The news at the moment seems to be filled with reports of the lunacy in North Korea. Yet I see nothing about the madness in Thailand as the new king (check out his record for sexual harrasment) and dictator ship steer the country back to the stone age. People are disappearing , dying and being detained for attitude adjustment but not a whisper. Is it because there is profit to be made here.
Your link mentions Yingluck Shinawatra (ex Thai PM) and the fact she’s “completely disappeared from public view.”
Well, since it seems she skipped the country and has been reported as being in Dubai and also London (seeking asylum)…then yeah – it stands to reason she’s not in public view.
Throw in the continuing ban on “political activity” and I guess a good number of people will be “not in the public view”.
Yes that’s the latest story, the link was just an example scroll a bit further , the young Karen activist executed, the young man in Koen Ken imprisoned for being one of 1000 clicked like on a BBC story on face Facebook , the prison in the palace.
Try this one but I guess the point I was trying to make is all the news on Nth Korea when other stories ; Cambodia too, is perhaps softening us up for some military action against the rogue state
Well,I can’t say I’ve never heard that before.But over 20 years experience and a bit of reading I’m happy to defer and continue to enjoy living among some of the most beautiful people I’ve met. I
Russian propaganda agency Sputnik News is trying to undermine the pro-democracy movement in Thailand with the encouragement of “Tony Cartalucci”. Cartalucci is not a real person, it’s a fake name used by elderly Bangkok-based American troll Michael Pirsch and others to praise the junta and launch vicious attacks on anyone he disagrees with. Sadly, many royalist Thais believe this nonsense.
Sorry I just cut and pasted this from a comment I found searching the writers name from Facebook.
I understand there is to sides to all conflict and opinions differ but for me the ability to think freely is what makes Kiwis what we are and being denied this I believe holds the people of Thailand back
So first you assert (with no reason given) that an extensive piece that’s been linked to is not a good position to form an opinion from
Then you assert that it is very difficult to know which sources to think through…
You ever heard of critical reasoning?
I’m guessing not, since the wordpress piece you yourself linked to as being more informed follows the tired old pattern of right wing tosh – ie, take some reasonably well accepted facts or opinions and then shoe-horn in some unsubstantiated, or at best very tenuous stuff about Soros*- and all in defence of some authoritarianism.
* A Rothschild and/or vast secret conspiracy are employed to similar effect too
It comes after comprehension, though, which I’ll help you out with…
The japan times link bruce posted…ok yes I read it and it is not accurate and missing simple important ‘facts’, just like the Al J link you posted to..
The link i posted , is closer to the mark, I know this because of the details contained, and the background and experiences I have in the area
Does that make it ‘accurate’ or ‘precise’, yes and no…but its more of both than the other links…
So, whose sources to ‘believe’…as per my comment to Bruce…it’s difficult, but not impossible..
There are some clear points of difference between the links, readily identifiable with knowledge and experience with Thailand
There is also foreign funding seeking to undermine nations, and Thailand geo-politicaly is in the middle of it..
While severing ties with ‘The West, it is simultaneously strengthing ties with is neighbors, including China.
Yes I have seen this in Thailand, first hand with my own eyes, Bill
You let yourself down making references to ‘conspiracy’
Of course the media are are being manipulated by international funding…
Without first hand, and or prolonged experiences inside the country (or any other country for that matter), ability to decern information within articles, is diminished..severely in most circumstances…
The military authorities further restricted human rights. Peaceful political dissent, whether through speech or protests, and acts perceived as critical of the monarchy were punished or banned. Politicians, activists and human rights defenders faced criminal investigations and prosecutions for, among other things, campaigning against a proposed Constitution and reporting on state abuses. Many civilians were tried in military courts. Torture and other ill-treatment was widespread. Community land rights activists faced arrest, prosecution and violence for opposing development projects and advocating for the rights of communities.
Estimates of tourism receipts directly contributing to the Thai GDP of 12 trillion baht range from 9 percent (one trillion baht) (2013) to 17.7 percent (2.53 trillion baht) in 2016.
Wikipedia. (No doubt some wise old fuckwit will be along in a moment to inform us that Wikipedia is another ‘useful tool’ of The West.)
Well today’s the day , I struggle a bit on the diet side , not eating chicken or pork, but the avocados are plentiful and this evening I will be demonstrating making guacamole and having chips and dip. Monday I was in Burma and found a new dish that involves slow BBQing long eggplants; well that’s what my wife calls them a version of the round ones that are used in som tum. When cooked they burst open so you can peel back the skin add some oil ,chillies and coriander and eat off the skin, simply delicious.
Yes it’s an old culture with many wonderful aspects but times change and people must adapt and so I think traditions too and while the people I see have no interest in politics or really care who’s in charge they just get on and live life but I’m a silly old falung who thinks they deserve better and don”t think it’s fair that their lives should be getting harder because of who they vote for. The road has now detiriated to a dirt track and the town supply water is no more as spending on infrastucture has stopped, but with no voice the locals just get on .
I get a pretty good view of the life involved with most of the goings on, not the cock fighting or prostitution. And with no one to talk too, no English, I read a lot of both sides, although that’s harder with the blocking of sites.
I don’t live here but work hard in Nz to make the money for extended stays and being in the golden triangle it’s easy to trip too Burma and Laos to get new stamps.
When cooked they burst open so you can peel back the skin add some oil ,chillies and coriander and eat off the skin, simply delicious.
Fresh coriander? Definitely trying that. Best eggplant dish I know is “The priest fainted”, but that’s another story 🙂
My brief time in Thailand is a memory of great food, awesome rock towers, good tailors and Wats. From wider reading, there seems to be an “acceptance” that this, one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world, is punctuated by regular military takeover of the government.
Sometimes I think we falung are a bit stoicism-challenged. Or maybe just intolerant of torture.
That’s pretty much what you said to Bruce, who lives there.
Your ego deludes you that you are much wiser and more profound than everyone else, but all you ever bring to the table is a cock-measuring competition.
However, since I never claimed to ‘know’ Thailand, or its people, your cock appears to be made of straw.
Deepak Chopra random wisdom generator says: “Perception is only possible in nonlocal marvel”.
“All you ever bring to the table is a cock measuring competition…”
Your interpretation/observation is terribly distorted…and incorrect…
So as a statement from a handle with a long history of negative and abusive , angry commentary, it is fitting that a core reason for the rage and hostility has come out…
Now the reason has been tabled, and admitted, by you…
Accept it, and move towards a more positive contribution
OAB: links to evidence of human rights abuses in Thailand, as reported by Thai people. Adds references to Thailand as a tourist and trade destination, as a hint that these abuses are being largely ignored and possible even exploited locally.
One Two: “You don’t know, care, or understand Thailand or its peoples.” Offers precisely zero in explanation other than the entirely uncontroversial observation that media sources are biased (well duh!)
You bring precise;y zero to this discussion and you want to lecture me about manners. Your new name is Cockstraw.
It seems that colonial-era mindset White Skins still enjoy lecturing coloured people on how to run their countries. The righteous morally superior west, spreading democracy since the Belgian Congo 🙄
I really don’t get the epithets you keep throwing around OAB. It is possible to discuss someone’s opinion without restorting to schoolyard name calling. Ie fuckwit, dickhead et al
The “opinions” in question are ad hominem attacks. I often respond to those “in kind”. Yes, it’s probably not the best response from an ethical perspective.
On the other hand, good manners are a useful tool of the West. Come and see the violence inherent in the system.
Read this again s l o w l y and let it sink in.’The “opinions” in question are ad hominem attacks. I often respond to those “in kind”. Yes, it’s probably not the best response from an ethical perspective.’
I’d agree that AI is a tainted organisation these days and it’s stand alone reports can’t be taken at face value. But given the plethora of information from Thai sources and others that accords with aspects of the report in this case, and that, crucially, don’t rely on the report at all (ie – no reinforcing echo at work), I’d probably give this report some more credibility than some other AI reports I’ve come across.
Yes, they are compromised. No, they are not entirely worthless.
Apparently Vernon Small has left Fairfax to take up the job of Press Secretary in David Parker’s office. Hopefully he can lend some grunt to efforts around messaging right across the government.
Today’s efforts were pretty bloody crap.
Increasing student allowances is a good thing. Helping students to get through their studies, right across the tertiary sector, without racking up crippling debts is a good thing.
And it turns out that increasing student allowances by $50 a week is going to be cheaper than Labour budgeted for in the election campaign.
So why not lead with that? Why not put out a press release practically trumpeting how delighted you are that you can meet a campaign promise at less cost than initially assumed?
Instead of releasing the new policy with no numbers, leaving the PM to defend that and then 2 hours later undercutting her by hurriedly putting out the costings?
Ditto the school starting age. No one in the education sector supported National’s, frankly odd, decision to move to cohort entry. So why not take some time to build an argument around that before simply announcing another policy change that has left Hipkins open to National’s new favourite “nanny state” attacks?
Not surprised to hear it. Vernon Small is one of our best journos who knows how to put professionalism into journalism. David Parker is regarded as having the best intellectual credentials on offer in our parliament. They should work very well together.
Anne, David Parker is intellectually arrogant and doesn’t know how to listen, seemingly because no one else knows better than him. He’s also a great believer in the unaffordability of NZ Super and the need to lift the retirement age to 68 or 70. Hopeless.
Central Europe… where never again is turning into ,…perhaps not…?
News server iDNES.cz reported last week that Jaroslav Staník, the secretary for the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) movement chaired by Tomio Okamura, has been reported to the state prosecutor on suspicion of criminal activity. Activist Jan Cemper filed the complaint after Staník made remarks about minorities that included calls for their murder.
According to the testimonies of several members of the Czech lower house, Staník is said to have declared that “Jews, homosexuals and gypsies should be gassed.” He is said to have made the remarks approximately two weeks ago in the club room of the Chamber of Deputies.
Upsurge in big earthquakes predicted for 2018 as Earth rotation slows
Scientists say number of severe quakes is likely to rise strongly next year because of a periodic slowing of the Earth’s rotation
Avaaz has something interesting today as well. But scientists have discovered something astounding — if we free 50% of our planet from human exploitation, our ecosystem will stabilise and regenerate. Life on earth will recover!
They say we could make a huge difference in 24 months. It would be great.
Read here:
Alice Jay – Avaaz
Kylie Klein Nixon doesn’t pull any punches. The headline reads…
Veitch is back – just what we need
7:53 PM OPINION: The man fired for bashing his girlfriend and breaking her back returns to TV. Wow.
Then this!
Naturally, The Spinoff has already condemned the announcement like the bunch of goodie two-shoes they are.
As did Tess McClure writing for Vice, who says Veitch’s return to TV “reveals our astonishingly short memories for gendered violence”. But, like, what would she know? She probably hasn’t drunk enough Double Brown while scratching her nuts to understand sometimes s… happens.
For the RWNJ Veitch defenders, this is sarcasm. Lol.
I feel conflicted – I’m never going to watch the show because yuk but people who have made amends deserve a second chance. I have no idea if he has made amends or not. However, the “hard hitting” in his facebook post either means he’s totally tone death or a complete arse.
While he might have not thrown any women down the stairs since, his attitude to them is still loutish and controversial and he’s unapologetic about that.
‘New Zealand’s choice of incredibly dodgy sports broadcasters is simply a reflection of our dearly held national belief that sports is, obviously, you know, way more important than any of that other stuff.
And as for the attention of more than 214,249 fans who follow good old Veitchy on Facebook, well, that’s just good honest Kiwis reflecting a good honest “harden up” attitude to victims of all genders. It’s not about sexism, silly.
Besides, the harder you are, the less being thrown down a flight of stairs hurts. Obviously. Ignoring past hurts actually helps you, you big babies.
At a time when the rest of the world is making a big fuss over clearing house and taking names, we’re showing our true colours, sticking to our guns, and moving a known offender who tried to hide his crime back into the penthouse where we clearly think he belongs.
More comment on China’s involvement in Zimbabwe affairs. This from former British foreign secretary, William Hague. He says…
All over Africa, there are foreign ministries, presidential palaces and infrastructure built with help from China.
There is nothing wrong with that in principle, except that such aid comes with few qualms about poor governance, absence of democracy and serious violations of human rights.
Indeed, how can a country which has serious shortcomings in the promotion of transparency of governance and the fighting of corruption in governance, serious shortcomings in even the concept of democracy, and a very poor human rights record be expected to be concerned about those values when ‘investing’ in other country’s affairs?
Indeed, how is it possible to say China’s 40 year involvement in Zimbabwe affairs has been anything but a corrupt failure?
You can laugh at Britain for the Rhodesian regime in Zimbabwe if you like, just as some others recently held up King Leopold’s Congo and the Kaiser’s Namibia as a defence of China’s foray into modern Africa, but pre-contemporary Europe’s behaviour there is of a brutal era consigned to history.
Why overlook lack of democracy and tolerance of corruption now because ‘Europe did it too’? That’s like saying no developing country should have to consider emissions reduction targets because Europe and American never had to when they were getting rich.
The effort is to make a fairer world not to slide back into opaque authoritarianism.
but pre-contemporary Europe’s behaviour there is of a brutal era consigned to history.
And hilarity ensues.
Robert Mugabe studied at University of London. He must have picked up more than a few ruling tips from the British, as well as the English sense of irony!
That’s like saying no developing country should have to consider emissions reduction targets because Europe and American never had to when they were getting rich.
Yep the west grew fat and rich off fossil fuels, now it wants the rest of the world to not follow suit but stay on a tight diet instead.
The effort is to make a fairer world not to slide back into opaque authoritarianism.
What effort? Whose effort? Did you notice US, UK and NATO turn Libya, the wealthiest most secular nation in North Africa into a slave trading terror camp hell hole just a couple years ago?
China and Russia laugh at western posturing over democracy, freedom and transparency in Africa, they know you don’t mean it because your track record – recent and historical – shows that you don’t.
Wasn’t that chap by the name EXF who got a 1 mth ban trying to explain this to everyone and was accursed of being a racist and Sino- phobic. By the Mods here when Mr Wei attack attack him as being a racist etc.
Now Adani in QLD are seeking Chinese funding for their coal mine and wouldn’t the Chinese try bring their own Labour over like they to do during the mining boom in Oz. Our are to piss weak to stop them if they tried it and we need to remember what happened with the reo- bar inquiry last yr from our piss weak pollies.
I’m starting to think EXF was on to something here and appeared to have bigger understanding than as smug Kiwis here in NZ with his knowledge of geo-political power of China’s soft power in the region. I was I gut the guts or balls to do what his done and stand to bullies like that male did in Wellington yesterday at the train station.
Kiwis need to stop being so naive over the shifting balance of power in the Pacific. we have to open our eyes and employ strategies which pursue our national interest and economic sovereignty.
The Chinese are hungry for resources, produce and farm land. They’ll give us all the keyboard produced electronic digits we want to get their hands on our real resources.
We’ve been lucky to have their capital, often deployed where locals wouldn’t invest, including integrated retail-and-dairy factories in Gore, Pokeno, South Canterbury and elsewhere, as well as Silver Fern Farms. I don’t like a lot of foreign capital, and would prefer locals to take their place, but this country is in many ways stronger for Chinese-originating investments.
Negative yesterday, negative today. Negative all year, according to one departing reader telling me I’ve grown strident and predictable. Fair enough. If it’s any help, every time I go to write about a certain topic that begins with C and ends with arrrrs, I do brace myself and ask: Again? Are ...
Bryce Edwards writes – It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support ...
Inspirational: The Family of Man is a glorious hymn to human equality, but, more than that, it is a clarion call to human freedom. Because equality, unleavened by liberty, is a broken piano, an unstrung harp; upon which the songs of fraternity will never be played.“Somebody must have been telling lies about ...
Tax Lawyer Barbara Edmonds vs Emperor Justinian I- Nolo Contendere: False historical explanations of pivotal events are very far from being inconsequential.WHEN BARBARA EDMONDS made reference to the Roman Empire, my ears pricked up. It is, lamentably, very rare to hear a politician admit to any kind of familiarity ...
It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support for the various parties in ...
Buzz from the Beehive Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered news – packed with the ingredients to enflame political passions – worthy of supplanting Winston Peters in headline writers’ priorities. He popped up at the post-Cabinet press conference to promise a crackdown on unruly and antisocial state housing tenants. His ...
Ele Ludemann writes – The Reserve Bank is advertising for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor. The Bank has one mandate – to keep inflation between one and three percent. It has failed in that and is only slowly getting inflation back down to the upper limit. Will it ...
Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency Waka KotahiThe fact that a ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency ...
TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Gavin Jacobson talks to Thomas Piketty 10 years on from Capital in the 21st CenturyThe SalvoLocal scoop: Green MP’s business being investigated over migrant exploitation claims StuffSteve KilgallonLocal deep-dive: The commercial contractors making money from School ...
It’s a home - but Kāinga Ora tenants accused of “abusing the privilege” may lose it. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government announced a crackdown on Kāinga Ora tenants who were unruly and/or behind on their rent, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop saying a place in a state ...
This is a guest post by Connor Sharp of Surface Light Rail Light rail in Auckland: A way forward sooner than you think With the coup de grâce of Auckland Light Rail (ALR) earlier this year, and the shift of the government’s priorities to roads, roads, and more roads, it ...
Note: As a paid-up Webworm member, I’ve recorded this Webworm as a mini-podcast for you as well. Some of you said you liked this option - so I aim to provide it when I get a chance to record! Read more ...
TL;DR: In my ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Monday, March 18:IKEA is accused of planting big forests in New Zealand to green-wash; REDD-MonitorA City for People takes a well-deserved victory lap over Wellington’s pro-YIMBY District Plan votes; A City for PeopleSteven Anastasiou takes a close look at the sticky ...
Buzz from the Beehive Here’s hoping for a lively post-cabinet press conference when the PM and – perhaps – some of his ministers tell us what was discussed at their meeting today. Until then, Point of Order has precious little Beehive news to report after its latest monitoring of the ...
David Farrar writes – We now have almost all 2023 data in, which has allowed me to update my annual table of how labour went against its promises. This is basically their final report card. The promiseThe result Build 100,000 affordable homes over 10 ...
I’m a bit worried that I’ve started a previous newsletter with the words “just when you think they couldn’t get any worse…” Seems lately that I could begin pretty much every issue with that opening. Such is the nature of our coalition government that they seem to be outdoing each ...
Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
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New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
“I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
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.“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
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Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
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Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
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See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading → ...
Ele Ludemann writes – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
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Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
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It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
Buzz from the BeehiveThe text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary. It can be quickly analysed ...
For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
Questions need to be asked on both sides of the worldPeter Williams writes – The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read:Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop:The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
TL;DR:Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
Bob Edlin writes – The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
The Government has accepted Labour’s change to the Road User Charge (RUC) discount for hybrid vehicles, meaning there will still be some incentive for people to buy greener vehicles. ...
Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi has penned a letter asking MPs to support his members bill to remove GST from all food. The bill is expected to go through its first reading in parliament this Wednesday. “I’m calling on all political parties to support my ...
This year is about getting real with Kiwis and discussing the tough issues, as the National Government exacerbates inequality and divides New Zealand, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said ...
The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. ...
After 12 years of fighting to protect our moana we are finding ourselves back at square one and back at court. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is sitting in Hawera to reconsider an application from Trans-Tasman Resources to dig up 50 million tonnes of the seabed in South Taranaki. This ...
Minister Shane Jones’ decision to step away from a seabed mining project is evidence of the murky waters surrounding the Government’s fast-track legislation. ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The Coalition Government’s miscalculation saga continues as it has forgotten an eyewatering $90 million gap in its interest deductibility cost figures, say Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Revenue Spokesperson Deborah Russell. ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has today released advice that says if the Government doesn’t act now New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its climate goals. ...
The Coalition Government has today confirmed it is abandoning first home buyers who are struggling to get ahead, says Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. ...
The New Zealand public voted for a change in direction at the 2023 general election and that is exactly what this coalition government has been delivering in its first 100 days. There was an immediate focus on the economy, easing the cost of living, cracking down on law and order ...
The Government has left the health system as an afterthought, announcing half-baked targets at the last minute of their 100-day plan, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
Kiwis are still waiting for their promised cost of living support after 100 days of a National Government that is taking us backwards, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
100 days of National taking NZ backwardsThe National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
The Government must commit to funding free and healthy school lunches, as thousands of people sign the petition to keep them, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti says. ...
If the Government was serious about moving families into public housing, they would build more houses so there is actually somewhere for people to go. ...
The free and healthy school lunches programme feeds our kids, helps them to learn, and saves families money – but it is at risk under this Government, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
The Government’s proposed changes to Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPO) add almost nothing new and are merely an attempt to distract from its plans to loosen gun laws, police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and justice spokesperson Dr Duncan Webb said. ...
The great Victorian era English politician Lord Macauley stood in the British House of Parliament and said, "The gallery in which the reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm".He understood and outlined even way back then, the significant role and influence media have in a democracy. ...
The government’s attack on Māori health this week is committing tangata-whenua to a premature death, says Te Pāti Māori. “The government have begun their onslaught on Māori health with the abolishment of the Māori Health Authority and smokefree laws in the same day” said health spokesperson and co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. ...
New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April. ...
Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand. Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships. “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland Acknowledgements and opening Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says. “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024 Acknowledgements and opening Morena, Nga Mihi Nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country. “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week. “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee. “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today. “The Amendment Paper represents ...
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level. “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024. “Lower fruit and vege ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction. Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness. It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology. It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti. Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Curran, Associate Professor of Ecology, Lincoln University, New Zealand Getty Images/Gerald Corsi In the latest move to reform environmental laws in New Zealand, the coalition government has introduced a bill to fast-track consenting processes for projects deemed to ...
Uber has argued it does not have as much control over drivers as the unions suggest, and wants a judgment ruling that drivers are employees and not contractors set aside and sent back to the Employment Court. The 2022 ruling followed a three-week hearing in which four drivers sought to ...
What can and can’t be purchased by disabled people or their carers has been slashed in an effort by the Ministry of Disabled People Whaikaha to save money. The purchasing guidelines, a set of rules that sets out what can be purchased using the various streams of Government disability funding, ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Tod Wright and Hien Nguyen, Fiscal incidence in New Zealand: The effects of taxes and benefits on household incomes in tax year 2018/19 . Analyses of the distributional impact of taxation and government ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Cory Davis, Boston Hart and Benjamin Stubbing, Household cost-of-living impacts from the Emissions Trading Scheme and using transfers to mitigate regressive outcomes . This Analytical Note ...
A coalition of public transport and climate organisations, united as ‘Transport for All’, is actively opposing the government’s transport proposals. The draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) includes plans for higher fares for public transport, ...
Greater Wellington is inviting feedback on proposed changes to its Revenue and Financing Policy. The Revenue and Financing Policy covers the Council’s various sources of funding, and how the cost of services is shared across the region. This includes ...
Labour has conceded it could have done more to deal with disruptive state housing tenants while in government but says the current coalition is going too far. ...
The band has asked their record label to issue a cease and desist to stop the NZ First leader using their 1997 hit to support his ‘misguided political views’. “I get knocked down, but I get up again,” blared through the speakers on Sunday as Winston Peters took the stage ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Food rationing is underway in remote areas in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands following torrential rain and flash flooding. More than 20 people have been reported dead in Chimbu Province. In nearby Enga Province, the centre of last month’s massacre, a 15-year-old boy has been ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Hughes, Lecturer, Research School of Management, Australian National University After months of debate and intrigue, the AFL’s 19th and newest team, the Tasmania Devils, finally launched its jumper, logo and colours in Devonport this week. The Devils will wear green, ...
Brannavan Gnanalingam reviews the debut novel by Saraid de Silva.One of the most baffling things for children who move to a new country is what their parents’ (or grandparents’) lives were like prior to moving – for kids in particular, they’re too busy trying to fit in in their ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Gaunson, Associate Professor in Cinema Studies, RMIT University Narelle Portanier/Binge “If you don’t know who your mob are, you don’t know who you are,” Detective Andrea “Andie” Whitford (played by Leah Purcell) is told early into the new crime ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elise Klein, Associate professor, Australian National University It’s commonly accepted that women do the vast majority of caregiving in Australian society. But less appreciated is that Indigenous women do larger amounts of unpaid care than any other group. Working with the Aboriginal ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Joe Biden and Donald Trump have both secured their parties’ nominations for the November 5 United States general election by winning a ...
Comment: There has been a striking contrast in trans-Tasman interest about Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Zealand and Australia. While the Australian press has been full of articles about the visit – including his curious decision to meet with former prime minister and China booster Paul Keating ...
After years of pressuring banks and other institutions to stop investing in fossil fuels, climate campaigners are making some progress. So how does divestment work?For years, climate activists have been pushing banks and other big institutions to divest from fossil fuels. New research from climate advocacy group 350 Aotearoa ...
For Boba, Ethan and Ashley, K-pop is a place to belong, a way to express themselves, and a bridge to connect with others. The three young Polynesians are part of a K-pop fan community in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s one of many that have sprung up worldwide as K-pop has gone ...
For Boba, Ethan and Ashley, K-pop is a place to belong, a way to express themselves, and a bridge to connect with others. This one-off documentary presents three intimate portraits of young Polynesians who are pulled into a Korean cultural phenomenon. K-POLYS is directed by Litia Tuiburelevu, Produced by Hex ...
There’s ample evidence demonstrating free school lunch programmes provide wide benefits across schools, households and communities according to public health researchers. ACT Minister David Seymour wants to reduce the spending on Aotearoa New Zealand’s ...
By Wata Shaw in Suva Fiji is facing an exodus of Fijians as many are leaving for overseas seeking employment and education and others are migrating, says Opposition MP Viliame Naupoto. Speaking in Parliament, he said: “His Excellency’s speech (Ratu Wiliame Katonivere) comes after a little over one year of ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming comments from Christopher Luxon this morning recommitting to ‘no new taxes’ as part of Budget 2024. “Mr Luxon’s refusal at the Post-Cabinet press conference yesterday to repeat the ‘no new taxes’ promise ...
SAFE is urgently calling on the Environment Committee to reject the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill, and is urging New Zealanders to rally behind the call. The proposed Bill, currently under consideration with the Environment select committee, ...
Teammates who spend all their time picking fights with spectators are only helpful for the other team, writes Madeleine Chapman. Anyone who has ever played a team sport competitively, particularly as a child and particularly, for some reason, basketball, will know that there’s a lot of politics involved. While there ...
The long-running Wellington music festival is too focused on the Jim Beam-ness and not enough on the Homegrown-ness.There is something about Homegrown that’s difficult to place. A barely perceptible-ness. Like feeling a ghost is watching you from the corner of the room but when you look, there’s nothing there. ...
The latest Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor reveals that fewer New Zealanders believe crime / law and order is one of the top issues facing our country. In 2018, Ipsos New Zealand started tracking the key issues facing New Zealand. In this wave ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Griffiths, Deputy Program Director, Budgets and Government, Grattan Institute Australia’s political donations rules are woefully inadequate, but donations reform is finally on the agenda. The federal government has signalled its interest in reform and will soon begin briefing MPs on its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Naiyana Somchitkaeo/Shutterstock A recent study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine has linked microplastics with risk to human health. The study ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Global climate records were shattered in 2023, from air and sea temperatures to sea-level rise and sea-ice extent. Scores of countries recorded their hottest year ...
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a teacher explains why he and his partner are in frugal mode – and how they’re making it work. Gender: Male Age: 35Ethnicity: Pākehā Role: I am an intermediate school teacher and my partner is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Bendall, Senior Lecturer, Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, Australian Catholic University Binge Mary & George, the new British television drama series, depicts the real-life story of Mary Villiers and her son George, and their social climbing at the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason Nassios, Associate Professor, Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University This article is part of The Conversation’s series examining the housing crisis. Read the other articles in the series here. Australian state and federal governments spend money in many ways to ...
The finance minister is denying that there’s a $5.6b shortfall in paying for the government’s campaign promises, including tax cuts. At his post-cabinet press conference yesterday, the PM refused to rule out new taxes to pay for the cuts, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s ...
Kāinga Ora tenants abused by their neighbours are doubting the government's crackdown on disruptive tenants will make a difference on their behaviour. ...
Kāinga Ora is New Zealand’s biggest residential landlord, housing more than 180,000 vulnerable people in more than 67,000 properties. Yesterday the government announced a crackdown on its tenants who fall behind on rent. One longtime Kāinga Ora tenant shares her experience.For 18 years I lived in a 1960s standalone ...
Why does this myth persist, and what’s the real reason our skin is suffering?It’s one of the biggest international grievances New Zealanders hold, up there with the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior and 1981’s underarm incident. We’re quick to tell international travellers that the world’s pollution led to the ...
Opinion: In a move that has shocked road safety advocates across the country, the new Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, is poised to abandon the previous government’s speed limit reduction policy, particularly around schools. Even more alarmingly, he wants school speed limits to be variable rather than full-time, arguing ...
Auckland Council is opposing a fast-track development backed by Sir John Kirwan and Spark NZ, because it doesn’t meet stringent new climate adaptation requirements The post Surf-data centre faces new 3.8C climate warming rules appeared first on Newsroom. ...
When the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act was introduced in 2009 it was firmly targeted at gangs and drugs. The legislation means police no longer need a conviction to seize assets that criminals can’t prove were paid for legitimately, as long as their alleged offences are punishable by more than a ...
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Bob’s relationship with certain members of Lincoln’s academic staff continued to deteriorate in the 1990s. Others supported him publicly, though articles such as Roland Clark’s 1993 piece in Growing Today cannot have pleased the university management. Clark wrote that Bob was selling onions from the Biological Husbandry Unit to a ...
SailGP’s races feature in-your-face action, with agile, hydro-foiling catamarans tacking and jibing for the title over several days. However, public comments ahead of the global series’ return to New Zealand have left this past year’s controversy in the shadows, as a key appointment attracts criticism from dolphin advocates. A year ...
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The news at the moment seems to be filled with reports of the lunacy in North Korea. Yet I see nothing about the madness in Thailand as the new king (check out his record for sexual harrasment) and dictator ship steer the country back to the stone age. People are disappearing , dying and being detained for attitude adjustment but not a whisper. Is it because there is profit to be made here.
https://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com
Or Google murder island
Your link mentions Yingluck Shinawatra (ex Thai PM) and the fact she’s “completely disappeared from public view.”
Well, since it seems she skipped the country and has been reported as being in Dubai and also London (seeking asylum)…then yeah – it stands to reason she’s not in public view.
Throw in the continuing ban on “political activity” and I guess a good number of people will be “not in the public view”.
Yes that’s the latest story, the link was just an example scroll a bit further , the young Karen activist executed, the young man in Koen Ken imprisoned for being one of 1000 clicked like on a BBC story on face Facebook , the prison in the palace.
Not seeing any of that stuff. But the page offering a partial list of “pending and acquitted” cases and “convictions” are illuminating.
Clicking on names leads to pages about the accused/convicted and related media coverage.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2017/06/02/commentary/world-commentary/dhaveevatthana-prison-hell-earth-thailand/#.WhUv_o2laf0
Try this one but I guess the point I was trying to make is all the news on Nth Korea when other stories ; Cambodia too, is perhaps softening us up for some military action against the rogue state
Thanks.
http://www.thenewatlas.org/2017/11/west-already-targeting-thailands-new.html?m=1
From a more informed position, speaking directly to the article you linked to
Your sources and information regarding NK, Th and CAM are woefully incomplete
Not a good position to form an opinion from..
Well,I can’t say I’ve never heard that before.But over 20 years experience and a bit of reading I’m happy to defer and continue to enjoy living among some of the most beautiful people I’ve met. I
Russian propaganda agency Sputnik News is trying to undermine the pro-democracy movement in Thailand with the encouragement of “Tony Cartalucci”. Cartalucci is not a real person, it’s a fake name used by elderly Bangkok-based American troll Michael Pirsch and others to praise the junta and launch vicious attacks on anyone he disagrees with. Sadly, many royalist Thais believe this nonsense.
Sorry I just cut and pasted this from a comment I found searching the writers name from Facebook.
I understand there is to sides to all conflict and opinions differ but for me the ability to think freely is what makes Kiwis what we are and being denied this I believe holds the people of Thailand back
You’re right that it is very difficult to know which sources to think through…
Unfortunately those free thinking kiwis you refer to are mostly a myth, Bruce.
Nz is a heavily regulated propaganda machine from end to end.
What do you actually know about Thai people, Bruce?
Do you live in Thailand, study the history or perhaps have Thai family there?
So first you assert (with no reason given) that an extensive piece that’s been linked to is not a good position to form an opinion from
Then you assert that it is very difficult to know which sources to think through…
You ever heard of critical reasoning?
I’m guessing not, since the wordpress piece you yourself linked to as being more informed follows the tired old pattern of right wing tosh – ie, take some reasonably well accepted facts or opinions and then shoe-horn in some unsubstantiated, or at best very tenuous stuff about Soros*- and all in defence of some authoritarianism.
* A Rothschild and/or vast secret conspiracy are employed to similar effect too
Critical reasoning..
Yes Bill, of course..
It comes after comprehension, though, which I’ll help you out with…
The japan times link bruce posted…ok yes I read it and it is not accurate and missing simple important ‘facts’, just like the Al J link you posted to..
The link i posted , is closer to the mark, I know this because of the details contained, and the background and experiences I have in the area
Does that make it ‘accurate’ or ‘precise’, yes and no…but its more of both than the other links…
So, whose sources to ‘believe’…as per my comment to Bruce…it’s difficult, but not impossible..
There are some clear points of difference between the links, readily identifiable with knowledge and experience with Thailand
There is also foreign funding seeking to undermine nations, and Thailand geo-politicaly is in the middle of it..
While severing ties with ‘The West, it is simultaneously strengthing ties with is neighbors, including China.
Yes I have seen this in Thailand, first hand with my own eyes, Bill
You let yourself down making references to ‘conspiracy’
Of course the media are are being manipulated by international funding…
I was commenting in relation to the original link provided by Bruce – thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com – not the Japanese Times link.
And yes, media is manipulated and/or runs agendas.
Either way, Bill, as you acknowledge…
They’re all somewhat suspect to varying degrees..
Without first hand, and or prolonged experiences inside the country (or any other country for that matter), ability to decern information within articles, is diminished..severely in most circumstances…
Glad to see you could get some “help” with that comprehension problem of yours 😈
And for anyone who’s forgotten all the “red shirt/yellow shirt” divide…
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/1/24/explainer-in-thailandwhyyellowandredclash.html
A whisper.
And yes, follow the money.
Shameful eh.
Oh. I thought your second link might go to something related to frozen potato chips (under “Agreement Highlights”) 😉
Wikipedia. (No doubt some wise old fuckwit will be along in a moment to inform us that Wikipedia is another ‘useful tool’ of The West.)
But then so are tourism and trade 😉
Tourists eat frozen chips, aye?
😆
Not sure I’ve ever eaten a chip in Thailand. When in Bangkok I always made a beeline for the noodle carts though. Does that count?
Well today’s the day , I struggle a bit on the diet side , not eating chicken or pork, but the avocados are plentiful and this evening I will be demonstrating making guacamole and having chips and dip. Monday I was in Burma and found a new dish that involves slow BBQing long eggplants; well that’s what my wife calls them a version of the round ones that are used in som tum. When cooked they burst open so you can peel back the skin add some oil ,chillies and coriander and eat off the skin, simply delicious.
Yes it’s an old culture with many wonderful aspects but times change and people must adapt and so I think traditions too and while the people I see have no interest in politics or really care who’s in charge they just get on and live life but I’m a silly old falung who thinks they deserve better and don”t think it’s fair that their lives should be getting harder because of who they vote for. The road has now detiriated to a dirt track and the town supply water is no more as spending on infrastucture has stopped, but with no voice the locals just get on .
I get a pretty good view of the life involved with most of the goings on, not the cock fighting or prostitution. And with no one to talk too, no English, I read a lot of both sides, although that’s harder with the blocking of sites.
I don’t live here but work hard in Nz to make the money for extended stays and being in the golden triangle it’s easy to trip too Burma and Laos to get new stamps.
Fresh coriander? Definitely trying that. Best eggplant dish I know is “The priest fainted”, but that’s another story 🙂
My brief time in Thailand is a memory of great food, awesome rock towers, good tailors and Wats. From wider reading, there seems to be an “acceptance” that this, one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world, is punctuated by regular military takeover of the government.
Sometimes I think we falung are a bit stoicism-challenged. Or maybe just intolerant of torture.
“A whisper”..
No, that’s Amnesty International, which is ‘a useful tool’ of The West
Thai institutions, history, culture and present time circumstance, will not be something you’re familiar enough with to ‘join those dots’..
🙄
Oh please teach me, wise old fuckwit.
Go and live in Thailand for an extended period of time, study the ancient culture and institutions, understand what ‘being Thai’ is about..
Or keep posting links to AI,it shows just how little you care to understand..
You don’t ‘know’ Thailand or its peoples..
That’s pretty much what you said to Bruce, who lives there.
Your ego deludes you that you are much wiser and more profound than everyone else, but all you ever bring to the table is a cock-measuring competition.
However, since I never claimed to ‘know’ Thailand, or its people, your cock appears to be made of straw.
Deepak Chopra random wisdom generator says: “Perception is only possible in nonlocal marvel”.
“All you ever bring to the table is a cock measuring competition…”
Your interpretation/observation is terribly distorted…and incorrect…
So as a statement from a handle with a long history of negative and abusive , angry commentary, it is fitting that a core reason for the rage and hostility has come out…
Now the reason has been tabled, and admitted, by you…
Accept it, and move towards a more positive contribution
Or don’t ….
In summation:
OAB: links to evidence of human rights abuses in Thailand, as reported by Thai people. Adds references to Thailand as a tourist and trade destination, as a hint that these abuses are being largely ignored and possible even exploited locally.
One Two: “You don’t know, care, or understand Thailand or its peoples.” Offers precisely zero in explanation other than the entirely uncontroversial observation that media sources are biased (well duh!)
You bring precise;y zero to this discussion and you want to lecture me about manners. Your new name is Cockstraw.
It seems that colonial-era mindset White Skins still enjoy lecturing coloured people on how to run their countries. The righteous morally superior west, spreading democracy since the Belgian Congo 🙄
Do Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, Somchai Homla-or and Anchana Heemmina look “white” to you, dickhead?
I really don’t get the epithets you keep throwing around OAB. It is possible to discuss someone’s opinion without restorting to schoolyard name calling. Ie fuckwit, dickhead et al
The “opinions” in question are ad hominem attacks. I often respond to those “in kind”. Yes, it’s probably not the best response from an ethical perspective.
On the other hand, good manners are a useful tool of the West. Come and see the violence inherent in the system.
A lousy justification for your juvenile behaviour.
English comprehension isn’t your strong suit, eh.
I didn’t “justify” a damn thing. I didn’t even make any excuses. Read it again and see if you can figure it out.
Read this again s l o w l y and let it sink in.’The “opinions” in question are ad hominem attacks. I often respond to those “in kind”. Yes, it’s probably not the best response from an ethical perspective.’
That is a fact. I do often respond in kind. Not an excuse. Not a justification.
That’s me agreeing with James Thrace that my behaviour is sub-optimal. Not an excuse. Not a justification.
…and that’s me lampooning One Two and CV’s virtue signals. Not an excuse. Not a justification.
Need any more assistance?
I’d agree that AI is a tainted organisation these days and it’s stand alone reports can’t be taken at face value. But given the plethora of information from Thai sources and others that accords with aspects of the report in this case, and that, crucially, don’t rely on the report at all (ie – no reinforcing echo at work), I’d probably give this report some more credibility than some other AI reports I’ve come across.
Yes, they are compromised. No, they are not entirely worthless.
All individual sources are compromised. Trite I know, but it’s worth repeating.
Apparently Vernon Small has left Fairfax to take up the job of Press Secretary in David Parker’s office. Hopefully he can lend some grunt to efforts around messaging right across the government.
Today’s efforts were pretty bloody crap.
Increasing student allowances is a good thing. Helping students to get through their studies, right across the tertiary sector, without racking up crippling debts is a good thing.
And it turns out that increasing student allowances by $50 a week is going to be cheaper than Labour budgeted for in the election campaign.
So why not lead with that? Why not put out a press release practically trumpeting how delighted you are that you can meet a campaign promise at less cost than initially assumed?
Instead of releasing the new policy with no numbers, leaving the PM to defend that and then 2 hours later undercutting her by hurriedly putting out the costings?
Ditto the school starting age. No one in the education sector supported National’s, frankly odd, decision to move to cohort entry. So why not take some time to build an argument around that before simply announcing another policy change that has left Hipkins open to National’s new favourite “nanny state” attacks?
Not surprised to hear it. Vernon Small is one of our best journos who knows how to put professionalism into journalism. David Parker is regarded as having the best intellectual credentials on offer in our parliament. They should work very well together.
Random fact – Vernon Small is also one of NZ’s strongest ever chess players, and represented NZ back in the day.
In that case they will be a formidable team indeed.
Craig
Are you residing in Christchurch by any chance?
Yes.
Anne, David Parker is intellectually arrogant and doesn’t know how to listen, seemingly because no one else knows better than him. He’s also a great believer in the unaffordability of NZ Super and the need to lift the retirement age to 68 or 70. Hopeless.
Central Europe… where never again is turning into ,…perhaps not…?
News server iDNES.cz reported last week that Jaroslav Staník, the secretary for the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) movement chaired by Tomio Okamura, has been reported to the state prosecutor on suspicion of criminal activity. Activist Jan Cemper filed the complaint after Staník made remarks about minorities that included calls for their murder.
According to the testimonies of several members of the Czech lower house, Staník is said to have declared that “Jews, homosexuals and gypsies should be gassed.” He is said to have made the remarks approximately two weeks ago in the club room of the Chamber of Deputies.
http://www.romea.cz/en/news/czech/crime-report-filed-after-czech-politician-calls-for-murder-of-minorities
Hello Wellington
Upsurge in big earthquakes predicted for 2018 as Earth rotation slows
Scientists say number of severe quakes is likely to rise strongly next year because of a periodic slowing of the Earth’s rotation
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/18/2018-set-to-be-year-of-big-earthquakes
Must be all that ” Man-Made ” CO2 😉
* The government appoints a body to provide it with the advice it wants, in order to pursue the policies it wants.
Avaaz has something interesting today as well.
But scientists have discovered something astounding — if we free 50% of our planet from human exploitation, our ecosystem will stabilise and regenerate. Life on earth will recover!
They say we could make a huge difference in 24 months. It would be great.
Read here:
Alice Jay – Avaaz
New Zealand ah, where there is not a list of groping men in the media.
But we seem more than happy to give a guy who bashed his girlfriend – a promotion, more wages, and a new tv show.
Must be nice to be have so much white male privilege.
Does anyone deserve another chance in your world?
Yes Zorb6 TS keeps opening our columns to you though you seem a negative effect mostly.
Can you translate that please?
“Does anyone deserve another chance in your world?”
Not when they haven’t taken responsibility for doing serious harm to another person or making amends.
What actions constitute ‘taking responsibility’ or ‘making amends’?
Not minimising his actions for starters..
do refugees deserve another chance in your world Zorb?
When they show true remorse.
“Can you translate that please? ” ..
Once they’ve shown that they deserve it.
Veitch hasn’t. If anything, he’s done exactly the opposite and proven that he doesn’t, yet, deserve our forgiveness.
Kylie Klein Nixon doesn’t pull any punches. The headline reads…
Then this!
For the RWNJ Veitch defenders, this is sarcasm. Lol.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/99119067/tony-veitch-announces-his-return-to-tv-after-bashing-his-girlfriend-got-him-fired
Brilliant!
I feel conflicted – I’m never going to watch the show because yuk but people who have made amends deserve a second chance. I have no idea if he has made amends or not. However, the “hard hitting” in his facebook post either means he’s totally tone death or a complete arse.
While he might have not thrown any women down the stairs since, his attitude to them is still loutish and controversial and he’s unapologetic about that.
The latter.
And he hasn’t made amends.
And he continues to minimise.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/79805441/kristen-dunnepowells-police-statement-detailed-a-number-of-violent-assaults-by-tony-veitch
Until Veitch shows true remorse, no sympathy.
Indeed he has portrayed himself as the victim.
https://thestandard.org.nz/tony-veitch-im-the-real-victim-here/
He only got his job back because he’s part of the old boys’ club.
From the article.
‘New Zealand’s choice of incredibly dodgy sports broadcasters is simply a reflection of our dearly held national belief that sports is, obviously, you know, way more important than any of that other stuff.
And as for the attention of more than 214,249 fans who follow good old Veitchy on Facebook, well, that’s just good honest Kiwis reflecting a good honest “harden up” attitude to victims of all genders. It’s not about sexism, silly.
Besides, the harder you are, the less being thrown down a flight of stairs hurts. Obviously. Ignoring past hurts actually helps you, you big babies.
At a time when the rest of the world is making a big fuss over clearing house and taking names, we’re showing our true colours, sticking to our guns, and moving a known offender who tried to hide his crime back into the penthouse where we clearly think he belongs.
Nice one, Kiwi. ‘
Didn’t take long, goneburger….
https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/99164450/sky-assessing-pilot-of-new-show-featuring-tony-veitch
More comment on China’s involvement in Zimbabwe affairs. This from former British foreign secretary, William Hague. He says…
Indeed, how can a country which has serious shortcomings in the promotion of transparency of governance and the fighting of corruption in governance, serious shortcomings in even the concept of democracy, and a very poor human rights record be expected to be concerned about those values when ‘investing’ in other country’s affairs?
Indeed, how is it possible to say China’s 40 year involvement in Zimbabwe affairs has been anything but a corrupt failure?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/africa/99130973/zimbabwe-could-become-a-mini-china-after-the-slowmotion-collapse-of-robert-mugabe
The British critiquing China for failing in Zimbabwe.
Wednesday comedy gold.
You can laugh at Britain for the Rhodesian regime in Zimbabwe if you like, just as some others recently held up King Leopold’s Congo and the Kaiser’s Namibia as a defence of China’s foray into modern Africa, but pre-contemporary Europe’s behaviour there is of a brutal era consigned to history.
Why overlook lack of democracy and tolerance of corruption now because ‘Europe did it too’? That’s like saying no developing country should have to consider emissions reduction targets because Europe and American never had to when they were getting rich.
The effort is to make a fairer world not to slide back into opaque authoritarianism.
And hilarity ensues.
Robert Mugabe studied at University of London. He must have picked up more than a few ruling tips from the British, as well as the English sense of irony!
Yep the west grew fat and rich off fossil fuels, now it wants the rest of the world to not follow suit but stay on a tight diet instead.
What effort? Whose effort? Did you notice US, UK and NATO turn Libya, the wealthiest most secular nation in North Africa into a slave trading terror camp hell hole just a couple years ago?
China and Russia laugh at western posturing over democracy, freedom and transparency in Africa, they know you don’t mean it because your track record – recent and historical – shows that you don’t.
So you need that smart cuckoo clock for Christmas, do you?
George Monbiot
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/25/christmas-selling-things-nobody-wants
“This is not a formula for poverty relief. It is a formula for the destruction of everything and everyone.”
The link for this Monbiot article being (and it looks like a good one):
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/22/black-friday-consumption-killing-planet-growth
Wasn’t that chap by the name EXF who got a 1 mth ban trying to explain this to everyone and was accursed of being a racist and Sino- phobic. By the Mods here when Mr Wei attack attack him as being a racist etc.
Now Adani in QLD are seeking Chinese funding for their coal mine and wouldn’t the Chinese try bring their own Labour over like they to do during the mining boom in Oz. Our are to piss weak to stop them if they tried it and we need to remember what happened with the reo- bar inquiry last yr from our piss weak pollies.
I’m starting to think EXF was on to something here and appeared to have bigger understanding than as smug Kiwis here in NZ with his knowledge of geo-political power of China’s soft power in the region. I was I gut the guts or balls to do what his done and stand to bullies like that male did in Wellington yesterday at the train station.
Kiwis need to stop being so naive over the shifting balance of power in the Pacific. we have to open our eyes and employ strategies which pursue our national interest and economic sovereignty.
The Chinese are hungry for resources, produce and farm land. They’ll give us all the keyboard produced electronic digits we want to get their hands on our real resources.
We’ve been lucky to have their capital, often deployed where locals wouldn’t invest, including integrated retail-and-dairy factories in Gore, Pokeno, South Canterbury and elsewhere, as well as Silver Fern Farms. I don’t like a lot of foreign capital, and would prefer locals to take their place, but this country is in many ways stronger for Chinese-originating investments.