Daily Review 12/09/2018

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, September 12th, 2018 - 97 comments
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Daily review is also your post.

This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

97 comments on “Daily Review 12/09/2018 ”

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  1. adam 1
    12 September 2018 at 5:48 pm

    Good chat in the first part of this video (about 5 minutes) about they why and how of Hurricane Florence. Then it goes into more general stuff about climate change and some of the political problems. Total video time 20 min.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OuVTEfBatY&ab_channel=DemocracyNow%21

    • te reo putake 1.1
      12 September 2018 at 7:16 pm

      Good vid, Adam. I just saw Trump on the news and I swear he thinks that having the most brutal beating ever is something to look forward to. We have the best disasters! The bigliest!!! DEMS said it couldn’t be done. Sad!

      And thanks for giving some time/content detail; too many folk just drop a link and expect the reader to wade through the waffle to get to the relevant bit.

  2. mickysavage 2
    12 September 2018 at 6:33 pm

    Chocolate fish for whoever guesses the significance of this photo …

  3. Ed 3
    12 September 2018 at 6:50 pm

    Jimmy Dore is a breath of fresh air in a world where the msm (here, in the UK and in the US) spouts 24/7 corporate propaganda.

    Learn today about Venezuela.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0i4TTBbNtk

  4. ianmac 4
    12 September 2018 at 7:04 pm

    Something on the TV1 News tonight about Brownlee harassing a lawyer re steel mesh.
    Anyone?

  5. Ed 5
    12 September 2018 at 7:29 pm

    This week.

    Turn off the radio.
    Turn off the TV.

    Stop listening to and viewing the corporate media, designed to dumb you down, distract you and misinform you.

    Instead raise your IQ and listen to this intelligent, informed, brave and decent person.
    Morans like Hosking, Garner, Richardson, Soper – disconnect from them.

    And hear the pearls of wisdom from Noam Chomsky.

    50 minutes you will not regret spending unlike all those hours where your brain and ears were bombarded by the hate speech of New Zealand’s extreme right media.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwTQsvhq3ew

    • gsays 5.1
      12 September 2018 at 9:30 pm

      Thanks Ed, I willll give this a squizz when I get home later.
      Chomsky has always impressed me with his calm reasoned approach.
      He always skewers his subjects.

      Frankly I am surprised he hasn’t come to harm.

      • Ed 5.1.1
        12 September 2018 at 9:33 pm

        I really enjoyed listening to the talk.

        • marty mars 5.1.1.1
          12 September 2018 at 9:45 pm

          what bits?

          • Ed 5.1.1.1.1
            12 September 2018 at 9:48 pm

            The history of close calls with nuclear weapons.

          • gsays 5.1.1.1.2
            13 September 2018 at 10:10 am

            You’ve watched the Chomsky video Marty?

            • marty mars 5.1.1.1.2.1
              13 September 2018 at 10:14 am

              Not that one yet. I have watched others including the Netflix one – quite like a lot of what he says to be fair.

              I am cautious in who i read and what I believe from them. Even people i love like russell brand I still am circumspect rather than just like all they say because i really like something they say.

              • gsays …
                13 September 2018 at 10:29 am

                I agree, be wary.
                Yet to be shown were Chomsky goes wrong.

                Bill Hicks for me is a voice I can rely on.
                So often his cynical questioning approach seems relevant 20 years down the track.
                What he would have made of the three towers, 17 years ago….

  6. Dennis Frank 6
    12 September 2018 at 7:47 pm

    Richard Harman on Politik drew this conclusion in regard to the Curran saga: “lack of political management”. I did likewise in commenting on the shambles this week with regard to Mahuta’s announcement, and now TVNZ led tonight with a story about discord between Labour & NZF which the leaders of both seemed unworried by.

    At best, a mixed message. At worst, perception may prevail over reality. It’s now a pattern. Nats are trying to get traction on it without noticeable success. Most journos seem not to have noticed yet.

    The coalition needs to put someone in charge of their workload coordination, someone with sufficient authority to give direct advice to the leaders about how to organise solutions to process problems. Presenting as shambolic will start to lower their poll ratings so they need to get their act together fast.

    • Kat 6.1
      12 September 2018 at 9:17 pm

      Its wedge politics. The Nats have no other option but to try and fabricate the perception of a split in the coalition. The Nats think this strategy will win them back into govt in 2020. What will most likely sink that strategy is demographics and the resultant emerging age and gender voter patterns. Jacinda Ardern is an inclusive, compassionate and intelligent leader, relatively young and a woman.

      As Winston implies just a bit of “tidying” up required for the coalition, perhaps.

      • Norsy 6.1.1
        12 September 2018 at 9:44 pm

        Well said………the opposition is of course aided and abetted by a largy ‘ignorant’ media who continue to treat politics as a matter of so called ‘winners and losers’, rather than a contest of issues and ideas.

        The ignorance displayed about the realities of coalition/confidence and supply government seems beyond so many supposed journalists these days.

    • Grantoc 6.2
      12 September 2018 at 9:46 pm

      Dennis

      That’s not going to happen

      I can’t see Peters taking direction from “someone with sufficient authority” on “how to organise solutions to process problems”.

      If you have been following the events that have led to a “lack of political management” in the coalition you will have noticed that Peter’s deliberately waits until Labour believes it can go ahead with a particular policy and then at a time that causes maximum embarrassment pulls the rug out of from under Labour. Examples include refugee numbers, the Labour proposed Maori partnership body; employment law changes (opting out options for provincial businesses).

      He does this to maximise NZ First’s political position – not the coalition’s.

      He is not going to concede power to a third party to manage any process in the best interests of the coalition.

      • Hanswurst 6.2.1
        12 September 2018 at 10:24 pm

        I imagine that Peters assumes that, so long as the government can make headway with some significant actual policy implementation, his high-profile differentiation of NZFirst from Labour will raise his party’s profile without meaningfully harming the government.

      • JC 6.2.2
        12 September 2018 at 11:38 pm

        Hmmm…. Did i see you on the above list …. @ 4.1.1 ?

      • Dennis Frank 6.2.3
        13 September 2018 at 5:14 am

        Fran O’Sullivan’s rerun of the coalition agreement in relation to the failure to achieve consensus on the refugee quota gives us helpful context:

        ” What the refugee affair does illustrate is that Labour cannot take for granted that what it believes are prime policies will be supported by NZ First outside of Coalition commitments. The preamble to their Coalition agreement states that the parties will work collaboratively and in good faith to reach agreement on particular policy and legislative initiatives.

        “As provided for in the Cabinet Manual, the parties will ‘agree to disagree’ where negotiated between party leaders, and in such circumstances the parties will be free to express alternative views publicly and within Parliament …

        “The Labour and New Zealand First parties agree to identify policies and roles in a way that maintains and promotes the distinct identity of each party.”
        https://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=12121255

  7. Anne 7
    12 September 2018 at 8:10 pm

    Florence: Trump says government ‘absolutely, totally prepared’ for hurricane. President says storm will be ‘tremendously big and tremendously wet.

    Its gonna be tremendous folks. I’m gonna stay up all night to watch it. The biggest and the most tremendous ever.

    Jesus wept!

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/11/florence-trump-latest-government-prepared-storm

  8. Ed 8
    12 September 2018 at 8:21 pm

    Looks like things are brewing in Idlib.
    The fake chemical attack is being foreshadowed.
    Just after the rehash of the novochok story.

    Problem, Reaction, Solution: US Bait Arrived in Idlib, ISIS Now in Position

    https://21stcenturywire.com/2018/09/12/problem-reaction-solution-us-bait-arrived-in-idlib-isis-now-in-position/

    Good on Emily Thornberry.

    “In the Commons today, I said that – if there are reports of a chemical weapons attack in Idlib over the coming weeks – the government must ensure the reports are independently verified and that Parliament has given its approval, before escalating British involvement in the war.”

    Meanwhile CNN keep pumping out the propaganda…….

    https://edition.cnn.com/2018/09/10/middleeast/syria-idlib-white-helmets-intl/index.html

    • te reo putake 8.1
      12 September 2018 at 8:39 pm

      Speaking of pouring out the propaganda, why are you linking to 21st century wire, Ed? They’re a right wing fake news site with a sideline in climate change denial. They’re part of the problem, not the solution.

      • Ed 8.1.1
        12 September 2018 at 8:41 pm

        Vanessa Beasley is a brilliant and fearless reporter.
        It is her account I linked to.

        • te reo putake 8.1.1.1
          12 September 2018 at 8:50 pm

          Er, no. Beeley is a right wing troll, with some pretty obvious links to the Putin regime. A bit of research might help you get a handle on how this stuff works. Or even better, read some Marx.

          • Ed 8.1.1.1.1
            12 September 2018 at 8:51 pm

            Er, no.
            Many left wing commentators rate Beeley.

            • te reo putake 8.1.1.1.1.1
              12 September 2018 at 9:06 pm

              Name them.

              By the way, even if you can, that doesn’t mean she’s not a right wing troll. I rate Boris Johnson for the LOL’s. Doesn’t mean he’s not a Tory toff (something he has in common with Beeley).

              I guess my point would be that you appear to have some good left wing instincts, but your critical faculty is lacking. You need to look at the class interests of the people you pluck quotes from. Beeley, the daughter of a diplomat, comes from the right, was in business for years and later in life got sponsored by the Russians to write bollocks. She’s your enemy, Ed, not your friend.

              For example, here’s her own list of where her ‘work’ can be found. Ron Paul, FFS.

              “My work is re-published at the Ron Paul Institute, Global Research, Dissident Voice, Sott., Greanville Post, The London Journal among others.

              I have appeared on RT Cross Talk, RT News, Press TV, Ron Paul Liberty Report, Sunday Wire, Sputnik Radio”

              • One Two …
                12 September 2018 at 9:17 pm

                You’re a long time advocate of the establishments version of events TRP…

                Numerous articles and countless comments…same same…

                Don’t be scared…it stunts personal development…

                Projecting onto Ed…nuff said eh…

                • Ed …
                  12 September 2018 at 9:20 pm

                  Thanks one two.
                  I definitely feel in debates on this site my opinions are way to the left than trp.

                  • te reo putake …
                    12 September 2018 at 9:24 pm

                    Generally, your opinions are left wing, Ed. It’s just weird that you keep defaulting to right wing troll sites for cites, when there are so many good left wing ones to use. As I wrote earlier, read some Marx. That’ll clear that problem up quick smart.

                  • One Two …
                    12 September 2018 at 9:38 pm

                    Hi Ed…

                    As I’ve previously said…don’t take my comment as endorsement for your ‘debating style’…that’s your choice…

                    Pointing out the rank hypocrisy of TRP…was the comments purpose…

              • Ed …
                12 September 2018 at 9:18 pm

                Your view on Eva Bartlett?

          • mauī 8.1.1.1.2
            12 September 2018 at 10:35 pm

            Doesn’t make much sense if you think Beeley is a right wing troll. Right wingers wants Assad gone at any cost to Syria. Beeley is arguing from an opposite viewpoint.

            • te reo putake 8.1.1.1.2.1
              12 September 2018 at 10:48 pm

              Assad is right wing. Some other right wingers want him gone, but that doesn’t change Assad’s politics. Of course, some other rather prominent right wingers want him to stay in charge and that doesn’t change him either. He’s still right wing.

              As is Beeley.

              Is Assad an arsehole? Yes. Are people who are paid to promote him also arseholes? Yes. Are naive people on blogs who can’t work out what’s going on arseholes? No.

              • Bill …
                12 September 2018 at 11:38 pm

                Assad’s politics and economic agenda were/are a mix of pan-Arab nationalism and statism. Not right wing – ie, liberal or neo-liberal or free market.

                Beeley, who’s broader political perspective/analysis I disagree with, has nevertheless produced some very good reports from Syria.

                Eva Bartlett (you mention Ch4’s discredited take-down of her above) has also provided very good reports from Syria. It kind of amuses how she was a hero to some when she reported from Palestine, but became a devil incarnate to many of those same people when she reported on Syria. Go figure.

                21st Century Wire (and other sites) may be less than “sterling”, but when a person is reporting on stuff and no-one will pick them up because what they’re highlighting goes smack against accepted and unexamined “truths”, what are they meant to do? Take whatever outlet is on offer? Or shut themselves down?

                We can agree that right wing propagandists use innuendo and just enough (twisted) truth to make their message appealing. (They also steal a fair amount of what would pass for left wing sensibility and mash it fit their agenda – ACT in NZ did the same “back when”) Some of them are very good at it. And when mainstream media are largely a busted flush who “no-one” believes any more, the audience is there for the taking, yes?

  9. Ed 9
    12 September 2018 at 8:40 pm

    George Galloway nails it on Twitter.

    “As the families affected grieve the anniversary of the terrorist atrocity of #9/11 ponder this: #Britain and the #US are now at #war in #Syria in defence of #AlQaeda
    Just think about that….”

    And another fine entry, this time from Angelis Dania

    “Assad: I’m close to victory. The US, UK, France, and now Germany have threatened to attack me if I use chemical weapons. A chemical attack won’t gain me any real strategic advantage, and I’ll lose support from my people. I’ll do it.

    Yes. They really do think you’re that stupid.”

    • Ed 9.1
      12 September 2018 at 9:12 pm

      A clear and present danger.
      Peter Hitchens is very concerned.
      Not my political flavour, but he is certainly a thinker.

      “Please write to your MP now without delay – War, terrible war, may be on the way again. WMD All Over Again: Our Government moves stealthily towards a new war of choice.
      This week, the Middle East is in a state of grave and dangerous tension. The huge Sunni Muslim oil power, Saud Arabia, armed and/or backed diplomatically by Britain, France and the USA, is ever more hostile to Shia Muslim Iran, another oil power not as great but still as important, which is close and growing closer to Russia and China.

      Bear in Mind as you consider this that Russia is also a European power, and engaged in a conflict with the EU and NATO in formerly non-aligned Ukraine, after the EU’s aggressive attempt to bring Ukraine into the Western orbit and NATO’s incessant eastward expansion into formerly neutral territory. There are several points at which Western troops are now remarkably close to Russian borders, for instance they are about 80 miles from St Petersburg (the distance from London to Coventry) , and the US Navy is building a new Black Sea base at Ochakov, 308 miles from the Russian naval station at Sevastopol. Just as the First World War (at root a conflict between Russia and Germany) spread like a great red stain over much of Europe and the Middle East , an Iran-Saudi war could easily spread into Europe itself.

      The two powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran, are not yet in direct combat with each other, but fight through proxies in Yemen and Syria.

      …….Our ally, Saudi Arabia, has used appalling methods in its attacks on Yemen and these have had appalling results. The moralistic bloviation of Western leaders about Syria, Russia and Iran’s parallel war against much the same sort of enemy as Assad and Russia face in Idlib is colossal hypocrisy and I am amazed that they can bring themselves to emit it, though I suspect that they are genuinely ignorant of the facts, not so much by wilfully avoiding them as by lacking the will to discover them. Even more infuriating is their ridiculous insistence, (simply not backed by reliably researched facts, obtained through secure custody chains, a standard set by the OPCW for itself) that the Assad state is guilty of previous chemical weapon use in Khan Sheikhoun and Douma.

      …….There are many straws in the wind which suggest that we are being prepared for war. War is hell. At the very least, a decision which could have such far-reaching consequences, which could reach into every life and home, and embroil us for years, should be considered properly. The very fact that our government appears not to want us to consider it properly make sit all the more urgent that we insist on it.”

      https://t.co/weyCP0XmAT?amp=1

    • Ed 9.2
      12 September 2018 at 9:29 pm

      Galloway spot on, as ever.
      ‘An excellent piece of writing by the honourable @georgegalloway on #Skripal, #Russia and the illegal war in #Syria. A must read for anybody who wants to know the truth.’

      “According to the Wall St Journal, the US has concluded that the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad is about to unleash a “chemical weapons attack” on the very last stronghold of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) fighters in Syria. We are asked to believe that having won the war Assad seeks to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by bringing the axis powers back full-scale into the Syrian war.

      Whilst no-one but the least savvy of sheep is likely to believe that casus belli it is nonetheless all that the war-party has got to justify an expected new blizzard of cruise missiles and maybe more. Behind the Syrian Army stands of course the Russian Armed Forces, the very same Russia that has already ‘started chemical weapons warfare’ on the streets of Salisbury. ”

      https://t.co/m7CyVoIMb6?amp=1

  10. marty mars 10
    12 September 2018 at 9:06 pm

    Good stuff

    “Christchurch Progressive Network
    12 September 2018
    Media Release:
    Protest tomorrow at Council Meeting – a travesty of democracy is in the making
    Members of the Christchurch Progressive Network will attend tomorrow’s Christchurch City Council Meeting from 8.30am to protest the proposal to spend an extra $220 million on a rugby stadium ahead of rebuilding council rental housing destroyed in the earthquakes.
    The extra $220 million would come from the $300 million allocated by the government for Christchurch priorities. This despite the housing crisis for low-income tenants and families exacerbated by the council’s failure to rebuild over 400 council rental units destroyed in the earthquakes.
    It is a travesty of democracy when the Christchurch City Council refuses to allow public consultation on the spending of this $300 million after the Prime Minister told Christchurch voters during the election campaign “You and your city know exactly what your priorities are and that is why you will decide how that $300m is spent. It’s over to you.”
    The mayor refused to answer earlier questions about the need for public consultation and then out of the blue has sprung this proposal on the city with just a few days’ notice. It’s a cynical attempt to override public opinion.
    Christchurch residents have repeatedly said the stadium is a low priority compared to roads, footpaths and rebuilding council rental units but the Mayor and vested interests tell us the priority is a covered rugby stadium at a cost of $473 million.
    This proposal is undemocratic, unprincipled and uncompassionate.
    CPN supporters will be gathering at the council meeting from 8.30am, City Council Building, 53 Hereford Street.

    John Minto
    Convenor
    Christchurch Progressive Network”

  11. Ed 11
    12 September 2018 at 9:39 pm

    Emily Thornberry is a courageous woman.

    “In the Commons today, I said that – if there are reports of a chemical weapons attack in Idlib over the coming weeks – the government must ensure the reports are independently verified and that Parliament has given its approval, before escalating British involvement in the war.”

    https://mobile.twitter.com/EmilyThornberry

  12. Ed 12
    12 September 2018 at 9:41 pm

    Craig Murray points out a dangerous development and a salient fact.

    “China participating in giant Russian military exercise. Tells you all you need to know about the ham-fisted ineptitude of recent Western diplomacy. Far from isolating Russia, it has drawn much closer to the next dominant superpower.”

    https://mobile.twitter.com/CraigMurrayOrg

  14. Ed 14
    12 September 2018 at 10:11 pm

    duncanpoundcake OnTwitter.

    “The simplistic worldview of all Blairites:

    Challenge nothing
    Change nothing
    Tinker round the edges
    Enable the status quo
    Keep their position at the top of the political pile.
    Stand for nothing.
    Mean nothing.
    Devoid of ideas
    Devoid of solutions.”

    Sounds like significant parts of the Labour Party in NZ as well.

  15. marty mars 15
    12 September 2018 at 10:20 pm

    ha ha – old vlad eh – just admitted that THERE WAS a poisoning. All of the people on here saying it was bullshit – Vlads just proven you all idiots!

    “The two men accused by the UK of carrying out a nerve agent attack in Salisbury have been identified and are civilians, not criminals, Vladimir Putin has said.

    “We know who they are, we have found them,” Putin said at an economic forum in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, adding that the two men – named by the UK as Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov – may soon make appearances in the media to protest their innocence.

    “These are civilians,” Putin said in remarks reported by Russian news agencies. “There is nothing criminal here.”

    … The Russian’s president’s words marked a departure from his country’s earlier position, which was to disregard the evidence released by Scotland Yard as a fabrication.”

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/sep/12/skripal-poisoning-suspects-are-civilians-not-criminals-says-putin-novichok

    big mistake Vlad – it won’t end well for you.

    • Ed 15.1
      12 September 2018 at 10:24 pm

      The Guardian is a rag. It runs daily propaganda.
      At the moment they’re pimping for war in Idlib.
      I’d really be wary of trusting it on much nowadays.

    • Sacha 15.2
      12 September 2018 at 11:31 pm

      Just innocent travelling perfume spruikers, guv.

    • Bill 15.3
      12 September 2018 at 11:54 pm

      Two Russian guys went to an iconic tourist attraction. Stonehenge is 15km from Salisbury.

      Where does Putin say or imply they carried out any poisoning? And where are the ongoing and official Russian statements claiming that no poisoning had ever occurred?

      And why, when the UK government has stated the investigation surrounding the affair is done and finished – that it was drawing a line under things with the naming of those two men – would the Russian government seek to open it up again, unless the two guys actually are innocent?

      • marty mars 15.3.1
        13 September 2018 at 12:18 am

        “The Russian’s president’s words marked a departure from his country’s earlier position, which was to disregard the evidence released by Scotland Yard as a fabrication.”

        Not fabricated. Seems some got it all wrong.

        • Bill 15.3.1.1
          13 September 2018 at 11:02 am

          So…how does “a country” adopt a position?

          If Putin, or an official spokesperson has stated that Russia (ie – the Russian government) was “disregarding the evidence released by Scotland Yard as a fabrication“, (ie- all of the evidence) then there would be something to The Guardian’s claims.

          But (as I suspect the case to be) the Guardian is attempting to build a mountainous picture from someone raising reasonable and understandable doubts because date stamps on video stills appeared to be from the same place and time, then nah.

      • Stuart Munro 15.3.2
        13 September 2018 at 1:30 am

        Not sure Stonehenge is especially likely – It doesn’t rate highly among Russian visitors, most of whom go no further than London.

        https://www.visitbritain.org/markets/russia

        And of course the geeks have Arkaim: https://mysteriousearth.net/2016/05/23/arkaim-the-most-enigmatic-archaeological-site-within-the-territory-of-russia/

        Why would the Russian govt… ? Nationalism is popular in Russia. By defending ‘innocents’ victimized by a foreign state Putin’s popularity will only grow.

        Innocence may not rate high among Putin’s motivations – didn’t stop him killing Nemtsov.

        • Bill 15.3.2.1
          13 September 2018 at 11:11 am

          Well Stuart, obviously a visitor from Russia or elsewhere, who visited Britain but didn’t leave London (maybe most of anyone from anywhere?) wouldn’t be visiting Stonehenge or any other place outside of London – or getting up to deadly mischief outside of London.

          Arkaim looks pretty cool. So is Skara Brae. But I doubt Orcadians would be all “seen it, done that” about Stonehenge “because Skara Brae”, or that any other person living near standing stones (lot’s of them in Britain) would either.

          State murders and nationalism. Russia doesn’t have exclusive rights, you know?

          • Stuart Munro 15.3.2.1.1
            13 September 2018 at 12:19 pm

            Stonehenge should not be created out of whole cloth. It should be possible to determine whether the men concerned were in fact megalithic grave enthusiasts, or not. If so you have a sort of argument – if not you just made a Кра́сный herring.

            No one is suggesting Russia has exclusivity on state sanctioned murder – but they certainly have plenty of form. In this instance however, the kind of political convenience that attended the demise of David Kelly is not in evidence.

            • Stuart Munro 15.3.2.1.1.1
              13 September 2018 at 1:38 pm

              And then there’s this: https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/107049033/pussy-riot-activist-treated-for-possible-poisoning

              Must be something in the water.

            • Bill 15.3.2.1.1.2
              13 September 2018 at 2:32 pm

              If I was to put money on two men traveling to Salisbury from London by train to take in Stonehenge, against two men traveling to Salisbury from London by train to slap some goop on a door handle, I’d be putting my money on Stonehenge.

              I mean. They might not have gone to Stonehenge. There are a multitude of imaginable reasons why two Russian nationals would fly to London and then travel on to a place like Salisbury. And yes, poisoning a father and daughter is part of the list. But the odds?

              If it was me (on the poisoning scenario), I’d be hitting London by an indirect route. I’d be traveling on a dodgy and non-Russian passport (assuming I had the connections to get one), and I wouldn’t be traveling up the country using public transport.

              • McFlock …
                13 September 2018 at 2:55 pm

                If it was me (on the poisoning scenario), I’d be hitting London by an indirect route. I’d be traveling on a dodgy and non-Russian passport (assuming I had the connections to get one), and I wouldn’t be traveling up the country using public transport.

                Personally and politically there’s no reason to use an indirect route to get in, and getting out needs to be as direct as possible because you’re only vulnerable when you’re arrestable or extraditable. Gotta be wary of a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer making notes…

                There’s no need to use a fake or stolen or fraudulently obtained passport because you have access to a legitimate one in a name that is not your own. Indeed, getting picked up with a dodgy passport coming in would be a major liability for your operation, and the poison could even be discovered simply because you were arrested for the passport.

                Public transport is convenient, uses cash, and doesn’t require ID of any sort. Heck, the French Rainbow Warrior operation support pair were caught while returning their rental car (bloody stupid move) – and their dodgy Swiss passports were no protection, either.

                .

                • Bill …
                  13 September 2018 at 5:23 pm

                  Note to self. Never engage in any dodgy illegal shit with McFlock unless the objective is to secure some years worth of three guaranteed meals a day. 🙂

                  • McFlock …
                    13 September 2018 at 5:38 pm

                    Those two will only see a jail cell if Putin wishes it.

                    That’s the difference between committing a crime but you want to stay in the country, and committing a crime where if you leave immediately you will never be caught.

                    Seriously, what does private or rented transport give you that public transport doesn’t? Sure, maybe a bit more speed, but also another scene for the cops to examine, another identity check in the process to confirm it was you, and an increase in the statistical likelihood you’ll hit another car or something and jeapordize the operation.

                  • joe90 …
                    13 September 2018 at 6:00 pm

                    Brazen insouciance is how you get away with dodgy illegal shit, Bill.

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    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    10 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    12 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    12 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    14 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    15 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    16 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    17 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    21 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    23 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    24 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
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  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
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  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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