If you have a spare 25 minutes this evening, watch this interview with John PIlger and you’ll learn what is really happening behind the corporate lame stream media headlines on Syria, Salisbury, Yemen and the Korean peninsula.
Watched it yesterday. Compelling and ominous. If what Pilger says is true then everything coming from the “Great ” Powers is suspect. What sort of world are we living in? Who would we trust? Glum!
Excellent observations from Pilger…i wonder if our journalists blush when they watch these interviews? Or do they just consider anything on RT to be “Russian Propaganda”
Tomorrow President Trump will announce whether he is going to continue with the nuclear non-proliferation agreement with Iran. If he cuts it loose, and Iran is then completely unconstrained in the region, quite a few cards fall Iran’s way.
Through the control that Iran-backed Hizbollah now have in Lebanon following the elections on the weekend, Iran’s influence consolidates right on Israel’s border.
Iran has already consolidated power next door with its sustained support for the Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad in Damascus.
The last part of that is the Iraqi parliamentary elections coming up this weekend on May 12th. If they get sufficient influence in the Iraqi Parliament, they will be able to form a continuous land bridge from Iran to Iraq to Syria to Lebanon, right to the border of Israel.
The United States releasing them from major international constraint through the cutting of the non-proliferation treaty truly smoothes that pathway.
The Iranians will continue to play for time until they are no longer convinced that any strike on Israel will lead to a war they will lose.
When the Iranians have finally consolidated power in Syria, Lebanon and in Iraq, when they have a strong presence on the border with Israel, and when they have precision-guided missiles in place — then they will be ready to defeat Israel.
If you want to dispute Iranian influence for a fair old while into Lebanon’s Hizbollah, into Assad’s Syria, and into Iraq, go right ahead.
The speculation bit is for the next 10 hours, when Trump announces which way he is going. Then all you have to do is wait five days for the Iraqi election.
The writing is on the wall for fossil fuels, and the think about nukes is that if you use them, you lose. So having them is actually more dangerous than people thinking that you might have them.
Meanwhile, Iran gets to sell its oil as long as some of the world wants it, and is domestically energy-diversified for when that market dries up in the next few decades. Giving them a massive advantage over Saudi Arabia. And they don’t even need to spend billions developing nukes.
I think you would find that Trump may have a get out of jail card to use as the news was saying tonight by banning any US companies from dealing with Iran and therefore he can still keep the treaty intact. But with Trump anything can happen atm and my guess he will ditch it.
I agree with your assumptions and that of old mop top Boris which could lead to an all out Arms Race within the MER which see a few nations attempt to get some nukes. If the worst case happens then the MER could get very untidy very fast and especially after the Israeli parliament approved that the PM and his or her MoD can go to war with cabinets approval.
There is already a enough hot air and hot heads in the MER without these two dills adding their two shekels worth.
It’s about bloody time we start focus on our backyard aka Sth Pacific and our front yard aka Antarctic followed by SEA and finally the Commonwealth Nations outside of the 3 rings mention.
I didn’t know our embassy in Sweden had closed! And who were the muppets that closed it? Apart from the Uk, Ireland, France, Germany and Dutch embassies. I consider Sweden an important embassy to have in Europe.
Yes, we do import a lot of from Sweden and both from Norway and Finland. All of it is good quality stuff to boot.
I think memory that Sweden even had put an offer in for it Gippen Multi- Role Combat Jet when the F-16 deal went south and it was almost better than what Yanks has offered.
I don’t think we are late, but have just arrived in time unlike the Aussies who have frozen their aid again until 2022 bloody dickheads. I notice that the inshore Patrol Boats (note these Boats were meant to be sold off by the No Mates Party under the last DWP) will spending more time up in the Islands now and hopefully one of the OPV’s as well if the third one gets the go head by the current Government. The MoD, MFAT and NZAid should look at basing them on a permanent basis at the Pacific Boat Dockyard near Nadi Airport? As there is a Pacific Fishies and SAR centre at Nadi as well.
Probably should look at basing some Aid stores and develop some sort of training school at Nadi as well. Covering Engineering, Policing, HADR, Health, Education and training up the Civil/ Public Service etc.
I think you are on the money there, but I would like to see a slightly bigger NZDF/ NZAid and MFAT presence in the South Pacific in the longer term. Typical that No Mates National Party is playing a short term game where this is going to have longer term effects to regional by this new governments decision.
I notice that the inshore Patrol Boats (note these Boats were meant to be sold off by the No Mates Party under the last DWP) will spending more time up in the Islands now and hopefully one of the OPV’s as well if the third one gets the go head by the current Government.
Following long-running Navy retention problems in the wake of NZDF “civilianisation”, two of the four vessels have been tied up, inactive, in a ‘Reduced Activity Period’ for long periods since 2013. It was announced on 14 April 2016 that some of the vessels might be sold.
National: Doing everything they can to fuck things up.
Yeah, I don’t think civilians should be in the operation/administration of our defence forces and that those who are in them should be bloody well paid. It is the latter that had National upset as it meant that they had difficulty getting a surplus while cutting taxes for the rich.
To carry out Green Party policy in regards to the Pacific we actually need, IMO, quite a few more Navy ships with longer cruising ranges. In other words, probably more OPVs but I’d prefer to see more frigates or even destroyers.
The Green Defence Policy to me is a wee bit airy fairy for my liking and doesn’t reflect what can happen on ground real time. In other words a bit too much one dimensional which leaves the NZDF without much “Utility of Force” when and if it goes pear shaped which lead to dead Kiwi Service personal with either destroyed equipment that wasn’t fit for purpose.
The NZDF must have “Utility of Force” across all 3 Services and its why I believe that the RNZN should be structured around the Royal Danish Navy in particular the Absalon Class Ships and it’s up Gun bigger brother which is built using the same hull as the Absalon Class. For this to work perfectly all the StanFlex modules will have to brought as well to get any true value out of the ships.
The Green Defence Policy to me is a wee bit airy fairy for my liking and doesn’t reflect what can happen on ground real time.
True and I’m a Greep Party member. Seems to be more based upon ignorance and ideology than practical realities.
Still, this push out into the pacific may actually be because of that push from the Greens. Hopefully, the Greens will learn something from it either way.
…the Absalon Class Ships and it’s up Gun bigger brother which is built using the same hull as the Absalon Class. For this to work perfectly all the StanFlex modules will have to brought as well to get any true value out of the ships.
I tend to the opinion that we should be building our own ships (we do have the capability) but we could certainly learn lessons from the Danish design.
Thank god, I’m not the only one thinks the Greens Defence is base on ignorance ideology rather practical realities.
I always thought the that NZDF’s deployment to East Timor in 99 would’ve woken the Greens up, but somehow it didn’t as that was a Chapter 6 1/2 Mission and probably seen the true cost at maintaining Defence Force for Peacekeeping/ PeaceEnforcement missions
The Danish Navy does provide a useful case study to look at as they roughly operate at the same latitude (plus 50deg Nth to the Med and the Indian Ocean) as the RNZN but in reverse plus 50deg Sth half to Chile, Nth Asia out to the Indian Ocean.
Even the Irish Navy is starting to sail to the Med and across to the States in their new Corvettes and are looking at purchasing a landing type Ship to support its Army on Peacekeeping operations and HADR under the EU Flag.
Both nations are a seen by left as what NZDF should be structure like.
I know what your views are about building RNZN ships in NZ and I do agree with your views , but my big concern is always after building them what happens to 50 to 60% of the work force as dockyard won’t that many to maintain the ships and is there value for money at building them in NZ as in Australia building the ships in Oz adds something from about 25 to 50% of the total cost compared if they were built overseas. Those figures are base on what we payed for the 2 ANZAC’s and we had to Germany we would’ve got 3 possibly 4 ANZAC’s for the two we got from Oz?
but my big concern is always after building them what happens to 50 to 60% of the work force
We have a viable ship building industry in NZ already. The government should be able to plan with that industry so as to prevent any undue hardship. And then there’s the fact that many would be able to change industries. Somebody who can weld hulls can also weld pretty much anything else.
My own idea would be to have a government shipyard that builds ship at rate of replacement. As a new one is produced an old one is retired. This would also have a large R&D section. Anything more than that would be contracted out to the private sector as needed.
Wouldn’t be able to eliminate all disruptions to the workforce but could minimise it. That said, actual number of employees should be dropping as automation takes over such as automated welding.
and is there value for money at building them in NZ as in Australia building the ships in Oz adds something from about 25 to 50% of the total cost compared if they were built overseas.
To me there is as building them here develops skills, pushes R&D and increases national security as building them here from our own resources means that we’re not completely dependent upon imports for our defence. All of those would be worth any added monetary cost. Physically, having them built elsewhere costs the same amount and then has added costs of transporting them here.
Interesting to read Peter Dutton really playing up the story of illegal migrants attempting to head to Australia & NZ, stopped by Malaysian authorities and emphasising it was a bigger boat & more complex operation than previously. The implication was that if the Malaysians had not stopped it, the illegal migrants would have reached NZ and then Australia through the back door.
He squarely laid the blame on the shoulders of Jacinda. Our media have played along, with the usual suspects making a big deal out of it.
I heard this one questioning viewpoint on RNZ news, broadcast once only. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/356765/tanker-smuggling-migrants-never-would-have-made-it-to-nz
So this is the second time the Aussies have seen fit to overplay the likelihood of boats heading to NZ. Clearly Jacindas offer to resettle those on Manus still rattles some in the Turnbull cabinet, although they still want the offer to remain on the table as a backup.
It’s looks like the real deal to me and from of heard from the grapevine. As the boat was disguised to look like one of the many small tramp tankers that you see moving around SEA every day and most of the SIEV’s that head to Nth Australia are the usual wooden fishing boats not a full on steel built tramp tanker like this one.
They are going to have crack at reaching NZ and there is a number of ways at doing it, but crossing the ditch is not for faint hearted in a small tramp ship such is this one in any season regardless of the sea state.
The Endeavour sailed around the world. I suspect modern (ha) tramp tankers could do so as well.
So, yeah, there’s going to be more attempts at reaching NZ and I don’t think that what the PM said has changed that in any way. Once Australia became closed other places would be looked at and NZ is a desirable place in its own right.
Many people won’t like this but NZ will have to close its borders as Australia have done sooner or later.
Especially as some of that rust looks load-bearing, lol
Sooner or later someone will manage to get here and the tories and aussies will lose their collective shit in “I told you so”s, but the fact is that to get here they need to not just sail here, but sail here undetected through Australia’s surveillance net and the waters of some extremely tense nations.
If they make it to our SAR zone, good on them, I say, and fast track their immigration requests. We could do with those go-getters here.
I think they will have a crack coming around the top PNG (as it’s easily to pay off the locals) as coming through the Top End of Oz they stick out like a third nut on a Greyhound especially around the Thursday Island Group as every man and his dog uses a 4-5m tinny to travel to PNG etc and it’s heavily watch Borderforce/ Coastwatch Aircraft and by ADF assets in the area.
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This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
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The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Chartres, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney shutterstockAhmet Misirligul/Shutterstock You go to the gym, eat healthy and walk as much as possible. You wash your hands and get vaccinated. You control your health. This is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Hendriks, Research Fellow and Lecturer, Curtin University Children and young people may be seeing news headlines about men murdering women or footage of people rallying to call for action. Perhaps they or their friends have even gone to the protests. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Balanzategui, Senior Lecturer in Media, RMIT University ABC “Bluey mania” shows no sign of abating. Bluey’s season finale, The Sign, was the most viewed ABC program of all time on iView. A “hidden” follow-up episode, aptly named The Surprise, created ...
Labour market figures came in softer than the Reserve Bank had forecast, but they won’t be enough to move the needle on interest rates, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Unemployment ...
The campaign will engage the community and encourage submissions on the bill to the New Zealand government by the closing submission deadline of Friday 31st of May 2024 4pm. ...
The paper raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand's political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency plays in that. ...
The Urban Habitat Collective was an attempt to built an innovative new form of apartment building in Wellington. Here’s why it failed, and why the idea could still work, writes co-founder Bronwen Newton. When we started the Urban Habitat Collective in November 2018, we thought we were starting a revolution, ...
Two decades ago this week, a controversial law that attempted to define ownership of the foreshore and seabed prompted a formidable display of outrage and kōtahitanga as 15,000 marched to parliament. Jamie Tahana looks back.‘Hīkoi, hīkoi,” they chanted by the thousands as the biggest Māori march in a generation ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 2 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Why has New Zealand slipped from third to 12th on Quality of Death Indexes over the past decade or so? Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive Wayne Naylor has a list of reasons. “We don’t have a current national strategy – the Government hasn’t renewed our 2001 strategy, so we don’t ...
While women’s sport is exploding in Aotearoa and around the world, you still don’t hear a lot of talk about athletes and their periods, RED-S, breastfeeding and visible panty-lines. SASS (Suze and Sez Sports)Talk isn’t afraid to have that kōrero.LockerRoom founder Suzanne McFadden and Olympian broadcaster Sarah ...
On an unusually hot night in January 2019, a little boy’s lifeless body was found face up in a small town’s sewage oxidation pond. To the police, it was an open and shut case: three-year-old Lachlan Jones had run away from his home in the Southland town of Gore, climbed ...
A Labour Party Member’s Bill aims to plug a culpability gap between manslaughter and health and safety breaches The post New push for corporate killing laws appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Terence O’Brien had the rare and no doubt undesired distinction of rising to one of the most exalted positions in New Zealand diplomacy, then being unceremoniously recalled to Wellington without explanation just when his career was at its zenith. What is perhaps more surprising is that he appears to have ...
Rongotai MP Julie Anne Genter has apologised in Parliament after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers in the House. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders met on Wednesday as the national cabinet to discuss a crisis gripping Australia – the horrific number of women murdered this year. The killings have shocked ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...
Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University Violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it is a whole of society problem to solve; and men in particular have to take responsibility. Those were the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Allen, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Newcastle Snapshot freddy/ShutterstockPlans to revive an old coal-fired power station using bioenergy are being considered in the Hunter region of New South Wales. Similar plans for the station ...
Responding to the long-awaited release of judges’ special allowances, including free air travel and hotels for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said: “In what world does your employer ...
Analysis - The United States has unveiled plans to boost the weapons trade with Australia and the UK, on the same day that Winston Peters is expected to sketch NZ's position on AUKUS. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Carson, Professor of Political Communication, Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University Since Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, diverse commentaries have sought to explain why it failed. But what does an analysis of media ...
Lawyers representing two iwi as well as the Māori Women’s Welfare League on Wednesday asked the Court of Appeal to overturn last week’s High Court decision on the Waitangi Tribunal’s decision to summons Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. The Tribunal is currently investigating the Government’s decision to repeal section 7AA of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation to ban deepfake pornography and provide more funding for the eSafety Commission to pilot age-assurance technologies. The contribution of internet sites to gender-based violence was one major issue ...
Average ordinary time hourly earnings, as measured by the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), increased 5.2 percent in the year to the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Annual wage cost inflation, as measured by the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, FinTech Capability Lead | Senior Lecturer, Emerging Technologies and FinTech, Swinburne University of Technology Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash In the digital era, the job market is increasingly becoming a minefield – demanding and difficult to navigate. According to the Australian Bureau ...
As of the March 2024 quarter, we can now look back on 20 years of data related to youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET), as collected by the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS), according to figures released by Stats NZ today. "The ...
Thousands of workers attended public events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch today to celebrate International Workers’ Day (May Day), but union representatives are urging caution and vigilance over the Government’s blatantly "anti-worker" ...
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the March 2024 quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the previous quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...
The PSA is warning the Government that the sensitive information of New Zealanders held by various agencies will fall into the wrong hands if the latest round of proposed cuts goes ahead. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Talitha Best, Professor of Psychology, CQUniversity Australia Victoria Rodriguez/Unsplash How do sugar rushes work? – W.H, age nine, from Canberra What a terrific question W.H! Let’s explore this, starting with some of the basics. What is sugar? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karinna Saxby, Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Increasing income support could help keep women and children safe according to new work demonstrating strong links between financial insecurity and domestic violence. ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark A Gregory, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, RMIT University The telecommunications industry faces a major shakeup following the release of the post-incident report on last November’s 12-hour Optus outage. Telecommunications companies will have to share more information with customers during future ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Eden Denyer, bookseller at Unity Books Auckland.Weirdest question/request you’ve had on the shop floorA mother came in looking for anything we might have on Alaskan bison as that was her little boy’s ...
NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said new data released by Statistics New Zealand shows the need for Government to act now, with unemployment rising from 3.4% to 4.3%. ...
The outpouring of anger over Maiki Sherman’s hyperbolic presentation of this week’s ‘nightmare’ poll is itself an overreaction, argues Stewart Sowman-Lund. Politicians love nothing more than to pretend they don’t care about polls. This week, deputy prime minister Winston Peters said he didn’t give a “rat’s derriere” about a TVNZ ...
Asia Pacific Report Ngāti Kahungunu in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region has become the first indigenous Māori iwi (tribe) to sign a resolution calling for a “ceasefire in Palestine”, reports Te Ao Māori News. Reporter Te Aniwaniwa Paterson talked to Te Otāne Huata, who has been organising peace rallies ...
By Dale Luma in Port Moresby “We want grants and not concessional loans,” is the crisp message from Papua New Guinea businesses directly affected by the Black Wednesday looting four months ago. The businesses, which lost millions after the January 10 rioting and looting, say they need grants as part ...
Happy May Day. Join a union. Q: What’s worse than a staff break room where the only place to sit and have a cup of tea is on a teetering stack of old pornography magazines? A: Your boss replacing the magazine stacks with chairs that are “heartily encrusted with ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Former opposition leader Matthew Wale has been announced as the second prime ministerial candidate ahead of the election in Solomon Islands tomorrow. He will face off against former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele, who was announced by the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation ...
We get but one birthday a year – why not make it last as long as possible by scheduling as many meals with friends and family as you can? This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate at ...
A Koi Tū discussion paper released today proposes sweeping changes to New Zealand’s media industry. The principal’s key author, Gavin Ellis, explains how journalists have a key role to play in making others value their role in society. This is an abridged version of a piece first published on knightlyviews.com ...
The Government’s spending cuts are again targeting support for Māori with proposed reform of the agency charged with advising on Māori wellbeing and development. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Douglas, Honorary Senior Lecturer, UNSW Aviation., UNSW Sydney The history of budget jet airlines in Australia is a long road littered with broken dreams. New entrants have consistently struggled to get a foothold. Low-cost carrier Bonza has just become the industry’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosalind Dixon, Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW Sydney Australia is finally having a sustained conversation about violence against women and what we can do about it. It is more than time. Australian women and girls continue to experience ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne stockfour/Shutterstock Preliminary bulk billing data released this week shows a 2.1% rise in bulk billing up to March. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Schulz, Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Australia is once again grappling with how we can stop gendered violence in our country. Protests over the weekend show there is enormous community anger over the number of women who are dying and National ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University AnastasiaDudka/Shutterstock What if the government was doing everything it could to stop thieves making off with our money, except the one thing that could really work? That’s how it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury The Conversation It seems to be a time of old favourites. This month our experts have recommended two new seasons – the second season of Alone Australia (although ...
Is Ryan Bridges the next Mike Hosking?
Bigoted
Entitled
Ignorant
Bullying
Ticks the boxes.
Is he related to Slick?
If you have a spare 25 minutes this evening, watch this interview with John PIlger and you’ll learn what is really happening behind the corporate lame stream media headlines on Syria, Salisbury, Yemen and the Korean peninsula.
John Pilger is a great journalist.
Watched it yesterday. Compelling and ominous. If what Pilger says is true then everything coming from the “Great ” Powers is suspect. What sort of world are we living in? Who would we trust? Glum!
Excellent observations from Pilger…i wonder if our journalists blush when they watch these interviews? Or do they just consider anything on RT to be “Russian Propaganda”
Tomorrow President Trump will announce whether he is going to continue with the nuclear non-proliferation agreement with Iran. If he cuts it loose, and Iran is then completely unconstrained in the region, quite a few cards fall Iran’s way.
Through the control that Iran-backed Hizbollah now have in Lebanon following the elections on the weekend, Iran’s influence consolidates right on Israel’s border.
Iran has already consolidated power next door with its sustained support for the Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad in Damascus.
The last part of that is the Iraqi parliamentary elections coming up this weekend on May 12th. If they get sufficient influence in the Iraqi Parliament, they will be able to form a continuous land bridge from Iran to Iraq to Syria to Lebanon, right to the border of Israel.
The United States releasing them from major international constraint through the cutting of the non-proliferation treaty truly smoothes that pathway.
The Iranians will continue to play for time until they are no longer convinced that any strike on Israel will lead to a war they will lose.
When the Iranians have finally consolidated power in Syria, Lebanon and in Iraq, when they have a strong presence on the border with Israel, and when they have precision-guided missiles in place — then they will be ready to defeat Israel.
Sounds like a whole lot of speculation on your part.
If you want to dispute Iranian influence for a fair old while into Lebanon’s Hizbollah, into Assad’s Syria, and into Iraq, go right ahead.
The speculation bit is for the next 10 hours, when Trump announces which way he is going. Then all you have to do is wait five days for the Iraqi election.
Won’t take us long.
The only reason Trump wants to abandon the non proliferation agreement is because Obama set it up. Whatever Obama did, Trump tears down.
Beyond pitiful.
“The Iranians will continue to play for time until they are no longer convinced that any strike on Israel will lead to a war they will lose.”
The iranians are not daft enough to launch an assault on israel, they know what the consequences would be .
When the Iranians get their nuclear weapon, they will not give a damn.
When they get their missile systems from Russia – just as Turkey has done in the last week – they will be setting them up right in israel’s border.
Let’s see how this falls tomorrow morning.
Ad, you understand that there is a nuclear armed state in ME already?…
Two is double the fun. Or is that quadruple?
They don’t actually need a nuke.
And they’re not pulling out of the NPT.
The writing is on the wall for fossil fuels, and the think about nukes is that if you use them, you lose. So having them is actually more dangerous than people thinking that you might have them.
Meanwhile, Iran gets to sell its oil as long as some of the world wants it, and is domestically energy-diversified for when that market dries up in the next few decades. Giving them a massive advantage over Saudi Arabia. And they don’t even need to spend billions developing nukes.
saudi needs >$85 oil to balance the books and buy expensive munitions from the US.
Reinstated sanctions will send the oil price to around that.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-arabia-imf/saudi-arabia-needs-oil-at-85-87-a-barrel-to-balance-budget-imf-official-idUSKBN1I30H7
6am our time, at a guess, Al Jazeera will do a live stream, they usually do.
thats a lawful lot of whens…and of course Israel will simply sit back and await when.
I think you would find that Trump may have a get out of jail card to use as the news was saying tonight by banning any US companies from dealing with Iran and therefore he can still keep the treaty intact. But with Trump anything can happen atm and my guess he will ditch it.
I agree with your assumptions and that of old mop top Boris which could lead to an all out Arms Race within the MER which see a few nations attempt to get some nukes. If the worst case happens then the MER could get very untidy very fast and especially after the Israeli parliament approved that the PM and his or her MoD can go to war with cabinets approval.
There is already a enough hot air and hot heads in the MER without these two dills adding their two shekels worth.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-08/donald-trump-iran-deal-or-no-deal-what-will-happen/9737394
The US will not be cutting a non-proliferation treaty.
$700 million buys back the Pacific…(hopefully,says Winston)
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/103738729/budget-2018-1b-for-foreign-affairs-massive-boost-to-pacific-aid-and-a-new-embassy
Real estate in Stockholm must be doing well with $40 million for capital expenditure for reopening our embassy in Sweden.
It’s about bloody time we start focus on our backyard aka Sth Pacific and our front yard aka Antarctic followed by SEA and finally the Commonwealth Nations outside of the 3 rings mention.
I didn’t know our embassy in Sweden had closed! And who were the muppets that closed it? Apart from the Uk, Ireland, France, Germany and Dutch embassies. I consider Sweden an important embassy to have in Europe.
“Who were the muppets that closed it?” Who do you think???
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand%E2%80%93Sweden_relations
I had no idea we imported so much from Sweden…a pity we failed to import some of their more progressive social policies.
You are right about the Pacific…small wonder so many Pacific nations sought support elsewhere.
I fear it may be a little late to turn the tide though.
Yeah I might’ve guessed it was them, lol
Yes, we do import a lot of from Sweden and both from Norway and Finland. All of it is good quality stuff to boot.
I think memory that Sweden even had put an offer in for it Gippen Multi- Role Combat Jet when the F-16 deal went south and it was almost better than what Yanks has offered.
I don’t think we are late, but have just arrived in time unlike the Aussies who have frozen their aid again until 2022 bloody dickheads. I notice that the inshore Patrol Boats (note these Boats were meant to be sold off by the No Mates Party under the last DWP) will spending more time up in the Islands now and hopefully one of the OPV’s as well if the third one gets the go head by the current Government. The MoD, MFAT and NZAid should look at basing them on a permanent basis at the Pacific Boat Dockyard near Nadi Airport? As there is a Pacific Fishies and SAR centre at Nadi as well.
Probably should look at basing some Aid stores and develop some sort of training school at Nadi as well. Covering Engineering, Policing, HADR, Health, Education and training up the Civil/ Public Service etc.
I think thats how the Navy will get the funding for sending patrol boats for tours around pacific islands- from the Aid/ foreign affairs budget
I think you are on the money there, but I would like to see a slightly bigger NZDF/ NZAid and MFAT presence in the South Pacific in the longer term. Typical that No Mates National Party is playing a short term game where this is going to have longer term effects to regional by this new governments decision.
Inshore Patrol Vessel
National: Doing everything they can to fuck things up.
Yeah, I don’t think civilians should be in the operation/administration of our defence forces and that those who are in them should be bloody well paid. It is the latter that had National upset as it meant that they had difficulty getting a surplus while cutting taxes for the rich.
To carry out Green Party policy in regards to the Pacific we actually need, IMO, quite a few more Navy ships with longer cruising ranges. In other words, probably more OPVs but I’d prefer to see more frigates or even destroyers.
The Green Defence Policy to me is a wee bit airy fairy for my liking and doesn’t reflect what can happen on ground real time. In other words a bit too much one dimensional which leaves the NZDF without much “Utility of Force” when and if it goes pear shaped which lead to dead Kiwi Service personal with either destroyed equipment that wasn’t fit for purpose.
The NZDF must have “Utility of Force” across all 3 Services and its why I believe that the RNZN should be structured around the Royal Danish Navy in particular the Absalon Class Ships and it’s up Gun bigger brother which is built using the same hull as the Absalon Class. For this to work perfectly all the StanFlex modules will have to brought as well to get any true value out of the ships.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absalon-class_support_ship
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iver_Huitfeldt-class_frigate
True and I’m a Greep Party member. Seems to be more based upon ignorance and ideology than practical realities.
Still, this push out into the pacific may actually be because of that push from the Greens. Hopefully, the Greens will learn something from it either way.
I tend to the opinion that we should be building our own ships (we do have the capability) but we could certainly learn lessons from the Danish design.
Thank god, I’m not the only one thinks the Greens Defence is base on ignorance ideology rather practical realities.
I always thought the that NZDF’s deployment to East Timor in 99 would’ve woken the Greens up, but somehow it didn’t as that was a Chapter 6 1/2 Mission and probably seen the true cost at maintaining Defence Force for Peacekeeping/ PeaceEnforcement missions
The Danish Navy does provide a useful case study to look at as they roughly operate at the same latitude (plus 50deg Nth to the Med and the Indian Ocean) as the RNZN but in reverse plus 50deg Sth half to Chile, Nth Asia out to the Indian Ocean.
Even the Irish Navy is starting to sail to the Med and across to the States in their new Corvettes and are looking at purchasing a landing type Ship to support its Army on Peacekeeping operations and HADR under the EU Flag.
Both nations are a seen by left as what NZDF should be structure like.
I know what your views are about building RNZN ships in NZ and I do agree with your views , but my big concern is always after building them what happens to 50 to 60% of the work force as dockyard won’t that many to maintain the ships and is there value for money at building them in NZ as in Australia building the ships in Oz adds something from about 25 to 50% of the total cost compared if they were built overseas. Those figures are base on what we payed for the 2 ANZAC’s and we had to Germany we would’ve got 3 possibly 4 ANZAC’s for the two we got from Oz?
We have a viable ship building industry in NZ already. The government should be able to plan with that industry so as to prevent any undue hardship. And then there’s the fact that many would be able to change industries. Somebody who can weld hulls can also weld pretty much anything else.
My own idea would be to have a government shipyard that builds ship at rate of replacement. As a new one is produced an old one is retired. This would also have a large R&D section. Anything more than that would be contracted out to the private sector as needed.
Wouldn’t be able to eliminate all disruptions to the workforce but could minimise it. That said, actual number of employees should be dropping as automation takes over such as automated welding.
To me there is as building them here develops skills, pushes R&D and increases national security as building them here from our own resources means that we’re not completely dependent upon imports for our defence. All of those would be worth any added monetary cost. Physically, having them built elsewhere costs the same amount and then has added costs of transporting them here.
Interesting to read Peter Dutton really playing up the story of illegal migrants attempting to head to Australia & NZ, stopped by Malaysian authorities and emphasising it was a bigger boat & more complex operation than previously. The implication was that if the Malaysians had not stopped it, the illegal migrants would have reached NZ and then Australia through the back door.
He squarely laid the blame on the shoulders of Jacinda. Our media have played along, with the usual suspects making a big deal out of it.
Jacinda has obviously been advised to change her tune when talking about asylum seekers, and yesterday was pushed to state that if they turned up she would destroy the boats.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12046767
I heard this one questioning viewpoint on RNZ news, broadcast once only.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/356765/tanker-smuggling-migrants-never-would-have-made-it-to-nz
So this is the second time the Aussies have seen fit to overplay the likelihood of boats heading to NZ. Clearly Jacindas offer to resettle those on Manus still rattles some in the Turnbull cabinet, although they still want the offer to remain on the table as a backup.
How much of this is for internal Australian consumption, fear of ‘the other’ being a potent force in politics especially for the unscrupulous Right.
It’s looks like the real deal to me and from of heard from the grapevine. As the boat was disguised to look like one of the many small tramp tankers that you see moving around SEA every day and most of the SIEV’s that head to Nth Australia are the usual wooden fishing boats not a full on steel built tramp tanker like this one.
They are going to have crack at reaching NZ and there is a number of ways at doing it, but crossing the ditch is not for faint hearted in a small tramp ship such is this one in any season regardless of the sea state.
The Endeavour sailed around the world. I suspect modern (ha) tramp tankers could do so as well.
So, yeah, there’s going to be more attempts at reaching NZ and I don’t think that what the PM said has changed that in any way. Once Australia became closed other places would be looked at and NZ is a desirable place in its own right.
Many people won’t like this but NZ will have to close its borders as Australia have done sooner or later.
Especially as some of that rust looks load-bearing, lol
Sooner or later someone will manage to get here and the tories and aussies will lose their collective shit in “I told you so”s, but the fact is that to get here they need to not just sail here, but sail here undetected through Australia’s surveillance net and the waters of some extremely tense nations.
If they make it to our SAR zone, good on them, I say, and fast track their immigration requests. We could do with those go-getters here.
I think they will have a crack coming around the top PNG (as it’s easily to pay off the locals) as coming through the Top End of Oz they stick out like a third nut on a Greyhound especially around the Thursday Island Group as every man and his dog uses a 4-5m tinny to travel to PNG etc and it’s heavily watch Borderforce/ Coastwatch Aircraft and by ADF assets in the area.
yeah, and a decent spread of islands to put into if their leaks become unmanagable.
Still risky AF in a thing like that, though.