Labour MPs are meeting today in Martinborough for their now traditional January dress-down gear-up for the political year. The Brackenridge resort, just off the road to Lake Ferry, has in recent ...10 hours ago
- Cotton On blindsides workersWorkers at neighbouring Cotton On and Cotton On Kids stores in Porirua’s North City Shopping Centre say they are worried about their futures after the multinational chain closed their workplaces this week without providing clarity on if and how they ...11 hours ago
- Labour signing up to Facebook tool that tracks political adsThe Labour Party is voluntarily signing up to Facebook's new transparency tool, aimed at stopping anonymous "fake news" style advertising, the Prime Minister announced. ...11 hours ago
- Researchers conclude no youth vaping epidemicExtensive research shows cigarette use continues to fall among young Kiwi teenagers, and vaping is not being taken up by our non-smoking youth despite all the scaremongering, says the Vaping Trade Association of New Zealand (VTANZ). ...12 hours ago
- What’s on RNZ News at midday – Jan 23
The Government is being accused of sitting on its hands and leaving New Zealand vulnerable to the deadly coronavirus. ...12 hours ago - POAL – Aucklanders (not the government) should decide its future
Barrie Saunders writes… One of the 1984-90 Lange-Douglas government’s most successful reforms is now at serious risk, because of a self-serving political campaign by NZ First, aided and abetted by others driving their own agendas. In 1988 the Port Companies Act came into operation, which commercialised New Zealand’s ports and ...12 hours ago - Can you survive with only an Apple Watch? I ditched my iPhone to find outI thought I could wean myself off my smartphone by using another piece of technology. Turns out I was fighting a losing battle.I look left and right. There’s one guy stacking shelves to my right but otherwise the coast is clear. I raise my left wrist quickly to my face ...12 hours ago
- We Stand with Wellington’s Jewish Community“We are utterly horrified at the painting of swastikas outside of the Jewish Congregation on Ghuznee Street, Wellington and at other locations around the city on Tuesday night. This is an act of intimidation and hate,” said Azad Khan, spokesperson for the ...13 hours ago
- Wuhan virus: National Party calls for stronger action on bordersThe National Party is calling on the government to take stronger actions over the deadly new coronavirus, which originated in China and has so far killed 17 people with hundreds infected. ...13 hours ago
- Lowering of Kīngitanga flag at Ihumātao ‘appropriate’, says SOUL14 hours ago
- Benefit numbers continue upward trendThe number of people on benefits has shot up 5 percent in the last year. ...14 hours ago
- Rental prices rise fastest in Wellington city
People renting in Wellington city are facing record-breaking prices, with median weekly rent cracking the $600-per-week mark for the first time, according to Trade Me. ...14 hours ago - Pike River: Additional shift to help speed up recovery progressThe Pike River Recovery Agency has also signalled the $36 million funding for the project won't be enough, but Minister Andrew Little says at this stage they're well within budget. ...14 hours ago
- Value beyond money: Australia’s special dependence on volunteer firefightersSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Cull, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Financial Planning, Western Sydney University Australia’s unprecedented bushfires have cemented its rural firefighters at the heart of the nation’s identity. It’s not just that these men and women put themselves in the line of fire. ...14 hours ago
- Official ruling: When is it too late to say ‘Happy New Year’?Tara Ward wades bravely into one of the thorniest January questions: how late is too late to greet someone with a cheery ‘Happy New Year’? New Zealand’s breakfast TV shows returned to our screens on Monday, with their jubilant hosts throwing out “Happy New Year” wishes like an early morning lolly ...14 hours ago
- Government-Māori relationship to be highlighted at RātanaThe political year officially kicks off tomorrow with politicians' annual pilgrimage to Rātana and being an election year the stakes are even higher. ...15 hours ago
- No Road to Zero for School ChildrenChildren will soon be heading back to school. Last year the Ministry of Transport announced ‘Road to Zero’1 suggesting this will make roads safer for children to walk and bike. Lucinda Rees from NZ School Speeds, lobbying for safe speed limits ...15 hours ago
- Fun, frolic, fire and food: Celebrating the Indian festival Makar SankrantiAs this colourful festival of giving thanks is marked across India, Renu Sikka calls on societies around the globe to stop undervaluing women and girls, and shares a Punjabi recipe for spinach curry and exquisite chapati. Makar Sankranti is four days of thanksgiving celebration to four great forces of protection: Indra ...16 hours ago
- What’s in the newspapers – Jan 23
A couple's 1300-kilometre bicycle journey to lay a coffin on Parliament's steps has been stopped 20 metres short after an emotional exchange with security guards. ...16 hours ago - Dunne Speaks: Turia is Right on Whanau OraWhen a Minister dismisses the criticisms of a high-powered group of citizens as just “political” one knows immediately the criticisms being made both have more substance than that and are probably pretty accurate. So it is with the case of Whanau Ora ...16 hours ago
- What’s on RNZ News at 8am – Jan 23
The Government is being urged to add the treaty of Waitangi to its list of reviews if it wants to make progress with Maori. ...16 hours ago - Can Tennis Australia honour Margaret Court and promote LGBT+ inclusivity at the same time?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ryan Storr, Lecturer in Sport Development, Western Sydney University As play heats up at the Australian Open this week, so, too, has the debate around Australia’s most decorated tennis player, Margaret Court, and whether she should be feted on the 50th anniversary ...17 hours ago
- Sport can be an important part of Aboriginal culture for women – but many barriers remainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer Sport Management, Western Sydney University Regular exercise is important for Indigenous women’s health, as it protects against obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. These conditions are more prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ...17 hours ago
- Australia needs a national fire inquiry – these are the 3 key areas it should deliver inSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania Australia’s bushfire crisis has been unprecedented, so it demands an unprecedented national response. Never before has such a large area been burnt by multiple fires in a single fire season, including ...17 hours ago
- From 9/11 to Christchurch earthquakes: how unis have supported students after a crisisSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Prue Gonzalez, Lecturer in Environmental Management, Charles Sturt University Universities across Australia – including in Canberra, Wollongong and Newcastle – have had to close their campuses in the past few months as a result of bushfires. But the deep and long-lasting impacts ...17 hours ago
- Homes with higher energy ratings sell for more. Here’s how Australian owners could cash inSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Daly, Research Fellow at the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre, University of Wollongong Everybody wants an energy-efficient home. After all, an energy-efficient home is comfortable to live in, without large energy bills. These can be important factors for prospective home owners or ...17 hours ago
- Value beyond money: Australia’s special dependency on volunteers to battle bushfiresSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Cull, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Financial Planning, Western Sydney University Australia’s unprecedented bushfires have cemented its rural firefighters at the heart of the nation’s identity. It’s not just that these men and women put themselves in the line of fire. ...17 hours ago
- James Mollison: the public art teacher who brought the Blue Poles to AustraliaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sue Rabbitt Roff, Researcher, Social History/Tutor in Medical Education, University of Dundee James Mollison, the founding director of the National Gallery of Australia, died on Sunday at the age of 88. He was a pivotal force in Australian art collecting, believing Australian ...17 hours ago
- The UNHelen Clarke has reported that the UN is under threat as the US has cut some funding. We need to ask why it has cut funding, and if that is because the UN has moved on from its initial function, which was to promote world peace. ...17 hours ago
- NZ’s $400,000 gender pay gap
Over a lifetime, a female scientific researcher in a New Zealand university earns up to $400,000 less than a male. ...17 hours ago - New Zealand to miss out on Holocaust forum in IsraelWinston Peters is defending New Zealand's absence from the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in Israel, saying that Speaker Trevor Mallard was happy to attend but the organisers said no. ...18 hours ago
- Winston Peters defends NZ’s absence from Holocaust forum in IsraelThe Foreign Affairs Minister is defending New Zealand's absence from the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in Israel, saying that Speaker Trevor Mallard was happy to attend but the organisers said no. ...18 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Disturbing stories raise neo-Nazi extremism fearsGood morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Two disturbing stories around extremism, a significant milestone reached at Ihumātao, and gang tensions flare in the Hawke’s Bay.In the space of a day, two disturbing stories emerged about the presence of extremists within the community. The first was around charges ...18 hours ago
- Mithali Raj: From Lincoln to Bollywood
These days she’s a global superstar with a social media following in the millions who is having a Bollywood movie made about her life. Fair to say a lot has changed since Indian cricket captain Mithali Raj slept in a South Island university dorm. ...19 hours ago - Expose Working for Families myths to end child poverty
Critics continue to view the Working for Families package through a distorted and incorrect lens, writes Susan St John ...19 hours ago - Female financial advisers – what’s holding them back?
Why aren't women as keen as men to be financial advisers? Dr Helen Roberts and Associate Professor Rosalind Whiting of the University of Otago and Dr Daniel Richards of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology wanted to know. ...19 hours ago - Book of the Week: a miracle in Herne Bay
ReadingRoom literary editor Steve Braunias celebrates a lavishly illustrated history of a Herne Bay recording studio. ...19 hours ago - Adapting to a fiery world
Understanding the changing place of fire in the earth system is a key question for global science, writes Professor George Perry of the School of Environment at the University of Auckland. ...19 hours ago - Simon Bridges is about to make a big decision that could shape the electionIt’s a huge call for the National leader: should he rule out working with NZ First after the 2020 election? Alex Braae speculates on the options.When all the votes are counted after the 2020 election there are likely to be two key blocs. Put simply, and based on current polling, ...20 hours ago
- A groundbreaking ruling on climate refugees puts the world on noticeIoane Teitiota may not have won this round, but the UN Human Rights Committee issued a firm warning: governments could be violating human rights if they continue to ignore the risks and consequences of climate change, writes Kate Schuetze of Amnesty InternationalImagine the sea was rising day after day, inexorably ...20 hours ago
- Scott Morrison orders probe into whether Bridget McKenzie breached ministerial codeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ordered the secretary of his department, Phil Gaetjens, to advise whether deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie breached the ministerial code of conduct in the sports rorts affair. A statement from ...1 day ago
- Taxpayers’ Union responds to Remuneration AuthorityTaxpayers’ Union responds to Remuneration Authority statement 22 JANUARY 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE In response to a press release from the Remuneration Authority, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “This is a pathetic ...1 day ago
- Congestion charges ‘more popular than you’d think’
The AA, mayors and even truckies say the public is warming to the idea of congestion charging as Twyford pulls a "handbrake" on the debate. ...1 day ago - Couple’s cycling journey to Parliament comes to a grinding haltA couple's epic tandem cycle from Dunedin to Wellington to call for increased Pharmac funding has been marred at the final hurdle, with an encounter with Parliament security. ...1 day ago
- Indonesia ‘arrests’ Mongabay editor – one month after first detaining himPacific Media Watch Philip Jacobson, an award-winning editor for the non-profit environmental science news outlet Mongabay, has been arrested for an alleged visa violation in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, after being put under city arrest for a month. Jacobson, 30, was first detained on 17 December 2019 after attending a ...1 day ago
- Fiji school workbook condemned for promoting ‘harmful’ gender rolesBy Koro Vaka’uta of RNZ Pacific A school workbook containing “harmful” messages is being circulated in Fiji’s schools, says a local activist. Roshika Deo said her attention was drawn to the Year 8 Healthy Living Pupil’s Workbook when she was helping prepare her niece for the school year. Deo ...1 day ago
- Treasury vs Transport over feebate scheme
Treasury officials rubbished the Government's feebate scheme as "a costly way to reduce emissions" while the Ministry of Transport tried to allay their concerns ...1 day ago - NZ a virtual spectator in global drive to rein in Big Tech
Silicon Valley is at the heart of scandal after scandal, from privacy concerns to online hate speech to tax avoidance. Will New Zealand regulate Big Tech in 2020? ...1 day ago - Waikato Community Stakeholders seek reinstatement of Hui#ArmsDownNZ - Waikato – Waikato Community Stakeholders seek reinstatement of Hui with Acting District Commander, Waikato Police over Armed Response Teams (ARTs) ...1 day ago
- Penny dropping on benefits and risks of a cashless society
Opinion - The cashless society is coming - you can bet your last physical dollar on it. ...1 day ago - What was she thinking? A palagi on why she wrote in the voice of a SamoanPetra Molloy was born in the Netherlands and moved to Aotearoa with her family in 1952; she lives in Auckland. Her novel Chosen Boys is about child abuse in the Catholic Church. It’s set in dawn-raids South Auckland – and is written largely from the point of view of a ...1 day ago
- NZ Union of Students’ Association statementThe New Zealand Union of Students’ Association (NZUSA) strongly supports the Green Party’s demands that the Government restore the post graduate allowance before the upcoming election. NZUSA believes that, by not restoring the post graduate allowance, ...1 day ago
- Can’t do what you need to do in a public toilet? You’re not alone – and there’s helpSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kenley Kuoch, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology Most of us don’t give much thought to going to the toilet. We go when we need to go. But for a small minority of people, the act of urinating or defecating ...1 day ago
- Does social media make us more or less lonely? Depends on how you use itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Patulny, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Wollongong Humans are more connected to each other than ever, thanks to smartphones, the web and social media. At the same time, loneliness is a huge and growing social problem. Why is this so? ...1 day ago
- As Earth’s population heads to 10 billion, does anything Australians do on climate change matter?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Beeson, Professor of International Politics, University of Western Australia As unprecedented bushfires continue to ravage the country, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his government have been rightly criticised for their reluctance to talk about the underlying drivers of this crisis. Yet ...1 day ago
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