Daily review 21/06/2019
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5:50 pm, June 21st, 2019 - 61 comments
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- National behind the times
When Todd Muller resigned as leader of the National Party and allowed for Judith Collins to assume command, you could tell the blue “team” was desperate and in search of past glories. After all, Crusher is towards the end of her political career and from a bygone era where dirty ...16 hours ago - Coronavirus: the road to vaccine roll-out is always bumpy, as 20th-century pandemics show
Samantha Vanderslott, University of Oxford If you have been following the media coverage of the new vaccines in development for COVID-19, it will be clear that the stakes are high. Very few vaccine trials in history have attracted so much attention, perhaps since polio in the mid-20th century. A now ...17 hours ago - PREFU: The State of Government Accounts
‘The Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update’ (PREFU) tells us something about the future of the Public Sector but it requires careful analysis to assess how it is going. The 2020 PREFU is the most important economic statement during any election campaign. Unfortunately the commentariat tends to treat it briefly ...1 day ago - Predatory delay
Farmers are whining again about being expected to clean up their act: Canterbury farmers want politicians to stop painting them as climate change villains, listen to their needs and allow them more time to boost environmental standards. [...] “The targets are necessary for the environment, but do we ...2 days ago - Flight to nowhere sends the wrong message in climate crisisQantas Airlines’ 7-hour “flight to nowhere”, that sold out in 10 minutes with prices from A$787 to A$3787, seemed like a sick joke to climate advocates. Apart from the waste of fuel and the pointless emissions, passengers would be able to see first-hand, from a plane just like those that ...2 days ago
- Speaker: The cannabis referendum – a doctor’s perspective
Cannabis is part of our culture: 80% of adults have tried it sometime. Intuition tells us that legalising cannabis will increase use – science suggests that is not likely. Our Dunedin and Christchurch studies show that cannabis use peaks in our 20s. Older people are less frequent users whether it ...2 days ago - First steps: Jerry DeSilva on the evolution of bipedalismYesterday morning I got up (at the rather early and unaccustomed hour of 3.30am) to listen to a webinar by paleoanthropologist Dr Jeremy DeSilva¹. Titled “First Steps”, his presentation was about the origins of bipedalism in the human lineage. It was a fascinating session & I thought I’d turn my ...2 days ago
- True Believers In A False God.
Down The Rabbit Hole: "Social psychologists have found that when fearful people contemplate potential misfortunes, they tend to feel helpless and pessimistic, but when angry people contemplate the same, they feel a sense of optimism and control. And one simple way to transmute fear into anger is to perceive an evil ...2 days ago - Majority Rule Requires Majorities That Are Real.Fifty Percent Plus One: New Zealand’s genuine-majority-delivering two-party system endured for five elections only (1938, 1943, 1946, 1949, 1951) a period of just 16 years. Very few New Zealanders alive today can boast of participating in an election which delivered a true majority to either Labour or National. Someone who ...2 days ago
- Labour super exploitation
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- This is not what accountability looks likeWhen someone commits trespass, assault with a weapon, and kidnapping, you'd expect them to be prosecuted, right? But apparently the rules are different if you wear a blue uniform: A police investigation has found officers in Northland trespassed on a man's property, then unlawfully pepper sprayed him and arrested ...2 days ago
- Cycling: head injuries ignored because of entrenched macho cultureHoward Hurst, University of Central Lancashire and Jack Hardwicke, University of Winchester Competitive road cycling is a demanding and unique sport. One where crashing is inevitable – especially at the professional level. While the risk of head injury is relatively low in cycling – approximately 5-13% – compared to contact ...2 days ago
- The coming US shitshowToday President Trump once again refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the US election. Coincidentally, The Atlantic has a long article on exactly what that means, from voter suppression by armed thugs in the name of "ballot security", to refusing to allow the vote ...2 days ago
- A moral voidThat's the only way to describe the SIS, who - like their British counterparts - decided to look the other way on child abuse: The SIS knew a young woman was being sexually abused by her father but failed to lodge a complaint with the police, effectively allowing the ...3 days ago
- When will Goldsmith resign?The National Party’s campaign has gone from bad to worse with a further two large miscalculations being uncovered in their alternative fiscal plan. Firstly, National’s economic spokesperson and list MP, Paul Goldsmith, used May's Budget figures instead of last week's PREFU numbers, and came up with a whopping $4.3 billion ...3 days ago
- The Adventures of Annalax: Part IX
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- Arctic sea ice is being increasingly melted from below by warming Atlantic waterTom Rippeth, Bangor University Arctic sea ice today (white) is covering a much smaller area than in 1980-2010 (orange line). National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, CC BY-SA Each September, scientists like me look out for the point when the Arctic’s meagre summer fizzles out and ...3 days ago
- The long-term health burden of COVID-19: further justification for NZ’s elimination strategyProf John D. Potter* This blog briefly surveys the emerging scientific evidence on the longer-term burden of symptoms and disease in survivors of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these symptoms point to damage in the brain and heart. These long-term harms add to the wide range of other reasons for ...3 days ago
- Going High, Going Low: An Assessment Of The First Leaders’ Debate.Uncrushed: Jacinda Ardern knew exactly what was expected of her in the first Leaders' Debate. Labour’s dominant position, three weeks out from the general election, is constructed out of the admiration and gratitude of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who, more often than not, vote National. Nothing she said ...3 days ago
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- The Fog Of Economic Policy Is Starting To Clear…
Bryan Bruce, https://www.facebook.com/www.redsky.tv, 19 September 2020 National’s economic policy of temporary tax cuts yesterday proved, if proof be needed, that they are unapologetic neoliberals. While their claim that with more money in their pockets people will spend more might sound attractive, the reality is that tax cuts always benefit the ...3 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #38, 2020
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- Humans have dealt with plenty of climate variabilityClimate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, please send it to climate.change@stuff.co.nz How much climate variability have humans dealt with since we ...4 days ago
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There are a fair few misconceptions about conditions within New Zealand’s Quarantine Hotels. Madeline Grant’s misplaced accusations being one prominent example, though she is not alone. Today, I thought I’d share the inside word, so to speak. A friend of mine has recently returned to New Zealand from overseas, and ...5 days ago - Hard News: ASA: Let’s not talk about thisLast week, major newspapers carried a full-page ad as part of the campaign for a "No" vote to the referendum question about supporting the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill. The ad was authorised by the SAM NZ Coalition, which takes its name from a controversial American anti-cannabis group and includes ...5 days ago
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by Ani O’Brien In the absence of a better word with which to refer to the rabid activists who claim progressivism while demanding adherence to an increasingly prescriptive set of political beliefs, I call them “woke”. With its roots in Black American slang, the term originally denoted a person or ...5 days ago - How to strengthen the post-isolation Covid rulesOver the weekend, the Ministry of Health reported a case of Covid-19 in Auckland that is not related to the current Auckland cluster. Before we start to panic, here’s how I think the case happened and how we can strengthen our current border controls. The new Covid-19 case is someone ...5 days ago
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At the 2017 election, the New Zealand Labour Party promised a Fees Free Policy for tertiary students. Basically, it would make the first year of university education free in 2018, with a second year in 2021, and a third in 2024. It also promised to restore Post-Graduate access to the ...2 weeks ago - Will the tropics eventually become uninhabitable?Climate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, please send it to climate.change@stuff.co.nz What is the impact of temperature increases in the tropics? ...2 weeks ago
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- Week that was: Three weeks to go!
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- Labour is backing our regions for recoveryOur regions are a vital part of our economic recovery plan. They’re home to innovative and creative businesses, and the backbone of our export economy - which is why Labour will continue to support our regions to grow as together, we rebuild better. ...1 week ago
- Green Party will work next term with Labour to quickly implement Fair Pay Agreements and extended si...The Green Party welcome Labour committing to implement fair pay agreements and extended sick leave for workers in the next term of Government. ...1 week ago
- No surprise in National’s latest attempt to slash public servicesNational’s ‘alternative budget’ that includes huge cuts to the government’s operating allowance would risk gutting critical public services, and put health, education and nature at dire risk. ...1 week ago
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- 17 ways to get involved with the 2020 electionThis year’s election is on 17 October - and it’s coming up fast! With one month to go until Election Day, we’ve come up with 17 ways you, your friends and family can get involved in our campaign and help Labour keep New Zealand moving. ...1 week ago
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- Greens now the only political party sticking up for studentsThe Green Party is disappointed with the Labour Party’s decision to reverse their three free years education policy and back down on their commitment to postgraduate student allowances. ...1 week ago
- Labour are backing teachers and building a stronger, fairer education systemIn the first two years of our term in Government, we gave teachers record pay rises as a way of recognising the lack of adequate adjustments over the previous decade and the significant role they play in the lives of children and young people. We also increased the number of ...2 weeks ago
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- Labour supports working New ZealandersLabour has a proud history of supporting working New Zealanders, whether through the implementation of the 40hr work week or the introduction of the Working for Families package. ...2 weeks ago
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- Grant Robertson: A balanced plan for managing debtThe world is facing its most challenging battle in generations with an insidious and new virus as the enemy. ...3 weeks ago
- Debt: What’s Labour’s plan?We’re committed to managing the Government’s books responsibly and keeping debt under control while supporting our people and our economy through the 1-in-100 year shock caused by COVID-19. ...3 weeks ago
- Tax should close the inequality gap between people who own and people who earn: GreensThe Labour Party has moved towards more progressive income tax, but is not addressing the growing wealth gap and inequality in Aotearoa. Labour’s new revenue policy also doesn’t help pay for the necessary response to the COVID-19 crisis, Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Tax: What’s Labour’s plan?For 98% of New Zealanders, there will be no changes to income tax. Earn less than $180,000? No changes to your income tax. ...3 weeks ago
- 5 ways Labour’s SME policy will help small businessesAre you the owner of a small business? We’ve got one simple message for you: we’ve got your back. ...3 weeks ago
- Greens pleased with Labour’s support for Matariki DayThe Green Party welcomes Labour backing a Matariki public holiday. ...3 weeks ago
- BREAKING: Labour will make Matariki a public holidayAs New Zealanders we are proud of who we are, what we stand for, and the way we weave together different worlds and cultures to create our unique national identity. ...3 weeks ago
- Lobby group advice to keep homes cold until after Election Day dangerousIt is appalling and negligent that landlords are being encouraged to keep their properties cold and damp until after the election, as advised by the NZ Property Investors Federation, Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Hokitika Landmark earmarked for $22m restoration
Seddon House in Hokitika, once a hub for government on the West Coast, has been earmarked for government use once again. “Today we’re announcing a $22 million investment from the Government’s $3 billion infrastructure fund for shovel ready projects for the purchase and restoration of Seddon House in the heart of ...15 hours ago - Minister of Foreign Affairs makes two diplomatic appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced two new diplomatic appointments: • Michael Appleton as New Zealand’s first resident High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. • Tredene Dobson as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Viet Nam. Sri Lanka “New Zealand is opening a post in Colombo in 2021 because we are ready ...1 day ago
- NZ’s most prestigious conservation award – Loder Cup presented to Graeme AtkinsThe Minister of Conservation Minister, Eugenie Sage, today presented Aotearoa New Zealand’s most prestigious conservation award, the Loder Cup, to the 2020 winner Graeme Atkins while in Gisborne/Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa. “Graeme Atkins of Ngāti Porou is a Department of Conservation ranger whose contribution to conservation goes well above and beyond his employment,” ...1 day ago
- Parliament to install solar and cut carbonParliament is leading by example by taking action to cut its carbon footprint by installing solar and improving energy efficiency, the Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw said today. The Minister confirmed that Parliamentary Services will receive support through the Clean-Powered Public Service Fund to install solar PV and LED ...2 days ago
- Tuvalu Language Week theme promotes community resilience in the face of COVID-19The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio says the 2020 Tuvalu Language Week theme of “Fakatili Te Kiloga Fou” which means “Navigating the changing environment” is a call on all Pacific peoples to be strong and resilient in the face of COVID-19. “This theme is a reminder to us ...2 days ago
- International sport back up and running in New ZealandThe Government is welcoming today’s announcement that the West Indies and Pakistan cricket teams will tour New Zealand this summer. “A lot of hard work has been undertaken by sports officials including New Zealand Cricket, Netball New Zealand and government officials to ensure that international sport can return safely to ...2 days ago
- 1BT funds for Northland forest taongaNorthland’s indigenous tree canopy is set to grow for the benefit of mana whenua and the wider community thanks to nearly $2 million in One Billion Trees funding, Forestry Minister Shane Jones announced today. Te Komanga Marae Trust has received more than $1.54 million to restore and enhance the native ...2 days ago
- Better health care for West Coasters as Te Nikau Hospital officially openedThe Government has delivered a new hospital for Greymouth and is starting work on a much needed new health centre in Westport, ensuring local communities will benefit from better access to high quality integrated health services. Today, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare officially open Te ...2 days ago
- Government backing local with PGF loanA West Coast distillery will benefit from a Provincial Growth Fund investment that will enable it to expand its operations and create jobs in the town of Reefton, Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones have announced. The Reefton Distilling Co will receive a $928,000 ...2 days ago
- Primary sector exports and jobs up againPrimary sector exports and jobs are up again, demonstrating the sector’s underlying strength amid the COVID-19 global pandemic and US-China trade war, and supporting New Zealand’s economic recovery. Stats NZ today reported New Zealand’s merchandise exports in August were up 8.6% on a year ago, driven by an increase in ...2 days ago
- Clean energy future for more schoolsSchools across Aotearoa New Zealand will be supported by the Government to upgrade to run on clean energy, the Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced today. The Minister has allocated $50 million from the Clean Powered Public Service Fund to replace, or convert, coal boilers in schools with clean ...3 days ago
- Building business strength with digital toolsNew training and tools for digital commerce will give small businesses, especially in the tourism sector, the support they need to adapt and innovate in a COVID world. Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and Small Business Minister Stuart Nash have announced details of how $20 million digital capability funding set aside ...3 days ago
- New pest lures to protect natureThe Department of Conservation (DOC) is investing $1.4 million to develop new predator lures that would be game-changers for trapping and surveillance towards a predator-free Aotearoa, the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage, announced in Christchurch today. The proposal is to develop long-life lures attractive to a range of predators—rats, mustelids ...3 days ago
- Support for innovative Pacific education responses to COVID-19 needsSupporting new and creative Pacific education practices as part of our COVID-19 response and recovery is the focus of a new $28.5 million Pacific Education Innovation Fund announced today by Associate Minister of Education Jenny Salesa. “There is already an incredible amount of innovative and creative work going on in ...4 days ago
- Eligibility expanded for COVID-19 leave supportThe expanded scheme will cover: People who have COVID-19 like symptoms and meet the Ministry of Health’s criteria, and need to self-isolate while awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. People who are directed to self-isolate by a Medical Officer of Health or their delegate or on advice of their ...5 days ago
- Seasonal work visa available to more peopleThe Government is putting in place a range of immigration policy changes to help fill labour shortages in key industries while ensuring New Zealanders, who have lost jobs due to COVID-19, have the chance to find new employment. “Two key sectors we are moving to help are horticulture and wine ...5 days ago
- More border exceptions for critical rolesThe Government has established class exceptions for border entry for a limited number of veterinarians, deep sea fishing crew, as well as agricultural and horticultural machinery operators. “Tight border restrictions remain the backbone of the Government’s border strategy to protect New Zealand against COVID-19 and ensure New Zealand citizens and ...5 days ago
- Crown will not appeal Dodds v Southern Response decisionThe Crown will not appeal the Court of Appeal decision in the Dodds v Southern Response case, Grant Robertson announced today. “Southern Response will be paying the damages awarded by the Court to Mr and Mrs Dodds shortly. The Crown was already meeting their legal costs for this appeal. “The ...5 days ago
- Crucial PGF investments for NorthlandThe Provincial Growth Fund is investing nearly $30 million in a diverse range of projects that will create immediate and long-term jobs and lift economic and social outcomes for Northland and its people. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones made the announcement today in ...5 days ago
- $27million investment in global vaccine facilityThe Coalition Government has committed to invest $27 million in COVID-19 vaccine development through the global COVAX Facility, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today. “The COVAX Facility is a key part of our COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy to obtain safe and effective vaccines. It allows us to invest in a high-quality, ...6 days ago
- Government backing Māori landownersThe Government will provide up to $1.69 million through the One Billion Trees programme to Māori landowners to make their whenua more productive through the planting of forests, both native and exotic, and improve economic and environmental outcomes, Forestry Minister Shane Jones has announced. “Around 1.5 million ha of land ...1 week ago
- New tools to make nature more accessiblePeople planning to head outdoors now have a resource that lets them know how accessible an area is for people with varying levels of mobility, Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today. The Halberg Foundation, Sensibel, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have launched Accessibel, a new tool which helps ...1 week ago
- PGF makes Māori history more accessibleOne of the most significant battle sites of the 1860s Land Wars will receive $2.96 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to improve the site and help tell the New Zealand story to visitors, Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones have announced. Nanaia Mahuta ...1 week ago
- Making it official: The journey of te reo Māori | Kia whakapūmautia: Ngā piki me ngā heke o te r...The journey towards recognising Māori as an official language and taonga has been captured as a web series and launched today during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, announced Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni. “Te reo Māori is a living language, and understanding its significance, and pathways to ...1 week ago
- Better-than-forecast GDP reflects decision to protect New ZealandToday’s better-than-forecast GDP figures show the expected impact of the decision to act quickly to protect New Zealanders from the global COVID-19 pandemic. GDP fell 12.2% in the June quarter from March, reflecting decisions to close New Zealand’s borders and enter Alert Level 4. “This result was better than the ...1 week ago
- Boost for COVID-19 related Pacific education needsThe Government is investing $39.7 Million over four years to support the educational needs of Pacific learners and families in the regions hardest hit by COVID-19, with Auckland getting an immediate boost, Associate Minister of Education Jenny Salesa says. “Like all New Zealanders Pacific families want learners to do well ...1 week ago
- More resources for kiwi conservationNew Zealand’s goal of 100,000 kiwi by 2030 is being helped by an extra $19.7 million in funding to accelerate iwi and community efforts to protect kiwi, Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced. “$19.7 million of Jobs for Nature funding is being invested in kiwi conservation activities including increased predator ...1 week ago
- Improving access to affordable electricityEnsuring New Zealanders can get the best deal on their electricity takes a step in the right direction today with the South Island launch of the EnergyMate pilot run by the Electricity Retailers’ Association, says Minister of Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods. EnergyMate is an industry-led programme providing coaching ...1 week ago
- Government achieves 50 percent women on state boardsMinister for Women Julie Anne Genter announced today that the Government has reached its target of 50 percent on women on state sector board and committees – setting a new record level of women on state sector boards. “This Government is committed to having more women in leadership roles - ...1 week ago
- Record transport investment to help economic recovery and save livesTransport Minister Phil Twyford released today the final Government Policy Statement on land transport (GPS) 2021 which outlines the planned $48 billion investment in services and infrastructure over the next decade. “The final GPS supports our Government’s five-point plan for economic recovery by confirming our record investments in transport infrastructure ...1 week ago
- Advancing clean energy technologyThree ambitious and cutting-edge research programmes that will lift New Zealand’s advanced energy technology research capability over seven years, have been supported by Government today, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. The projects will each receive a share of $40.7 million investment from the Strategic Science Investment Fund. ...1 week ago
- Major milestone reached in Pike River Re-entryThe critical area for forensic examination known as Pit Bottom in Stone has been reached in what is a major milestone for the Pike River re-entry project, Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little announced. “The infrastructure located in Pit Bottom in Stone is of very significant interest in ...1 week ago
- Economic recovery guides Govt response to retirement income policy reviewThe Government is working on how New Zealand’s retirement income policies and settings can best support Kiwis in light of the COVID-19 economic recovery, with the help of the Retirement Commissioner’s latest review, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi said. “The Retirement Commissioner’s three-yearly review into New Zealand’s retirement ...2 weeks ago
- Iwi community hub opens in MuruparaA new digital hub and development centre in Murupara will be instrumental in growing the region’s productivity, said Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau at the official opening of two community initiatives today. “I’m pleased to be here celebrating a significant milestone for two projects set to make a ...2 weeks ago
- PREFU shows economy doing better than forecastPREFU shows economy doing better than forecast Unemployment to peak at 7.8%, down from 9.8% forecast in the Budget Year-to-June accounts show tax revenue, debt and OBEGAL better than forecast Global forecast downgraded as COVID-19 second waves and uncertainty grows Balanced plan to support critical public services, manage debt and ...2 weeks ago
- Spruce-up for Ōtaki community facilitiesThe Kāpiti Coast town of Ōtaki will receive $1.4 million in Government funding for two projects providing scores of jobs for locals while improving community facilities, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced. The Māoriland Charitable Trust will receive a $900,000 Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) grant to upgrade the ...2 weeks ago
- PGF funding for Jobs for Nature programmeThe Provincial Growth Fund will provide $11.88 million to fund fencing and waterway projects nationwide that will improve the environment and create jobs in their communities, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced. “These projects will create more than 100 jobs nationwide with work starting within the next couple ...2 weeks ago
- Procurement to promote jobs, Māori and Pasifika businesses and sustainabilityAs part of the COVID-19 recovery, the Government has strengthened its procurement rules to ensure its annual $42 billion spend creates more jobs, uses more sustainable construction practices and results in better outcomes for Māori and Pasifika, Government Ministers announced today. Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford says the $42 ...2 weeks ago
- Timaru’s Theatre Royal to be upgraded and new heritage facility builtThe Government is supporting a major upgrade of Timaru’s iconic Theatre Royal and the construction of a new connected Heritage Facility museum and exhibition space with $11.6 million from the Government’s Infrastructure Fund, Jacinda Ardern announced today. “We heard the call from the community and the council. The Theatre Royal ...2 weeks ago
- District Court judge appointedChrissy Montague (formerly Armstrong), barrister of Auckland has been appointed as a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction to be based in Wellington, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. Ms Montague commenced practice in Auckland in 1987 and went into general practice dealing with Wills, Estates, Trusts, Conveyancing, Relationship Property ...2 weeks ago
- Arrested ship crew deny ‘bunkering’, other marine charges in PNG court
By Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Three crew members of an unnamed foreign ship intercepted by a Papua New Guinea Navy vessel near Kavieng, New Ireland, last month have denied violating local laws and withholding information from authorities. In the Kavieng District Court before Magistrate Patrick Baiwan on Wednesday were ...1 hour ago - Party vote Green to keep Ardern at helm, Shaw urges
Greens co-leader James Shaw has told supporters the best way to ensure Jacinda Ardern continues as prime minister is to "party vote Green". ...9 hours ago - Isolation tales: Songs for the return home
These six returning families may not have been through Level 4 lockdown here, but they bring their own poignant stories and wisdom, writes Jonathan Milne When my family and I flew back into Auckland after a year-and-a-half working abroad, the Managed Isolation and Quarantine welcome pack issued a tactfully-worded warning ...9 hours ago - Podcasts of the week: Survival of the fittest in sport and politicsPolitical podcast Caucus weighs up the minor parties' chances of making it to Parliament, while the recently refreshed Extra Time sees the team rate the prospects of Israel Adesanya in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. ...10 hours ago
- What would Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s expected pick for the Supreme Court, mean for abortion right...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Prudence Flowers, Lecturer in US History, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Flinders University Last week, US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ginsburg’s “most fervent wish”, revealed by her granddaughter, was that she “not be ...10 hours ago
- University of Waikato launches taskforce to address racismBy , RNZ News Reporter Academics who made allegations of racism at the University of Waikato are welcoming the outcome of an independent review. While individual claims have been dismissed as “inaccurate”, “incorrect” and “reflective of differing perspectives”, it is hoped the findings could lead to nationwide action on ...10 hours ago
- Body fat deep below the surface is a toxic risk, especially for your heartSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lea M D Delbridge, Professor of Physiology, University of Melbourne Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to forget one of the largest health challenges we face remains the global obesity epidemic. World Health Organisation data shows obesity has nearly tripled in less ...12 hours ago
- New Fund To Support Māori Boarding Schools
Labour will recognise the important role our Māori boarding schools play in growing our future Māori leaders by committing $20 million to a fund designed to provide them with financial support to continue to house, educate and manaaki rangatahi in ...13 hours ago - We know about politicians seeking power – but they could be the source of generating power, too
A press release from the Beehive triggered our recollection of a bit of science about the energy-generating properties of methane. According to an article in the Journal of Environmental Management a few years ago, livestock manure contributes an estimated 240 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of methane to ...14 hours ago - How to make a mandala
An extract from The Nature Activity Book, which we strongly urge you to invest in for the school holidays.Books editor Catherine Woulfe writes: Written by teacher, scientist and head of the National Aquarium Rachel Haydon and gorgeously illustrated by Pippa Keel, our review copy of The Nature Activity Book landed ...15 hours ago - Creative differences: Labour, National and the Greens debate 2020 arts policyOn Thursday night, arts trust Te Taumata Toi-A-Iwi, in association with The Spinoff, hosted a pre-election forum on arts policy. Sam Brooks picks out the best moments.A conversation about arts policy is never going to get quite the same number of eyeballs as, say, an episode of The Chase, but ...16 hours ago
- We need to talk about fashion’s waste problemIn recent years, an influx of cheaply made clothes has had a devastating effect not only on our local industry, but the entire planet. Rose Jackson takes a look at the wider impact of fashion’s waste issue, in a piece originally published by Ensemble.It’s hard to know where this story ...17 hours ago
- Election Live, September 26: Police officer killed in London from New ZealandWelcome to The Spinoff’s Election Live for September 26, bringing you the latest on election 2020 and other NZ news. The essential campaign dates are here. For all you need to know about the cannabis referendum click here. For the assisted dying referendum click here. Explore the parties’ pledges at Policy. I’m ...18 hours ago
- And Jesus makes threeIn the latest instalment of her series chronicling the ins and outs of dating in 2020, Alie Benge details the unique challenges of dating while Christian. I’m part of a rare Christian archetype: the unmarried 30-year-old. You’ll see us prowling the edges of a congregation, hook noses and one blind ...18 hours ago
- Will pumped hydro result in significant energy price hikes for NZ?Will transitioning to 100 percent renewable electricity generation increase power prices in New Zealand? ...18 hours ago
- Short story: Father figure, by Laura Borrowdale
"Julia tells her therapist how soft her lover’s hands are": inside a therapy session, by Christchurch writer Laura Borrowdale Julia remembers her father’s fingers curling around the head of her newborn baby. They are long, the nails rectangular and pared, clean, pink and white, like the baby. The baby’s head ...21 hours ago - Campaign diary no. 3: Deborah Russell, MP
In the third of a weekly election diary, Labour MP Deborah Russell takes the electorate's pulse on the streets of New Lynn and makes it through the electorate's first candidates' meetings. Tomorrow is National's Chris Bishop. We finally got back on to the streets of New Lynn again this week, ...21 hours ago - New life behind a mask for Kiwi basketballer in US
Rising basketballer and future Tall Fern Ashlee Strawbridge is adjusting to a new life in the United States after taking up a scholarship with the College of Southern Idaho. Strawbridge is one of over 50 Kiwi women on basketball scholarships in the US right now. She’s set to take to the court alongside fellow ...21 hours ago - Top journalists give election picks
*Watch the panel discussion in the video player below* The poll, the debate, the state of the minor parties and the issues that the politicians are avoiding. These were all topics discussed by a panel of journalists moderated by Newsroom’s co-editor, Tim Murphy, earlier this week. The panel ...21 hours ago - Extra Time: A high point for mixed martial arts
Mixed martial arts has undoubtedly been on the up and up as a sport in New Zealand in recent years, but that rise reaches a new high point this weekend. No fewer than four fighters from Auckland's City Kickboxing gym will compete at UFC 253, headlined by middleweight world champion Israel Adesanya ...21 hours ago - Dr James Jap on a life centred around deathDr James Jap regularly watches people die. He talks to Michelle Langstone about how working in palliative care has shaped his outlook, his family, and his wardrobe.James Jap had never seen anyone die until his fourth year of medical school. On an overnight shift with St John’s ambulance, he was ...22 hours ago
- Review: The problem with The Social DilemmaNetflix’s new ‘must-see’ documentary is an alarming watch, but a bunch of woke tech bros commodifying fear is not enough to impress Anna Rawhiti-Connell. The Social Dilemma, Netflix’s latest “must see” documentary, opens with a line-up of gulping, nervous white men (and one or two women), who are asked to try ...22 hours ago
- USP staff slam Fiji’s freezing of F$28m grant as holding university to ransomPacific Media Centre Newsdesk Staff of the regional University of the South Pacific have condemned the Fiji government’s “dictatorial” action in freezing a $28 million grant, accusing it of holding the governing University Council to ransom and jeopardising the future of students. “Fiji is reneging on its commitment to its ...1 day ago
- The new 15-minute test has potential, but standard tests are still the best way to track COVID-19Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Gibney, NHMRC early career fellow, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Testing remains a vital component of Australia’s success in managing COVID-19. We need to diagnose people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as early as possible ...1 day ago
- At last, the arts Revolution — Archibald winners flag the end of white male dominanceSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Principal Fellow (Hon), Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. Editor in Chief, Design and Art of Australia Online, University of Melbourne The 2020 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes, held under the strangest of all circumstances, has produced a ...1 day ago
- You wouldn’t hit a dog, so why kill one in Minecraft? Why violence against virtual animals is an e...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Coghlan, Senior Research Fellow in Digital Ethics, Centre for AI and Digital Ethics, School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne Violence against animals in video games is ubiquitous. Players can kill or torture animals in various popular games, including ...1 day ago
- VIDEO: Michelle Grattan on the upcoming budget, government reform, and the NBNSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paddy Nixon discuss the week in politics. This week Michelle and Paddy discuss the upcoming 6 October budget, the government’s ...1 day ago
- What Are Universal Basic Services – And Could They Work In Aotearoa?Some of you may have listened in to the webinar co-hosted by BFF and the PSA, New Zealand’s largest union, which featured leading UBS expert Andrew Percy, from the Institute of Global Prosperity . If you missed it, you can watch it at the link above. ...1 day ago
- Australia’s natural history and native species should be on the citizenship testSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas M Wilson, Honorary Research Fellow in Literature and Environment, University of Western Australia Australia’s proposed changes to the citizenship test has raised questions about whether you can really evaluate someone’s “Australian values” via a set of exam questions. But here’s another ...1 day ago
- Rent Freeze Must Be Extended For At Least 6 Months: TOPThe rent freeze needs to be extended for at least 6 months, say The Opportunities Party (TOP), who are calling on the government to protect vulnerable renters experiencing financial instability as a result of Covid-19. The current rent freeze ends on the ...1 day ago
- Findings Of Independent Review Into Public Claims Of Racism At The University Of Waikato ReleasedThe reviewers commissioned to assess public claims of racism at the University of Waikato have presented their final report to the University Council. ...1 day ago
- We accidentally found a whole new genus of Australian daisies. You’ve probably seen them on your b...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Schmidt-Lebuhn, Research Scientist, CSIRO When it comes to new botanical discoveries, one might imagine it’s done by trudging around a remote tropical rainforest. Certainly, that does still happen. But sometimes seemingly familiar plants close to home hold unexpected surprises. We recently ...1 day ago
- Is Malaysia heading for ‘BorneoExit’? Why some in East Malaysia are advocating for secessionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania Unity is a common theme every year on Malaysia Day, the holiday celebrated last week that marks the day Malaysia became a federation in 1963. That year, Britain agreed to relinquish control of ...2 days ago
- Winston Peters says NZ First ‘staved off any action’ on Ihumātao before electionNZ First leader Winston Peters has used a speech at Orewa to call Ihumātao protesters "malcontents who got so much unjustified publicity, sticking mainly in the throat of traditional Māori". ...2 days ago
- Once known as “mother’s ruin”, it is made all over NZ – including Reefton (where there’s g...
The West Coast has been the focus of two lots of good news from the Beehive in the past 24 hours or so. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare officially opened Te Nikau Hospital and Health Centre in Greymouth and then turned the first sod at ...2 days ago - Refusal To Provide Contraception Stigmatises UsersALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa sadly welcomes the results of Family Planning’s survey of contraception users, which shows 5% experience health practitioners obstructing their access to contraception. “It’s maddening that in 2020 people still have ...2 days ago
- Televising school sport could put too much focus on performance, a price too high for young athletesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Whatman, Associate Professor, Sport and Exercise Science, Auckland University of Technology A new deal to televise and live stream more secondary school sports in New Zealand has attracted significant attention and debate. First XV secondary school rugby in New Zealand has ...2 days ago
- Stratford District Council’s Navel-gazing Over Logo Is EmbarrassingStratford District Council’s review of its logo is an embarrassing waste of time and money, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “Stratford District Councillors need to seriously re-evaluate their priorities. ...2 days ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending September 25The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Rage by Bob Woodward (Simon & Schuster, $55)“A better title for Rage, perhaps, would be Rabid ...2 days ago
- The Friday Poem: Shark and Leg by James McNaughtonA new poem from novelist and poet James McNaughton.Shark and LegSeventeen years already of making the bed together,husband and wife.They say you never step in the same river twiceand that change is the only constant in life, and trulythe linen has changed, the beds, ...2 days ago
- Fresh Water Management And Winter GrazingThe new Fresh Water Management legislation became law on the 5th August 2020 and parts of the policy are impractical, with changes already being undertaken to try and improve it. It is clumsy, heavy-handed and will require most farmers to get a ...2 days ago
- A night in Gore with New Zealand’s most formidable conservative campaignersFamily First have been on tour over the election campaign, pounding out the message that voters should say no on both referendums. Alex Braae caught up with them in Gore. I’ve long been fascinated and mystified in equal parts by Family First. At a time when it often looks like the ...2 days ago
- One Small Step To DevolutionWhānau Ora CEO & Māori Party Co-Leader John Tamihere says a new collaborative contract with Oranga Tamariki, Te Puni Kokiri, ACC, and Whānau Ora is a first and positive step towards devolution of services to Māori by Māori for Māori. It also ...2 days ago
- Campaign in the Neck: Mike’s debate review largely about Mike
Mike Hosking was frustrated with the slow pace of the leaders' debate in a way only a man stuck in rush hour traffic in a Maserati can be. James Elliott reviews Mike's review of John Campbell's performance as debate moderator. There’s nothing like an election campaign to fire up the pundits, ...2 days ago - Emily Writes: It’s time to act now on endometriosisHaving surgery was the best thing I ever did. Everybody deserves the option.I am 10 days post-surgery. Everyone seems surprised at how well I’m doing. There’s just one group who get it, who understand why I’m so happy. They’re those who haven’t yet been able to get the surgery that ...2 days ago
- Keith Rankin Analysis – The 2020 New Zealand Election is Not a Foregone Conclusion2 days ago
- Frydenberg is setting his budget ambition dangerously lowSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Household Finances, Grattan Institute Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s announcement that he’ll prioritise reducing unemployment ahead of reducing government debt is welcome news. The government is required by the Charter of Budget Honesty to develop and publish a fiscal strategy ...2 days ago
- Non-disclosure of child abuse would be an offence under National governmentNational is pledging to make non-disclosure of child abuse an offence with a maximum three-year jail sentence and establish a reduction target for children suffering material hardship if elected. ...2 days ago
- Fiji academic calls for more action to reverse Suva foreshore pollutionBy Sheldon Chanel in Suva Fiji’s Suva foreshore has been under “enormous” pressure from decades of destructive practices with little to no public awareness about the various afflictions, says prominent academic professor Vijay Naidu. The problems have been exacerbated by no sustained public awareness campaign, absence of environmental issues in ...2 days ago
- Options Development Group Appointed As Partial Reviews Of Conservation Policies Get Under WayDirector-General of Conservation Lou Sanson today announced the appointment of 12 people who will provide advice and recommendations on the partial reviews of the Conservation General Policy and the General Policy for National Parks. The general ...2 days ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – September 25 2020Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. Today’s content Election Tim Watkin (RNZ): Sending out the political assassins as National shoots itself in the foot Peter Dunne: Greens’ fate uncertain, but the rest of the election jigsaw ...2 days ago
- Balance Of Payments And International Investment Position: Year Ended 31 March 2020Balance of payments records the value of the country's transactions with the rest of the world. It shows changes in financial claims on, and liabilities to, the rest of the world. International investment position is a snapshot of the country's financial ...2 days ago
- Russel Norman: Enough with the delays, it’s time to put cameras on fishing boatsWith Stuart Nash kicking the can down the road to 2024, the oceans have lost out in favour of fishing corporations yet again, writes Russel Norman.A few weeks ago the minister of fisheries, Stuart Nash, backed into a corner by John Campbell’s relentless reporting on the state of our fisheries, ...2 days ago
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Nearly $4m discount!
This sale went through in July 2017, 2 months after Jong Kee joined the ANZ board. Surely he must have signed off on this, but then it's all just monopoly money to them, isn't it?
https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/113661929/anz-bought-75m-beachside-auckland-property-for-david-hisco
In case people don't read the link – you show the value of the property going up dramatically but didn't mention the fact that the ANZ paid for big refurbishments to the property as well while Hisco lived there.
The bank can admit their practices were sloppy or say Hisco was sloppy with his paperwork but an ordinary peasant person like me thinking in the vernacular is likely to come up with expressions like "rip-off merchant."
The level of entitlement, or greed, or morals or the sense of removal from the 'real world' should be bewildering but it isn't. That's the way some classes act. And of course they are those who often use that expression, telling us to get into the 'real world.'
Ha I wonder if this was because of exceptionally good work by a reporter or a strategic leak? Methinks the latter.
Pretty brutal …
Furnished and submitted documents over many years to the Companies Office say that the residential address of David Hisco is at 29 Albert Street Auckland – between levels 29 – 32 . These filings may render David Hisco incongruous with the requirements of Section 215 of the 1993 Companies Act.
No mention of St Heliers or Kohimarama
Oddly current listings state; "Held By Registrar, Auckland, 1010 , New Zealand "
Never seen that before.
You're right onto it here. Rob Stock points to the highly unusual situation where directors' addresses are not listed.
ANZ claims it was because of threats to Hisco's safety…
https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/113697694/anz-claims-safety-threat-led-it-to-hide-hiscos-mansion-address
I was doing some looking up about Directors yesterday and noticed that the addresses are just suburb, post code, Auckland so it's standard.
And the business of Hisco's address not shown as Kohi. That property was bought in his wife's name according to early Muttonbird comment.
Further, the huge discount provided to Mrs Hisco when she bought the house from the ANZ for approx $3.5m less than it was valued seems to have been indirectly or directly passed on to John and Bronagh Key.
The sale of the St Heliers house for far less than it was worth was basically a gift of $3.5m to the Hiscos from the shareholders, staff and customers of the ANZ, including me! 🤬
This 'gift' in July 2017 then goes on to fund the purchase of John and Bronagh Key's beach house at 43 Success Place, Omaha in February 2018 for, coincidentally, about $3.5m.
Question being, how much was John Key involved in the process which ended up him receiving funds procured under a cloud (the cheap sale of the St Heliers house), for the sale of his beach house?
Key mentioned under questioning at that press conference that they had a house to sell and the Hiscos bought it, “and that’s it”. But really, the Hiscos received a huge windfall of pretty much the same amount as the sale just months before from the very ANZ Key was a board member of…
More quite staggering actions and statements at the press conference last week.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/113641865/the-fall-of-anz-chief-executive-david-hisco
Davy certainly has an eye for a bargain doesn't he.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48714414
Anyone get the idea the orange piece of crap doesn't have the faintest idea what he's doing?
I think they thought they could get away with the drone crap, after the other lies. When someone in the white house actually asked around how the world felt – it must have shocked them into a retraction.
Watch them keep amping this up.
I don't even think it went to overseas opinion, or even domestic.
Even odds that Bolton or another hawk persuaded dolt45 to launch a "retaliatory" strike, and then someone who isn't a warmongering piece of shit heard about it and managed to talk him out of it because it was more than 30sec later and his attention had drifted.
That's about it I reckon.
Bolton and Pompeo are pushing like mad to start another war, but fortunately there are a couple of others who are a little more sane. Just how long it will last however is another matter.
Mind you tRump can contradict himself from one sentence to the next. He just opens his mouth and words come out.
For desperate want of a better word: isn't this a cultivated image – him not knowing what he's doing merely a decoy. It's hard not to think of him as the world's biggest idiot. But there he is, siphoning off the world's largest economy for a select few companies. Blatantly law breaking, bribing, coercing, dominating and shitting on anyone and everyone – and getting away with it. Shrewd cunning only?
And check out those Proud Boys, they must make him chubby. Very fine people indeed. I reckon they can't wait to get issued some shiny new jackboots and he can't wait to issue them. New boots for the poor! They'll polish them every day on minorities heads. You see they're convenient to keep the leftist commie rabble at home in line or cages while he burns the world.
Insane doesn't mean stupid, nor does crass, insensitive or cruel. I wish he was a moron…
Trolling the entire planet – he might get an Oscar for this show.
Glad he changed his mind. Even the victor loses in war
This was an interesting read,
http://www.gordonbowden.co.uk/finchley-road-fraud/?fbclid=IwAR3o0mDUbbdB7RthKToalhbkgKQll5_NcEAL4Y5Z0OVO3zeq61jWBX4WFaI
maybe fake news thou.
After Panama Papers I'd say there's more than a smidgen of truth to it.
It'll be global in scope. Shifting offices, shifting sands.
That is an amazing info. dated January 2019. Checking on other sites where info re Gordon B appears seem dodgy. I think that he needs to keep his records and himself safe as he must be a liability to many people.
I was reminded of a fictional story I have recently read about The South Sea Bubble called Sea Change by Robert Goddard. If you like convoluted plots this is one for you. That was a very widely spread scam.
Happy birthday to baby Neve
& bring on the terrible 2s when she'll be ready to start filling in with the parliamentary debates
An open and honest politician!…..worth the listen
https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018700800
Very interesting move by President Trump to countermand his own order issuing military response against Iran.
Neither Obama nor GW Bush would have done that.
The global oil price, and much of the world, live another day.
But it shows the Pentagon are on the brink.
Today only Trump stands between peace and the US military. Which honestly is a bit of a mindfuck.
At this point our old friend CV might be having one of his 'I told you so moments'. The obdurate failure of the left to understand what they were really up against in Trump speaks to largely to a desire to have something to whine resentfully about.
Well no Redlogix. Not all of us. It was precisely because we knew what we were up against in Trump which spoke volumes to our deep concern at his rise to power. In that regard he hasn't let me down and my concern over his presidency only increases as time goes on.
I get that, and I accept this from you in good faith.
In general however the correct response to losing is to retreat with dignity, work out exactly what you did wrong and then fix it. The exact opposite of what the Dems did and more than a few around here.
Yes Anne – we all realised that except for the t.rump acolytes like cv. The democrats aren't the left although they may be a small subset of the left I suppose.
Why do you think spelling Trump's name incorrectly will help?
no one cares except for you – why do you care? It's ok I know why and it's very cute lol
If nobody cares, then why do you do it? And all the other childish name calling?
Do you think it would persuade anyone to not vote for Trump, or change their minds for the better?
grow up – you're opinions are really silly – childish is an older guy like you defending trump against people making fun of his name – pathetic – get onto the talk show hosts there 'patricia' and shut them down too cos they are mean – lol
Marty, pointing out the grave failure of the "Democrats"—or precisely the right wing faction of that party led by the doomed Hillary Clinton—is not "defending Trump."
who said it was
what about complaining about the spelling of his arsehole name – got anything to say on that?
i agree it should be spelled orange shart cannon.
Reported today:
This is what Trump represents. There is nothing wonderful in his Presidency at all.
If I was to turn up at LAX illegally, got detained and horribly treated, there would be no sympathy at all. Even less if I'd been stupid enough to involve my children.
Of course the story above is appalling, but hand-wringing without offering a concrete solution doesn't help.
Americans don’t like whiners much; it’s why so many of them voted for Trump even when they knew damn well all his shortcomings and flaws.
nice – suffer the little children and all that eh – wonder what jesus would have done – probably thrown you lot from the temple to start with lol
Are you saying that parents are not responsible for their children?
lol is that what jesus said
"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's".
Is that the line you are thinking of?
I'm sure as a person with a difficult upbringing and doubts about who his dad was, he would be very concerned about the children – sadly more than a few of his followers have discarded any deep caring for others for the extreme self centred me me me attitude displayed – a bit like like you do?
At the same time did Jesus tell his followers it was OK to break the laws of the land? That God would ensure they would escape any bad consequences for doing so?
If you actually cared about these children, as distinct from just using them as an opportunity to vent, you might ask the hard questions about why their parents put them into such peril in the first place.
And if you really want to argue for open borders and unconstrained migration then do so honestly.
If he was around today you'd be laughing at him as some dick refugee and you know it
When you make a reasoned argument I always respond in good faith, but the personal attack is all you seem to have. Haven't you noticed by now how weak they make you?
I know they drop me to your level but that is the price I pay to fight bigotry.
I detest your fake reasonableness – I'm commenting on a LEFT wing blog as a left wing activist – you can bullshit as much as you like I just don't care for your attitudes and opinions.
RKL 7 1 2 1 … (hand-wringing without offering a concrete solution doesn’t help.)
USA likes concrete solutions. They make floors and walls out of it to keep helpless children in who are separated from their parents. This is a country that lauds the family in public but behind the scenes….
OK so what does that add to the conversation?
The report posted by Macro didn't mention adults or parents – the report did describe consequences of inhumane treatment of the very young.
Yes, hold parents responsible, but please treat children/infants humanely. It's not rational, or moral, to mistreat children because of poor 'decisions' made by their parents. The mistreatment in this case seems quite deliberate, punitive even, if attorney Holly Cooper's comment is anything to go by.
I’ll stop wringing my hands now.
There is nothing wonderful in his Presidency at all.
Why is it that if I'm not having a whiny hissy fit about Trump that I must therefore think he is 'wonderful'. This binary for us/against us thinking is weak and ineffective.
I'll say it one more time … Trump only won because the Dems so comprehensively lost the unlosable election.
I'm active in the tramping community; every year there are people who die in our mountains because they didn't take them seriously. The game is dangerous, and losing it can be fatal.
Same with not taking Trump seriously. He's dangerous and playing 'who can come up with the most crackbrained insult' is an irritating distraction.
Not a friend of mine. Not since he turned weird, and definitely not when I heard him make a record of my personal info during a phone conversation we had.
Wouldn't trust him with a treasonous barge pole.
The Allen doesn't like Trump? since he turned weird. People do that sometimes, as you get to know more about them. I'm not sure about Red Logix now.
I thought it was pretty clear. Obviously I'll have to reduce my future contributions to reflect what lowest common denominator actually means.
And it's still Mr Al1en, to you. 😉
If he actually knew what he was doing – he wouldn't have made the order in the first place. It was probably pointed out to him that such an order was against the Constitution anyway, and he is already fighting off a load of shit.
On second thoughts he probably has no cognisance of what legal jeopardy he is in already, and adding further to his unconstitutional behaviour is the last thing on his mind.
They probably gave him some crayons and a few airplane pictures to colour in. He would enjoy that.
Trump appointed those who wish to wage war. That he's having second thoughts now shows how little control he has over his own philosophy.
Exactly.
In 1962 it was the presidential staff vs the Pentagon. In 2019, whomever happens to be in the oval office at the time manipulates the president into doing what they want.
Not that the Pentagon doesn't have hawks these days, but they're hawks who actually have to deal with their resource constraints, and are much more interested in building more expensive projects and retiring into industry than they are in running a difficult war. And the generals who do want to send troops in don't have enough troops to do it.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018700800/willie-jackson-why-i-ll-vote-in-favour-of-euthanasia-bill
Would you still want to keep your money in an Australian owned bank if you knew that funds from NZ depositors could be used to bail out the banks in Australia?
10.30 mins in
We currently have more commissions, royal commissions, reports, and working groups operating at the behest of this government than under any other government we've ever had.
Most of them have achieved nothing and will achieve nothing.
So no, we don't need another one.
Oh we need one alright, but as noted in the podcast one with the right people and the right terms of reference…and we know that aint gonna happen
good post…and watch the first 10 mins as well
Orr has gotta stick to his guns
We have a cultural sickness that means we are up to our necks in debt from mortgages … and people get rich off it.
The fault's ours, not the banks.
Banks have been gifted the privalege of determining the level of debt for society (and their own wealth) and with privalege comes responsibility……and ground zero for the cultural sickness resides in their house.
Oh Ad you are so harsh. We have been flexible and run along the channels that have been made for us to follow – we thought prosperity was like water which we had in abundance. We have practically given water away happily because there was plenty more where that came from. We haven't understood what we were doing with our water, nor with making money from the influx of demand for houses, (there are more houses etc).
Water and houses – we didn't see what we were doing. We are like lambs to the slaughter really, we never have been taught to question and think about our situation, discuss matters over the dinner table, after dinner before watching television, assess and analyse. Forgive us for we know not what we do, great Ad.