Breaking News: Aratere to be used in the event of a major oil spill
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2:59 pm, December 3rd, 2013 - 38 comments
Categories: climate change, disaster, Environment, global warming, humour, Mining, Satire, transport -
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Tracey Whatshite, Cadet Reporter.
As Greenpeace make a bid in the High Court to challenge the EPA’s decision to grant Anadarko permission to deep sea drill, we can reveal the content of secret documents detailing the contingency plan in the event of a major oil spill. The documents, obtained by senior reporter Susan Nact, outline how the stricken inter island ferry Aratere will be deployed in the cleanup effort, should a catastrophic event occur.
The Aratere, which was was re-furbished and lengthened in 2011, is currently out of action after losing one its propellers just outside Tory Channel earlier this month. The confidential report states that this represents the ideal opportunity to put the Aratere to good use as it will give the public a sense of “something being done while waiting for other vessels from far away to arrive”. The report documents the possibility of the Aratere “breaking up” during a cleanup process as predicted by Winston Peters, but states this could be a helpful diversion from “all that oil”. It is understood that KiwiRail have signed a contract that will enable prompt dispatching of the Aratere in the event of a major catastrophe.
Contingency planning also includes the Government’s response to a catastrophic spill.
We can reveal that, in the “remote” possibility of a major oil spill, a pre-planned speech has been written for Mr Key to address the Nation. The speech, which is along the lines of “there’s no use crying over spilt milk” involves criticizing the Greens for not being called “The Browns” as that could have muddyed the waters and made it easier to implicate them in the oil spill. It also includes a swipe at David Cunliffe, saying “just as well we didn ‘t pay out to the Pike River miners’ families as God knows what we would be up for with this oil spill. We are a fair minded government. If there is a catastrophe and the government is implicated, we won’t pay anyone a cent. Its about treating everyone equally.” Finally Key praises Colin Craig for his beliefs about global warming, “Warming. What warming?”
The report then goes on to outline plans for Simon Bridges to bail to one of the many properties he owns, furthest away from the spill.
We attempted to call Simon Bridges to ask him to comment on the ludicrous amount of property he owns for a young person. The phone was answered “Hello, it’s Alan here”. “Is that Alan Seay” we asked? We got a hang up.
On the last pages of the confidential report it is revealed that the most likely scenario is that Key will be voted out in 2014, and the speech as above will not be needed. The contingency plan for this is that Key will write a book about the event called “Slick Happens – Anadarko and Me”. The book is currently being ghost written by Sir Roger Douglas, whose name bears an uncanny resemblance to the name of the drilling ship the Noble Bob Douglas. The working title of this book is “Trickle Up, which way will the Oil Flow?”.
Warner Brothers/Weta Studios have been contracted to make a blockbuster movie from the book. The closing scenes of the movie see the whole of the National Party Cabinet, the last remnants of Act (including Roger, Prebble and Banksy), Colin Craig, Christine Rankin and Alan Seay end up living on board a luxury liner permanently. In the final scene the boat capsized after hitting the top of Mauna Loa/Hawaii which has submerged due to global warming. The working title of the film is “Titanic 2, I thought you said we’d be ok if we went right”.
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- Tax incentive to boost housing passes third readingLegislation to enable more build-to-rent developments has passed its third reading in Parliament, so this type of rental will be able to claim interest deductibility in perpetuity where it meets the requirements. Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods, says the changes will help unlock the potential of the build-to-rent sector and ...9 hours ago
- Law levels playing field for low-emissions commutingA law passed by Parliament today exempts employers from paying fringe benefit tax on certain low emission commuting options they provide or subsidise for their staff. “Many employers already subsidise the commuting costs of their staff, for instance by providing car parks,” Environment Minister David Parker said. “This move supports ...9 hours ago
- 40 years of Closer Economic Relations with AustraliaToday marks the 40th anniversary of Closer Economic Relations (CER), our gold standard free trade agreement between New Zealand and Australia. “CER was a world-leading agreement in 1983, is still world-renowned today and is emblematic of both our countries’ commitment to free trade. The WTO has called it the world’s ...13 hours ago
- Amendments to mass arrivals legislationThe Government is making procedural changes to the Immigration Act to ensure that 2013 amendments operate as Parliament intended. The Government is also introducing a new community management approach for asylum seekers. “While it’s unlikely we’ll experience a mass arrival due to our remote positioning, there is no doubt New ...14 hours ago
- Progress on public service pay adjustmentThe Government welcomes progress on public sector pay adjustment (PSPA) agreements, and the release of the updated public service pay guidance by the Public Service Commission today, Minister for the Public Service Andrew Little says. “More than a dozen collective agreements are now settled in the public service, Crown Agents, ...15 hours ago
- Further legislation introduced to support cyclone recoveryThe Government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to further support the recovery and rebuild from the recent severe weather events in the North Island. “We know from our experiences following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes that it will take some time before we completely understand the ...1 day ago
- Duty relief for cyclone-affected businessesFurther assistance is now available to businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and to remit late-payments, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced. “This is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist economic recovery in the regions,” Meka Whaitiri said. “Cabinet has approved the ...1 day ago
- Thousands of sole parents to be better off after child support changesMore than 41,000 sole parent families will be better off with a median gain of $20 a week Law change estimated to help lift up to 14,000 children out of poverty Child support payments will be passed on directly to people receiving a sole parent rate of main benefit, making ...1 day ago
- Green investment fund delivers on climate actionA major investment by Government-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance towards electrifying the public bus fleet is being welcomed by Climate Change Minister James Shaw. “Today’s announcement that NZGIF has signed a $50 million financing deal with Kinetic, the biggest bus operator in Australasia, to further decarbonise public transport is ...1 day ago
- Tax credit boosts cash flow for Kiwi innovatorsA world-leading payments system is expected to provide a significant cash flow boost for Kiwi innovators, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Ayesha Verrall says. Announcing that applications for ‘in-year’ payments of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) were open, Ayesha Verrall said it represented a win for businesses ...1 day ago
- Te Awa shared path completedMinister of Transport Michael Wood joined crowds of keen cyclists and walkers this morning to celebrate the completion of the Te Awa shared path in Hamilton. “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come,” Michael ...3 days ago
- Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-RuaTreaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...4 days ago
- Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpartMinister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...4 days ago
- Government delivering world-class satellite positioning servicesWorld-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...4 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges. Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...4 days ago
- Notes of an address to the Environmental Defence Society Conference, AucklandTēnā koutou katoa. Can I begin by thanking Gary Taylor, Raewyn Peart and others in the EDS team for their herculean work in support of the environment. I’d also like to acknowledge Hon Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, my parliamentary colleagues, and the many activists here who strive ...4 days ago
- New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson TasmanA new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...5 days ago
- National’s education policy: where’s the funding?After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment. “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...5 days ago
- Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventorsPeople aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...6 days ago
- Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economyA cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...6 days ago
- Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...6 days ago
- Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business ForumDeputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...6 days ago
- Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island$2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...6 days ago
- Pasifka Futures Whānau Ora Conference[CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY] E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā tangata katoa, o moana-nui-a-kiwa, E ngā mate, haere, haere, haere atū ra, manuia lau Malaga. Thank you for the kind introduction and opportunity to join you this morning. It is always good to be here in Aukilani, where I ...6 days ago
- Alzheimers New Zealand conference – Opening AddressE nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi, tēnā koutou katoa. Talofa lava and thank you Catherine, for the warm welcome. I’m sorry that I can’t be there in person today but it’s great for the opportunity to contribute virtually. I’d like to start by acknowledging: Alzheimers New Zealand, ...6 days ago
- Government future-proofs EV chargingTransport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...6 days ago
- World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZersAssociate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...6 days ago
- First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners CourtHon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...6 days ago
- Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floodsThe Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...6 days ago
- New appointment to Māori Land Court benchE te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...7 days ago
- Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...7 days ago
- Vertical farming partnership has upward momentumThe Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...1 week ago
- Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote AddressE nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...1 week ago
- New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patientsThe new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...1 week ago
- Second Poseidon aircraft on home soilDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...1 week ago
- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...1 week ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...1 week ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...1 week ago
- Indonesian security forces attack West Papuan rebels holding NZ pilot
By Finau Fonua, RNZ Pacific journalist, and Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Indonesian security forces in Papua last week launched an offensive against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) command holding New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens hostage, RNZ Pacific can confirm. The operation was launched at 1am local time ...4 hours ago - Indonesian security forces attack West Papuan rebels holding NZ pilotBy Finau Fonua, RNZ Pacific journalist, and Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Indonesian security forces in Papua last week launched an offensive against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) command holding New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens hostage, RNZ Pacific can confirm. The operation was launched at 1am local time ...4 hours ago
- Private security companies ‘holding PNG together’, claims ministerBy Gorothy Kenneth in Port Moresby Private security companies are currently holding Papua New Guinea together with the largest workforce of 29,445 and supporting the police in managing law and order issues. There are only 6832 policemen and women serving the country currently, according to reports. Internal Security Minister Peter ...4 hours ago
- Private security companies ‘holding PNG together’, claims ministerBy Gorothy Kenneth in Port Moresby Private security companies are currently holding Papua New Guinea together with the largest workforce of 29,445 and supporting the police in managing law and order issues. There are only 6832 policemen and women serving the country currently, according to reports. Internal Security Minister Peter ...4 hours ago
- Aukus ‘going against’ Pacific nuclear free treaty – Cook Islands leaderUS President Joe Biden (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) during the AUKUS summit at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego California on 13 March 2023. Image: RNZ Pacific/Jim Watson/AFP “But it is what it is,” he said of the tripartite arrangement. ‘Escalation of ...4 hours ago
- Aukus ‘going against’ Pacific nuclear free treaty – Cook Islands leaderUS President Joe Biden (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) during the AUKUS summit at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego California on 13 March 2023. Image: RNZ Pacific/Jim Watson/AFP “But it is what it is,” he said of the tripartite arrangement. ‘Escalation of ...4 hours ago
- Ankit Bansal Selected As National’s Candidate In Palmerston North
Procurement professional Ankit Bansal has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Palmerston North for the 2023 General Election. “I’d like to thank our local party members for endorsing me to campaign in Palmerston ...4 hours ago - Rima Nakhle Selected As National’s Candidate In TakaniniExecutive Manager of Te Mahia Community Village Rima Nakhle has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Takanini for the 2023 General Election. “The Takanini electorate is my home and I’m really excited to have the opportunity ...4 hours ago
- Dr Carlos Cheung Selected As National’s Candidate In Mt RoskillProperty management company director Dr Carlos Cheung has been selected as National’s candidate in Mt Roskill for the 2023 General Election. “Mt Roskill is my home and I’m grateful for the opportunity to campaign here for a National Government that ...4 hours ago
- Have Your Say On The Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation BillThe Chairperson of the Governance and Administration Committee is calling for submissions on the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill The Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill is the second bill in response to Cyclone Gabriel. The ...4 hours ago
- In full: The PM’s statement on Nash sacking
Prime minister Chris Hipkins’ full statement, as shared to media, on the decision to remove Stuart Nash from cabinet: This evening I have advised the Governor-General to dismiss Stuart Nash from all his ministerial portfolios. Late this afternoon I was made aware by a news outlet of an email Stuart ...6 hours ago - Fresh revelation of Cabinet rule breach leads to Stuart Nash's sacking
The Prime Minister has sacked Stuart Nash from all of his ministerial portfolios, following another breach of the Cabinet Manual. ...7 hours ago - Fresh revelations of Cabinet rule breach leads to Stuart Nash's sackingThe Prime Minister has sacked Stuart Nash from all of his ministerial portfolios, following another breach of the Cabinet Manual. ...7 hours ago
- ‘Conduct is inexcusable’: Four strikes and Stuart Nash is goneFour strikes and Stuart Nash has been ousted from cabinet. It follows revelations this evening that he shared private cabinet discussions with business leaders and criticised decisions made in a 2020 email, according to reporting by Stuff. In the email, Nash set out his opposition to a decision cabinet had ...7 hours ago
- Chris Hipkins mulling future of Stuart Nash, already on ‘final warning’The future of Stuart Nash, recently demoted to the bottom rung of cabinet, hangs in the balance following reports that he shared private cabinet discussions with business leaders and criticised decisions made in a 2020 email, according to reporting by Stuff. It follows Nash losing his police portfolio for breaching ...7 hours ago
- Citizens Advice Bureau delivers petition to Auckland Council in effort to halt budget cutsA petition with 20,000 signatures was handed to Auckland Council in a last-ditch effort to halt budget cuts to the Citizens Advice Bureau. ...7 hours ago
- Australia’s safeguard mechanism deal is only a half-win for the Greens, and for the climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Crowley, Adjunct Associate Professor, Public and Environmental Policy, University of Tasmania Labor and the Greens on Monday announced a deal to strengthen a key climate policy, the safeguard mechanism, by introducing a hard cap on industrial sector emissions. But the ...8 hours ago
- Government announces plan to electronically tag asylum seekers who may pose riskCourts would be able to order that anyone claiming refugee status be monitored, with other conditions such as residency requirements and curfews. ...8 hours ago
- Native Kea Parrot’s Days Numbered By Poison Drops – Wildlife AdvocateThe native parrot the kea is under siege from aerial spread 1080 poison drops says a West Coast wildlife advocate Laurie Collins of Westport. While it is accepted that a good proportion of New Zealanders are opposed to aerial 1080 poison drops used ...9 hours ago
- Coast council sends ‘action man’ packing
West Coasters might have a taste for the gung-ho but pragmatism has taken a turn for the cautious at an extraordinary Greymouth council meeting Outspoken West Coast Regional Council chair Allan Birchfield has been rolled by his colleagues in a bid to make peace with the government and stem the ...9 hours ago - The Posie Parker Stouche: Some Positive Lessons For Our ElectionBy Tim Wilson, Executive Director, Maxim Institute* What does politics produce when mixed with violence and intimidation? Sadly nothing constructive, plus a humungous helping of anger, division, recrimination, spleen and confusion. Oh, and headlines. ...9 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Lambie urges return of former employment program for Indigenous comm...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Senator Lidia Thorpe’s defection from the Greens changed the power dynamic in the Senate. Now the government needs two crossbenchers (and the Greens) to pass legislation opposed by the Coalition. Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie and ...9 hours ago
- Australia’s safeguard mechanism deal is only half a win for the Greens, and for the climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Crowley, Adjunct Associate Professor, Public and Environmental Policy, University of Tasmania Labor and the Greens on Monday announced a deal to strengthen a key climate policy, the safeguard mechanism, by introducing a hard cap on industrial sector emissions. But the ...9 hours ago
- Excitement As Security Guards Initiate For Fair Pay AgreementSecurity guards have made their voices heard and now have enough signatures to initiate a Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for workers in their occupation. Since the Fair Pay Agreements Bill was passed in October 2022, more than 1000 security guards across Aotearoa New ...9 hours ago
- Tertiary Education Institutions: 2021 Audit Results And What We Saw In 2022...9 hours ago
- ‘The reporting process was more traumatising than the assault itself’: LGBTQ+ survivors on acces...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bianca Fileborn, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock The following article discusses sexual violence, self-harm and suicide. Gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence, but we still know very little about ...10 hours ago
- The First Nations Voice to parliament could get us to revisit conversations about Australia becoming...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jesse J. Fleay, Republic Constitutional Scholar, Federalist, Co-Author of the Uluru Statement, University of Notre Dame Australia Australia is preparing for a referendum to decide on the proposed Voice to parliament for First Nations people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated the ...11 hours ago
- Toni Collette was ‘totally inspired’ by Jacinda Ardern for new sci-fi series The PowerToni Collette and John Leguizamo tell Tara Ward about the electric drama set in a world where gender equality becomes a sudden and shocking reality. There’s a moment halfway through in The Power when it seems Toni Collette could be channeling Jacinda Ardern. A mysterious medical event is sweeping the ...11 hours ago
- Don’t let financial shame be your ruin: open conversations can help ease the burden of personal de...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matevz (Matt) Raskovic, Associate Professor of International Business & Strategy, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Nearly two-thirds of New Zealanders are worried about the cost of living, and a quarter are worried about putting food on the table. But ...11 hours ago
- Is ‘climate anxiety’ a clinical diagnosis? Should it be?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiona Charlson, Conjoint NHMRC Early Career Fellow, The University of Queensland Shutterstock Last week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, comprised of the world’s most esteemed climate experts, delivered its sixth report and “final warning” about the climate crisis. It ...11 hours ago
- Government's security arm works on addressing spread of disinformationThe government's national security arm says it is working on how to address the spread of disinformation and this is not directed specifically at the general election. ...11 hours ago
- How to take a book apart: on compiling a poet’s life so farPoet Ash Davida Jane talks with poet Andrew Johnston about his Selected Poems, which spans 23 years of his published work. I’ve started writing this review in the notes app on my phone from the backseat of my friend’s car, which feels a far cry from the world of Andrew ...12 hours ago
- National Party leader Christopher Luxon demands Marama Davidson apologise to cis white menNational is demanding Marama Davidson apologise to cis white men over her comments from Saturday. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says he considers the matter closed. ...12 hours ago
- The ABC’s In Our Blood shines a light on lesbian activism during the AIDS crisis – but there’s...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Manlik, Casual Academic and PhD Candidate, Macquarie University ABC The recent ABC mini-series, In Our Blood, offers a fictionalised account of Australia’s response to AIDS, focusing on the development of a partnership between impacted communities, health professionals and government. ...12 hours ago
- Submissions on Auckland budget close tonightAucklanders – it’s your last chance to have a say on the council’s upcoming budget. Submissions close at 11pm tonight, after which they will be collated and considered by councillors before a final proposal’s released by the end of June. As my colleague Tommy de Silva explained earlier this month, ...12 hours ago
- Submissions on Auckland budget close tonightAucklanders – it’s your last chance to have a say on the council’s upcoming budget. Submissions close at 11pm tonight, after which they will be collated and considered by councillors before a final proposal’s released by the end of June. As my colleague Tommy de Silva explained earlier this month, ...12 hours ago
- NZ pushes China on lethal aid concerns over Ukraine war
After breaking a years-long gap between New Zealand ministerial visits to China, Nanaia Mahuta says the relationship is in good shape but the Government will keep discussing differences of opinion between the countries - including support for Ukraine New Zealand will keep pushing China to use its influence to help end ...13 hours ago - An environmental disaster was waiting to happen in Tolaga Bay. No one listenedThe government has commissioned an inquiry after forestry waste caused widespread devastation in Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. But records show experts have been sounding the alarm for decades – why did no one hear them? This story was first published on Stuff. Ten minutes into the grey wasteland of the Mangatokerau ...13 hours ago
- What is a paraben and why are so many products advertised as ‘paraben-free’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Oliver A.H. Jones, Professor, RMIT University Shutterstock You might have noticed many skin and haircare products are advertised as “paraben-free”, or come across online influencers warning parabens are terrible for your health. But what is a paraben? And could a ...14 hours ago
- ‘Comments were… offensive’: Davidson should say sorry to white men – LuxonGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson should apologise to white men over the “sweeping generalisation” she made ahead of the Posie Parker counter-protest on Saturday. That’s according to National’s leader Christopher Luxon who was questioned on the comments this morning at parliament. Davidson was caught on camera blaming “cis white men” ...14 hours ago
- What you need to know about the deadly fungus detected in New ZealandCandida auris is more likely to infect those who are already ill or immunocompromised and is fatal for 30-60% of those infected. What is Candida auris? Candida auris (also known as C. auris) is a type of fungus called a yeast. It was first identified in 2009 from the ear ...15 hours ago
- What’s Lorde up to next?Lorde’s always been mysterious and her latest newsletter to fans does nothing to change that. The New Zealand singer has just wrapped up her lengthy Solar Power tour in support of her third album released at the height of the delta Covid wave back in 2021. And while reports have ...15 hours ago
- Newsletter: March 27 2023 – Items of interest and importance todayNew Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. Other items of interest and importance today POSIE PARKER RALLY The Facts: New Zealanders are world leaders in respecting transgender men and women Chris ...15 hours ago
- Greens call for universal Covid vaccine availabilty after nearly 2500 children under 5 hospitalisedThe Green Party says the number of under 5s hospitalised for Covid-19 is "horrendously high". ...15 hours ago
- Chris Hipkins says polarising debate in wake of Posie Parker visit not helpfulPrime Minister Chris Hipkins believes the polarising debate in the wake of British gender activist Posie Parker's New Zealand visit has not been helpful, nor was it helpful to bring ethnicity and race into the debate. ...15 hours ago
- Just 3% of $500m 'drawn down' to improve or build mental health hospital facilitiesNew figures show the government has called on just 3 percent of the half a billion dollars approved to build or expand mental health hospital facilities. ...15 hours ago
- Meet three local heroes helping their communities thriveThe Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year will be announced this Thursday. The judges have had their work cut out for them choosing a winner from these finalists. There are hundreds of New Zealanders across the motu who devote time to their communities. Those people who go the extra mile ...15 hours ago
- David Farrier v Sean Plunket v the Family CourtLate last year, at the time David Farrier was readying to release his new documentary Mister Organ, broadcaster Sean Plunket started tweeting out what appeared to be court documents. As we detailed in our extensive timeline of the Mister Organ saga, the tweets included claims that Farrier had been served ...15 hours ago
- PM’s media round dominated by Davidson remarksPrime minister Chris Hipkins’ morning media round has been largely dominated by remarks made by one of his ministers over the weekend. Marama Davidson, who is also co-leader of the Green Party, was caught on capture at a counter-protest to anti-trans speaker Posie Parker stating: “I am the prevention violence ...17 hours ago
- In the face of more extreme weather, how and where we build needs to change. Here’s how the insura...If insurers aren’t involved in discussions on how New Zealand adapts to climate change, we risk whole sections of the country becoming uninsurable. As New Zealand considers how to better prepare for a future affected by climate change, the insurance sector needs to be part the discussion on where and ...17 hours ago
- Zero speed camera warning signs set up since policy announced in 2019The new police minister says she has recently been made aware of the lack of progress - and has asked for more information. ...17 hours ago
- The Bulletin: No fix for Coromandel highway before ChristmasIt will also be a couple of months before a decision is made on what approach will be taken with Coromandel’s SH25A which has been closed since cracks appeared on January 27 in the wake of ex-Cyclone Hale. Any fix will take nine to 12 months to implement. Access in ...17 hours ago
- The ‘dubious’ green claims at the supermarketConsumer NZ has warned customers to be aware of “unsubstantiated” or “misleading” eco-friendly claims made at the supermarket. The watchdog has taken a closer look at several items including a supposedly “planet conscious” air freshener, “ocean plastic” bags and “industrial compostable” teabags. But Gemma Rasmussen, Consumer’s head of research and ...18 hours ago
- For the first time, astronomers have linked a mysterious fast radio burst with gravitational wavesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clancy William James, Senior Lecturer (astronomy and astroparticle physics), Curtin University ASKAP. CSIRO We have just published evidence in Nature Astronomy for what might be producing mysterious bursts of radio waves coming from distant galaxies, known as fast radio bursts or FRBs. ...18 hours ago
- ‘The media normalises war-mongering’: how Chinese Australians respond to talk of war in mainstre...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wanning Sun, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Early this month, the Daily Mail published a story online implying three Chinese men taking photos at the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne were spies. After complaints and ...18 hours ago
- What causes hiccups and how can you get rid of them?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vincent Ho, Associate Professor and clinical academic gastroenterologist, Western Sydney University Shutterstock We all get hiccups from time to time, and sometimes they just won’t seem to go away. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm – the muscle ...18 hours ago
- 2022 was a good year for nature in Australia – but three nasty problems remainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Shutterstock A new report card on Australia’s environment reveals 2022 was a bumper year for our rivers and vegetation – but it ...18 hours ago
- Ghost rodents: get ready to fall in love with Australia’s albino rats and miceSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darcy Watchorn, PhD Candidate, Deakin University Discoveries of albino animals have a unique ability to capture the public imagination, often leading to flurries of social media and news coverage. (Think Migaloo, the famous white humpback whale.) It’s easy to see why ...18 hours ago
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yeah, kinda getting old.
so, we aren’t even allowed to look for oil?
It used to be oil running out now its we don’t want to find oil…
doesn’t really fit with the mantra does it?
Tories having to drill ever deeper, dangerous, and more desperate depths is not indicative of anything. /sarc
And then we could talk about peak oil, too…
“It used to be oil running out now its we don’t want to find oil…”
No, it was running out of cheap, easily accessible, relatively safe to extract oil. Which is why they’re now targeting NZ. Gettit? Not exactly rocket science.
There’s also this little thing call AGW, so year, why bother looking for oil at all?
but WE arent looking for oil are we.
If you look past the slogans thats a big part of the opposition argument
you and your lot aren’t. doesn’t mean me and my lot shouldn’t be allowed too. Facist
lolz. You and your lot = half a dozen bitter middle-aged balding divorced small-business owners.
You aren’t prospecting shit.
Yeah framu, you facist, you! Get out of TR’s face with your logic and democracy. The Supermen are here to save us from all that peon level stuff, show some gratitude, why doncha?
i thought the fascists were the supermen – at least in their eyes – oooh wait, tightey whitey doing some good ol projection again isnt he
get fucked and stop being such a entry level dick whitey tighty.
have you got an oil rig stuck up your posterior or something? Because i dont see how you and your sorry little lot of whinners are doing anything in regards to drilling for oil.
the point is WE as a COUNTRY arent doing didly – were letting an overseas outfit come in and take it for themselves while we get a measly 5% on whatever comes out of how they structure their international companies
If your going to get this pissy over a rather pedestrian point then perhaps you need to get your blankie and suck your thumb for a bit
does mummy need to kiss your boo boo and make it all better? Aww poor widdle baby
perhaps instead of acting like an A grade ass hole and godwinning your self you could look past your pathetic knee jerk and address the valid economic point im making. Then maybe explain just how pointing out that NZ isnt doing any drilling on the anardarko site is fascist – go on, prove it.
I love it as well how when a labour /green mp gets their name mocked, wed wuss for instance, everyone here goes apeshit about maturity levels. mock a member of the press as a poster, it’s “satire”. the hypocrisy of the left never fails to amuse me. no wonder you think you get a raw deal from certain media commentators / reporters. they can’t take places like the standard seriously.
youve got a point – maybe tag the name calling as satire in future?
i personally dont see the need for the names in order to make the satirical point – if the satire is good enough.
But i would add that everyones a hypocrite so i wouldnt go pointing too many fingers on that score
Really? everyones a hypocrite? mass sweeping generalizations without a single argument or fact to back it up. now that’s hypocritical from you!
wow – your being an even bigger ass hole than usual arent you
here i am agreeing with you and you still have to act like youve got shit in your nappies
“I love it as well how when a labour /green mp gets their name mocked, wed wuss for instance, everyone here goes apeshit about maturity levels.”
[citation needed]
Poking fun at the shambles that this government has consistently created is clearly bringing out some sour-grapes responses from some…
Very amusing article (and responses) Susan 😆
you probably loved the first season of the american in betweeners
There was an american version of the inbetweeners? I bet it was as good as the american version of The Office, Father Ted, Men Behaving Badly, Lyman’s Boys etc etc
It was ok. Not as good of course, they never are, but it could have been much worse.
@Tighty Righty,
Don’t know The Inbetweeners show, sorry…tend to like brit comedy though, although watching this govt is becoming pretty amusing – when viewing it as a satire on how [not] to govern….:D
couldn’t even use google to prevent giving yourself an uppercut?
Yes I googled, however didn’t recognise it and am on dial-up so not wasting my time waiting for sites describing some crappy american attempt to copy Brit humour to load.
If you were attempting at some sort of message by your last two comments they are too obscure for me to pick up on, sorry.
‘……end up living on a luxury liner permanently.’ That would be Douglas “about time i got my knighthood” Myers’ private yacht no doubt. After all Myers runs a ‘Charitable’ Trust which advises oil companies on how to twist Governments’ arms in order to get what they want. Great post Susan.
Whatshite, letting the cat out of the bag, yet again. No wonder you got fired from your last job, from what’s his name Cameroon – harpoon – Oilslick!! And here us serious bloggers envied your time in the Gulf of Mexico, swanning around, eating all that free lobster and shrimp. Now this betrayal. Talk about make me wanta puke. Obviously you haven’t been to a young Nat’s conference lately where all the signage reads “Drill, baby, drill,” and no, it’s not advertising for a new dental treatment, or the latest hip-hop moves.
With the opening of the second Hobbit movie in L.A., Air NZ put a new banner on one of their planes to publicize the event, apparently they are planning to install an oil rig on every one of their planes to help sell shares in the oil exploration movement here. Warners are thrilled, a new meaning to the mile-high club – blow, baby, blow.
Trolls very busy on this post.
I get the impression that they don’t understand the satire tag.
‘Trickle up’, yep, there’s a lot of that about. ‘Trickle down’ is a rarer beast, like the yeti or the loch ness monster. Lots of talk about it, but no confirmed sightings. Thanks for the chuckles Ms Nact.
A report is out saying that NZ is not ready for any stage 3 disaster (similar as the Reno spill). There is no vessel that can be deployed and not sufficient trained staff to take charge.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11166099
Is there somewhere a lawyer brave enough to take on the Devils Advocate and make those who allow such undertaking in light of the facts actually being known and reported accountable in case of a major disaster? By that I mean suing for the full extent of the cost and lives lost, source of income diminished – be it fishing, farming, tourist ventures etc. What are the personal liabilities of the decision makers in such a case? It is very clear that the drilling for oil was not voted for in a democratic process, least the people who will be most affected.
And may I ask again, where is the “protector of the land fighter for the foreshore and seabed”?
Yes, just what I thought….
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&bjectid=11166218&ref=rss
How about first we sue Fonterra, Federated Farmers, and individual dairy farmers for the huge multi-generational mess they’ve caused? No-one asked NZers if we wanted our rivers polluted.
“It is very clear that the drilling for oil was not voted for in a democratic process, least the people who will be most affected.”
What we really need is a constitution that acknowledges the rights of nature.
I love a larf! Thank you Susannact.
Me too Susan+1
The Atatere will be used a plug if a well spills.
Just tow it to the well site and it will sink of its own accord.
Rumour has it that the National Party have booked the Atatere for their Christmas function. A nautical theme, with J.K. playing Blackbeard, and Banksy getting to walk the plank. With a bit of luck they’ll take it for a spin, with or without a propeller !!
It’d be nice to think they might still be on board in the event of an oil spill – but then you’d hear the rats squealing all the way from the shore.
I don’t see a crippled rail ferry being much use.
What a shame you couldn’t have told Susan that before she put all that work into her article!
@ tricledrown
funny! 😆