you couldn’t make this shit up
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Evidence-based foreign policy
Written By: - Date published: 6:07 pm, April 2nd, 2018 - 99 comments
In the second stage of a false flag attack, facts go out the window and the sole issue becomes “are you for us or against us.” Our media and National Party politicians are well into this stage in the Skripal affair. But as questions mount and skeptics proliferate from all sides, Jacinda Ardern and Winston Peters may well be wiser than media advisers by not following blindly the western herd. 26 countries is not the whole world. Update: Porton Down unable to establish Novichok of Russian origin.
The manufacturing of a narrative
Written By: - Date published: 1:27 pm, March 31st, 2018 - 606 comments
The past week has seen the Herald focus on issues concerning Clare Curran to the almost exclusion of anything else, including the perilous state of our Health system and Kim Dotcom’s successful appeal against the last Government’s breach of his rights of privacy.
Joyce may have been right about the Fiscal hole
Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, March 28th, 2018 - 100 comments
Steven Joyce’s prediction of a $11.7 billion deficit in the Government’s finances may be true. But this is because the last Government has underfunded health and hidden problems.
Kiwibuild kicks off
Written By: - Date published: 8:59 am, March 26th, 2018 - 218 comments
The first big Kiwibuild announcement, 3 to 4,000 houses in Mt Albert has been made. And National has responded that it was all their idea and they did not want to announce it because it would be seen as pork barrelling.
Naughty Nick’s Parliamentary Porkie
Written By: - Date published: 7:39 am, March 22nd, 2018 - 39 comments
Nick Smith has been caught out by Trevor Mallard telling a porkie in Parliament.
Facebook is in trouble
Written By: - Date published: 8:24 am, March 21st, 2018 - 80 comments
A whistleblower, Christopher Wyllie, has explained how Cambridge Analytica managed to secure the data of 50 million Americans and how it was used in the last US Presidential election.
Du Plessis-Allan jumps the shark
Written By: - Date published: 9:59 am, March 18th, 2018 - 87 comments
Heather Du Plessis-Allan has suggested that there is a power struggle happening in the Labour Party. Without the benefit of things normally considered to be important elements of an argument, those things being facts.
Doofus of the week – March 17, 2018
Written By: - Date published: 12:48 pm, March 17th, 2018 - 37 comments
is awarded this week to Lisa Prager who is convinced that construction of cycleways in Auckland is part of a global conspiracy to take away our rights and whose sledge hammering technique is not optimal.
Collins: No one cares about National’s abject failure over housing
Written By: - Date published: 10:42 am, March 16th, 2018 - 111 comments
Judith Collins thinks that no one cares that National oversaw the creation of a significant housing crisis.
Housing needs a builder not a crusher
Written By: - Date published: 8:11 am, March 12th, 2018 - 82 comments
Phil Twyford has the perfect response to National’s claim that Judith Collins’ appointment as Housing Spokesperson would cause him to lose sleep.
Doofus of the week March 10, 2018
Written By: - Date published: 8:15 am, March 10th, 2018 - 157 comments
An occasional post where we celebrate the extremely banal or bad taste or idiotic behaviour in politics.
Justice for the family carer claimants
Written By: - Date published: 8:43 am, March 8th, 2018 - 28 comments
National’s constitutionally outrageous attempt to stifle the claims of family carers for compensation for discrimination should be repealed and a just settlement reached with the caregivers.
Steven Joyce threatens to sue Matthew Hooton and the NBR
Written By: - Date published: 5:22 pm, March 5th, 2018 - 76 comments
Matthew Hooton has been sacked as a contributor to the NBR and Steven Joyce has threatened to sue him and the NBR over claims that Joyce is not popular in caucus and should be sacked.
Simon Bridges’ not very good first week
Written By: - Date published: 9:37 am, March 4th, 2018 - 44 comments
In this very important first week Simon Bridges has committed two major blunders. He has claimed he was environmentally friendly when any view of his Ministerial history would confirm that this is not the case. And he forgot his Government oversaw the stripping of democratic rights from all prisoners, and adjusted his position when his error was pointed out.
Doofus of the week – March 3, 2018
Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, March 3rd, 2018 - 29 comments
David Seymour has created history by being the first person to win two doofuses of the week awards for blatant misogyny and disrespecting young kiwis who this week won olympic medals.
Right wing activists are not happy Bridges is leader
Written By: - Date published: 4:35 pm, February 27th, 2018 - 49 comments
The initial response from right wingers online to the news that National’s new leader is Simon Bridges is a big meh.
Joyce stands down as National struggles to find new leader *
Written By: - Date published: 8:07 am, February 24th, 2018 - 13 comments
* in Australia.
Arm me with
Written By: - Date published: 8:19 am, February 23rd, 2018 - 186 comments
Teachers in America have responded to Donald Trump’s proposal to arm teachers in response to the Parkland School massacre with a request that they be armed with anything but guns.
National’s meh leadership contest
Written By: - Date published: 4:27 pm, February 22nd, 2018 - 76 comments
National’s leadership contest is one week old. The latest is a central edict that all candidates have to be nice to each other and a claim that candidates are not offering senior positions to MPs in exchange for their support.
The strange case of the Judith Collins support website
Written By: - Date published: 1:17 pm, February 19th, 2018 - 51 comments
A Back Judith Collins website has been established. And Collins is denying involvement.
Mueller v Russia
Written By: - Date published: 8:21 am, February 19th, 2018 - 324 comments
Robert Mueller has laid an indictment alleging that thirteen Russians and three Russian entities illegally interfered with the 2016 American Election campaign.
Strong and decisive
Written By: - Date published: 8:54 am, February 18th, 2018 - 154 comments
Judith Collins has picked on the campaign term strong and decisive for behaviour better described as brutal and obdurate.
Seymour is dancing with the stars
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, February 17th, 2018 - 33 comments
David Seymour has indicated his commitment to improving ACT’s plight by enrolling for Dancing with the Stars.
Beetrooted
Written By: - Date published: 1:58 pm, February 16th, 2018 - 20 comments
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce’s future in politics is on the line as he responds to allegations of infidelity, hypocrisy and misuse of Government resources.
Was the political hit on Chris Bishop an inside job?
Written By: - Date published: 8:29 am, February 12th, 2018 - 158 comments
The disclosure of Chris Bishop’s snapchat engagement with young teenage females raises the question of who leaked the information to the media and why.
The problem with Charter Schools
Written By: - Date published: 12:38 pm, February 11th, 2018 - 296 comments
The Government is moving to stop the creation of new charter schools and require existing charter schools to integrate with the public system.
Doofus of the week
Written By: - Date published: 12:19 pm, February 10th, 2018 - 100 comments
Doofus of the week is Bob Jones for spouting racist nonsense that would have been embarrassing in the 1960s let alone now.
Trickledown …
Written By: - Date published: 8:25 am, February 8th, 2018 - 17 comments
Over in America Republican intellectual genius Paul Ryan tweeted how a School teacher who will receive $1.50 extra per week because of Republican tax cuts was grateful for the increase. But it did not go down well …
National claims credit for Waitangi Day
Written By: - Date published: 8:21 am, February 7th, 2018 - 58 comments
National is claiming some credit for the success of Waitangi day. But the things they claim credit for are because of decisions of others, not the National Government.
Middle east Teenagers
Written By: - Date published: 10:01 am, February 2nd, 2018 - 60 comments
In the middle east a Palestinian teenager is detained for a minor assault and for protesting the occupation of her country. And three Israeli teenagers are apparently trying to sue two New Zealand residents for exercising their rights of free speech.
Bill your pants may be on fire
Written By: - Date published: 1:48 pm, January 30th, 2018 - 118 comments
Bill English has criticised the Government for only offering an officer briefing on the day that legislation is due to be introduced into Parliament. But appears to have forgotten an offer made by Jacinda Ardern 48 days ago.
- Stand Tū Māia Sues Children’s Ministry For Breach Of Contract
Chief Executive Dr Fiona Inkpen said the Trust had been forced to bring court action to hold the Children’s Ministry to its contractual obligations and prevent the Ministry from acting as though the contract has been cancelled. ...2 weeks ago - The Spinoff’s best NZ books of 2024
The best local books published this year, as selected by books editor Claire Mabey and a panel of experts. Welcome to the first of four best-of-books lists for 2024. These are the New Zealand books, for both children and adults, published in 2024, that stuck with our panel of writers, ...2 weeks ago - PSA Calls On Minister To Reverse Cold-hearted Cuts To Children’s Charity Funding
Children’s charity Stand Tū Māia is today taking urgent legal action against Oranga Tamariki for unilaterally reneging on a three-year $21 million contract after only six months. ...2 weeks ago
- Review: Ram Raid Mums provides a blueprint for breaking the cycle
With youth crime dominating headlines and the government doubling down on punitive measures, Ram Raid Mums offers a powerful, humanising alternative. Liam Rātana reviews. It’s easy to say that all criminals should be locked up. That we should throw the book at people who break the law in an attempt ...2 weeks ago
- A close reading of the United Healthcare CEO suspect Luigi Mangione’s Goodreads account
Last week, the CEO of United Healthcare was shot and killed in New York. Today, we assess the suspect’s reading habits. Disclaimer: There is a slight possibility that someone with the same name and same face also has a Goodreads account and an interest in environmentalism and the healthcare industry. ...2 weeks ago
- The small town cinemas holding on at the edge of the world
Alex Casey talks to the owners of some of the country’s smallest cinemas about how they’re surviving – and even thriving – in 2024. To sit in the foyer of Ethel’s Cinema in Akaroa is to feel smack bang in the epicentre of the 600-strong Banks Peninsula community. The coffee ...2 weeks ago
- The cost of being: A thrifty baking apprentice who’s saving up to travel
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 21-year-old explains why she’s always on the hunt for a bargain. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 21. Ethnicity: NZ European. Role: Second-year baking ...2 weeks ago
- Explosive LNG Report Casts More Doubt On Govt’s Plan To Build Fossil Gas Import Terminal
The ‘ Explosive Truths’ report commissioned by Greenpeace delves into the history of LNG accidents, highlighting a lack of transparency, underestimated risks to human safety, and failing safety protocols. ...2 weeks ago
- A tale of two polls
Te Pāti Māori hits a high, but not at the expense of Act, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund for The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...2 weeks ago
- Freezers, pasteurisers and funding woes: A day at a human milk bank in Christchurch
Shanti Mathias visits a volunteer-run milk bank, where donated breast milk is processed and distributed to newborns in need. The milk is in bottles with light blue tops, neatly labelled, the three fridges humming steadily to keep the liquid cool. But a closer look at the milk shows not the ...2 weeks ago
- ‘More than a business’: Auckland institution Geoff’s Emporium to close after 42 years
The last buttons will be counted out on Dominion Road at the end of January. At the large wooden counter towards the back of the store, Derrol Lamb measured two meters of cream poly cotton from a roll of fabric. Once out, he deftly ran big silver scissors along the ...2 weeks ago
- ACT & Te Pāti Māori Gain In Final Taxpayers-Union Curia Poll For 2024; Centre-right Commands C...
The poll, conducted 1 to 3 December, has both National and Labour down 4.6 points from last month, National at 34.2% and Labour at 26.9%. ...2 weeks ago
- The Al-Assad dynasty is over and a new day dawns in Syria
Myra Williamson, a senior lecturer in international law at AUT with a personal connection to Syria, explains the significance of the downfall of the Assad regime and her hopes for a peaceful transition to a democratic future for the country. We have just witnessed a historic day in Syria. The ...2 weeks ago
- Not Too Late To Fix Controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill
The Bill retains several significant flaws that collectively mean that if enacted in its present form would make it the worst environmental legislation in our history, with scope for bad projects with significant adverse impacts to get approved. ...2 weeks ago
- The Spinoff guide to life: How to attend a tangi
The tikanga and kawa for tangi can vary from marae to marae and even whānau to whānau, but the broad principles tend to remain the same. Remain respectful, bear in mind that tikanga Māori is central to all proceedings, and you’ll be fine. For the uninitiated, tangi can be a daunting ...2 weeks ago
- Anti-Corruption Day 2024: Monday 9 December 2024 Is International Anti-Corruption Day
This day is a celebration of the progress in the fight against corruption since it was initiated; and a reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done. ...2 weeks ago
- A book for every year of your life: Part one, ages 0-30
From picture books to bell hooks, some reading inspiration for every age. There’s no such thing as age-appropriate books because there’s no such thing as age-inappropriate books, unless you’re planning to give your four-year-old nephew a copy of Anna Karenina (although, like Thomas The Tank Engine it does have an ...2 weeks ago
- Welcome To Summer School For Ministers Toy Assembly (Climate Change 101 Curriculum Delivery)
Parents for Climate Aotearoa are holding the Toy Assembly to welcome the Prime Minister and cabinet Ministers to the Climate Change 101 Summer School to highlight that they also need to get the basics right and do them brilliantly. ...2 weeks ago
- Raft Of Politicians Expected At Save Our Mill Meeting In Tokoroa
The deputy PM is among those attending a community meeting about the mill, with calls for worker relief heading into Christmas. ...2 weeks ago
- Extinction Rebellion Will Cease To Exist If Greens Policy Is Enacted
‘The Green Party Emission reduction Plan – He Ara Anamata, will obviate the need to take ongoing actions’, says Caril Cowan, spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Tāmakai Makauraru. ...2 weeks ago
- Are We Counting On The Right Evidence?
What counts as evidence when important decisions are made about social well-being in Aotearoa is the focus of a new study at the University of Auckland. ...2 weeks ago
- Greenpeace Welcomes Action On Dairy Emissions In Greens’ Alternative Emissions Reduction Plan
"At a time when the Luxon-led government is caving to polluting industry lobbyists and undermining climate action across all fronts, it is refreshing to see an alternative pathway," says Greenpeace spokesperson Amanda Larsson. ...2 weeks ago
- Cuts To Humanities And Social Sciences Research Will Impact Māori Most
Humanities and social sciences are foundational to advancing and nurturing the next generation of Māori scholars. Without this funding avenue, the future for them looks pretty grim. ...3 weeks ago
- Climate Commission Methane Advice A Chance To Pull Climate Emergency Brake: Greenpeace
The intensive dairy industry, led by Fonterra, is NZ’s worst climate polluter, belching out vast amounts of superheating methane gas, Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says. ...3 weeks ago
- Special Honours List 6 December 2024 (Bravery Awards)
The King has been pleased to approve the New Zealand Bravery Awards. The Governor-General, under authority delegated by The King, has been pleased to approve the New Zealand Bravery Awards. ...3 weeks ago
- Commission Delivers First Review Of The 2050 Target And Advice On The Fourth Emissions Budget
These reports are our final advice on the fourth emissions budget (for 2036–2040), and the first five-yearly review of the 2050 emissions target. The target review advice also includes a one-off review of whether international shipping and aviation ...3 weeks ago
- Interim Financial Statements Of The Government Of New Zealand For The Four Months Ended 31 October 2...
The October results are reported against forecasts based on the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (BEFU 2024), published on 30 May 2024, and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...3 weeks ago
- National Government Continues To Punish People For Being Poor
This National government continues to gaslight those experiencing poverty and they're so clearly out of touch with what's happening on the frontline, it's disappointing, embarrassing and to be frank quite reckless. ...3 weeks ago
- How Does Te Tiriti o Waitangi Compare To Treaties In Other Colonial Countries?
Aotearoa is unique among settler colonial states in having one treaty with the indigenous people, but how does that compare with treaties made with other first nations in Canada, the US and Australia? ...3 weeks ago
- An Investigation In The Carbon Emissions Of Members Of Parliament (MPs) In NZ
This study was sparked by an interest in examining New Zealand’s carbon emissions, focusing on specific corporations and groups within the country. It reflects a global trend of heightened environmental awareness as individuals and organisations increasingly ...3 weeks ago
- Govt’s Personal Grievance Changes Will Empower Bad Employers
“The Prime Minister and his cabinet continue to demonstrate that they are governing only for employers and couldn’t care less about the people who get up every day and go to work to keep this country running,” said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting ...3 weeks ago
- Govt’s Methane Review Designed To Disguise Ideology As Fact – Greenpeace
The methane review is designed to disguise political ideology as scientific fact. It was set up to bypass the independent scientific advice of the Climate Change Commission because that advice didn’t say what the Government - & the livestock industry lobbyists ...3 weeks ago
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