Daily review 19/08/2020
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5:30 pm, August 19th, 2020 - 56 comments
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- Bryce Edwards: Political Roundup – Labour’s sacrificing of the poor
Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson like to think of themselves as leftwing politicians. So why aren’t they prioritising and championing the vulnerable at the bottom of society? Since Covid hit they have chosen economic policies that benefit the rich while pushing more into poverty. Increasing inequality was thrown into stark ...6 hours ago - Climate Change: Just predatory delay again
Another day, another story arguing that climate change is Just Too Hard for farmers, and that they should be given more time to wait for a magic technological solution which will cut emissions while allowing them to continue doing exactly what they're doing at the moment. Today, the magic Technological ...7 hours ago - A note on the “jihadi bride.”
I ruffled a few feathers by referring to Gerry Brownlee as a “buffoon” during a radio interview this week. The subject in question was the involuntary repatriation of Suharya Aden and her children to NZ after Australia cancelled her citizenship. Brownlee was blathering about her being a terrorist security threat, ...8 hours ago - Militaries plunder science fiction for technology ideas, but turn a blind eye to the genre’s socia...
Will Slocombe, University of Liverpool Military planning is a complicated endeavour, calling upon experts in logistics and infrastructure to predict resource availability and technological advancements. Long-range military planning, deciding what to invest in now to prepare armed forces for the world in thirty years’ time, is even more difficult. ...10 hours ago - Still the same questionThe Independent Police Conduct authority has found another case where police used excessive force in making an arrest: A police officer broke a woman’s arm with a baton before dragging her out of her car by the hair following a chase. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found the ...10 hours ago
- The Danger from the Extreme Right
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- Climate Change: The solution farmers don’t want us to talk aboutRNZ this morning has a piece asking Can NZ really meet its methane emissions targets?. Posing it as a question like this frames it as difficult, more of the "but its too hard!" whine from farmers. But its not hard at all. Pretty obviously, we can meet methane reduction targets ...2 days ago
- A Conversation That Never Happened.
2 days ago - Graham Adams: Parliament is in recess but Kris Faafoi is too busy to discuss proposals for hate-spee...The Minister of Justice appears to have gone into hiding. Graham Adams provides an update on how the public debate on hate speech regulation is going, especially in terms of whether political opinion should or shouldn’t receive an exemption from new laws. It fell to RNZ to break the ...2 days ago
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- Hearing loss and social isolation – the silent burdenFeature image: this picture was chosen as it illustrates two elderly people in each other’s company. Tying in with the theme of hearing loss and social isolation, this depicts the importance of connection to each other and the world in which we live. Charlotte Gordon* Untreated hearing loss is a ...3 days ago
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- When tough on crime goes wrongIf there’s one thing that you can safely rely on, it’s right-wing politicians grandstanding with tough on crime rhetoric. It's understandable being that such propaganda is usually a sure bet, obviously because a very large proportion of the public wants to see less crime and fewer criminals in their communities.However ...4 days ago
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Philosophers have hitherto only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it.Implicit in the title of the Michael Cullen’s memoir Labour Saving is his greatest policy achievement of improving the savings of the economy, as well as his saving the Labour Party from neoliberalism. But first, ...5 days ago - Call to ‘come home’ does not apply to our sleeper cells in Australia, says Government
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- Andrew Geddis: Responding to Elizabeth Rata on Treaty PartnershipsIn a recent post on this site, Prof Elizabeth Rata expressed her concerns at the growth of what she terms “ethno-nationalism” and the role that the concept of a “Treaty partnership” has played in this development. She does so by telling a story about how this idea of a Treaty ...5 days ago
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- When an ancient volcanic ‘supereruption’ caused sudden cooling, early humans got luckyBen Black, Rutgers University and Anja Schmidt, University of Cambridge Around 74,000 years ago, a “supereruption” on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, blasted out an estimated 5,000 cubic kilometres of magma. This was the Toba eruption, the largest volcanic eruption of the past 2 million years. To put 5,000 ...7 days ago
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Because for many of these ones it’s often about feelings alone, not the facts. There’s been some entirely manufactured hysterics over the so-called “ute” tax, and rural issues as a whole, coupled with some decidedly off-the-wall, so-called impending Communist takeover and the co-option of issues by the rabid Right, ...2 weeks ago - Mike King needs to get his shit together2 weeks ago
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- A howl of uglinessFarmers are protesting today, invading cities with tractors and utes in protest against water and climate change policy. The core message of their "howl of protest" is meant to be "no farmers, no food" - which rather undermines their own case, given that 80% of the food they produce is ...2 weeks ago
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- Building back better
It’s a three-week recess in Parliament – so, no bills are going through the House and no select committees are meeting. But the hard work of our ministers continues, and many of our MPs are back in their electorates, taking the opportunity to meet with local communities and businesses about ...5 days ago - Greens call for a Warrant of Fitness for rental homes
The Green Party is launching a petition today calling on the Government’s Healthy Homes Standards to be backed up with a proper Warrant of Fitness (WoF) for rental homes. ...1 week ago - Securing our recovery: By the numbersOur plan to secure New Zealand’s recovery from COVID-19 is working, with the past three months seeing the second-highest number of people moved off a main benefit into work since records began. ...2 weeks ago
- More Kiwis in work through recovery planThe latest statistics show the Government’s focus on jobs is working. The net number of people on a main benefit dropped by around 11,190 people during the past three months, with around 31,240 people moving off a benefit into work. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party appoints new Chief of StaffThe Green Party has appointed a new Parliamentary Chief of Staff, Robin Campbell. ...2 weeks ago
- Next step to protect Milford Sound Piopiotahi
Expert group lays out plan to better protect iconic UNESCO World Heritage site Milford Sound Piopiotahi and its surrounds Funding confirmed for dedicated unit and Establishment Board to assess the recommendations and provide oversight of the process from here Milford Opportunities Project a test case for transformational change in tourism ...10 hours ago - Funding for projects to reduce waste from construction and demolitionThe Government has announced funding for projects in Auckland and the lower North Island to help reduce construction and demolition waste. “Construction is the main source of waste sent to landfill, and much of this could be reduced, reused and recovered,” Environment Minister David Parker said. “The Government is funding ...10 hours ago
- Plan to eliminate hepatitis C as a major health threat by 2030A plan to eliminate hepatitis C in New Zealand, reducing liver cancer and the need for liver transplants, has been released today by Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall. “Around 45,000 New Zealanders have hepatitis C, but only around half know they have it,” said Ayesha Verrall. “Symptoms often ...12 hours ago
- School upgrades and new classrooms for West Coast, Tasman and CanterburyA funding injection from Budget 2021 to complete four shovel ready projects and new classrooms at six schools and kura will provide a real boost to local communities, Minister Dr Megan Woods announced today. “This Government has committed to providing quality fit for purpose learning environments and 100,000 new student ...13 hours ago
- Warmer Kiwi Homes smashes annual targetThe Government's highly successful insulation and heating programme, Warmer Kiwi Homes, is celebrating a key milestone with the completion of more than 38,000 insulation and efficient heater installs in the year to the end of June, smashing its target of 25,000 installs for the year. “The Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme ...1 day ago
- Exemption granted for Wallabies to enter NZBledisloe Cup rugby will be played in New Zealand after the Australian rugby team received an economic exemption to enter New Zealand. Travel between Australia and New Zealand was suspended on Friday for at least eight weeks following the worsening of the COVID outbreak across the Tasman. New Zealanders have ...1 day ago
- Minister of Foreign Affairs makes three diplomatic appointmentsForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced three New Zealand Head of Mission appointments. They are: Mike Walsh as Ambassador to Iran Michael Upton as Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union Kevin Burnett as Ambassador to Indonesia Iran “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long-standing and constructive relationship with Iran, despite a ...1 day ago
- Enhanced Task Force Green Approved for West Coast and MarlboroughThe Government has activated Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to the West Coast and Marlborough floods, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “To assist with the clean-up, up to $500,000 will be made available to support the recovery in Buller and Marlborough which has experienced ...1 day ago
- Govt support for upgrade of Eden Park players facilitiesMinister for Sport and Recreation Hon Grant Robertson has announced funding to upgrade the players facilities at Eden Park ahead of upcoming Women’s World Cup events. Eden Park is a confirmed venue for the Rugby World Cup 2021, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, and a proposed venue for matches of ...2 days ago
- More jobs and quicker public transport motoring towards West AucklandWork to improve public transport for West Aucklanders and support the region’s economic recovery by creating hundreds of jobs has officially kicked off, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff this morning marked the start of construction on the Northwestern Bus Improvements project. It ...2 days ago
- Government backs critical health researchResearch into some of New Zealanders’ biggest health concerns including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease is getting crucial support in the latest round of health research funding, Health Minister Andrew Little announced today. The funding, awarded through the Health Research Council of New Zealand, covers 31 General Project grants ($36.64 ...2 days ago
- New Bay of Islands hospital facilities to bring services closer to homePrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister Andrew Little have joined a ceremony to bless the site and workers for Phase Two of the redevelopment of the Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa today. The new building will house outpatients and primary care facilities, as well as expanded renal care ...2 days ago
- Raukokore re-imagined with ‘smart’ relocatable rent to own housingIwi, Crown Partnership Relocatable, fully insulated housing, connected to a new solar plant Provides a pathway to home ownership New housing in the remote eastern Bay of Plenty community of Raukokore shows how iwi and Crown agencies can work together effectively to provide warm, dry, energy efficient homes in a ...2 days ago
- Cabinet accepts Turkish authorities’ request for the managed return of three NZ citizensCabinet has agreed to the managed return of a New Zealand citizen and her two young children from Turkey, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. The three have been in immigration detention in Turkey since crossing the border from Syria earlier this year. Turkey has requested that New Zealand repatriate ...2 days ago
- Govt delivers more classrooms so children can focus on learningExtra Government investment in classrooms and school building projects will enable students and teachers to focus on education rather than overcrowding as school rolls grow across the country, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis say. The pair visited Ruakākā School in Whangārei today to announce $100 ...3 days ago
- New station a platform for AirportLink to take offEvery Aucklander with access to the rail network will now have a quick and convenient trip to the airport, Transport Minister Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said during the official opening of the new Puhinui Interchange today. The new interchange links the rail platform with a new bus ...5 days ago
- 10 days sick leave for employees deliveredLegislation doubling employees’ minimum sick leave entitlement to 10 days comes into effect today, bringing benefits to both businesses and employees, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Our Government is delivering on a key manifesto commitment to help Kiwis and workplaces stay healthy,” Michael Wood said. “COVID-19 ...5 days ago
- Prime Minister congratulates Fiame Naomi Mata’afa on Election WinPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern tonight congratulated Prime Minister-elect Fiame Naomi Mata’afa on her victory in the Samoa’s general election. “New Zealand has a special relationship with Samoa, anchored in the Treaty of Friendship. We look forward to working with Samoa’s new government in the spirit of partnership that characterises this ...5 days ago
- Quarantine Free Travel with Australia suspendedQuarantine Free Travel from all Australian states and territories to New Zealand is being suspended as the Covid situation there worsens, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. From 11.59pm today Australians will no longer be able to enter New Zealand quarantine-free. This will be ...5 days ago
- Growing conservation efforts in GisborneA big injection of Jobs for Nature funding will create much-needed jobs and financial security for families in TeTairāwhiti, and has exciting prospects for conservation in the region, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. “The projects target local communities most affected by the economic consequences of COVID 19 and are designed ...5 days ago
- Flood recovery given further assistanceThe Government is contributing a further $1 million to help the flood battered Buller community, Acting Emergency Management Minister Kris Faafoi announced today. “Buller is a small community which has found itself suddenly facing significant and ongoing welfare costs. While many emergency welfare costs are reimbursed by Government, this money ...6 days ago
- Funding for five projects to reduce food wasteThe Government is funding five projects to help address the growing problem of food waste, Environment Minister David Parker announced today. “New Zealand households throw away nearly 300,000 tonnes of food every year, half of which could still be eaten. By supporting these initiatives, we’re taking steps to reduce this ...6 days ago
- Temporary Accommodation Service activated for West Coast flooding eventThe Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated today - meaning residents on the West Coast of the South Island and in the Marlborough region hit by flooding over the weekend can now access help finding temporary accommodation, announced Associate Minister of Housing (Public Housing) Poto Williams in Westport today. ...1 week ago
- Pause to Quarantine Free Travel from South Australia to New ZealandQuarantine Free Travel from South Australia to New Zealand will be paused from 11.59am (NZT) tonight, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced. However, people currently in the state who ordinarily live in New Zealand will be able to return on “managed return” flights starting with the next available flight, ...1 week ago
- New Zealand condemns malicious cyber activity by Chinese state-sponsored actorsNew Zealand has established links between Chinese state-sponsored actors known as Advanced Persistent Threat 40 (APT40) and malicious cyber activity in New Zealand. “The GCSB has worked through a robust technical attribution process in relation to this activity. New Zealand is today joining other countries in strongly condemning this malicious ...1 week ago
- Remarks to Diplomatic CorpsIt is a pleasure to be with you all this evening. Some of you may have been surprised when you received an invitation from the Minister of Disarmament and Arms Control, and I would forgive you if you were. New Zealand is unique in having established a Ministerial portfolio ...1 week ago
- Early Pfizer shipment boosts vaccine scheduleThe largest shipment of the Pfizer vaccine to date has arrived into New Zealand two days ahead of schedule, and doses are already being delivered to vaccination centres around the country, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. “The shipment of more than 370,000 doses reached New Zealand yesterday, following a ...1 week ago
- Backing for Bay of Islands predator free effortThe Government is throwing its support behind an ambitious project to restore native biodiversity and build long-term conservation careers, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. Predator Free Bay of Islands aims to eradicate predators from the three main peninsulas in the region, and significantly reduce their impact throughout the wider 80,000-plus ...1 week ago
- Government commits $600,000 to flood recoveryThe Government is contributing $600,000 to help residents affected by the weekend’s violent weather with recovery efforts. Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor have been in the Buller district this afternoon to assess flood damage and support the local response effort. They have announced ...1 week ago
- Government assisting local responses to heavy rainfall and high windActing Minister of Emergency Management Kris Faafoi says Central Government is monitoring the severe weather across the country, and is ready to provide further support to those affected if necessary. “My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this latest event, particularly communities on the West Coast and ...2 weeks ago
- PM Ardern chairs APEC Leaders’ meeting on COVID-19New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has chaired a meeting of Leaders representing the 21 APEC economies overnight. “For the first time in APEC’s history Leaders have come together for an extraordinary meeting focused exclusively on COVID-19, and how our region can navigate out of the worst health and economic ...2 weeks ago
- Health Minister welcomes progress on nurses’ payThe New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s decision to take the Government’s improved pay offer to members and to lift strike notices is a positive move towards settling district health board nurses’ pay claims, Health Minister Andrew Little said. “It’s encouraging that the discussions between NZNO and DHBs over the nurses’ employment ...2 weeks ago
- Boost for Pacific regional businessPacific businesses will get a much-needed financial boost as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the new Pacific Aotearoa Regional Enterprise Fund, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. The new $2 million fund will co-invest in Pacific business projects and initiatives to create ...2 weeks ago
- PM Ardern call with President BidenPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke with US President Biden this morning, ahead of the APEC Informal Leaders’ Retreat on COVID-19. “President Biden and I discussed the forthcoming APEC leaders meeting and the critical importance of working together as a region to navigate out of the COVID-19 pandemic”, Jacinda Ardern said. ...2 weeks ago
- Renewed partnership creates jobs for New Zealand youthThe Government has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, strengthening the partnership to get more young people into work. The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide network of all Mayors in New Zealand, who are committed to making sure all young ...2 weeks ago
- South Island areas prioritised in tourism fundFive South Island areas are prioritised in the latest round of decisions from a tourism fund that is supporting infrastructure projects from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island and the Chathams. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has announced details of 57 nationwide projects to receive support from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF). ...2 weeks ago
- New code sets clear expectations for learner safety and wellbeing in tertiary educationA new code of practice for the pastoral care of domestic tertiary and international students will be in place from January next year, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today The code, which makes clear that creating an environment that supports learning and wellbeing is a shared responsibility between tertiary providers, ...2 weeks ago
- First TAB New Zealand Board appointments announcedThe members of the first TAB NZ Board come with experience in racing and sport administration, business and governance, the betting industry, broadcasting and gambling harm minimisation. “This Board will progress from the excellent work done by the interim board, put in place in August 2020,” Grant Robertson said. “The ...2 weeks ago
- Northland Maori Pathways initiative introducedThe Government has today launched Māori Pathways at Northland Region Corrections Facility, a ground-breaking series of initiatives designed in partnership with Māori to reduce re-offending and improve outcomes for whānau. A key part of the Hōkai Rangi strategy, Māori Pathways looks to achieve long-term change and involves a number of ...2 weeks ago
- Extended Essential Skills visas being rolled outTwo year Essential Skills visa to provide certainty to at least 18,000 visa holders Streamlined application process to benefit at least 57,000 visa holders The Government is increasing the duration of some Essential Skills visas and streamlining the application process to provide more certainty to employers and visa holders while ...2 weeks ago
- Now that Australia’s inflation rate is 3.8%, is it time to worry?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society and NATSEM, University of Canberra ABS/Shutterstock Suddenly, Australia’s annual inflation rate is 3.8%, having jumped from 1.1% for the twelve months to March. The June quarter jump follows a ...3 hours ago - From colonial cavalry to mounted police: a short history of the Australian police horseSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Gapps, Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and/or images of deceased people. Images of mounted police contending with anti-lockdown protesters on the weekend have now gone viral around the ...4 hours ago
- Can eating hot chilli peppers actually hurt you?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Moro, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, Bond University Shutterstock We all know the burning sensation we get when eating chillies. Some can tolerate the heat, while others may be reaching for the milk carton. Some people even ...5 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: Labour’s sacrificing of the poorAnalysis by Bryce Edwards. Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson like to think of themselves as leftwing politicians. So why aren’t they prioritising and championing the vulnerable at the bottom of society? Since Covid hit they have chosen economic policies that benefit the rich while pushing ...5 hours ago
- Terrorism suppression control orders: What you need to know
Explainer - What restrictions could be expected to be placed on someone like Suhayra Aden, coming to New Zealand after time with IS? RNZ is here to clear it all up. ...6 hours ago - What Olympic gymnasts can teach us about improving our balanceSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Blazevich, Professor of Biomechanics, Edith Cowan University The acrobatic handsprings, somersaults and twists performed by world-class gymnasts at the Tokyo Olympics are among the most complex skills humans can perform. But at their heart is an instinctive process that can help ...6 hours ago
- The policing of Australian satire: why defamation is still no joke, despite recent law changesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacci Brady, PhD Candidate, School of Political and Social Sciences, The University of Melbourne Screenshot/YouTube Changes to Australian defamation laws that came into effect this month in several states could provide some respite for political satire as a mode of ...6 hours ago
- Scheduled LIVE: Buchanan + Manning on Cyber-Attacks and the Evolution of Hybrid WarfareA View from Afar: Selwyn Manning and Paul Buchanan will present this week’s podcast, A View from Afar, LIVE at midday Thursday and will do a deep-dive into cyber-attacks and hybrid warfare – Especially how 2021 has witnessed a Cold War II styled stand-off between global powers. To re-cap, ...7 hours ago
- Introducing Hatch’s Great Debate on shares vs property
This Thursday, Hatch will be hosting The Great Debate – a webinar on the merits of property and shares investment. We spoke to the debaters and asked some of the questions that are likely to come up.Both the property market and the world of shares are bedevilled by enough mystery, ...7 hours ago - Samoa’s first female leader has made history — now she faces a challenging future at home and ab...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patricia A. O’Brien, Visiting Fellow, School of History, Australian National University, and Adjunct Professor, Asian Studies Program, Georgetown University After nearly four months of being taken to the brink of dictatorship, Samoa’s constitutional crisis ended on July 26 when the prime minister ...8 hours ago
- Confused about which English subject to choose in year 11 and 12? Here’s what you need to knowSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Lambert, Lecturer, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock This article is part of a series providing school students with evidence-based advice for choosing subjects in their senior years. English (or an equivalent literacy requirement) is a compulsory subject for all secondary ...8 hours ago
- MPI’s Failure To Prosecute Mass Chicken Deaths Unacceptable
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has failed in its duty to enforce animal welfare by not prosecuting a farm where a power outage suffocated and killed 180,000 chickens . The incident which occurred in November 2019 has since been described ...9 hours ago - Family Violence And Sexual Violence Literature ReviewAs part of our work programme on public organisations' performance in achieving reductions in family violence, we asked Carswell Consultancy to carry out a literature review of research and evaluation reports on family violence and sexual violence ...9 hours ago
- We’ve heard of R numbers and moving averages. But what are k numbers? And how do they explain COVI...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Esterman, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Australia Forest Simon/Unsplash First thing in the morning, or come 11 o’clock, countless Australians anxiously wait for the daily COVID-19 case numbers, trying to understand whether their outbreak is under ...9 hours ago
- Fiji student son tells of his pregnant nurse mum’s losing struggle with covidBy Josefa Babitu in Suva The dream of putting a smile on his mother’s face on his graduation day from university has become one that will never happen for Gabriel Gade, after his mother succumbed to the coronavirus that has killed dozens of people in Fiji. “My ultimate dream was ...9 hours ago
- Macron launches cyclone shelter project in French PolynesiaRNZ Pacific France and French Polynesia have agreed to jointly spend US$60 million to build 17 cyclone shelters across the Tuamotu archipelago. This was announced on Manihi atoll, where the visiting French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the construction site for a shelter for the atoll’s 600 inhabitants. The shelters ...9 hours ago
- PM, Bloomfield and Verrall discuss new phase of vaccine rolloutJacinda Ardern, Ashley Bloomfield and Ayesha Verrall are holding a media briefing on the start of a major new phase of the country's vaccine rollout. ...9 hours ago
- Three new heads of mission are appointed and there are more diplomatic posts to be filled
The government has named heads of mission to three key diplomatic posts, in Iran, Ethiopia and Indonesia. In announcing them, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta was herself at her most diplomatic. Mike Walsh is to be Ambassador to Iran, where, she says, NZ has a “constructive relationship, despite a number ...10 hours ago - More livestock, more carbon dioxide, less ice: the world’s climate change progress since 2019 is (...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Newsome, Academic Fellow, University of Sydney Back in 2019, more than 11,000 scientists declared a global climate emergency. They established a comprehensive set of vital signs that impact or reflect the planet’s health, such as forest loss, fossil fuel subsidies, glacier ...10 hours ago
- Woods scores a new portfolio (apparently) while the Govt gives Wallabies a free pass through our Cov...
We were reminded yesterday of an article published by The Spinoff on 1 August last year headed Megan Woods, the minister for everything. The article referred to her “slew of portfolios”. It kicked off by saying Woods’ public profile “… has exploded thanks to her new role as the minister in ...10 hours ago - Greenpeace Calls Foul On INEOS Rugby Sponsorship DealGreenpeace is calling foul on NZ Rugby’s decision to sign a sponsorship deal with the oil and plastic polluting petrochemical giant INEOS. "In the thick of the climate crisis, it’s gutting to see NZ Rugby sign a sponsorship deal with an oil ...10 hours ago
- Laiika’s life-changing pop momentsPop duo Laiika remember the musical moments that made them in this week’s episode of FIRST.What was the first CD you ever bought? Heidi Simpson thinks hers was probably a Hannah Montana CD. “I was the biggest Hannah Montana fan for years.” The first song her bandmate Grace Moller remembers ...10 hours ago
- Don't underestimate Covid in children
Dr Jin Russell and Dr Amanda Kvalsvig explain why we shouldn’t rush to come to a judgment on vaccinating children - there is much we still don't know Comment: While policymakers around the world debate the costs and benefits of vaccinating children against Covid-19, in Aotearoa New Zealand we have an ...11 hours ago - How to be a badass: A guide to thriving in male-dominated workplacesSome of the world’s most exciting and lucrative industries are still largely dominated by men. Maddy King provides some effective ways to help newbies flourish and shine like true badasses. Working with creative technologies like filmmaking, animation and digital art means entering the most exciting, dynamic sectors in the world. These ...11 hours ago
- We’re hiring: HR specialist, The Spinoff GroupThe Spinoff Group is looking for an experienced HR specialist to join our dynamic, creative organisation and help us navigate through a serious growth phase.The Spinoff Group is seeking an HR specialist to work across the organisation as it moves into an exciting new era. Digital magazine The Spinoff has ...12 hours ago
- Response To The Chief Ombudsman’s Report Into The High And Complex FrameworkThe Ministry of Health welcomes recommendations made by the Chief Ombudsman in a report around the care available for people with an intellectual disability. The Ombudsman has been investigating the High and Complex Framework since early 2019. ...12 hours ago
- Stop Poisoning New Zealanders With Lead In Drinking Water – Master PlumbersMaster Plumbers is telling the Government to stop turning a blind eye to compelling evidence that New Zealanders are being put at serious health risk by drinking water with high levels of lead. The comments follow the release of a report from the Dunedin ...12 hours ago
- Hepatitis C plan aims to eliminate virus by 2030More free syringes for drug users and a registry is part of a $2.2 million plan to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030, the government has announced. ...12 hours ago
- June Home Transfers Remain HighThere were 44,517 home transfers in the June 2021 quarter, the highest June quarter figure since 2016, Stats NZ said today. The number of home transfers was very similar to the March 2021 quarter and was up 18,252 from the June 2020 quarter. “The June ...12 hours ago
- What went wrong with the Pop-up Globe?With five years of sold-out shows and ambitions to go global, Auckland’s Pop-up Globe carved out a dominant place in New Zealand’s creative ecosystem. So why did it all end so abruptly? Adam Goodall investigates.On March 19 2020, the cast of Emilia were debating whether they could keep going. Emilia ...13 hours ago
- GHG Reducing Solutions Already Out ThereWins can be made right now to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from road freight transport, says Road Transport Forum (RTF) chief executive Nick Leggett. In its submission on Increasing the use of biofuels in transport, the RTF says the Government should ...13 hours ago
- 1981 Springbok tour protests revisited – and now Palestine is the new struggleAsia Pacific Report newsdesk After his release from prison in South Africa and he became inaugural president of the majority rule government with the abolition of apartheid, Nelson Mandela declared in a speech in 1997: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” ...13 hours ago
- ECan Must Front Up About Health Risks Of Nitrate Contamination – GreenpeaceGreenpeace is calling on Environment Canterbury to be upfront about health risks of nitrate contamination, following ECan’s release of new data that shows nitrate contamination in drinking water is rising. ECan has released the results of its annual ...14 hours ago
- Live updates, July 28: ‘Vaccination is the key to our freedom’ – Sydney faces another month of...Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for July 28, bringing you the latest news updated throughout the day. Get in touch at stewart@thespinoff.co.nz8.05am: ‘Vaccination is the key to our freedom’ – Sydney faces another month of lockdownSydney is set to face another month of lockdown after a record number of ...15 hours ago
- Census 2021 is almost here — what’s changed since #censusfail? What’s at stake in this pandemi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Allen, Demographer, ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University David Crosling/AAP Australian households will begin receiving instructions on how to fill out the 2021 census from early August. The Census of Population and Housing is ...15 hours ago
- Growing evidence suggests Russia’s Sputnik V COVID vaccine is safe and very effective. But questio...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Steain, Lecturer, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Antonio Calanni/AP/AAP Russia was the first country to register a COVID vaccine, with its health ministry giving emergency approval to the Sputnik V vaccine in ...15 hours ago
- Artificial refuges are a popular stopgap for habitat destruction, but the science isn’t up to scra...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darcy Watchorn, PhD Candidate, Deakin University Shutterstock Wildlife worldwide is facing a housing crisis. When land is cleared for agriculture, mining, and urbanisation, habitats and natural refuges go with it, such as tree hollows, rock piles and large logs. The ...15 hours ago
- We can put city and country people on more equal footing at uni — the pandemic has shown us howSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Eversole, Professor and Director, RegionxLink, Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University of Technology Shutterstock University study is out of reach for many people in regional Australia. Most of our universities are based in a handful of capital cities. The ...15 hours ago
- Yes, Naomi Osaka is Japanese. And American. And HaitianSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aoife Wilkinson, PhD candidate, The University of Queensland Netflix On Friday, Naomi Osaka lit the cauldron at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony. This honour sent an important message to the world: Osaka represents a diversifying Japan. Yet, some still ...15 hours ago
- Inside one artist’s fantastical world of felt foodArtist Chloe Smith, who turns everyday food items into meticulously crafted felt creations, talks to Charlotte Muru-Lanning ahead of her first New Zealand exhibition.It’s the feel of food that Chloe Smith is drawn to. “I really enjoy the challenge of trying to make something that has a really complicated texture,” ...15 hours ago
- Retired people and beneficiaries pay the price of inflation – for now
The prices of meat, insurance, petrol and public transport have risen faster than other costs ...15 hours ago - A moment to reflect on the state of the short story
An update on the New Zealand short story A new old book of short stories has appeared quietly but with perfect timing. Six By Six, an anthology of six short stories by six New Zealand writers, was first published in 1989; Victoria University have released a new edition, and the ...15 hours ago - Aggressive marketing has driven the rise of the double-cab ute on New Zealand streets — time to hi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsty Wild, Senior Research Fellow, Public Health, University of Auckland www.shutterstock.com “Explore your inner beast.” That was the slogan used last year to sell the Ford Ranger. At 2.4 tonnes, that’s a lot of “light” truck, but the stakes are ...15 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Nitrates in the water, and the risksGood morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Risks of nitrates in the water, no additional Covid found in New Plymouth, and Westport faces horror flooding cleanup.Groundwater in Canterbury appears to be increasingly unhealthy from the presence of nitrates, a consequence in part of intensive dairy farming. Stuff’s Amber Allott ...15 hours ago
- Women's football on the rise in Oceania
The Oceania Football Confederation has launched a women's football strategy - a first in the region. Ashley Stanley learns how OFC want to get two competitive teams into the 2027 World Cup Torijan Lyne-Lewis’s main sports goal is to play in a women’s football World Cup. The 26-year-old Samoan football ...16 hours ago - Big water decisions shape futures of small communities
The Prime Minister has committed to settling the contested boundaries of the four new regional water authorities by the end of September – and that means some big decisions for some of New Zealand's smallest communities. Near the north-east corner of the South Island, imposing sandstone cliffs look out over Cook Strait. ...17 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 28 July
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...17 hours ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Wednesday 28 July
...17 hours ago - Ocean plastic: Small pieces, big problems
Banning the release of balloons outdoors is another small step to making a difference to our oceans, and New Zealand should consider doing the same, writes Ariel-Micaiah Heswall Plastic pollution is a huge threat to marine life worldwide. Every step we can make to reduce our usage, no matter how ...17 hours ago - The one weird trick that could help NZ catch up with the global vaccine champsAs New Zealand’s vaccine effort picks up speed, there are lessons to be taken from countries that are more rapidly vaccinating their populations. Justin Giovannetti reports.With the global vaccination marathon against Covid-19 accelerating in the second half of 2021, new countries are emerging as leaders after overcoming supply issues and ...18 hours ago
- Our coal usage is going up and up. Here’s how much that mattersCoal-powered electricity generation is hitting record levels. Should we be worried? George Driver investigates.Coal electricity generation is surging, with the country importing more than a million tonnes of Indonesian coal and burning it at record levels to keep the lights on, RNZ has reported. The National Party declared we were ...18 hours ago
- My crazy big brother, and other stories
A portrait of an American family in the 1970s Dick is a patient on the seventh floor of a private psychiatric hospital on Chicago’s Near North side. For the first two weeks we aren’t allowed to visit him at all. I bake cookies and send them in a tin. The ...18 hours ago - Fletcher Building gets $5m too much in carbon subsidy
The Government has over-allocated carbon credits worth a minimum of $5 million to Fletcher Building over the past three years, Marc Daalder reports. ...18 hours ago - When the chips are down: Kiwi firms innovate around global shortages
Manufacturers are building products based on available materials as they prepare for shortages to last until late 2022 and beyond ...18 hours ago - Government's flood protection plans dry up
Work to tackle flooding linked to climate change was quietly cut back due to "resource constraints". ...18 hours ago - Galileo's lesson: How to think smart about living sustainably
We know the many circumstances that cause us to veer away from rationality; we understand enough to abandon this fossil fuel age with haste ...18 hours ago - Why moths matter
Morgane Merien explains why we need to start recognising the importance of these fascinating little insects and their vital role in the ecosystem Moths, they generally go unnoticed except when they flit annoyingly around your lights. They don’t attract much public interest and there is little understanding of the effects ...18 hours ago - The ethics of saving wild animals
Why do New Zealanders get so invested in saving animals that strand themselves? For more than two weeks, the plight of Toa, the baby orca stranded on rocks north of Porirua after he was separated from his pod, gripped the nation. News bulletins provided hourly updates. Volunteers braved the ...18 hours ago - Free clinics for Hepatitis C pop up across the country
This World Hepatitis Day, the Ministry of Health is funding free clinics across the country, as well as unveiling the plan to eliminate Hepatitis C from New Zealand Around 45,000 New Zealanders are living with Hepatitis C - although half of them may be unaware they have it. Clinics are popping ...18 hours ago - The Tokyo Lowdown: Day 5
With an Olympic silver medal and a world record row, Kiwi sportswomen were back winning on the water on Day 5. LockerRoom's daily wrap on the fortunes of our female athletes continues. Performances of the day It was Brooke Donoghue and Hannah Osborne’s time to shine. The women's double scull duo brought home silver ...1 day ago - The Tokyo Lowdown: Day 4
Was there something in Tokyo's water for Kiwi sportswomen as they struggled on the big stage on Day 4? LockerRoom's daily look at the fortunes of our female athletes continues. Performances of the day Luuka Jones lay her head on her paddle after her run in the canoe slalom final, devastated. ...1 day ago - Flush Housing Agency Needs To Be Reined InResponding to NBR’s report that Kainga Ora made an offer on a property $8 million above its eventual sale price, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “Our housing agency is acting like it’s overfunded. First it bought a motel ...1 day ago
- New Zealand trapped on the moral high ground with Suhayra AdenPower Play - New Zealand may now be claiming the moral high ground as it grudgingly accepts Suhayra Aden and her two children, but its hands are tied, Jane Patterson writes. ...1 day ago
- Whipping cream canisters have many uses beyond ‘nangs’. Banning them isn’t necessarySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bright, Senior Lecturer of Addiction, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been considering whether whipping cream canisters containing nitrous oxide should be placed in Schedule 10 of the Poisons Standard. Schedule 10 is the ...1 day ago
- What’s in the CPI and what does it actually measure?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Nils Versemann/Shutterstock So you don’t believe the official inflation figures. Why would you? They show prices climbing at an annual rate of 1.1% On Wednesday the update for June ...1 day ago
- Why calling ordinary NZ cyclists ‘elitist’ makes little senseIt’s one of the most common criticisms of those fighting for better bike infrastructure in our cities. But the ‘elitist’ jibe has little basis in reality, argues Timothy Welch.Something strange has happened to the perception of cyclists and cycling in the more than 200 years they’ve been around. Once a ...1 day ago
- Public protest or selfish ratbaggery? Why free speech doesn’t give you the right to endanger other...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, President, Australian Association for Professional & Applied Ethics. Senior Research Fellow, Moral philosophy, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Law Futures Centre., Griffith University Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in major Australian cities at the weekend, to protest ...1 day ago
- Police Association Acknowledges Guilty VerdictThe Police Association thanks the jury in the Eli Epiha trial for carrying out their difficult duty and finding the defendant guilty of attempting to murder Constable David Goldfinch. Epiha, who had already admitted to the murder of Constable Matthew ...1 day ago
- Little says Chinese hacking claims were corroborated, rebuke was 'tame'State-sponsored hacking by China was confirmed and corroborated by spy agencies and the embassy's rebuke after New Zealand called it out was "fairly tame", Minister Andrew Little says. ...1 day ago
- Christchurch City Council’s Bollard Blowout Is BizarreResponding to Christchurch City Council’s $1.1 million spend on a set of 14 bollards , New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “The plan should have been abandoned as soon as Councillors learned of the $769,000 price tag. Instead, ...1 day ago
- Science Organisations Pledge Openness In Animal Research And Teaching In New Zealand21 universities, institutes of technology, non-profits, Crown Research Institutes, government organisations, umbrella bodies, research funding organisations and learned societies commit to communicate openly about animal use. New Zealand will be the ...1 day ago
- Hard Questions Remain For Openness Conference For AnimalsHow open should researchers be with what they do to animals in experiments? That’s the question being discussed at a conference on openness in animal research. The conference is being hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care ...1 day ago
- Parliament is in recess but Kris Faafoi is too busy to discuss proposals for hate-speech laws
******** The Minister of Justice appears to have gone into hiding. GRAHAM ADAMS, writing for The Democracy Project, provides an update on how the public debate on hate speech regulation is going, especially in terms of whether political opinion should or shouldn’t receive an exemption from new laws. ******** It ...1 day ago - Yarns from the heart: the role of Aboriginal English in Indigenous health communicationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Celeste Rodriguez Louro, Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow, Discipline of Linguistics, The University of Western Australia Indigenous Australians experience poorer health outcomes than non-Indigenous Australians. They are sick more often, die younger and are at higher risk of serious health complications, ...1 day ago
- It’s all about reducing inequities -and so Maori wellbeing is a big consideration in research fund...The Government has dished out public money on two fronts in its mission to reduce inequitable outcomes in health statistics. On one front, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister Andrew Little joined a ceremony to bless the site and workers for Phase Two of the redevelopment of the Bay ...1 day ago
On YouTube there are a series of excellent documentaries by Anne Sneddon called Bad News, it's a Spinoff & RNZ thing. 4 episodes so far, she's abrasive, smart, funny, fearless & asks some very good questions. Sex trade, TERFS, Church & Charity & Equity in Healthcare. Thoroughly recommend & very keen to see what she does next.
I have a problem with a woman who refers to other women as 'bitches'. There's more than enough misogyny around without women joining the pile on.
Watched that particular wee piece this morning, and if that's the best RNZ can do then I might be breaking a half century long habit.
No comments allowed on Youtube, but someone whose reading on the issue is sparse might like to read the comments here….https://www.facebook.com/RadioNewZealand/videos/2712068612406992/
(The comments that the moderators have allowed of course.)
Fair enough Rosemary, I disagree, there's more than just someone calling women 'bitches', she swears at everyone, but appreciate your POV.
I find the term "TERF" quite problematic. It is often used as a term of abuse towards women, and frequently accompanied by threats of violence (not saying that's how you have used it above). I've never found that using such terminology has expanded anyone's understanding of the issues that women and girls face in patriarchal society.
I am deliberately not watching anything of Sneddons’ due to the use of the term ‘TERF’. The reek of misogyny permeates from the headline and that’s as close as I’m willing to go.
NZ 🙂
It’s a shambles, I say! We need more accountability and transparency and somebody’s head should roll to send a signal to all those nameless and faceless bureaucrats that incompetency is not tolerated in this country! \sarc
Won at law and lost on the facts aha.
And anyone who complains too bitterly should be promptly reminded that their other lawful option was death.
Scott Robinson on Australian lockdown
"I have been waiting for the experience of isolation under lockdown to articulate itself, as though someone would telepathically read my thoughts and, crucially, resolve them in a piece of writing. Yet all our lockdowns are different versions of the same restrictions, from flats ringed with police to suburban houses and beyond. We’re trapped with each other without the possibility of solitude. As the online world takes over many of our social rituals, we are also lonely without privacy.
Our loneliness is one of observed isolation; we float in the aquarium of our screens. We are seen without seeing and, waiting for the virus to disappear, acted upon without acting. There is a peculiar temporality to the lockdown as well. News is urgent, the consequences are punitive or deadly, but there persists the sense that there is nothing we can do but wait and be watched. We are being told constantly to stay in place, giving the repeated message and the monotony of our surroundings a daily sense of déjà vu."
https://overland.org.au/2020/08/loneliness-without-privacy-on-isolation-under-lockdown/
Heather Duplicity-Allan was toothless tonight on the radio. Jack Tame had her eating out of his hand.
Back to the drawing board, National.
Still no sign of National’s Border Protection Policy?
Here's NZF's though. I really hope this spanner gets thrown out on October 17. He wants to build permanent prefabs to house returnees at Waiouru, Ohakea, and Burnham. Perhaps they shall diet on gristle and mung beans? Do a bit of boot-camp and rifle training at the same time?
Rimmer meanwhile suddenly wants huge government, presumably with precise access to every and all movements of citizens. Could be useful for separating the ‘useless’ weak from the herd, I suppose…
We are so poorly served by our political parties on the right.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/08/new-zealand-first-wants-quarantine-shifted-to-military-facilities-long-term-alternative-to-lockdowns.html
Am I missing something here? I see some sense in moving quarantine out of our major cities to save lockdown ( not necessarily to an army base) so why does it seem to be immediately conflated and criticised on the grounds that it would be some cross between a boot camp and a prison?
At half a billion a week for locking down Auckland we could build a gold plated motor camp somewhere out of town – give people more facilities and space – and then relocate it at some later stage, when no longer needed, to be granny flats. Must be a spare golf course around somewhere.
"At half a billion a week for locking down Auckland we could build a gold plated motor camp somewhere out of town – give people more facilities and space – and then relocate it at some later stage, when no longer needed, to be granny flats. Must be a spare golf course around somewhere."
and the PM could cut the ribbon when it was ready…sometime in 2023
Factory prefab and above ground hook up of services would be faster. And give us a re useable asset.
Leaving people to cook and clean for themselves during quarantine would reduce the needed workforce. Don't know if they are UV'ing the rooms after people leave – that would then leave security and health staff.
But I am not suggesting the army training ground – just somewhere away from the largest cities in the country – to try to reduce the pass through of infection if it arrives. There are parts of NZ outside Auckland .
Or we could cut our spaces to a number like the 4000 Australia has for a larger population.
For that camp you'd have to have another camp for workers and their families.
Be patient, Shane can’t do everything all at once.
The National Protection Policy is coming out tomorrow Thursday. I think they will claim extreme means of protection which they can do without having to action anything the say.
The Nats (with hindsight benefit) will roll out a border policy tomorrow. Whatever it may be, it wont be the one they would have had if they were the Government, because we all know how they wanted an open border with plenty of rich kid students coming in, prepare for some hypocrisy.
I won't even be the one they, themselves had yesterday. And that would have differed from the one they had the day before, different too from the day before that.
Gee have you been stewing on that all afternoon anker?
No Scott, not stewing. Busy work day, but did want to reply as I thought it was inaccurate to call it a shambles, when so much this Govt has done has gone well and they always correct mistakes………..So jumped back onto the Standard when I had a chance………
A shambles describes US and UK's response to the virus………that's IMHO
Mer too Anker.
It's on the way. Chequebook Gerry!
Excellent article on the presidential race with a powerful message at the end:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12357680
“Three huge danger signs for Donald Trump from day one of Democratic convention.”
They've got an awesome line-up of speakers sorted for the Repugnant National Convention.
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/17/politics/patricia-mark-mccloskey-rnc-st-louis-couple-guns-protesters/index.html
Some very fine people on both sides.
I've given up trying to understand American politics. They're all mad. Well, most of them anyway.
They seem to have decided that rich people obviously know best so leave running the place to them.
Very fine people indeed. Kindred spirits of the Fraud from Fifth Avenue, even. It's easy to see why they'd get a speaking slot.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/506916-st-louis-couple-who-pointed-guns-at-protesters-have-a-history-of-suing
I thought as soon as I saw that announcement – "Well that figures!" . Obviously a sop to his base support, but I fail to see how it will grow his popularity. Certainly a turn off for many Black Americans.
Well, that whole "stand and defend your ground" idea has a lot of support, including in some areas and demographics that would seem surprising looking from here. But given the last few years, and the last few months in particular, it's hard to imagine that anyone who might possibly be influenced by that hasn't already firmly made up their mind.
Andre you forgot to mention today that the Bipartisan Senate Report on Russian election interference in 2016 is out, and of course backs up what Mueller said in his own report.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-russia-collusion_n_5f3c44b2c5b61551404e7071
Of course, the Committee gets to see the unredacted versions of near everything, so Committee vice chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said with good reason that investigators found “a breathtaking level of contacts between Trump officials and Russian government operatives” and that he hoped Americans will read the report for themselves.
That seemed to me a little more appropriate to leave until someone posts yet another lengthy video from some random internet kook babbling about how Russiagate is a hoax because of … some minute detail they've spotted somewhere that somehow invalidates the entire big picture..
Yes Ad that Report is pretty damning.
That's pretty much how I see it too. The country has changed a lot in recent years. As you say there are those who support the "stand and defend your ground" ideology but there is a growing well spring of support for the other, and more just ideology, of fairness for all.
There is no denying the continual solid support for T of around 40%, but the undecided vote is not nearly as large as it was at this time in 2016. I can't find the reference on 538, but I recall reading an Article there just the other day, that reported a poll where a large percentage of likely voters were reported as having already made up their mind, and it was pretty much 53 – 43 in favour of Biden. A popularity for Biden which has been averaging around those figures for some months now.
The inclusion of both Sanders and Kasich in the DNC convention shows that the DNC are after a variety of voters. A broad church. The T church is pretty much the Fundamental Right Wing moral conservative – of which there a many loyal parishioners – but even some amongst them are beginning to doubt.
There are reserve legal powers I don't think most people would wish to use, but if Australia is a precedent we could see the royal prerogative, state necessity, and possibly Martial Law invoked – until a magic bullet vaccine.
https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2020/04/guest_post_is_martial_law_next.html https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/00DBHOH_BILL7791_1/armed-forces-law-reform-bill
http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-TurEpit-t1-g1-t1-g1-t3-g1-t27-g1-t2.html
Just sounds like Kiwiblog hyper-ventilating for no apparent reason.
In other words, perfectly normal practice for the bunch of unhinged conspiracy theorists that frequent that particular cesspool.
Jacinda is wanting to take our 'personal sheep' !!!! (very funny thread)
https://twitter.com/grahamsurrey/status/1295908010338873344
Light entertainment on twitter tonight.
Off to the back paddock with him.
nope. Trailing cables are an OSH issue. Someone's been letting things slip in the lobby.
An update in regards trying to lower speed limit on Railway Road in Palmy.
The Bunnythorpe Community Group met last night and roading – speed and the new transport hub were on the agenda.
Usually there would be up to a dozen attending, last night the classroom was chocked to the gunnels. Local MPs were invited. To his credit Ian McKelvie showed.
A few passionate presentations from affected parties and a couple of PNCC representatives. The conclusion appeared to be for an emergency maximum speed can be posted for up to 12 months. As to the proposed rail hub, a sticking point is where the ring road goes in respect to Bunnythorpe.
My thoughts are to do a knitting bomb, and get 60km speed signs knitted up and slip them over the existing road signs. No-one can hate knitting….
My thoughts are to do a knitting bomb, and get 60km speed signs knitted up and slip them over the existing road signs.
Seriously, get to NZTA. That's where the money and the power for transport is.
Also you have an election on. Call your candidates and let them know you will be sending their reactions to the local papers and local Facebook groups.
No one hates knitting, but also at 100k's no one can see it either.
Contacted Emma Speight @ NZTA, she said it was a PNCC issue.
So it doesn't intersect with the NZTA highway network?
and then there is Christmas Island …
"Australian Border Force has announced plans to reopen Australia’s immigration detention centre on Christmas Island, citing capacity issues in the onshore detention system. Global COVID-19 measures such as reduced flights and border closures, the ABF says, have delayed numerous deportations; this has placed Australia’s onshore immigration detention network under increased pressure and necessitated the reopening of the Christmas Island facility.
Crowding is certainly an issue within the detention system, and urgent action is needed to reduce the threat of a COVID-19 outbreak. Reopening the Christmas Island detention facility, however, is not the solution. Safer, more humane and more fiscally responsible alternatives exist."
https://overland.org.au/2020/08/the-true-cost-of-reopening-the-christmas-island-detention-centre/
We're building a decent runway on the Chatham Islands.
Better Paua than Rydges, just sayin'.
They probably don't.
It's not really the detention centre that's the issue – its how its run and the necessary processes being in place to prevent abuse.
A few more Americans would have heard of New Zealand I guess:
Another interesting discussion with retired firefighter Mark Taylor. It touches on Trump being used by God among other things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwfOTFf91o4
God used Trump, and now God is testing him. Job was a low energy loser compared to how Trump is being tested, but Trump is greater than anyone in the Bible, people are saying he's even greater than God …
Here is Miles Taylor (a Republican) Trump's Former Dept of Homeland Security Chief of Staff, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security."
Why is he and many other Republicans coming out against Trump?
Here is what Miles Taylor who worked for 2 1/2 years in the Trump Administration has to say about why he is opposed to any further continuation of this regime:
So Hamish Walker has raised his head again to blame "bad advice". Because he needed advice on whether emailing patient records to journalists was a stupid, outrageous, and gratuitous abuse of his parliamentary position.
This dickhead should never again be in a position to handle confidential information. He can't be trusted.